Wednesday was the first day of May, also referred to as May Day, and Leinster House was a place of celebration for two significant milestones. Mary Lou McDonald, turning 55, was on the receiving end of heartfelt congratulations in the Dáil. On the other side, the Senators commemorated Lyric FM’s quarter-century existence, lauding Marty Whelan, the early morning lynchpin of the channel.
The Seanad, famously known as the Upper House, has a refined aura. It was thus no surprise to find out that numerous members appreciate RTÉ’s classical music station.
In related news, Simon Harris, who unexpectedly stepped into the role of Taoiseach the previous month, is on a quest to be nicest person in the Dáil. He continues to be diligently courteous amidst the occasional criticisms and jibes.
During the Leaders’ Answers, he failed to acknowledge Mary Lou’s birthday. However, he was courteous enough to remember it when policy inquiries started to come through. “I heard on the you had a birthday on the radio this morning. I had intended to wish you a happy birthday during a lighter moment,” he told the leader of Sinn Féin.
He wisely chose not to do so whilst she was questioning him about the situation at University Hospital Limerick – hardly a light-hearted situation.
He found a moment to extend his best wishes after she enquired about the timeline for hearing Ireland’s interstate case against the UK Government’s contentious Legacy Act. He conceded that it was a grave issue and one that they both “perhaps unusually agree on”.
In this rare moment of agreement, he offered his birthday greetings, adding, “I’m certain you’re ecstatic to be spending it with me. I do hope you find some time to appreciate it afterwards.”
It must be noted that Mary Lou was looking undoubtedly splendid. Dressed in a radiant red satin jacket and dress, commemorating her big day with a trendy new haircut. The sharp retort in red.
Throughout a large portion of the preceding year, she stepped back from the political scene, later disclosing in the latter part of the year that she had undergone a hysterectomy in June. “I had the procedure to remove the growth and tumours, and no further treatment or therapy was necessary,” she confirmed. “It’s a setback, but I was indeed fortunate.” Ivana Bacik, Labour’s leader, extended birthday greetings to Mary Lou and wished everyone a joyous May Day. “May Day is a time to acknowledge achievements in workers’ rights while acknowledging the work yet to be done,” she stated.
The Taoiseach also extended May Day greetings. It was later learnt that he heard about Deputy McDonald’s birthday on Radio Nova’s highly-praised PJ Gallagher and Jim McCabe show during his early morning commute. For radio selection, the Seanad opted for a more sophisticated choice than Nova’s PJ and Jim Jim. As the Order of Business unfolded, Fianna Fáil’s Malcolm Byrne, a regular of amateur dramatics and musical societies, celebrated Lyric FM’s significant 25th anniversary milestone. He has remained an avid listener since its launch.
“Lyric FM serves as an uplifting antidote to one’s spirit,” he said jovially. In comparison to some of the weightier and gloomier news on other platforms, it offers a delightful departure. “On my morning drive today, I was pleasantly accompanied by the melodious voice of Marty Whelan. He was playing one of Celine Byrne’s Puccini renditions,” Malcolm shared an interesting proposition: What if they played a bit of Lyric in the Dáil and Seanad? “It might help to sooth some of the members ahead of the debates.”
Jerry Buttimer, the Cathaoirleach, was all in favour of this spectacular day. “I have to confess, I’m a huge fan of Marty Whelan. I tune into his show each morning as he is a remarkable broadcaster,” he said. Senator Joe O’Reilly strongly supported Malcolm’s views regarding the tranquilising potential of classical music. “I propose this deserves some consideration. The idea of playing Lyric FM broadcasts at crucial times in this room and the other seems to have potential and could be very beneficial,” he suggested.
Michael McDowell has expressed his affection for Marty Whelan to the Speaker of the House, confessing a shared sentiment. His fondness for the presenter was highlighted when he re-told one of Marty’s legendary jokes, a long-time favourite of his. The narrative, about a three-legged canine entering an American bar to find the individual who caused his handicap, made Michael laugh uncontrollably.
The leader of the Senate, Lisa Chambers, similarly admires Lyric and uses it as a pleasant break from the intense news she is accustomed to hearing. Even the newscasts on Lyric are conveyed in a tranquil manner, making it an enjoyable start to her day. Certainly, PJ and Jim Jim, or Marty in the Morning, offer an opportunity for some lawmaker whisperers to placate any tension. However, that does not suggest that politicians are incapable of contributing their own amusement.
Recently, the events in the House of Representatives have been fairly grim. However, Verona Murphy, an independent representative, managed to lift the mood with an accusation of political manipulation in Kilkenny, masterminded by Fianna Fáil representative John McGuinness. Murphy’s allegations involve a scheme by McGuinness to ensure his constituents’ children received school transport. Reports suggest a bus was provided for kids with travel tickets but no transportation in Gowran three weeks ago, following threats to McGuinness about losing votes if the transport issues were not handled effectively.
Essentially, a discussion was planned involving the Minister and a school bus was subsequently arranged. Verona was irate about this. Buses had been organised to transport children from Gowran to Kilkenny City and Kilmore parents and children were promised the same convenience.
Verona stated that any government representative’s potential voting power shouldn’t guarantee bias in She stressed that equality should be the basis -same bus service for everybody. She went on to appeal to the Taoiseach, on behalf of Kilmore’s children, for a school bus service to become operational by September. Additionally, She demanded a written assurance for the same.
Simon asserted he would have the Education Minister investigate the matter. Also, he complimented Deputy McGuinness, expressing faith in his exceptional skills and public representation. However, he emphasised that there were existing protocols regarding school buses.
Both Verona’s glowing endorsement and this piece of news was sure to please John, as well the Taoiseach.