The pink silk tie worn by Taoiseach Enda Kenny for his recent televised “state of the nation address” was bought for €1,000 in a charity art auction in Dublin last night by telecoms magnate Denis O’Brien. He plans to lend it to Republic of Ireland soccer manager Giovanni Trapattoni to wear during next year’s Euro 2012 Championship.
Mr O'Brien's advance "opening bid", made by telephone ahead of the auction, was not matched at the sale in aid of the Dyspraxia Association of Ireland. The tie worn by Minister for Finance Michael Noonan while delivering his budget speech was sold for €220 to Peter Callan, finance director of The Irish Times.