DÁIL SKECTH / Michael O'Regan: The by-election campaigns are in full swing in Leinster House.
The Minister for Transport, Martin Cullen, following his near brush with political death, was in Meath on Wednesday making promises.
This was frowned on by Fine Gael's Enda Kenny in the Dáil yesterday.
"If we are to be faced with three-and-a-half weeks of promises made by ministers, we should inject an element of common sense into what is to happen," he remarked, with an air of injured innocence.
"Deputy Cullen, who is not here this morning, announced that he was closing in on a rail deal for Meath." As the former minister in that Department, Séamus Brennan would know that Meath had not been mentioned when the Government produced a comprehensive rail package for the country two years ago, said Mr Kenny.
He advised that "announcements should be based on fact rather than fantasy".
Mr Brennan, who was sidelined to the Department of Social and Family Affairs by the Taoiseach in the Cabinet reshuffle, smiled broadly.
"You are very lucky," Mr Brennan was assured by his opposite number in Labour, Willie Penrose. "I bet you do not regret it now. You are better off with us." During the debate on the Social Welfare Bill, Labour's Tommy Broughan referred to Mr Brennan's socialist credentials.
"He is practising with the left foot," said Mr Broughan.
The Minister remarked that it depended on where the ball was, adding: "One also has to watch out for the odd own goal." Perhaps Mr Brennan had his successor in Transport in mind.
Meanwhile, Mr Penrose vigorously pursued the plight of a Westmeath constituent.
"There is a major strike in Mullingar, and I am dealing with a non-national currently residing in this country who is very vulnerable, so much so that when he tried to stand up for his rights, he was sacked on the spot and told to leave his accommodation," he declared.
Although ruled out of order by the Ceann Comhairle, there was no stopping Mr Penrose, who is a formidable presence when in full verbal flight.
Waving a document in the air, he declared: "I will not stand for the exploitation of any worker who is paid one-third of a wage. I remember being in England when some of those who exploited me on building sites were Irish. Now they are doing it again." Despite warnings from the Ceann Comhairle, Mr Penrose continued in trenchant tones. Eventually, he was ordered from the House.
"Enjoy the canvassing, Willie," remarked the Minister for Justice, Mr McDowell, as the Labour deputy exited the Chamber.
The Leinster House dimension to the by-elections resumes next week.