What, Quidnunc wonders, do the powers that be in RTE think of this? The Labour leader, Ruairi Quinn, is holding the Labour Dublin South East Race Night in the RTE Sports and Social Club at Montrose on November 4th. A political fundraiser in the premises of a semi-State body, no less.
The club, which is in the basement of a detached building in the grounds at Donnybrook, houses a gym and squash courts, and there's a bar on the ground floor. RTE staff join for a sub of £6 a month. Members understand the club is subsidised, and it is rarely available to outsiders, although charity events (mostly in-house), are held there.
The Labour fundraising letter invites supporters to sponsor a race for £50 with their choice of name for the race, or to own a horse for £25. It is suggested that non-gambling people donate or sponsor a prize for one of the eight races. Advertising space in the race programme is for sale.