The Red Army was on the move in Leinster House recently. No, not the one led by the erubescent Joe Higgins, the one led by Sir Alex Ferguson.
Drapier was pleased to note the number of colleagues who took time off to watch the Manchester United v Arsenal "decider" in the Members' Bar. The cheer that went up for van Nistelrooy's opening goal could be heard in the Dáil chamber and showed where the balance of support across parties lies. If there were to be a national government in Ireland Sir Alex would be on the short-list for Taoiseach, if popular support is anything to go by. It appears that the ABUs are in the minority in Leinster House.
If Munster play Leinster in the Rugby European Cup Final team loyalties will be much more divided. Drapier would not be so cynical as to suggest that this is because these areas are also Euroconstituencies. Still business is business. It is healthy to see such interest in sport in our national parliament. The interest in Gaelic games exceeds all others, and the colleagues keep a keen eye on the fortunes of their own counties.
On the subject of sport, Drapier heard Gay Mitchell suggest recently that Fine Gael has a sporting chance of taking two seats in Dublin in next year's European Parliament elections. Based on current opinion polls this may be difficult to see. However, the usual polls do not apply in European elections, which can throw up surprising results.
Labour took two of the four seats in Dublin in 1979. This had something to do with the Labour Party but much more to do with the two candidates, Michael O'Leary and John O'Connell. In Dublin, Fine Gael has a strong pool of potential candidates with European expertise.
While writing of Europe, Drapier notes that the European Affairs Committee is travelling again, this time to Waterford on Friday next. The formal notice for the meeting indicates that the Minister for the Marine, Dermot Ahern, and the Danish ambassador with a full supporting cast will hold a committee hearing on EU-related fisheries issues. This is an interesting development in democratic politics, and up to a dozen local schools are being included in the process. Drapier has an interest in all things related to fishing and will make a special effort to put in an appearance.
The Cathoirleach of the Seanad, Rory Kiely, is impressing members with his quiet, understated but dignified performance. Recently rumours abounded that a bust of the Leader of the House, Mary O'Rourke, was to be placed at the entrance to the Visitors' Gallery. It turned out to be a bust of Constance Markievicz. At the same time portraits of former notables ranging from Michael Collins to Eamon de Valera, W.T. Cosgrave and Cathal Brugha have tactfully been moved to the main entrance to Leinster House. This is so that space can be made for new portraits of former Taoisigh.
On the subject of women senators, Drapier has been very taken with the performance of Ger Feeney, Ann Ormonde and Sheila Terry. They bring much added value to an otherwise male-dominated house.
Meanwhile, back in the Members' Bar, Drapier was having a quiet Martini when the comments by John McGuinness on the performance of the Taoiseach and the role of the PDs was being heatedly discussed by alarmed Government backbenchers.
Perhaps it was the Martini, or maybe the 007 daring of Deputy McGuinness, but Drapier got the distinct impression of colleagues who were shaken but not stirred. Drapier has seen it all before and forecasts that they will become stirred in due course.
When people use the term Red Army, they are talking about a football team. When democrats use the term "the army" they are talking about soldiers in the Defence Forces. On a very serious matter, was Drapier alone in being outraged at the references to "the army", i.e. the IRA, made by Gerry Adams on RTÉ on many occasions over the past few weeks?
The words were again included in a recent RTÉ Playback programme. Have we lost all respect for the democratic institutions of the State and the heroic role of the Defence Forces, when we allow these comments to be broadcast without rebuke as if they had even a hint of validity?
In a recent stomach-churning chorus, members of the audience of The Late Late Show almost cheered at the mention of the name of Gerry Adams at the same time as this denigration of the Defence Forces was going on. This is not something that parliamentarians, whose job it is to uphold the Constitution and the law, should let pass.
The President of Ireland is Commander-in-Chief of the Defence Forces. If we in Leinster House do not stand up for the Defence Forces it may yet have to be done by the Arás.
Drapier wishes Des O'Malley well in his new job in London, but the PDs could do with him in Leinster House just now. The Sinn Féin dogma would not go unchallenged if Des O'Malley was around.
While the Local Government Bill removing Oireachtas members from local authorities is being fast-tracked through the Houses, there is no sign of any eagerness to advance the Bill setting up a commission to independently run the Oireachtas.
If we Oireachtas members are to give our undivided time to the Houses we should be equipped to do a good job. The colleagues will have to take a greater interest in this Bill.
Enda Kenny is the most underrated leader of the Opposition since Liam Cosgrave. His fellow Mayo man, Pat Rabbitte, is respected and liked by Fine Gaelers. As they grow in confidence and co-operation Drapier sees a real alternative government shaping up. They have the time to build. The local, European and presidential elections will tell a tale. There are indeed stirring times ahead.