SMOKES & DAGGERS

A mischievous mix of (mostly) news

LEO VARADKAR’s less than compelling green credentials came under further question during a canvass in Dublin Mid-West. An eagle-eyed observer told Smokes: ‘Leo was on foot all right, but the Taoiseach’s Merc followed at a less than discreet five yards behind him.’

Not so environmentally friendly, albeit a good idea to have a quick getaway plan.

BISHOPSTOWN in Cork North Central created a unique record in providing the first ever ballot box to not receive a single vote in the by-election. ONE indignant politician queried voters’ lack of by-election knowledge: ‘What the f*** did they think all the posters were for: Black Friday? Yes, appears to be the answer. THE Press Ombudsman’s Twitter account commented on the Irish Times property section’s use of ‘enclave’ to describe Temple Road in Dartry, Dublin 6. It said: ‘Cambridge dictionary defines “enclave” as “a part of a country surrounded by another country, or a group of people… different from… [those] living in the surrounding area”. Maybe Ross O’Carroll Kelly could explain!’

AFTER Green Pippa Hackett got extra speaking time due to her status as a new senator, Sinn Féin’s Rose Conway Walsh asked for a similar boon. The LeasCathaoirleach observed: ‘Senator Conway-Walsh is not exactly a new or fresh member.’ MINISTER Charlie Flanagan had a Freudian slip when he said Frances Fitzgerald, pictured, had left politics to go to the European Parliament. True, yes, but you don’t have to say it, Charlie.