SMOKES & DAGGERS

A mischievous mix of (mostly) news

SMOKES was sympathetic when we learned Shane Ross has had to break up his summer holidays. Of course, we thought, there’s been all that furore over Judge Carroll Moran’s report into the Rio ticketing scandal duty. Our sympathy ebbed somewhat when we learned of another ministerial task preventing Mr Ross from resuming his holiday – Ireland is hosting the Women’s Rugby World Cup which kicks off this week. As Sports Minister Mr Ross must sacrifice more than a fortnight to enjoy endless rugby and top class sportsmanship... poor thing. SPEAKING of duty we were relieved to hear that An Taoiseach survived the Mayo Mad Hatter’s Ball where locals were reportedly so excited that they even wrapped Leo up in ‘the Green and Red’. They’re the Mayo colours, before you ask. Curiously Enda – remember him? – was not in attendance. Given his previous willingness to attend the opening of an envelope many were surprised by the absence. One source noted ‘he was certainly missed’ but their heart wasn’t in the declaration. THE distress of one commentator at how the latest phase of the capital’s eternal LUAS works is ruining the view from the Trinity College Provost’s House was impressive. In light of this nugget we can surely all agree that the upheaval to the lives of mere mortals – commuters and small businesses – for what feels like an eternity is, in comparison, a minor thing. SMOKES was relieved to hear that plucky pensioner Professor Ed Walsh will not suffer too much if, as he has threatened, he actually returns his doctorate in protest against Brian Cowen receiving one. Responding to queries the talkative academic revealed he had five of the things. It left us wondering why, given that he is living in such plenty, he would begrudge the one doctorate for poor old BIFFO.