SMOKES & DAGGERS

A mischievous mix of (mostly) news

WE KNOW the diligence of our diplomats when it comes to the wineand-cheese circuit knows no boundaries. But now the Department of Foreign Affairs has decided to rename what used to be called ‘drinkies’. In future, it will be classified as the very professional-sounding ‘Promotion and Outreach Expenditure’. HE HASN’T gone away, you know. In fact, Sinn Féin-courting spin doctor Frank Flannery, right, is experiencing quite the comeback under Leo. He may not be back on the ministerial corridor just yet but sources tell Smokes he is certainly outside the back door wagging his tail. Another example, perhaps, of the defining theme of Leo’s administration: plus ça change, plus c’est la même chose. SPEAKING of spin, it was proving a problem for TDs and senators at the Fine Gael think-in. One former Leo loyalist wailed to Smokes that Leo was out of reach: ‘There must have been up to nine spin doctors surrounding him.’ THERE’S unease among TDs in Dublin Bay South thanks to the recent appearance of a four-page newsletter by Michael McDowell featuring a grand campaign on property tax. Conventional wisdom says McDowell prefers the Upper House but Smokes notes that the former AG is also offering guided tours of the Dáil to constituents. THE Oireachtas Rugby team beat the Emerald Warriors – Ireland’s own gay rugby side – in a charity match played in Donnybrook yesterday. Deputies Jim O’Callaghan, left, Alan Farrell and Noel Rock, plus senators Neale Richmond, Mark Daly and Gerry Horkan togged out. As he had to host former US vice-president Joe Biden, Leo Varadkar didn’t line out. He probably didn’t want to choose sides. Instead, he spoke at the post-match lunch and posed for a million selfies.