John’s Chinese whispers...

AN impressive contingent of TDs and senators gathered at the 106th National Day Cocktail Party of the Republic of China (Taiwan) in the Westbury on Tuesday night.

There might have been a Budget to pass in Leinster House, but a sumptuous free Chinese spread of food and drink was to be had.

Simon S.K. Tu, the Taiwan representative in Ireland was there. Mr Tu is well known in politics as he campaigns tirelessly for his country’s rights. Taiwan, which is not recognised by China, wants readmission to the United Nations. We were told that Mr Tu and Fianna Fáil TD John McGuinness (known as Mr Taiwan in Leinster House) would speak.

Mr Tu spoke passionately and articulately in English. Then someone started to speak in Chinese. I was at the back of the room standing beside Fianna Fáil senator Terry Leyden. Neither Terry or I are statuesque. Former senator John Crown is, so when he exclaimed ‘My word, McGuinness is great at speaking Chinese’ poor Terry Leyden almost dropped the hors d’oeuvres. Professor Crown was joking – unfortunately.