Politicians to enjoy a silent night this year
LEADERS of political parties value a quiet Christmas at the best of times.
This will be particularly true this year as a nation still trapped by the peril of coronavirus prepares to close its doors again.
This especially applies to the Taoiseach and Tánaiste who are each planning to celebrate a quiet Christmas, following all of the NPHET restrictions.
In the case of Mr Martin, who spent a long time isolated from his wife and family earlier this year during Government formation talks, the Taoiseach will be spending a quiet day with his wife, children Cillian, Aoibhe and Micheál Aodh and the family dog Setanta.
Tánaiste Leo Varadkar told the Irish Mail on Sunday that he and his partner would be, ‘visiting Matt’s folks in Midleton for Christmas Eve but will be driving back to Dublin very early the following morning.’
In an indication that whatever about politicians, doctors really do work a 365-day year, the Tánaiste will also have to work around Dr Matt’s schedule.
Mr Varadkar confessed that he was: ‘Not sure where I am having Christmas Day dinner this year. We are a four-household family so the one with no kids might have to bow out. It’ll be grand though.’
Health Minister Stephen Donnelly zealously guards his family privacy but it is understood he is planning to spend Christmas with his family.
Green party leader Eamon Ryan was asked about his plans but declined to comment.
Higher Education Minister Simon Harris confirmed that he would be having ‘a very quiet Christmas at home with close family only’.
It will be, he said, ‘a very Val Doonican Christmas, with carols, eggnog and Christmas jumpers’.
Mr Harris will spend Christmas with his wife Caoimhe Wade – a cardiac nurse who he married in 2017 – and their baby daughter, Saoirse, who is one year old.