THE IRISH TIMES Wednesday,September 4,2019 Home News 3 Pencevisit Pence strongly supports British Security detail prime minister in negotiations finds hotel hosts fellow travellers agreement; an agreement ainfromthevice-presidentdur- strong presence in . A Mr Pence also defended his Hard border would have ‘deeply destructive’ which was carefully negotiated ing thesecondday of his visit Government spokesman said it decision to stay in Mr Trump’s to overcome all these risks,” he hadnotbeen expected.ButGov- had made asubmission in rela- golf hotel in Doonbeg during totakeastroll onthe beach be- impact on Ireland, Varadkar says said. ernment sources stressed they tiontothe development of 5G his visit to Irelandfollowing cause of the security restric- He asked Mr Pence “to bring were “verysatisfied” that the networksto theEuropeanCom- widespread criticism in the US. tions. Pence defended his decision to stay in the messageback to Washing- private discussions between Mr mission, and thatthe EU would Mr Pence said the choice was “At least we are safe,” she ton with you”. Pence and Mr Varadkar had re- be making ajoint response to “logical” and was chosen to ac- said, generously, referring to Trump’s golf hotel in Doonbeg Later, ahead of ameetingin inforced the role of the US as a this issue towards the end of commodate the “unique foot- the heavy security presence. the US ambassador’s resi- guarantor of the Belfast Agree- this year. print”that comeswith the secu- Tom Skea from New Jersey dence, asked if the Belfast ment.Inparticular, the Taoise- rity detail and other personnel saidhedid not knowPence SUZANNE LYNCH anagreementtorespectUKsov- Agreement needed to be in ach pointed out that amajority Challenges needed. Mr Pence is travelling Simon was at Doonbeg until his golf- and HARRY McGEE ereignty and minimise disrup- place in order for the US to sign in NorthernIreland supported The vice-president, who flies to with a300-strong entourage. ing party arrivedbut they tion to commerce”. atrade agreement with Britain, the backstop. London today, began his visit to Earlier, his chief of staff said Mr Carswell were not put out by the metal US vice-president “The United States supports he said: “Let me leave the de- Mr Pence alsothankedthe DublinwithameetingatÁrasan Trump had suggested the inDoonbeg detectors and checks. strongly backed the UK and the United Kingdom’s decision tails to others,” addingthat the Irish Governmentfor the role Uachtaráin. PresidentMichael vice-president stay at the hotel, “It’s Trump, you have to ex- prime minister Boris Johnson to leave the European Union in US wouldcontinue to affirm played by Shannon Airport as DHiggins emphasisedthe need though he said this wasn’t a“re- pect theunexpected,” he said, in the ongoing Brexit negotia- Brexit,” he said,though he add- the importance of the accord. an “important hub” for the US. for “continued multilateral quest” or a“command”. Even the secret service agents drinkingapint of Guinnessas tions followinghis meeting ed that the Good Friday agree- “We are gratefulfor that co-operation” to address global Mr Trump has faced accusa- weretaking photographsof he surveyed the course. with ment needed to be respected. Sovereignty Irish hospitality for our troops and regionalchallenges. tions of conflicts of interests the Atlantic waves rolling in The reception for Pence yesterday. For his part Mr Varadkar He alsosaid thatthe United as they deploy and they come He alsoraised the migration over his business affairs since on Doughmorebeachnext to around herehas been more Speaking at apress confer- saidthe impact that ahardbor- States“respects the sovereign- home,” he said. crisis with the vice-president becoming US president. His ’s golf resort at low key thanthe welcome ence in Farmleigh, Mr Pence der would haveonIreland ty of the United Kingdom and Cybersecurity was also dis- duringtheirmeeting–aconten- suggestion last month that his Doonbeg in west Clare. rolled out for Trump in June. saidIreland and the European wouldbesubstantial and“deep- the decision of the United King- cussed. Mr Pence warned that tious issue in the United States resort in Miami could be aven- One agent was so taken Rita McInerney, aFianna Union should“negotiatein ly destructive”. dom to leave the European Un- allies neededtofindother 5G where the Trump administra- ue for next year’s G7 summit with Ireland’s Atlanticcoast Fáil general electioncandi- goodfaith withprime minister “That is why we must stand ion”. options to Huawei, the Chinese tionhas embraced azero-toler- provoked outragefrom his op- that she thought it astunning date who runs acafe in Doon- Johnson and to worktoreach our ground on the withdrawal The robust support for Brit- telecoms provider which has a ance policy on immigration. ponents. backdrop for aportrait of her beg,said, likefor Trump, lo- Belgian Malinois sniffer dog cals could welcome Pence the outsidethe restaurant in the man and still be opposed to resort’s golf clubhouse. the conservative’spolicies, Othersthoughtthe IrishNa- particularly his oppositionto val vessel, the LÉ William same-sex marriageand rights Butler Yeats –sent to Dough- for LGBT people. more Baytoprotect Trump’s deputy, US vice-president Disagree Mike Pence during his “Doonbeg people are no fools. two-night visit –was worth a They have acertain level of few snaps. pride in the fact that it is arela- JoeRussell,managing direc- tive of someone who came tor of Trump’s resort, thought from Doonbeg who has thatPence’svisitwas “quiet- achieved high office. The fact er” thanthe juggernaut that thatyou may or may not disa- steamed through here in June greewiththeirpolicies isasep- whenTrump and his arate issue,” said McInerney 600-strong entourage visited. who disagrees with Pence’s The numberofUSofficial LGBT views. staff in west Clare this week Down the road in Kilkee, with Pence, or V-POTUS as he 2019 local council is officially known,and his contender Mike Taylor, the wife, second lady Karen county’s firstopenlygay local Pence, or SLOTUS, are about election candidate, felt it was half that number. “regressive and regrettable” Russell said it was “lovely” that Pence had been wel- to have areturn visit from the comed in Clare. White House so soonafter “It is sickening to me that Trump’s,particularly because somebody canhold such re- Pence’s mother’s grandmoth- gressive, dangerousand igno- er came fromthe Doonbeg rant views,” he said. area. He took issue with the Kieran Maloney, adistant WhiteHouse’s deputypress cousin of Pencewho works as secretary tweetingyesterday abarman at Trump’s resort, that Pencecould not be de- serveddrinksto America’ssec- scribed as anti-gaybecause he ondcouple on Monday night was lunching with agay Taoi- inTrump’s OceanView restau- seach and his partner in Dub- rant. lin later in the day. “Is that really the image we Sharing want to project across the Pence’s visit, brought forward world?” he said. by four days, meanthis party Taylor(21),amemberof are sharing the resort for two ’s engage- nightswithateam-building ment, inclusion and diversity conference for staff from a committee,wasequallyunhap- multinational logistics py thatVaradkar found company and aUSwedding himself in a“cheapphoto op” group. withPencethat exposed the One American guest, when US vice-president’s “hypocri- disturbed forpermission to sy”. have their room “swept” by “To see our Taoiseach will- the secret service,responded: ing to shake hands with that Irish eyes suddenly stop smiling at mention of Boris “It would be an honour.” The kindof person–inone sense, it party is said to be made up of shows what adiplomat and the “right voters”. statesman Leo can be,”he yesterday –“deeply humbled” He had to. It’s in the job Sabina. The VP kept writing as Mike’s wife was otherwise ■ Mike Pence and his mother Amemberofthe corporate said. “On the other hand, I and “honoured” to be going to description for normal prime the silence got louder. Still detained, mammy could sit in Nancy Pence-Fritsch look at his team-building party, from think it shows what afool he the hometown of his mother’s ministers. writing. Michael Dlooking into as chaperone should the VP grandfather’s service records Norway, said she was unable can be.” grandmother and so on. Same goes for Michael D the distance. have found himself unavoida- Higgins, even though it would Finally, thank God, Pence bly alone in adining room with Strongendorsement be true to say that Michael D stopped writing, which was a our gay Taoiseach. But, after he said all these nice and Mike Pence do not sing relief all round. There was You can never be too careful. things about the “Emerald from the same hymn sheet. another photo opportunity In the end, Pence brought his Miriam Isle” and how much his boss But international diplomacy then the party retired next wife, his mother and his sister Donald Trump –hesent his is what it is and in the context of door for tea. to the Old Country, where it Lord best wishes, by the way – going about their nations’ Apicture was released of the seems alot of the natives have appreciates us and all we do to business, everyone has to be two groups sitting on either turned alarmingly heathen in help American security in seen to get along. side of along table –two tables the generations since his Awkward moments Shannon, he delivered avery But for all that, Michael D’s together. ancestors left our shores. as Pence channels strong endorsement of Boris sprayed-on smile when the US The sort of thing when more His morning began with a Johnson and Brexit. vice-president came to visit guests than expected arrive. trip to the Phoenix Park and a his master’s voice No room left for doubt. As him in Áras an Uachtaráin was “Quick, run out next door and courtesy call on the President. Pence read from the autocue ajoy to behold. ask Assumpta for the collapsi- To look at Mike Pence, with during Irish visit and Irish eyes definitely The Áras was bedecked with ble table they got in for Mos- all smiles and handshakes, stopped smiling, it was clear he flowers from the garden for the sie’s wake. Your man from you’d hardly think he isn’t very was channeling His Master’s visit of the anti-gay-rights America is only after arriving keen on the gays at all. The hospitable hosts buttered Voice. Trump is afan of Brexit Pence. All the flowers were in with half of Indiana. Where’s up their important guest and and of Boris. the big tablecloth?” Serialphilanderer made abig fuss of his family And this, after such alovely The talks between the Brave Mike sat down to lunch and hoped he would say nice morning, with Pence and his President and the vice-presi- with the Taoiseach and his things about them to the mother meeting the Taoiseach dent didn’t take long. Soon, partner Matthew and managed important people he would and his mother. they were waving goodbye not to choke on his Bay meet after his visit to Ireland. His Irish mother, as Mike from the portico. The dogs prawns. The VP’s wife Karen, And he told them they were calls her. He dotes on Nancy. didn’t put in an appearance. who recently took up a wonderful and that he loved So he should have known that He didn’t call the vice-presi- part-time teaching position in a them. He even said aspecial any Irish mammy will tell you if Pence sat at the dent a“w*****r”, which is what school which bans LGBT pupils prayer for everyone and then, you can’t say anything good, he did when he had arow many and staff, kept her fillets of just before he left, he turned say nothing at all. table and began to years on radio with afamous venison down despite the around and kicked them where Instead, he veered off his write. The President American conservative company. it hurts. rather gushing statement stood to one side, commentator. Michael Gra- The next prime minister the It came as ashock. following his meeting with the ‘‘ ham was his name. Michael D couple will meet on their trip Like pulling out all the stops Taoiseach into some crunching saying nothing apart might easily have become will be the serial philanderer for amuch-anticipated visitor Brexit remarks about our duty from the occasional confused, because Mike Pence Boris Johnson. He’s pretty to your home and thinking it to do right by Boris Johnson is an adherent of the “Graham experienced on the extramari- has been agreat success until and the UK. whisper to his wife, rule”. tal and premarital sex front, somebody discovers he shat on Sabina. The VP kept This is where he doesn’t stay which they abhor. the new carpet in the spare Frosty alone in aroom with awoman Yesterday, to be on the safe room, the one you bought As the air in the steamy ball- writing as the who is not his wife so as not to side, nobody was left alone with specially for him. room turned decidedly frosty, silence got louder. give rise to bad thoughts and the US vice-president in case it US vice-president Mike Pence urged Ireland and the Still writing. Michael the like. might upset him. Pence met President Michael D European Union “to negotiate “We have both been blessed Higgins and Taoiseach Leo in good faith” with the British Dlooking into the Staticcourtesy with Irish mothers,” Pence told Varadkar yesterday during an prime minister. distance At Farmleigh House, Varad- the Taoiseach when they met official visit. His Irish hosts, up The local crowd raised kar’s static courtesy was the press. He didn’t say any- to their oxters for the last three eyebrows and wondered what equally impressive. But then, thing about Indian fathers (in years in Brexit worry, hoped to he thinks the aforementioned shades of pink. The only other the Taoiseach has dined before Leo’s case) but there you go. impress upon him Ireland’s EU has been doing for the last colour was lavender. in Pence’s presence. “I carry Ireland with me fears about the consequences three years, if not negotiating Pink flowers everywhere. “We are all God’s children,” wherever Igo,” said Pence, of ano-deal Brexit for the in good faith with the UK. Pence arrived with ahuge Leo pointedly told him when speaking of an old Ireland, one country. Varadkar’s expression didn’t entourage. Higgins escorted they met for breakfast last his ancestors left generations He could, maybe, stick in a change. He stood on the him through the Áras and into March in Washington. Just to ago. supportive word for us in his platform beside the vice-presi- the ballroom where he invited be clear, they met for breakfast Still, his visit was agreat talks with Boris Johnson in dent and hardly flinched, his guest to sign the visitors’ in aroomful of other people. example of diversity in action. London –his next port of call. smiling politely. book. Michael Dlooked ahead The two men weren’t dining President Trump, who recently Pence, after all, is Irish Even when Pence made it alot of the time. “Can Iinvite alone, perish the thought. visited, is very hands-on with American and wastes no worse by not only mentioning you to sign. ..”hemotioned It was avery pleasant event. women and likes to grab them opportunity to go misty-eyed “good faith” and “Boris towards the book. This was when Leo invited his in all sorts of places. And his about his love for the “Old Johnson” in the same context Pence sat at the table and American host to Ireland and second in command is the Country” as he lards on his but by also requesting his hosts began to write. The President told him to bring along his opposite. He won’t stay on his Mother Machree schtick on to have “respect for the UK’s stood to one side, saying mother too. own with awoman who isn’t his both sides of the Atlantic. He sovereignty”, Varadkar nothing apart from the occa- It would be agrand trip for wife. couldn’t praise Ireland enough maintained astoic courtesy. sional whisper to his wife, her and, in an emergency, if God bless America. Thursday,November 28,2019 Home News 11

emerged from Brussels/Dublin/Cork that Dáilsketch Deputy Dara would resign his Dáil seat next month for afierce big job in Europe, this time as atop adviser in the cabinet of the incoming EU commissioner on youth Miriam and innovation, Mariya Gabriel. It is difficult to predict how Leinster House will react in the coming weeks to Lord this development. The good news is that the TD (who has been largely based in the Brussels employment shop window doing EPP work for the past two years) is stepping down at the end of December. As there will be ageneral election in the Adevastating day first half of next year, there won’t be a need for abyelection. This should give the parties time to as the Dáil’s missing select extra candidates for their general election ticket. Obviously two people will be needed to do the job that Dara did. man finally disappears Anechoofanguish Away from Dublin yesterday, where continuing protests by beef farmers brought traffic to astandstill in the city, twas adevastating Wednesday in the family slowly came to terms and Dáil rows on health, housing and Dáil as TDs came to terms with the with this bombshell. fracking took the raw edge off the sense of Ishock news that they would no longer “Dara who?” loss in Leinster House, politicians in Cork hear the familiar voice of Dara It was the suddenness that caught were queuing up to tell the Evening Echo Murphy extemporising exquisitely from everyone by surprise. about anguish. his well-worn seat on the Government In truth, people had been preparing “Why oh why is it always the good ones benches. quietly, in their own way, for the end. who are taken from us first?” wailed Regular sittings always felt incomplete They knew since May 2018 that Murphy political rivals to nobody at all. without alively contribution from the would not be running for re-election as he Fine Gael Senator , ever-present TD for Cork North-Central had sorted out abetter number for running in tomorrow’s byelection for the Criticism of Murphy in FG as he pronounced on the great issues of himself in Europe. seat vacated by Fianna Fáil’s new MEP the day. But even though he thoughtfully broke Billy Kelleher, is bearing up as well as When the legislature grappled with that news over 1½ years ago, the die was might be imagined in such trying circum- subjects of major national importance, cast six months earlier in 2017 when the stances. Colm told the Echo’s Sarah politicians from all sides asked themselves full-time TD landed himself abig job with O’Dwyer he wasn’t making an official for delaying resignation the same question: “What would Dara comment on Dara’s departure. say?” “I am not going to be dictated to by Afamiliar figure around the corridors anyone,” he said. “I want to focus on the and in the chamber, astalwart on the work I’ve done and I’m going forward on Gael is attached. ■ : his last committees and aregular turn on the my record,” trembled Colm, who bravely Cork TD due to be appointed to Bulgarian Mr Murphy continued as a contributiontoaDáil debate plinth for media interviews, the always added he wasn’t concerned with the TD but the Debates section of was on December 7th, 2017. accessible Fine Gael man was amodel record of any other TD from the constitu- EU commissioner’s cabinet next month theOireachtas website shows PHOTOGRAPH: BRENDA FITZSIMONS parliamentarian. When he wasn’t talking ency. Murphy has had one of worst Dáil his attendance record on sitting about national or international affairs, he In their sorrow and Fianna Fáil’s candidate, Pádraig days dropped precipitously and was forcefully expounding on the things confusion, ashen-faced O’Sullivan, mused that the phrase attendance records over past two years he participated in few debates. that mattered most to his precious “absentee TD” has been used frequently The website shows that Mr withFine Gaeltobepresent in constituents. politicians, staff and in relation to Dara, but he wasn’t going to Murphy’slast contribution to a the Dáil for block-voting days on Just doin’ the job, because that was his journalists barely managed do that. Instead he will let the people Dáil debate was on December Thursdays (he has regularly at- job. The one he was elected to do by the ‘‘ decide on that. 7th,2017.His lastcontributionto tendedthe Dáilonthose days) good people of Cork North-Central, where to struggle out the two “I would be very slow to make personal HARRYMcGEE of the European elections,there any debate was as amemberof andfor motions of confidenceor the mood is reportedly now very sombre words which instantly comments of any type, but the point is PoliticalCorrespondent would have been two Dáil seats the PublicPetitions Committee on financialresolutions (the ma- and even the Boys of Fair Hill have Dara’s actually been missing, he’s been available in CorkNorth-Central, on October 10th, 2018. Thatwas jor motions that can lead to afall stopped singing and gone into mourning. came to mind as the absent for two years,” said Sinn Féin CorkNorth-Central TD Dara where abyelection will take his onlyattendance at the com- of Government). In the past two years, people used to Oireachtas family slowly councillor Thomas Gould. “I believe Dara Murphyhashadoneoftheworst placetomorrow to replace Fian- mitteeduring2018and2019. Several sources in Fine Gael exclaim when Dara passed them in his Murphy and Fine Gael have treated the attendancerecordofall TDs on na Fáil’sBilly Kelleher,who was wereverycriticalofthe arrange- usual rush to speak on amotion or chair a came to terms with this people of Cork North-Central with Dáil sitting daysover the past elected to the EuropeanParlia- Fivequestions ment that allowed Mr Murphy meeting or chaperone yet another group bombshell: ‘Dara who?’ contempt.” two years and has spoken in de- ment in May. The Oireachtas siterecords no to hold down what was asenior of grateful constituents around Leinster Labour’s John Maher didn’t think Dara batesnomore than ahandfulof Inthatscenario,MrMurphy’s contributions to debates by Mr position withthe European Peo- House: “Say what you like about politi- Murphy’s resignation would make any times. Fine Gael colleague Senator Murphy in2019.Italso showshe ple’s Party in Brussels while cians, but that Dara Murphy bloke is the European People’s Party in Brussels difference at all. “He hasn’t been doing Mr Murphy is expected to be Colm Burkewouldhave been in has askedonly five parliamenta- maintaining his status, salary worth every cent of his ¤96,189 basic as its campaign director for the 2019 the work.” appointed as deputy head of the avery strongpositiontoretain a ry questions thisyear,threeto and allowancesasaTD. salary plus expenses.” European elections. Understandably distraught, the lot of cabinet of Bulgarian EU com- seat for his party. theMinisterforEducationinOc- Mr Murphy was in attend- The European People’s Party doesn’t them. missionerMariya Gabriel next Mr Murphy could not be tober, and two to the Minister ance for only 42 of the 104 sit- Badsmell have any seats in Dáil Éireann, unless you And so, after two years of towering month. The new position will reached for comment. for Housing in April. tingdays in 2018 but the fact The news hung over the Dáil all day like a count all the Fine Gael seats. The party is non-appearance, adoleful Dáil Éireann is precludehimfrombeingarepre- He has been what one col- The attendance for 2019lists that he fobbed in for 78 non-sit- dark cloud or the smell of decomposing affiliated to the European group, so Dara doing its best to solve the conundrum sentative politician. It is under- league described as a“semi-de- atotal of 48 days to the end of ting days duringthe calendar drisheen. could be viewed as aserving FG/EPP TD. thrown up by the departing Dara. stood he willresign his seatin tached TD” since Leo Varadkar September, 24 on sitting days, year allowed him to reach the In their sorrow and confusion, ash- (That’s the way Fine Gael viewed it How will parliament cope? How to fill a earlyDecember. became Fine Gael leader and and 24 on non-sitting days. threshold of 120 days necessary en-faced politicians, staff and journalists anyway.) No doubt the voters of Cork huge void left by ahuge void? However, yesterday Fine TaoiseachinJune2017.MrMur- Most of the non-sitting days for the travel and accommoda- barely managed to struggle out the two North-Central will understand. They will be asking themselves for one Gael TDs privately criticised Mr phy did not retain his position as are either Mondays or Fridays tion allowance paid to TDs. words that instantly came to mind as the However, on Tuesday evening, word last time: “What would Dara say?” Murphy for delaying his deci- aminister of state and after- when Mr Murphy was travelling Until the end of September sion to resign until so late in the wards tookupapositionascam- or returning to Brussels for his thisyear,hewas presentfor 24 lifetime of the 32nd Dáil. paign directorwith the Europe- position withthe European Peo- of the 70 sitting days, about a Theysaid if he had an- an People’s Party, the cen- ple’s Party. third.Most of these wereThurs- nouncedhis decision at the time tre-rightgrouping to which Fine He has had an arrangement days.

FF to abstain on no-confidence motion

PATLEAHY need thesupport of Independ- port the Government should see ish, and Michael ent TDs who usually vote with the motion defeated. Healy-Rae did not respond to Fianna Fáil will abstain on the the Government to retain the Theyvoted withhim lastyear messagesaskingabouttheirvot- motion of no confidence in the confidence of the Dáil. Ques- in amotion of confidence the ingintentions. Minister for Housing Eoghan tioned about their votinginten- Minister won by 59 votes to 49, Following byelections tomor- Murphy next week, ensuring tions yesterday, Independent though several refused to be row, four new TDs will be eligi- thatthe motion will likelybede- TDs did not commit one way or drawnyesterday on how they ble to vote in the confidencemo- feated once the Government the other. tion on Tuesday. maintains support among a The SocialDemocratsan- However,Fine Gael may also handful of Independent TDs. nounced yesterday morning ■ Eoghan bewithoutthe voteofDaraMur- Senior Fianna Fáil sources they would table amotion of no Murphy: phy who is due to start work in confirm that the motion in Mr confidence in the Minister next faces a the European Commission on Murphy –about whom the par- week. motion of no December 1st. ty’s TDs have been highly criti- Sinn Féin said it would sup- confidence next Many TDs regard the motion cal –iscovered by the confi- port the no-confidence motion, Tuesday as astunt in advance of the bye- dence-and-supply agreement whiletheGreens,Solidarity-Peo- lections. with Fine Gael and the partywill ple Before Profit and left-wing But Government whips will therefore abstaininthe vote Independent TDs are likely to wouldvote next week. need to secure the support of In- next Tuesday. If the motion is vote against Mr Murphy. IndependentTDs Michael dependents if they are to be sure passed, it couldtrigger ageneral Fianna Fáil confirmed it Harty, , Denis theycan safeguard MrMurphy – election over Christmas. would abstain,meaning that In- Naughten said they would con- and the Government’s –surviv- However, Mr Murphy will dependentTDswhousuallysup- sidertheirpositions.NoelGreal- al.

University of Limerick New Bill will make it facing academic revolt mandatory for dog over restructuring owners to carry litter bag

COLINGLEESON university’sgoverning authori- MARIE O’HALLORAN but was “pro-health” and pro- ty, 50 academics –whichthe trying to eliminate the practice. Management at University of authorssaid represented ama- Itwillbemandatoryfordogown- It aims to impress on owners Limerick(UL) isfacinganaca- jority of those canvassed –ar- ers to carryalitter bag when out and “those in chargeofdogs” demicrevolt after 50 profes- gued the proposals had not withtheirpetsinpublicifanew theimportance of picking up sors signed aletter callingfor been “justified adequately”. BillintroducedintheDáilyester- theirpet’s faeceswhen inpublic. the suspensionofrestructur- “No evidencehas been pro- day is passed. The legislation makes it an of- ingatthe college, which they ducedtoshowthatreorganisa- The legislationisaimed at a fence not to produce asuitable said risks making it academi- tion is the best way of dealing small minority of dog owners bag or instrumentwhen in con- cally “not fit for purpose”. withtheproblemsthattheuni- who “simply do not giveadamn trol of adog. The university, which is get- versity faces,” they said. what their dog does and have no ting ready tocelebrate its 50th real fear of being caught or pe- Publichealthissue anniversary,has published a ‘Majorimpact’ nalised undercurrent legisla- He rejected claims by somepeo- plan to develop anew campus Theletter statedthatreorgani- tion”. ple that it was not aserious issue in the heart of Limerick city. sationalongthe lines pro- Introducing the LitterPollu- and said “it is apublichealth is- It is aiming to cater for an posed will have a“major im- tion (Amendment) (Dog Litter sue” because dog waste carried additional 4,000mostly post- pact” on the university’s aca- Control)Bill, Sinn Féin TD Seán adiseasethatifcontractedbyhu- graduate or international stu- demic council,with“at least” Crowesaid existing laws are not mans couldbelife changing. dents. 18 academics to lose their fitfor purpose. Mr Crowe referred to an ill- However, staff members at seats, while the disciplinary It is an offence for adog own- ness called Toxocariasiscaused UL have complained about a representation would “de- er not to pick up after their dog’s “by the parasitic roundworm lackofconsultation,andmem- crease dramatically”. faecesbut“ourparks,footpaths, whichlives in the intestines of bers of the Unite union have “The shortimplementation beaches and communityareas dogs andcats. Human contact beenadvised not to co-operate period will mean that new aca- are still litteredwith dog excre- with the eggs producedbythe withthe plans ahead of an ex- demic units will be able to do ment”, he said. roundworm and excreted in a pectedballot on industrial ac- very little preparatory work The problem with existing dog’s faeces can cause fever, tion. for the changes,” they contin- regulation is in part because a coughorwheezing,enlargedliv- Membership of the union is ued. dog warden has to actuallywit- er, rash,swollen lymph nodes understood to have increased Aspokeswoman forUL said nessadogfouling andtheowner and even blindness.” by 150per cent in the past fort- it had no comment to make at leavingthe waste behind to pur- Headdedthat“itisparticular- night, taking it to about 60 per this time as university presi- sue aprosecution, the Dublin ly dangerousfor children and cent of the overall headcount. dent Dr Des Fitzgerald is plan- South-West TD said. The Bill is pregnantwomenorthose with a About500 members met on ning to respond directly to co-sponsoredbyhisCarlow-Kilk- low immune system”. Tuesday to discuss the plans. staff. Dr Fitzgerald is expect- enny colleague KathleenFun- Thenew Bill will make it easi- In aletter dated November ed to addressthe matter in chion. er to impose fines on irresponsi- 27th to UL chancellor Mary meetings with senior manage- Mr Crowestressed that it is ble dog owners.Healso called Harney and members of the ment today. not anti-dog ownerlegislation for more bins for dog litter. THE IRISH TIMES Monday,June 29,2020 Home News 3 Governmentformation

Dáilsketch Miriam Lord The west’s irate as Micheál shifts power balance to Cork

The climb took half alifetime to conquer. applause. Leo Varadkar was first to his Along, slow ascent with so many setbacks feet as most, but not all politicians, rose to along the way. People said it would never congratulate afellow TD on his great be completed. But on Saturday in Dublin, achievement. the man who seemed destined to fall short The Taoiseach-elect could never have defied the odds and finally reached his envisaged delivering his first speech in summit. such strange circumstances. When he Five weeks before his 60th birthday, spoke of his family –wife, children and his and 31 years since he first entered Dáil late parents –his voice thickened and Éireann, Fianna Fáil leader Micheál wavered. You could see how much this Martin was elected Taoiseach. moment meant to him and his family, and All that time he put in –the good days how he wished his father and mother were and the bad days, the graft and the grit, the there to witness it. public drama and the private tragedies – He remembered a“blessed” childhood was suddenly telescoped into eight in a“close-knit working-class community” minutes of sitting alone in astrange in Cork. silence in an unfamiliar hall as he waited Speaking of that city, aTaoiseach in for the votes to be verified and result Cork South Central isn’t the half of it. The declared. four-seater constituency also boasts the It must have felt like forever for Minister for Foreign Affairs (Simon Micheál, shifting nervously in his seat, Coveney) and the Minister for Public taking deep breaths, weaving and unwind- Expenditure (Michael McGrath). ing his fingers. Some people are finding this difficult. Because of Covid-19 restrictions he had “Three of them in the Government,” to sit on his own surround by empty seats, sighed an incredulous observer from colleagues and family socially distanced Kerry as word of the new Cabinet line-up out of the picture. His wife and children spread. “Three from South Central …It’s could not travel from Cork, and parliamen- like Cork beating Kerry in the All-Ireland “They can get a40-foot lorry around western seaboard. ■ Taoiseach Micheál Martin at the tary party colleagues were not allowed final. No, it’s worse even. It’s like… like the back no bother so nobody will see She “promised to be avoice for Galway Convention Centre, Dublin, on Saturday within touching distance in the temporary England winning the World Cup.” them coming in,” said an usher. West, South Mayo and the broader region for the announcement of the members of chamber. But there was comfort in the elevation In the end three coaches sufficed –two in Government”. his new Cabinet. For TDs with In Leinster House the setpiece election to Minister for Education of first-time TD, for the Ministers and one to accommodate It seems Hildegarde is asuper-duper aspirations, landing ajob as asenior of anew taoiseach is an exciting, emotion- Fianna Fáil’s from Kerry. Catherine Martin’s job title and the other junior minister and not only gets to sit in a Minister is also like winning aWorld Cup. al occasion. Micheál didn’t get to experi- two members of her thriving family SME: high chair at the Cabinet table but is also Many want to be chosen, few are called. ence it. His pandemic-driven ascension in WorldCup It seems Hildegarde is a her husband Frances Noel Duffy TD and allowed to throw all her toys out of the PHOTOGRAPH: MAXWELLS Dublin’s vast Convention Centre was a For TDs with aspirations, landing ajob as her brother Vincent P. Martin who bagged pram on behalf of the west during the drab affair, played out in asoulless space asenior Minister is also like winning a super-duper junior one of the Taoiseach’s Seanad nomina- meetings. The Taoiseach may attempt to which was just too big for any atmosphere World Cup. Many want to be chosen, few minister and not only gets tions. mollify aseething Calleary with similar Ministers could get their seals of office to develop. are called. With three coalitions leaders to sit in ahigh chair at the status next week. from the President in asocially distant That wasn’t any fault of the Oireachtas divvying up 15 jobs, noses were sure to be ‘‘ Ridiculoustitle fashion. authorities who put in long hours getting out of joint. Cabinet table but is also The Greens’ deputy leader now revels in Happy They were photographed completely the venue ready for this unprecedented The Fianna Fáil leader was never going allowed to throw all her the ridiculous title of Minister for Media, Meanwhile, former minister for health spaced out in St Patrick’s Hall, looking like Dáil session. There was nothing they could to keep everyone happy. But people were Culture, Arts, Tourism, Sport and the Simon Harris, who looked deeply worried they were waiting for Michael Dtodrop a do about those yawning gaps sucking the nursing expectations. The favoured few toys out of the pram on Gaeltacht “and whatever you’re having before the jobs were disbursed, was more shoulder and shout “... 5, 6, 7, 8!” so they life out of the place. would be summoned individually to his behalf of the west during yourself”, said Mattie McGrath. than happy with the plum job of Minister could burst into aTikTok dance routine. But it meant that the new Taoiseach, on office to get the good news. Yesterday morning, in an effort to for Higher Education. Then they held their first Cabinet the biggest day of his political career and Aposse of hopefuls from all the parties the meetings reassure voters that the west of Ireland He has been replaced in health by meeting. Taoiseach Martin praised the one of the biggest days of his life, had no raced after him to Leinster House to await has not been cancelled, astatement was , who is from the same Greens’ ability to negotiate and singled colleagues at his elbow to distract him acall. The route from Leinster House to rushed out on behalf of Galway West’s town as Harris –Gallstones, Co Whitlow. out their leader for special mention. with small talk, and no opportunity to the Taoiseach’s office in Government , now the most At the end of along, long day the “When it comes to senior hurling now, bank up priceless memories with proud Buildings is via aglass-covered overhead senior Government representative on the Cabinet was bussed to Dublin Castle so is like Christy Ring.” family and friends in the public gallery. walkway called the Bridge of Sighs. up an alternative government,” he joked Journalists took up position in a to acolleague. Oldsilverbell discreet nook below the bridge and Jim isn’t from the west of Ireland so The votes were checked and rechecked. reported breathlessly on who was and who there must be another reason he didn’t After what seemed like an age, the Ceann wasn’t crossing it. figure. Comhairle dinged the old silver bell he No sign of Jim O’Callaghan, the senior brought with him from the Dáil chamber. council from Dublin Bay South who had ‘Cromwell’sCabinet’ Seán ÓFearghail was installed behind a been tipped for preferment. Mayo’s , the party’s deputy desk on the main stage, with acast of And no sign of Galway’s , leader, was expected to land asenior officials arranged around more desks. It another Fianna Fáiler supposed to be very portfolio. Instead he got Chief Whip, looked like atheatrical set for aplay about much in the frame. Anne wore adistinc- which is classed as asuper-junior job and awar crimes tribunal. tive bright red cape jacket for the occa- means he can sit in ahigh chair at the Micheál looked up towards ÓFear- sion. Cabinet table but he can’t vote.There is gháil, the hint of smile beginning to “If she doesn’t get the nod she’ll be outrage in Mayo. “A Cabinet fit for broaden out. rampaging around Leinster House in her Cromwell,” thundered the Western “The motion is carried, and the Dáil has cape looking like Bishop Brennan after he People yesterday, also noting the dearth of agreed to nominate Deputy Micheál realised Ted kicked him up the arse,” Ministers from west of the Shannon. Martin for appointment by the President sneered anon-contender. “To hell or to Connacht, indeed.” to be Taoiseach.” Anne didn’t get aministry, but she Back at the Dáil’s dockland Versailles, The outgoing taoiseach and leader of looked very calm when she returned to the people wondered how the authorities Fine Gael, having earlier pronounced the Convention Centre for the announcement were going to stage the big reveal which end of civil war politics before voting with of the ones who did. traditionally happens when the Taoiseach the rest of his party for aFianna Fáil Neither did Jim O’Callaghan. parades his simpering new line-up into the Taoiseach, magnanimously led the “I’m going to the Mansion House to set chamber to achorus of oohs and aahs.

Taoiseach’s emotional homecoming sees singalongs and social distancing

BARRYROCHE 100 people lined the entrance Southern Correspondent into Silver Manor–asmall, leafy, cul-de-sacestateatthe Newly-elected Taoiseach end of the BallinloughRoad – Micheál Martin has brokena wherethe Taoiseachand his lot of traditions in thelast 48 wife Mary have lived since hours, but his timeinofficewill 1990. Their childrenMicheál be marked by another such Aodh, Aoibhe and Cillian were move, since he will work be- there with Mary to welcome neath the gazeofMichaelCol- him. He emerged from his car lins and Éamon de Valera. to greetwell-wishers,obeying Traditionally, Fianna Fáil social distancing rules. Soon, taoisigh have had aportrait of everyone was singingThe de Valera over the fireplace of Banks Of My Own Lovely Lee, theiroffice, whileFineGaelopt- with emotional scenes as the ed for Collins. On Friday night, Taoiseach hugged his family. Mr Martin’s predecessor, Leo Varadkar, tweeted that the Col- ■ Taoiseach Micheál Martin with his wife Mary, daughter ‘Lovelyfriendship’ lins portrait would be removed Aoibhe and sons Micheál Aodh and Cillian (right) after he Composing himself, Mr Martin as he left office. arrived home in Cork. PHOTOGRAPH: MICHAEL MAC SWEENEY/PROVISION said:“Iwant to thank my neigh- In Cork city yesterday, where boursbecause we had alovely hewas warmly welcomed home friendship here since we came by family, friends and neigh- it home,MrMartin acknowl- try but todayCivil War politics here30yearsago –it’s been a bours, the Taoiseach revealed edged that the CivilWar cente- ends in our parliament.” great oasis for me. It’s wonder- he had asked Mr Varadkarto nary commemorations to come In 1977,Jack Lynchwas wel- ful to meet all of thosepeople put it back. Perhaps above eve- will “have to be sensitive and be comed homewithburning tar who worked longand hard for rything else, Collins was aCork honest” and will have to be me over the years, shared the man:“Leo Varadkar saidtome done with maturity to educate It’s wonderful ups and the downs.” thathe wastakingdown thepor- younger generations. His wifeacknowledged it had trait of Michael Collinsand I to meet all of been difficult for all of the fami- said:‘Wellactually, you might History those people who ly not to be at the Convention putitback up and I’m going to “History to me is about revela- ‘‘worked long and Centre on Saturday to seehim put de Valera next to him in the tion, you can’t look back judg- elected, though in away the Taoiseach’s office.’ mentally–we can’t import to- hard for me over the Covid-19-imposed travel bar “I haveawonderful portrait day’svaluesback 100 years ago, years, shared the ups was arelief. “Onesideofme of de Valera in my own office, we have to learnfromitand try and the downs was glad Iwas able to watch it the Opposition office,and Iam and understand it and not cover all from the privacy of my own going to bring that over just to it up –history belongs to no par- home because it was quite emo- symbolise what has happened – ty,” he said. barrels after his landslide victo- tional –we’re just thrilled and [Seán] Lemass is already there On Saturday, Mr Varadkar ry. MrMartin’s return to Ballin- will do all we can to help and we will find aplacefor a had struck asimilar note, say- lough on Cork city’s southside Micheál,” said Mary, who met bust of too,” Mr ing: “This is ahistoric occasion. wasaquieter affair, prompted her future husband in the Don- Martin declared. Ibelieve Civil War politics end- by Covid-19 restrictions. agh O’Malley Fianna Fáil Speaking during his brief vis- ed along time ago in our coun- But it was heartfelt. About cumann in UCC in the 1980s.