The Irish Times - Friday, October 12, 2012

MICHAEL O'REGAN

DIL SKETCH:REFERENCES TO Minister for Health Dr James Reilly are never far from Dil proceedings these days. The same applies to his would-be nemesis, former minister of State Risn Shortall.

Yesterday, she was in the chamber for Opposition Leaders Questions, which were taken by Tnaiste and Labour leader Eamon Gilmore.

She sat next to fellow Dublin TD Tommy Broughan, an ideological soulmate who, like herself, is without the Labour whip these days. While they sat on the Labour benches, they were a distance from their erstwhile parliamentary colleagues who are still firmly under the whip.

Shortall and Broughan engaged in conversation, while Fianna Fils Willie ODea challenged Gilmore to clear up the confusion about allowances for public sector workers.

I am happy to clear up any confusion in Deputy ODeas mind, said Gilmore.

The Tnaiste should do that for Deputy Shortall, too, said Fianna Fils Timmy Dooley.

The Shortall-Broughan conversation ended abruptly when the source of Shortalls wrath was referred to by Sinn Fins Caoimhghn Caolin.

Is the Tnaiste in any way concerned at the contempt of the Minister for Health, Deputy Reilly, for those who question him, Caolin asked.

Read the original:
Ó Caoláin casts doubt over fitness of our Minister for Health