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Daragh Brophy/TheJournal.ie

Two ministers, some sheep, and a city centre photo-op. What could go wrong?

“They’re a little frisky…”. The press release had offered the prospect of some Cabinet-level sheep-shearing. But would the ministers oblige?

“I WOULDN’T BE too quick… they’re a little frisky.”

— The advice of Public Expenditure Minister Brendan Howlin to his cabinet colleague, the Agriculture Minister, this afternoon.

Howlin had already been in the glare of the cameras on Kildare Street for a good ten minutes before Simon Coveney’s arrival at the photo-op — arranged to promote next month’s Golden Shears world sheep-shearing championships in Gorey.

In spite of a press release that had raised the prospect of some ministerial sheep-shearing, so far none had transpired — much to the disappointment of the various assembled members of the fourth estate.

A pen — complete with mini-haystacks, mini-sheep (lambs, for the agricultural experts amongst our readership) and a patient looking ‘Little Bo Peep’ — had been set up near the front doors of the Department of Agriculture. Next to it — a larger, shepherdess-less version, containing some more mature, slightly woollier mammals.

Howlin had arrived at around half-five, completed the required round of glad-handing, and spent several minutes posing for photos next to the lamb enclosure — without at any point looking the least bit interested in relieving any livestock of their winter attire.

The excitement stepped up a notch with Coveney’s arrival, however.

In spite of his Cabinet colleague’s ‘frisky’ warning — within seconds the Fine Gael TD (and holder of a B Sc. in Agriculture and Land Management) had his jacket off, his shirt sleeves rolled up, and a sheep by the neck, in a masterful grip.

When the moment of truth arrived, however, the Cork deputy also passed up the chance to demonstrate his skills.

“I’ll leave it to the expert,” Coveney offered — after posing for photos with the electric clippers firmly in the ‘off’ position. ”It’s a while since I’ve done it.”

Have you done it before?” enquired Howlin.

“Of course. I’m from a good agricultural background.”

 

(Youtube: TheJournal.ie)

With that, it was back to the Department for Minister Howlin — as he left his ministerial colleague to indignity of the lamb enclosure, and a few final livestock-themed poses.

As a passing garda had been casting a bemused eye over the whole affair — TheJournal.ie decided to enquire if everything had been carried out strictly in line with the law.

I’m not entirely sure… Don’t you have to be a Freeman of Dublin to do this sort of thing?”

Nevertheless, the officer seemed happy enough to let it slide.

Read: An adorable sheep-goat hybrid has been born in Kildare

Read: Keep your dogs under control or sheep farmers may shoot them

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11 Comments
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    Mute Sean Collins
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    Apr 8th 2014, 10:19 PM

    Howlin fleecing the sheep like he did the people

    43
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    Mute TOP CAT
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    Apr 8th 2014, 9:47 PM

    The poor sheep only recognized Brendan Howlin when he spoke….

    41
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    Mute Sean Collins
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    Apr 8th 2014, 10:21 PM

    Which are the most intelligent Howlin or the sheep

    28
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    Mute andrew
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    Apr 8th 2014, 11:18 PM

    The sheep. They aren’t members of the Labour Party

    22
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    Mute Jarlath Murphy
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    Apr 8th 2014, 9:43 PM

    The caption should read…..

    Howlin leads the sheeple for harvesting…..soon they”ll be well fleeced and shorn of all adornments.

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    Mute John O'Neill
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    Apr 8th 2014, 10:42 PM

    I’d be nervous too if Howlin was down on his knees reaching towards me like he is in the photo! Look at him….shiver…

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    Mute James O Donoghue
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    Apr 9th 2014, 7:33 AM

    Was a baaaaaaad idea

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    Mute NewVision Ireland
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    Apr 8th 2014, 9:44 PM

    I see the Govt. have brought their voters ( Sheep ) to Leinster House to day for a photo op before the elections

    33
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    Mute Dave cullen
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    Apr 8th 2014, 9:47 PM

    When there’s nothing left to shear off the people they turn to the beast’s.
    May 23rd!

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    Mute Mark Miller
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    Apr 8th 2014, 9:50 PM

    Ah yes, first glimpse of sunshine, crack out the vest tops and shear an auld ewe on the streets of the capital.
    Classic forehead slap moment!!!!!!

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    Mute Joe Mahon
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    Apr 9th 2014, 6:31 AM

    You hardly need to be an “agricultural expert” to know the difference between a lamb and a sheep.

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