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WHILE OTHERS ARE swanning off on their holidays, some government ministers are keeping busy during the quiet summer season.
None more so than Paschal Donohoe, the Minister for Transport, who has been prolifically showing up at public events in recent weeks.
Last week, among other things, he was launching (and pretending to drive) a new set of high-tech Dublin Buses for the capital.
Yesterday, the Fine Gael TD launched plans to open the Phoenix Park tunnel line that will give commuters from Kildare the opportunity to stop at more stations in Dublin.
Today, Donohoe was announcing plans to construct a ‘missing’ two kilometre cycleway and pedestrian link between Sutton and Clontarf.
Journalists showed up to ask the minister about everything but that including questions on motor insurance, the sale of Aer Lingus, a possible rail strike, sham marriages (he couldn’t answer that one) and the 9 per cent VAT rate for the tourist industry.
The minister’s diary also shows a number of other public engagements in the coming days. In fact, apart from junior minister Simon Harris, he appears to be the only member of government doing public events this week.
So that prompted questions today as to whether he had become the designated ‘minister for August’?
Donohoe wasn’t having it:
One of the things I am struck by is that when ministers are away people say we’re away on holiday then when I am at home, doing my job, I get asked the question: why I’m doing it?
This was perhaps a nod to the criticism Environment Minister Alan Kelly has come in for over being away from his department – but not necessarily work – during the homeless crisis.
Donohoe says that far from having been tasked by the government to go out and bat during the ‘silly season’ he is dealing with a “very, very big portfolio that has a huge amount of different things within it”.
All of that work continues to go on and across August I’ve just been playing a role in making sure that things that my department has to deliver happen. And that work will continue in September, October, November, December, January and then beyond.
But has he got a holiday yet?
“I have,” he said, while probably wishing he was still on it.
As an aside, it seems that even when he’s not doing his ministerial duties Donohoe is writing book reviews:
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How many government promoting articles are the journal going to post today? Jeez……
Hugh is on today so I’d expect at least 15 more, 12 of them based on that young rapscallion Alan Shatter
It loses a little integrity with each one.
I read the byline, took one guess at who the author was, scrolled to the end, discovered I was correct. Think I know which way Hugh will be voting in the next GE too ;)
Choo choo. The Fine Gael propaganda train chugs on.
With Hugh O Connell the train driver tooting the government horn….
Nice little free promo for “poor aul Pascal” there. You know. the hard working guy.
Working hard standing in front of the cameras all month he was. He must have been delighted the weather was cool lest he die of sunstroke seeking the perfect pose.
Pascal is trying to make himself look good, hoping to get re-elected next time.Too little too late you horrible little man! And Hugh please note that the vast majority of people on here HATE your FG government with a vengence not seen in Ireland for years….we HATE Kenny and his minions for the damage he has done to peoples lives as he will soon find out in time, so no fluffy FG crap on here please!
Can we expect a ‘fluff piece’ on all government ministers or is it confined just to FG ministers Hugh?
Would you go on holidays with him ? either muzzle him or wear ear plugs for the duration. ARRGGH. that voice.
What a great idea.
Only 11 more positions to fill. (joking aside, I’d say the new Minister for September will be announced within the next week).
Hugh must be top off the list of nominations for Minister of FG Lick-arsing.
Best minister for Dublin ever
What did he do for you
The minister most likely to make you cringe
I’d like to be the minister for disco biscuits some day.
What did this little.lispy blueshirt have to say about the rip of cost of insurance. ..
now now john your comment will be taken off soon you’re not allowed slag blueshirts here
I know its not his fault but his voice really grinds my gears. Sounds a bit like the Irish version of Tory Boy from Harry Enfield.
‘Poor’ Pascal indeed. Basic Salary TD: €92,672 a year. Don’t even get me started on the add-ons!
He knows he can have next August free
Alan Kelly’s stunt double!!
He will need to do more than that
He’s no Alan Shatter alright. Eh Hugh?? We love a bit of Alan every couple of hours.
to say I hate this man is an understatement.
His “assistant” at his Phibsboro office could do with a few lessons in how to listen and not be so arrogant. The man is only interested in other business. Mr “Proctor and Gamble” Donohoe’s connstituency office needs to concentrate on their constituents.
Is Susan Daly still editor here ?
I remember seeing a YouTube video a couple of years ago of a couple of guys asking him questions and he was going on like a total moron demanding the lads names like he was some sort of higher being.
Where did he get that accent..He definitely went to electrocution lessons.
Shocking statement there denise
@ Denise Freudian slip methinks. Electrodes on the nads and stuff.
are u a fan of the minister for talk a lot and say very little ☺
Seriously what’s the procedure for complaining about a journalist to the journal? Hugh there isn’t even a hint of trying to be subtle about the FG propaganda! Surely this is against some sort of code of ethics for journalists? Or is Hugh even classified as a journalist?
Give him a permanent holiday next year- is he qualified for a ” ministerial pension” handout?
Hmmm lesser spotted summer politican. Comes out of its winter hibernation to follow the sun usually .
Where are the rest of them?!? The country is in a mess!!
This is all they’ve left behind to hold the fort? I’d say the rest are preparing for a sprint to the finish line with their spoils. Job done, monthly payments for life, 80% didn’t even have to open their mouths. It’s a smash and grab and we’re too late.
please just give it a rest Hugh o connell
Pascal would go to the opening of an envelope if he thought it would further his “career”
To: Hugh O’Connell.
Hugh, I am seriously asking if you have a political affiliation? Are you a member of a political party (even a youth wing)? I am asking out of concern for the apparent slant towards FG in your articles subjects and content (and often especially the headlines). There is a lack of independent journalism in this country and a lack in many of its citizens to see beyond certain ideologies or identifications with parties, policies or policy positions. I’m not accusing you of being any more biased than many in the mainstream media, but I am genuinely concerned at how we present and debate issues in this country.
here here
Pascalus Augustus Donohus Maximus!!!
Hugh , I have a 22 foot length of timber here in the shed.If we tied this at 90 degrees across your body it should stop you disappearing up Fine Gaels hole.Maybe you are too far gone.
Seriously, what kind of parents name a son Paschal?
Yes, Paschal is ubiquitous, but so is shit in Dublin this time of year.
So who is the irish politician on ashley madison. Is it you pascal!
Somebody grab wills feet,,, before he disappears…..
*hughs,, sorry…
FFS. How do I red thumb the article?
Print it , pour some witch hazel on it to soften , hey presto – toilet paper
Sorry , I read that as ” how do I red bum this article ? ”
Email the editor , although I doubt it’ll fall on unbiased ears.
are u for real mr fg repoter
he sounds like a tape recorder stuck on repeat , talks a lot and says very little he gives me a right pain
Is this the new Misery for August?
When is Irish rail going to be privatised???
That is a question for him…
Big pat on the back Aer lingus sold pensions sorted,bring in the next lot
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