This article is from page 17 of the 2006-09-26 edition of The Clare People. OCR mistakes are to be expected so download the original SWF or the rendered page 17 JPG
PRESSING the flesh, meeting the party faithful, kissing babies and even dropping in on a high-profile wedding; it’s all in a day’s work when you are the leader of the country and just months from an election.
In a whirlwind visit (with a few showers of rain thrown in for good measure) to the county on Thursday, Taoiseach Bertie Ahern visited schools, community projects, golf clubs and homegrown companies before returning to Ennis to rally the troops for nine months of battle.
The cloud of controversy hanging over the Irish premier when he arrived by car ferry in Killimer didn’t seem to dampen the enthusiasm of those there to greet him.
A quick smile and some photos and he was off on his nine-hour, 14-town tour of the Banner County.
After a quick visit to the power station at Moneypoint, the Taoiseach decided it was time to weather the storm of the gathering media in Kilrush.
Taking refuge from the rain at the Marina clubhouse, Mr Ahern fielded questions about multi-million euro payments.
Minutes later, back in the warm glow of his followers, he listened as John O’Rourke, Chairman of west Clare Fianna Fáil, spoke fondly of the party and his leader.
Warm and content, it was off to the seaside town of Kilkee, during one of the wettest days of the year, before drying off in the luxury of the Doonbeg Golf Club.
A quick stop at the Quilty Tavern ensured a few more handshakes and perspective votes, before visiting St Joseph’s Secondary School in Spanishpoint. Minutes later, the perfect photo opportunity to distract the journalists from the contentious story of the day presented itself.
The daughter of one of Ireland’s most popular comedians was getting married in the Spanish Armada.
Rós na Run actress Melanie Grace, daughter of Brendan, was celebrating her nuptials to Frank Gillespie, former owner of the Baggot Inn, when the Taoiseach arrived to offer his congratulations.
Among the guests was Frank’s former business partner, soccer hero Jack Charlton, as well as current Irish manager Steven Staunton and former player Kevin Moran.
Having kissed the bride, Mr Ahern made his way to Ennis for a few planned engagements, then onto Sixmilebridge, Tulla, Scarrif, Raheen and Killaloe. Arriving back in Ennis to speak to the party faithful, the Taoiseach later jetted out of Shannon Airport, a day’s work done.