12.11.07
Stuff
I was on Q&A last night. Not totally satisfied with performance. But Michael Martin grew on me. I hinted in the show that he could end up with a promotion. Wouldn’t surprise me at all. I think forces are rising against the heir apparent.
In these cranky high anxiety pre-christmas weeks, let me recommend to anyone in the greater Dublin area a wonderful event. In the midst of opposition I mustered up the energy to load everyone into the car with cold sausages and mince pies and headed for the Phoenix Park to observe the “reindeer” – the male fallow deer who with their antlers are convincing Santa’s reindeer having a pre-Christmas rest. By sheer coincidence, as we were leaving a park ranger stopped us and advised us to hang around. Then he gave a little talk to the two dozen hangers on – parents and small children – on the deer and the lo and behold, Santa arrived out of the trees to check up on the deer. Said hello to all the children and we were given popcorn and little oak trees to plant. All free, and great crack and enthusiasm from the rangers.
Special special thanks to the OPW for doing this. Apparently they do it every Sat and Sun in December and it was around 12.30. Worth checking out and not a shop in site.
Our other aim is to go to Donadea Forest Park in Kildare. They do it up with great lights and there’s a Santa and you can get your Christmas Tree. Again, a non-shop Santa…
nonny said,
December 11, 2007 at 5:54 pm
What part of the park is it in Sarah??
I watched you on questions and answers last night and thought you did great. Well done. I thought it was hilarious when the young girl in the audience questioned their pay rise, Michael Martin himself could not contain the laughter. I agree with you though he came across quite a nice guy, reasonable or down to earth or something. I never really paid much attention to him before but I was quite impressed. Kathleen Lynch also had some valid points particularly the ones she made about punishing those dealing drugs.
One thing I think John Bowman can come across really rude is he like that in real life?
Gordon Davies said,
December 11, 2007 at 6:04 pm
Sarah,
Next time could you look at the camera! It was disconcerting, you seemed to be having an intense conversation with someone in the audience.
As for the contents… for once I thought that JB was slightly less than obsequious with a member of Government. I noted that M Colemen seems to think that a doubling of the Irish population over the next couple of decades would be a Good Thing. Economists still seem to find it difficult to integrate environmental considerations into their money centred universe.
Interesting that it was a historian that questioned the “acheivements” of the Celtic Tiger.
Gordon
Sarah said,
December 11, 2007 at 6:27 pm
ah well, looking at the camera, unless one is presenting is a bad idea on several fronts. 1. There are 3 cameras – the director constantly changes which one is “on” so you’d end up looking at the wrong one. 2. Gerry Collins, don’t burst the party apart syndrome…aaaagh
I notice that others talk to John Bowman but he’s the chairman. I prefer to address the audience who are there asking the questions and participating in the debate.
Its up to the director then to get the camera to catch my face. But I know what you mean.. I watched a bit of it back on the internet. They kept getting the side of my face. I shall have to alert the director the next time
John Bowman is the most incredibly nice and gentle man. I didn’t think he was being rude but rather giving people a gentle ribbing. Also, he’s got the producer shouting in his ear to move on all the time
he was particularly frustrated last night that there was so little time.
thestudent said,
December 11, 2007 at 6:57 pm
I thought you were very good, well done.
P O'Neill said,
December 11, 2007 at 7:15 pm
Martin comes across well but his upward mobility would be proof that being Minister for Health does no long-term damage to career prospects.
Clare Herbert said,
December 11, 2007 at 7:17 pm
Congrats on the programme Sarah, enjoyed it! Love Q&A- the best on RTE easily!
Agree with u on not lookin at the camera, and John Bowman’s lovliness.
Clare Herbert said,
December 11, 2007 at 7:20 pm
“Martin comes across well but his upward mobility would be proof that being Minister for Health does no long-term damage to career prospects.”
Well if he did a better job in health, he’d b grand. He of the million reports, commitees, sub-commitees….etc etc etc
Joseph said,
December 11, 2007 at 7:27 pm
Actually that was ONE of the more boring episodes of Q and A in quite a while. You were fine but not great, by which I mean I could be critical of you and you came across well enough but I had the sense you could have said more or being more incisive or sophisticated at times?
Then again to be fair the whole show was very FLAT and that guy marc Cole was really talking a lot of rubbish. In fact some of his views were absurd and really dumb. at one point he was talking about censorship I think and spoke total nonsense. The comment made about him above was very apt.
As for Kathy … she never shut up and was hardly ever anything but provincial. She is not very impressive [though she is probably a decent person]
As for M Martin
Well I happen to know from someone who has had many dealings with him as a minister that he is in fact a very nice and decent man. notwithstanding being in FF and being part of the political bullshush wee know all to well. He would be much better than Cowen as leader . The idea of Cowen as a leader of FF never mind the country is truly depressing, its on a par with Mccreevy who on account of his voice alone should never be in such a position- EVER!
Overall you came across as possibly the best from the panel – well alongside MM but as I say it was still not a great night to be honest. you have no reason but to be content with your own performance but it seems clear you are capable of making a far better impression? Then again you can only work with the material and people you have.
Thats just my humble opinion!
Martina said,
December 11, 2007 at 8:53 pm
Just to show the contrariness of the Irish viewing public I have to differ with Joseph and say I thought last night’s programme was really good. I liked Dermot Ferriter’s comment about Bertie being able to survive on 25 quid a day as well as JB’s observation about what a good saver he was.
And whatever about those wacky camera angles Sarah, what we really want to know in this house is how you manage to get such a great shine on your hair!
Sarah said,
December 11, 2007 at 9:34 pm
Thanks Martina and hello
My hair was cut and coloured last week by Eoin in Foundation. He only uses semis as he says the permanent colours wreck the hair. So all credit to him!
Joseph, I concur with you on the show being flat
I thought it didn’t quite take off (except perhaps on the GAA issue). I thought that was due to a couple of things
1. too much consensus and the fact that it was Katy’s funeral day. The only hope for the cocaine section was if i’d gotten back in on it and argued for decriminalisation but I shoulda started with that. However, I did want to get in the point about the Doyle’s so…..Also, I was totally amazed at how right wing they all got on the issue.
2. The economy questions was a bore but with Marc there I guess his book had to get a plug.
However, there were light moments and it doesn’t always have to be argy bargy
Though I was tired…perhaps it showed…
On Martin, he must be so fecken clever. He slimed his way out of Health and everyone seems to have forgotten about his little nursing home problem.
Course can we start reminding everyone that the biggest problem in health now is the fact that Bertie Ahern was the one who guaranteed all Health Board workers their jobs.
The Crewser said,
December 11, 2007 at 9:48 pm
There are many thousands of Health workers on contract these days just as there are in Local Authorities.
Sarah said,
December 11, 2007 at 10:10 pm
We should both be in bed. This is ridiculous. Sleep welll Crewser. You guys won. I trust your dreams are pleasant…
The Crewser said,
December 11, 2007 at 10:22 pm
Likewise yours
Tom N said,
December 11, 2007 at 10:42 pm
The only bit I caught was about the the GAA. very well handled there Sarah. Central Council agreed it. The GPA has been a force for good in the last few years and if every player was as much as gentleman as Dessie Farrell, the GAA would never worry about anything. The guy who wrote about Dev reminded me of my old Irish teacher. He was a relic from the 60’s (the 1860’s) and thank God for Sean Kelly and Nicky Brennan.
The wife of the player in the front seat looked like she was going to get us all to join a revolution.
Primal Sneeze said,
December 12, 2007 at 4:56 am
I didn’t see Q&A so I can’t comment on that. But yeeaaahhh! Donadea is the biz. Any time of the year, not just in the run up to The Feathers. Remember to bring bread for the ducks and water hens.
A word of caution: make sure the kids throw the bread, not offer it. Some of these little fekers will take fingers and all.
Second word of caution: Don’t have the coffee from the little shop – it’s gank!
Redhead said,
December 12, 2007 at 10:59 am
Agree with Primal Sneeze re the drinks – had the hot chocolate last Sunday and not the best but a hot drink was a hot drink after queueing in the cold for an hour and then the little darling tripped into Santa’s hut, banged her head and couldn’t be consoled so the visit lasted all of 5 secs and not a photo was taken. Santa did tell us to come back if she stopped crying and tried his best to help and gave her a pressie. But, ony the ducks calmed the little darling down. Twas after 4 o’c by the time we were leaving and it was really exciting to see the older ‘believers’ coming into the forest with their torches to queue in the dark as Santa stays til 5pm. Magical but COLD!
Betty said,
December 12, 2007 at 12:39 pm
M Martin was late for the meeting re nursing home charges, did not listen to what he was told , did not read his notes, did not accept resposibility for the problems in the dept of health. A pleasant man but I feel we need to know that someone is in charge.
Sarah said,
December 12, 2007 at 1:15 pm
queueing? oh dear..I hadn’t considered that aspect..hmmmmmmm I think we’ll aim to be there after dark but better wrap up. I know what you mean about those ducks though. They’re pretty aggressive! They practically chase you for the bread…
Gordon Davies said,
December 12, 2007 at 1:37 pm
Betty,
You can’t blame Martin for adopting what has become standard practice in the FF led Government It is as though orders have been given not to inform Ministers of serious problems, so that they can claim that they were unaware of the problem. This has happened so often that it cannot be accidental
The whole point of the HSE, for instance, is to act as a buck receiving mechanism so that the Minister can claim that she has not been informed, or that she was aware of the problem and discharged her responisiblity by informing the HSE.
I agree with you about Martin’s ineffectualness. A characteristic shared by so many of his mineterial colleagues.
Gordon
Redhead said,
December 12, 2007 at 2:55 pm
Sarah, can you give an idea of where in the Pheonix Park you encountered Santa and his rangers please.
donkykemore said,
December 13, 2007 at 12:27 am
Saw Q&E .
You could lose the habit of saying ‘ok’ every couple of seconds . I gives the impression of someone either not being listened to or spoiling for a fight in a rowdy pub.
That would be quite unbecoming for a Sunday Times diarist / columnist/ writer.
People do listen . You dont have to check on their attention or retention span every second though I am very often tempted to check myself . However it does become somewhat alienating .
Also the hair was a tad too prim. One was reminded of the Prime of Ms Jene Brody . The poise was a little reminiscent of Mary Hannifen . Hang loose or looser. Mr Bowman is a most genial gentleman
Please accept this with the bona fides intended .
Sarah said,
December 13, 2007 at 10:38 am
oh f*ck off Don. What bona fides?
Paul Newton said,
December 13, 2007 at 12:14 pm
that’s brilliant….you just made me burst out laughing….did you not know that don is a style and elecution guru?
Miss Jean Brodie is brilliant though….
We shall never watch you again without that thought swizzling through our heads.
Now Ghirrls.
Sarah said,
December 13, 2007 at 12:48 pm
it was the hairdresser. I specifically requested VOLUME. But they do it flat and straight in these parts…sigh. Crewser, Don has overtaken you as Official Blog Creep. You are promoted to endearing pet.
ok I am officially declaring Christmas. Everyone has to be NICE from now on. Including me.
donkykemore said,
December 13, 2007 at 1:21 pm
Bad hair day Sarah ?…if you wish to use the expletive ( f*ck) use it with abandon .Emasculating it with an asterisk deprives it of depth.
I myself am unfortunately afflicted with the disadvantage of an education and hence too reserved to use Rablasian language – I blame the Jesuits
I am charmed to be promoted to Official Blog Creep. It is the zenith of my literary career.There is something empowering about it.
I shall treasure the title with an unbecoming hubris.
Anyway I was obviously quite misled in my observation ; Ms Brodie would have disdained such loveless language . I wonder if she was a Sunday Times reader . No . I think she would have chosen the Guardian.
Regarding VOLUME ; I should avoid it at all costs. Think of Ms Harney . I have not had a satisfactory erection since she last appeared on Q&E.
Ok ? Alright . OK ?
Happy Christmas .. OK?
Sarah said,
December 13, 2007 at 2:20 pm
oh yuck….
so much for the bona fides…
i feel ill now..where do these people come from?
Tom N said,
December 13, 2007 at 4:18 pm
Is donkeykemore the nice camp black fellow from Channel 4’s “How to Look Good Naked” or possibly one of those dreadful (yet funny) Trinny and Susannah people which us straight guys hate?
I only saw ten minuts of Q&A and you were bang on about the GPA and the grants system. Must have been disconcerting for Micheal Martin to agree, but one of those rare occasions. The points you made on that were on the button. Unliker some, I actually paid attention to the content of the discussion. Noteworthy that the people who are objecting to this are the same guys who objected to rule 42 being removed. Three cheers for Sarah Carey striking a blow for proper GAA lovers! Legend!
Sarah said,
December 13, 2007 at 4:39 pm
Dan Sullivan said,
December 13, 2007 at 4:57 pm
I missed it but somewhat deliberately as I’m of the opinion that nothing unexpected of note will be said. In part it is the format of one gov pol, one opp po and take three from the following
Lawyer
Economist
Journalist
Academic
NGO – Lobbying group rep
donkykemore said,
December 13, 2007 at 8:47 pm
de gustibus non est disputandem
The Crewser said,
December 13, 2007 at 9:49 pm
I am chuffed Sarah and I thought you were brill on Q&A
Sarah said,
December 13, 2007 at 10:06 pm
hurrah! xxx
Elizabeth said,
December 13, 2007 at 11:20 pm
Sarah
I thought your hair looked great – impressive shine! Eoin cuts my hair too. I think he is fantastic – and the fact that he looks like a cross between Ewan McGregor and Charlie Boorman doesn’t hurt – but blowdrying is not his forte. Much better to have it dried by one of the juniors!
Sarah said,
December 14, 2007 at 9:38 am
Eoin is the biz BUT the blow dry was done locally. He did the hair last week, so no aspersions cast.
thestudent said,
December 14, 2007 at 10:25 am
If Sarah were a man I wonder would there be as much discussion of her hair? (Which, incidentally, was lovely).
I am particularly suspicious of men making comments on your hair by the way.
It’s like female politicians – people always comment on their appearance and rarely on their male colleagues’. Paying someone a compliment is fine, but I can never understand criticism or its relevance. Particularly the facile argument often raised about Mary Harney – e.g. how can she run the Dept of Health, look at the state of her etc.
Liam said,
December 14, 2007 at 12:55 pm
Hi Sarah
What’s going on here? I haven’t around for a few weeks and I come back and you’re blowing kisses to Crewser and he’s telling you you’re brill – have one of you been converted??! What next? And how long will it last?
donkykemore, I agree with you; there is no accounting for taste. That said, some punctuation wouldn’t go amiss. It might make your posts marginally easier to read.
Er, you have a fine head of hair, Sarah!
Sarah said,
December 14, 2007 at 7:05 pm
No one ever remembers what I say on Q&A – EVERY time, the post-show discussion focuses on the hair. I think its funny
Liam, its all a matter of degree. And the weird way my neurosis function. More of that another time
donkykemore said,
December 15, 2007 at 12:28 am
There you go. Hair today gone tomorrow.
The Crewser said,
December 15, 2007 at 9:09 am
Well it is approaching the season of good will, Liam and and in any case I believe in giving credit where its due. The girl was good and thats all there is to it. No conversions necessary on either side.
Primal Sneeze said,
December 15, 2007 at 7:19 pm
Anyway. Enough of the stuff about hair and politics. Let’s get back to the matter at hand – Donadea Forest Park. We were there today. €13 per head to visit Santa – don’t bring kids with more than one head. Queues no longer than three families at three (tree?) today. “Gifts” worth about a fiver but that’s not bad these days. Excellent choice of Yule trees – wrapped in netting for ease of transport. Ducks demanding double rations – the cold weather probably, and/or benchmarking.
Best things: Entrance to the park free for the festive season. Everyone friendly (but that’s normal).
Worst things: Damned cold. Better after dark with the lights hung from the trees. Crappy music. Coffee still gank (yeah, I forgot my own advice and had one).
Dan Sullivan said,
December 17, 2007 at 1:52 pm
Got myself an audience ticket for Q & A tonight, not planning a visit to the hair doctor though, that might be a mistake.
Sarah said,
December 17, 2007 at 3:17 pm
Those fecken ducks. So aggressive. They were chasing us for the bread. I hadn’t done an official santy visit before so was pretty appalled at €13 per head charge (and we had brought a niece and nephew for a visit so eeek €52.)
However atmosphere was great and we got a lovely tree and went for the hot chocolates, which were a bit watery but the children loved them. The dogs caused problems for poor J who has never recovered from being terrorised by them on our walks last year. But other than that – hell of a lot better than some shopping centre hell.
Dan Sullivan said,
December 18, 2007 at 3:43 am
Should have seen the hair doctor, how much of a mullet was that!