The most beautiful room in Leinster House, the Seanad chamber, was this week compared to a toilet by one senator, Joe O'Toole, and a public institution by another, Maurice Manning. The kerfuffle arose because Senator Pascal Mooney was worried that ministers addressing the house were not seen at their best on television because of the glare from the two windows behind the Cathaoirleach's chair.
The obliging house authorities then covered the glass with cling film, which banished the glare but also the view of the outdoors.
"It's as if we are in the valley of the squinting windows; we are afraid people might look in," said Senator O'Toole. The committee on Procedure and Privilege then waded in and decided the coverings had to go. Obviously, quipped one bemused observer, glare could be tolerated in the interests of openness and transparency.