Politicians send usual cards to warm the heart

The Minister of State at the Department of Transport, Mr Ivor Callely, has taken to his new role with gusto by using transport as the theme for this year's Christmas card.

Mr Callely's card contains a photograph of the Minister and his family at the Fry Model Railway Museum in Malahide.

The extended caption praises the museum and goes on to say: "Ivor believes it is vital that our nation's capital has in place an efficient public transport system that allows people to commute in the shortest possible time, allows industry to prosper and allows tourism to develop."

Most Irish politicians opt for Christmas cards showing local scenes or supporting local charities. This year's card from the President, Mrs McAleese, is a festive photograph of Áras an Uachtaráin at night time.

Mrs McAleese's spokeswoman said the President had an extensive Christmas card list.

The Taoiseach is keeping costs down by using the same card as last year, Mr Ahern's spokeswoman said. The card has an image of the crib at Dublin's Pro-Cathedral and contains a bilingual message of good wishes for Christmas and the New Year.

The Dublin Lord Mayor, Cllr Michael Conaghan, is sending a card which contains a 1939 image of the Mansion House, complete with vintage cars parked outside.

Schoolchildren in Cork will be providing a picture for the cards sent by the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment, Mr Martin. The Cork politician usually asks local children to provide a drawing for his card.

The Green Party office sends UNICEF cards, while TDs organise their own cards. A spokesman said the party encouraged members to support caring organisations, recycling and fair trade.

The British Prime Minister found himself in hot water last Christmas when the Blairs' private card was published by newspapers. The card, which included a family photograph, sparked claims that Mr Blair was using his children for publicity purposes. Fears were expressed also that terrorists could identify the children. The official card contained a photograph of Mr and Mrs Blair only.

President George Bush and his wife, Laura, will send over two million Christmas cards this year.