MENTION POLITICAL tents being erected during the summer and the images that immediately spring to mind involve the Galway Races and Fianna Fáil.
But the tented village erected by the political rulers not only changed venues from Ballybrit but to the heart of Dublin, it also went some distance to address the negative connotations people have about politicians and about the Irish system of parliamentary democracy.
For the second year running, Ceann Comhairle John O’Donoghue opened the gates of Leinster House to the wider public this weekend for the annual Houses of the Oireachtas family days.
And the Leinster House lawn was transformed into a vibrant tented village, with hundreds of colourful flags, where thousands of visitors were able to partake in dozens of activities, tours and lectures.
The tickets, which were issued free a number of weeks ago, were snapped up within 24 hours. And over the two days this weekend, some 8,000 filed through the gates to enjoy all that Leinster House and its gardens has to offer, including the unusual phenomenon of unbroken sunshine.
Visitors could tour the Dáil and Seanad chambers and the corridors of power of the 17th-century mansion. They could also listen to historical speeches (delivered by students at the Gaiety School of Acting), view a photo exhibition commemorating the 90th anniversary of Dáil Éireann, and enjoy a large number of other activities including brass bands, music events, face-painting, strolling players, and a children’s parliament.
Some 40 of the 220 TDs and Senators (mostly Dublin-based) also made appearances over the course of the weekend, including new TD George Lee, who was mobbed by the crowds.
Ever present for the weekend was the Ceann Comhairle, who patiently and with good humour autographed copies of the 1916 Proclamation for children, whose attendance was very much up compared to last year.
“It has been a spectacular success. The big difference this year is that there are a far greater number of children here,” said Mr O’Donoghue “I don’t think it’s just down to the entertainment. I think that it’s down to the fact that parents have become more conscious of the event and they recognise the importance of initiating their children in the democratic process.”
Mr O’Donoghue said that of the thousands of people he had met nobody had engaged with him about the performance of the Government or of individual politicians.
“There was a larger picture here about them having their own free and independent parliament and having the opportunity of visiting it and bringing their children here.”
Mr O’Donoghue said he was chastened to read the results of a survey conducted soon after he became Ceann Comhairle that showed that very few people knew what went on within the gates of Leinster House. He said that he began a communications strategy that included visits to schools, outreach officers, as well as this annual event. He said that 8,000 did not seem like many but that in a small society like Ireland, news travels, and the benefit of this event was inestimable.