Sign up to The Irish Times Archive (1859 - 2008)My Account »

DISCOMFORT ZONE:POLITICS IS a different kind of penance, but it’s still a mesmerising zone of discomfort for sinners throwing themselves upon the mercy of a greater power. Where my more normal line of work is concerned, that power is called the electorate – worshipped and loathed in fairly equal measures. Any TD will tell you that voters are far less benign and unforgiving than the deity who draws the crowds to Croagh Patrick on Reek Day, writes MIRIAM LORD

This is the compassionate god of the pamphlets thrust towards pilgrims by squads of religious leafleteers at the beginning and start of their journey. The god of the holy pictures – election leaflets of the Paradise party – on sale at the stalls, along with the Madonna and child bracelets, St Padre Pio earrings, and battery-operated Sacred Hearts.