THE PD Finance spokesman Michael McDowell, was apparently in fine form yesterday at the meeting of a Committee of Houses of the Oireachtas. It appears he was haranguing the chairman Jim O'Keeffe.

A fellow deputy remarked that McDowell, known for his ferocious debating style, was in "Rottweiler form". To which the redoubtable McDowell replied: "That's because you are in poodle form."

The lilting tones of Dessie O'Malley were then heard to remark: "More like a shihtzu."