The summer season was truly on us with the kiteflying about our electoral system by Noel Dempsey. Yet again he gave us the benefit of his views on electoral reform.
He expressed his personal view that we could do with a reduction of 50 to 60 TDs, the balance being elected by a different system from the present.
Drapier's view is that rather than constantly talking about this he should perhaps bite the bullet (if he feels so strongly about it), and put forward the necessary changes.
On the other hand, what he was suggesting would go down well with the "thinking" media, who over the years have invariably suggested that we have "far too many TDs".
While it is true that TDs in a constituency fall over each other trying to help constituents, that type of competitive edge may work in favour of the constituent, and any change might be counterproductive.
Noel Dempsey is right that TDs spend too much time looking after the more menial tasks requested by constituents.
But, then again, Noel Dempsey is himself a dab hand at working the present system, which is shown by his constantly solid vote at election time.
It is safe to say that this type of suggestion will bring as many opinions as there are TDs.
Drapier was somewhat surprised that the Labour spokespersons were vehemently opposed to the proposal, given that the more intelligent (in their own opinion) commentators have advocated a reduction in TD numbers over the years.
Drapier would have thought that, true to form, Labour would have cravenly followed that sort of attitude.
Labour were blinded by their own view that Fianna Fail were at it again, in that Fianna Fail had tried twice before - and failed - to change the system.
That there can be so many opinions on this issue was well illustrated by the diametrically opposed views expressed by two of the Green Party's representatives, who were obviously more interested in breathlessly running to the media to give us the benefit of their views than with checking out the party position.
John Gormley gave the proposals a broad welcome, whereas Patricia McKenna called them "an outrageous attack" on the existing system.
Gormley even went as far as stating that Dempsey was receiving support from the Green Party, obviously not checking with at least one of his own.
In view of the fact that the Green Party is at sixes and sevens on this one, is it any wonder that some of the bigger parties are not rushing to comment?
Drapier considers it laudable that TDs are not "messengers" for constituents, and in a perfect world that might be the case.
But we don't have a perfect world, and the fact is that constituents go in droves to TDs' clinics, and in doing so point to the fact that there is a need in this regard. Without TDs, who would they go to?
Of course, it could be said that they should be going to the various State authorities, but they are not going there at the moment. They would rather bend their local TD's ear.
All in all, Drapier cannot see much movement on this, and feels that Dempsey may have achieved what he set out to do, that is getting a few headlines in a relatively quiet week.
Quiet it surely was at the Flood tribunal. Despite all the dire warnings, there were no bombshells against Bertie Ahern from his former colleague. Indeed, Ray Burke in his evidence made us believe that his meeting with the Taoiseach in a Swords pub on the night of the by-election was a more cordial affair.
For some reason Burke, though he might have felt the urge, did not put a spanner in the works of the Government.
The Telecom share sale of the century has been extremely successful, and no better woman than Mary O'Rourke to bask in the credit.
Many commentators said the matter was handled well, but why wouldn't it be when everyone, including the Government, was in a "win win" situation.
On the other hand, Mary is well able to wash her hands of any difficult problems. For instance, the ongoing industrial unrest in the train network is causing severe difficulty to commuters, but with no apparent response from the Minister. Again, when postal charges for certain packages are dramatically increased, Mary cannot be found for a comment, other than to say that it is nothing to do with her.
But the reality is that she is responsible for the postal service as well.
The debate in the House of Commons on Wednesday on the Way Forward proposals brought together again to their natural home the Conservative and Unionist parties.
Drapier was reminded of how, when he was prime minister, John Major always insisted on referring to his party as the Conservative and Unionist Party.
Major's intervention in the Commons debate might normally be seen as inappropriate, but so sensitive is the position that Blair and his government must be seen to at least consider what he had to say.
David Trimble must have been bolstered by the comments of many of the Conservatives who rode in behind his position.
And with Jeffrey Donaldson coming out on Tuesday night vehemently against the proposals, it was "curtains" for the new executive.
All efforts on Wednesday proved unsuccessful, and thereafter it was a matter of damage limitation by Blair and Ahern.
Drapier thinks we were so close to a historic breakthrough that it would be unthinkable if the process were to go backwards.
Another manifestation of the summer "silly season" being upon us is a number of articles suggesting there are no moves against John Bruton's leadership.
After local and European elections where Fine Gael were lucky to at least stand still, and with Fianna Fail gaining extra local authority seats, it is being suggested that Fine Gael, under Bruton's leadership, would never make an electoral impact.
These stories would have died a death but for the untimely intervention by none other than Michael Ring who, while pledging full support for Bruton's leadership, strongly urged him to reshuffle the Fine Gael front bench on the basis that they were somewhat jaded.
Drapier feels it fairly laudable that Ring should exhort Bruton to make changes, but wonders should Ring "declare an interest". Surely he wasn't making a play for one of the top positions?
