Bertie under pressure to buy Guinness pile

Pressure is mounting on Bertie to change his mind and buy the Guinness mansion Farmleigh. It is understood that the Office of Public Works is keen as mustard to acquire the property which is, after all, part of the Phoenix Park. However, the Taoiseach is believed to be indifferent about the purchase and has no plans to pack his bags in Drumcondra, certainly not before tomorrow's elections. There is more and more talk about Farmleigh being a Checquers-style residence both for the Taoiseach and visiting dignitaries. For once, the Government has the cash to buy what has to be the best house in Dublin. Meanwhile, given the huge interest in the Victorian pile, the Guinness family may well agree to open the property to public viewing in the coming weeks. If that happens, then the public might decide that it's too good to pass over. Over to you, Hugh Hamilton and Lord Andrew Hay, the joint selling agents.