Jean Costelloe, Cabinet Host
The "Cabinet table" is a phrase that has come to mean more than just a large wooden object with four sturdy legs. It signifies a place where public policy is discussed. But when the Cabinet goes on tour, the physical reality of the table becomes an issue. That's what Jean Costelloe discovered when she was planning the hospitality for next week's Cabinet meeting in the former home of Charles Stewart Parnell, at Avondale, in Rathdrum, Co Wicklow. Cabinet experts decided that the table in Parnell's library, where the meeting is to be held, was "a bit too small".
To avoid bruised ministerial elbows and knees, the Office of Public Works came to the rescue. "They have had to lend us a table for the meeting," says Costelloe. Its arrival will complete weeks of preparation to spruce up the house for the biggest event Avondale has hosted in the decade that Costelloe has managed it. "It's a great coup for us and for Rathdrum," Costelloe says. Alongside the prestige came a lot of preparation. The house does not have broadband, for example, so extra telephone lines have been installed.
The Cabinet is visiting to mark the 400th anniversary of Wicklow's designation as a county. The ministerial fleet will begin rolling up the drive on Wednesday morning, along with the security detail and the media. Each has been assigned a parking area, and the Burcos will be ready with freshly boiled water for tea and coffee.
"We've repainted the hall door and freshened up the front of the house. In the last few days we will be dusting, hoovering and polishing like mad. We will be open until 5pm the day before. Unfortunately, we have to close the house to the public on the day of the meeting. We had hoped to keep part of it open, but it would be difficult to keep an eye on everybody."
Costelloe and her staff will begin Wednesday by checking for missed smears on the windows or a chair out of line. After a last polish of the newly- installed Cabinet table, all will be ready.
In conversation with Catherine Cleary.