"Charles J Haughey wanted to transform Temple Bar into Ireland's West Bank". This, the Taosieach Bertie Ahern last May according to De Little Book of Bertie by Will Hanafin- a collection of the Taoiseach's confused and amusing utterances. The publisher, Merlin, proclaims that Bertie is never a man to be decisive when he has a chance to be vague. Examples include:
"In political life you have a hassle period of of some difficulties. I'm niether separated nor the best family man in the world. I'm in between"- 1991
"I don't think it helps people to start throwing white elephants and red herrings at each other " - 1994.
" If hindsight were foresight, there wouldn't be a problem" - 2000
" I give equal credit and equal blame to Charles Haughey's role, and I stand over those things " - 2000
" I would have stronger views than most people". - 1998
" The only things I have in my wallet are the Francis Xavier Novena of Grace Prayer and Programme and the Man Utd fixture list". - 1998.
The final section is the World According to Celia. Example: "Discipline, control and balance are the keys to good shopping, and good shopping is an acquired skill." - Irish Mirror, May 2000.
Indeed, Celia Larkin appears to be expanding her image consultancy. She has lodged a planning application to Dublin Corporation for change of use of a retail unit on Drumcondra Road to a beauty salon.