The Minister for Housing, Bobby Molloy, was well received at the annual conference of the Institute of Professional Auctioneers and Valuers in Bunratty, Co Clare last weekend despite concern about recent legislation on their industry and despite telling them that he bought his first house without any agency. It came about thus. When he and his wife Phyllis were first married, they were looking for a house in Galway. An acquaintance told him he was selling his. How much? asked Bobby. £10,000 said the vendor. They settled on £9,500. Bobby arrived home with the good news - they had a house. How many bedrooms? asked Phyllis. Don't know, said Bobby. Has it central heating? Don't know.
The professionals loved his story. He then went on to bid during the charity auction for a sheep which was displayed by photograph. He didn't get it.