Norris lends support to Ballybunion bachelor party

THE G word raised a slightly embarrassed snigger in the upstairs room of a Dublin pub yesterday afternoon. Kerryman Frank Quilter was introducing Senator David Norris, who was there to promote the Ballybunion International Bachelor Festival used to be called the Gay Bachelor Festival, he said, way back in 1971.

But Senator Norris took the bait and the joke was on the Kerrymen. His last trip to Ballybunion was four years ago, to a councillors' conference, he said. "I think they thought I was some kind of fairy." And in broad Kerry tones he mimicked their offers of drink.

"But I proved I had as much testosterone, or whatever it is, as any of them." His drinking friends slid under the table, he said, and he made his exit.

Before the brief speeches, the photographers got their picture opportunity of the woman with a frog in her throat and a politician on each arm. Model Amanda Byram, whose pout is pictured three feet wide on posters advertising an alcoholic drink, was there to "try to convince bachelor members of Leinster House to abandon their way of life", according to the publicity.

Tony Gregory showed up. Green party TD Trevor Sargent stowed his fold up bicycle in a handy corner before posing manfully with Ms Byram. Were they the only bachelors Leinster House could offer? "The only ones who've declared it", Mr Sargent said darkly.

Unlike at the Rose of Tralee, there is no ban on single fathers at the Ballybunion event. "We have no qualms about an entrant as long as he doesn't have a wedding ring on his finger", said festival director Eleanor Walsh.

An excited "oh" went round the room as Ms Walsh announced the festival's Italian entrant, Mr Fabio Magilini. David Norris was even more enthusiastic. "Fabio sounds like a really mouth watering hunk", he said. "Maybe it's just as well I'm not going to be there."

Senator Norris said he did not qualify as a bachelor, or even a gay bachelor, as he's had a relationship for the last 21 years.

The festival runs from June 21st to June 30th.