Why, Quidnunc wonders, did Hugh O'Flaherty choose The Last Word for his much anticipated interview on Wednesday, since Eamon Dunphy has been running the most vigorous and vitriolic campaign against his appointment since day one. Because, said a source, the Taoiseach, Bertie Ahern, had chosen this programme for his comments over the phone from the EU summit in Portugal the previous day and happened to mention that O'Flaherty might do a similar interview. O'Flaherty had no intention until then of speaking, but took Ahern's remark literally. It was as simple as that, said the source, and when told of Dunphy's attitude (far stronger than that of other broadcasters), O'Flaherty replied that maybe then it was best to face him. Ursula Halligan of TV3 got the interview because she was outside the house at the right time.
Meanwhile, RTE ranted and raved to no avail, although, despite her anger at the station which led to the couple's general boycott, Kay O'Flaherty went on Marian Finucane. The O'Flahertys are believed to be feeling isolated and do not understand the public reaction.