Getting closer to the source

THE Saturday Irish Times political column, Drapier, was referred to during lighthearted exchanges on the Order of Business.

Addressing the Taoiseach on the Government benches Mr Michael McDowell (PD, Dublin South East) suggested that the people behind Mr Bruton, "who write Drapier every week", should declare an interest.

Amid laughter, Mr Bruton said: "I have been wondering for years who was writing Drapier."

The Taoiseach said: "I am very grateful that I have at last found a journalist who is prepared to disclose his sources."

The reference to The Irish Times column occurred during exchanges between the Taoiseach and Mr McDowell relating to the PD deputy's regular contributions to the Sunday Independent.