WHAT a bombshell and not a blonde one Geoghegan Quinn's announcement of her retirement at the next election was greeted with sheer incredulity. Most of us in here last week had heard that she had been very upset when the news about her son broke, but around the corridors, Moire was her usual self. She didn't in any way give us a clue about her impending exercise. Even those close to her were unaware of what was to happen.
As regards reaction to her decision, most of us accept that the newspaper reports had been the last straw for her. There is no doubt that her departure certainly solved a number of problems and will allow a number of people to rest that bit easier (not that Maire would ever before have made it easy for her opponents).
Firstly, her colleagues in Galway West, particularly in Fianna Fail, will be happy in the knowledge that their positions are relatively secure. Even Bobby Molloy, despite his kind words on RTE's News at One will be happier.
Secondly, Bertie Ahern must believe that all his Christmases have come at once. While matters in the Fianna Fail party had settled down over the last while, there is no doubt, had Moire remained on in the event of a poor general election result, knives would have been out and Maire would be leading the charge. With Moire gone, Bertie is now in complete command.
Drapier is particularly surprised that Maire has decided at this juncture to go. With all the predictions pointing to a Fianna Fail government, undoubtedly, Maire would have been an extremely significant part of that government. Also, there was always the possibility in the future that Maire would have ultimately fulfilled what was her often stated ambition: to be the first woman Taoiseach. Indeed, she made this assertion just two or three months ago.
All of that is gone now and much speculation surrounds Maire's intentions for the future.
A LOT of the most recent speculation would suggest that Maire had her eye on Europe, whether as a future Commissioner or, more probably, as a member of the European Parliament where she could join her old friend Pat The Cope Gallagher. Moire has dampened down the speculation, though there are still some around who have nagging doubts. Conspiracy theories are the life blood of Leinster House.
All in all, whatever one's views on Mire, she is a huge loss to Irish politics. She exuded confidence and professionalism, typified by her handling of the hepatitis C issue.
While her going was greeted with the usual complimentary remarks, there were a number of discordant notes.
One was the way in which some sections of the media questioned whether the reason given was a sufficient one. Drapier would say that type of cynicism is similar to that shown by those who published the story about Maire's son in the first place.
The second disappointing moment was the reported remarks from Maire's old boss Charlie Haughey. He was reported to have made some very unkind and unworthy remark. Haughey apparently rang Maire subsequently to deny the reports.
Drapier was always aware that there was no love lost between the two of them, and if Haughey did make these remarks there must have been an element of "getting his own back" on Moire who, years back, told Haughey to his face that the people of Galway West did not want to see his photograph on the Fianna Fail posters. Also, Geoghegan-Quinn's role in Haughey's downfall could have been an element.
Bertie moved with unusual speed to fill the vacancy. He used the situation to shuffle a few in his pack. Joe Walsh was ill at ease in social welfare and his move to agriculture must be a relief to him (and others). The promotion of Jim McDaid will be universally welcome. Thinking of his trouble early in his career (when the PDs put their evil eye on him), it all seems now so infantile. He was most unfairly treated then, but he was deemed to be expendable by the "mould breakers" in their efforts to turn the screw on Haughey. Now, Berties's recognition of him is just reward.
The most interesting promotion is Brian Cowen to health. One could never say he had the Florence Nightingale touch, but he will have his work cut out to placate all the various lobbies and, at the same time, go head to head with Noonan.
Drapier's advice to him is to "take a leaf out of Moire Geoghegan Quinn's book she wiped the floor with Noonan over the hepatitis C issue. Quite a number of people were disbelieving as regards the general depression among deputies regarding recent events. For instance, even Michael Lowry's most ardent political enemies showed him sympathy.
The general glum demeanour of deputies is genuinely illustrated by the fact that quite a number of the respected figures of the Dail are "getting out". The inability of all the political parties to entice good candidates is proof positive that radical change is needed.
PEOPLE like Drapier and others can say we told you so with some justification. Drapier and all his colleagues admit that they are "fairgame" but none of us can tolerate interference with our family. Nor do we claim that we are whiter than white. We are human like anyone else, and are prepared to take the consequences if we err.
What Drapier and most of his colleagues cannot stomach is the constant carping by certain sections of the politically correct media who belittle the standard of Irish politics, while at the same time using every opportunity to sell their paper and programmes by trying to pull down each and every one of us.
There is much demand for change in the defamation laws. Drapier noticed something last weekend which brought home to him how different papers address the situation. The Sunday Business Post published a photograph by Tony O'Shea of the demonstration of the Bus Workers' Action Group showing protesters holding placards one of which, referring to a former minister, included the words "hypocrite, swindler and cheat". However, The Irish Times, the previous day, published a different photograph taken by Joe St Leger, of the same scene, with the same placard blanked out. Maybe before there is reform of the defamation laws, there should be uniformity.
Speculation still mounts about a general election. Drapier hears that we are due to sit late into the night all of next week. This would suggest to Drapier that an election his not too far away. If we continue to sit late in the weeks ahead, the odds will shorten on an early election.