The Panel: Fergus Finlay (worthy beard), Marc Coleman (idiot), Dick Roche (The Cat that Creamed itself), Alison O'Connor (SBP), Some FG nobody (more details when my mind will retain them).
We've spun around the table, asking our Big Thinkers what will come of us all now we can't bank with Lehman Brothers any more.
But after a selection of bromides (including the sight of Marc Coleman explaining that when he published a book called "The Best Is Yet To Come", he was predicting this crash) we've hit Hurricane Dick blowing hard.
Marc Coleman tells us now that (a) he is a stupid journalist and (b) Brian Lenihan is a good minister. This is known as a self licking lollipop.
ARRH! Young Fine Gael Student allowed to masquerade as normal member of the public. It is a painful fact that the audience on Question and Answers provides the most awful, cringing moments.
An audience member is very disappointed with the government. He will wear absurd facial hair as a protest.
Dick Roche says we have an excellent public service, but it has pockets of cosseting. They do sound very comfy. I imagine them surrounded by cotton wool and sheepskin.
The Minister pleads that we do not accuse him of saying something he hasn't said. I can't imagine there is anything he hasn't said. The words are billowing out of him.
It's the Lisbon Treaty again! Ah, he has divined the true meaning of the No vote. It is a job for the Political Community to put the shoulder to the wheel and role it over those voters.
Dick Roche has decided to aggregate all the voters of all referenda held in every country, to show that when collected up they count as a Yes. So that's us told.
Alison O'Connor is telling us that, while running a second vote might be undemocratic, it might be for the best nonetheless.
Marc Coleman has just described himself as 'We the elites'. I have previously been unfair to Cheryl from Girls Aloud- I now know what genuine dumb sounds like.
Marc Coleman's Wikipedia page points out "He is known for his modesty"
The blueshirt looks a bit like a young Brendan Howlin.
The fast flowing zip of conversation, the back and forth, the clash of wits. All that has now ended. The FG pinstripe is talking.
Comrade Ganley... that might stick!
Fergus Finlay was told he was bonkers by Charlie McCreevy, we now discover.
More Shell to Sea time to shout. As bad as the YFG's really. But John has not cut him off yet. Oooops I spoke too soon!
Sigh. I hope his kayak springs a leak.
Elephant enters room - they must be hiding them in Mayo. Oh Dick is doing his 'I believe' speech.
How many acolytes has Marc 'modest' Coleman brought with him tonight?
He has actually said he believes that children are our future.
treat them well and they'll vote yes....
waits for Marc to say PD's are gone cos they wanted God removed from constitution...
Fergus Finlay will not mourn the passing of the PDs. Alison suggests that without PDs we won't have the extra choices- now we only have FF or FG. A strangely truncated spectrum of political opinion.
Marc Coleman must be auditioning for a Daily Irish Mail column. He's against the 'King's Shilling'. He's in favour of God in the Constitution. He's railing against D4 elites.
And he's the new leader of the reborn Freedom Institute!
Dick is narrowing his eyes, emphasising with his hands. He must be about to emit a platitude.
Question asker makes meaningless contribution
That is a standard comment which can be reused at any moment about any Q&A questioner.
Alert alert a young PD in the audience! Save him now as a museum piece!
Ireland's last PD now on the screen. He has decided to grapple with Marc Coleman- his mental equal.
The first ad is from the HSE, urging us to look after our mental health. They clearly know that watching these exchanges can only do us harm.
decrinkled wrinkles - you learn something new every day!
An ad for a car with a song of profound unmusicality. It sounds as though it was transliterated from some slavic language.
And we're back!
Next Up: Do we need a Children's rights referendum?
As we know Dick will say they (childer) are a good thing and our future.
Mammy O'Rourke gets honourable mention!
The FGer is Keiran O'Donnell (Deputy) Spokesman on Finance. This big gun is now explaining how laws work.
Dick doesn't want another referendum! Not without consensus - that's FF consent he means!
Minister tells us what we realise in Ireland. I've been going through the day not knowing that I realise this at all. I am a failed citizen.
Children's Rights are a good thing according to the Minister. He agrees with Fergus that it's a good thing.
Minister Dick Roche, professional politician, warns us against playing politics with the issue of a referendum.
Waiting breathless for Marc Coleman's commentary on this!
Fergus playing the card of children having been abused under the care of the state. Of course, he's stuck pointing out the past failings to start. The world is easier to see in black and white when its far back in time.
Marc hasn't a clue so agrees with Fergus Finlay. I'm devastated even though I agree with Finlay!
I'm guessing that Marc will assure us that this is exactly what he was predicting all along. Without being in any way specific. I once heard Marc Coleman give his definition of what Keynesian economics was. It bruised my forehead. From my own slapping.
We have to complain about the trade description of that as a second half!! 7 minutes!
Wow! So, rather more abruptly than might have been expected, our first visit to Q&A land ends.
Special thanks to Suzy Byrne of Maman Poulet, who joined half way through.
Suzy Byrne
Fergal Crehan
Simon McGarr
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