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The Most Convincing Defence of the Taoiseach’s Pay Rise, “I’m Poverty Stricken”
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Harry has it and I must say my heart breaks when I read it.
And on the topic, do not forget Dig Out Day.
Update: Harry and the headline writers have a bit of a field day on this one (course it is all the media’s fault, if the would print the story then he would forego the increase). To be honest there is a deep urge to feel bloody angry at the man for claiming poverty when poverty is still a serious problem for many in this country. That is my own personal political standpoint, open to contestation but the idea that someone earning 300,000+ a year is poverty stricken is absolutely mad.
TAOISEACH Bertie Ahern remarkably claimed yesterday he was “poverty-stricken” compared with other world leaders as he lacked a yacht, a butler and a summer palace.
It reads like such a parody that I had to look up the original to convince myself that he really said it. He said it.
Bertie has always used comparatives because he hasn’t an original thought in his head. When he says he’s “poverty stricken”, it is a statement of his comparative situation.
He may have no yacht, but he has the Gulf Stream & Helicopter; he has the Butlers (Celia & his script writers/advisors/PR staff, etc.) & he has the Summer Palace (Farmleigh).
Bertie – like Don Charleone, his idol & mentor, late of that parish – also has cronies that he has enriched, who will lob in the interest-free loan to pay off the discarded wife – or the odd £30,000 – when he is feeling the pinch.
And, as he eats off the hog, in the Duke of Leinster’s lavish dining room; and spends a significant part of the year abroad – all on expenses, he must be able to save most of his €730 per week.
It is also probable that even his imported English Bass is paid for by well wishers in North Dublin – and his tickets to rugby matches etc. are probably also gifted.
But the Sultan of Brunei pays himself billions annually, so, comparatively speaking, he is “poverty stricken” and we, the over-taxed citizens, instead of complaining about his perfectly truthful statement, albeit a stupid one, should have a whip-around and give him a leg up.
Poor sod, one has to feel sorry for him. All wind and water, like the Barber’s Cat!
Does anyone know if the questions and answers from the Dail are available for podcast anywhere?
I dont think they are actually J. I think you can “watch back” the events on the Dail website though.
Dig Out Day seems to have dug out.
I made an error. Bertie takes €7,300 per week from the taxpayers, not €730.
And the original quote should have been “All wind and piss, like the barber’s cat”.
It reads better than the censored version.