Clowns give circus cultural status

THE red noses in Leinster House weren’t just confined to the Dáil bar yesterday.

And Ireland's involvement in the Euro 2008 bid wasn't the only farcical aspect of the political scene.

As the denizens of Dáil Éireann clowned around inside, Fossett's Circus came to town and were celebrating their elevation to the status of an art form.