Trouble and strife as Harney goes Rabbitte hunting

WITH her Cabinet old man Bertie Ahern barely out of the country, Mary Harney last night unleashed another bout of shameless political flirting towards an opposition leader.

In November, while the Taoiseach was safely away on business in the Balkans, the Tánaiste casually trashed her partner in Government of eight years in a bid to tempt Fine Gael’s Enda Kenny into a post-election union.

On that occasion, the brooding Mayo man made it clear he would be having none of her come-ons.

Having finally got that message - perhaps Fine Gael’s Olwyn Enright put a sisterly arm around Ms Harney and told her straight: “Look, Mary, he’s just not that into you” - she moved on.

Before the Taoiseach even touched down in India yesterday, the Tánaiste had new political prey to snare as Pat Rabbitte was caught helpless in her oncoming headlights.

With Bertie heading for Bangalore, the field was clear for policy eyelash fluttering from the Tánaiste as she set the Labour leader in her sights.

She spoke of unnamed people (herself?) “falling out of love with the Government” and how there was really little difference between Mr Ahern and his Labour counterpart.

Mr Rabbitte was not convinced by the charm offensive, or as he would probably see it, offensive charm, and Fianna Fáilers muttered darkly Ms Harney may now be the creature they most fear - a woman with a mind of her own.

It was the second rebuff in as many months for Harney.

Mr Kenny’s studied uninterest in Ms Harney’s charms is reminiscent of Pride and Prejudice’s other hero, Mr Bennet, and his withering put down: “My dear, you have delighted us long enough!”

A feeling that may also be gaining favour with poor old cuckolded Bertie.

Maybe he’ll finally snap at the Bangalore airport bookshop and bring back the current self-help best seller for his restless deputy - It’s Called A Break-Up Because It’s Broken.