Shhh... 53 Dáil ushers share €1m Easter Lotto win

BAD economic news has echoed through the corridors of power for months and it appeared nothing could bring cheer to Leinster House after last week’s horror budget.

But the gloom was lifted yesterday and cheery smiles could be seen on the faces of Oireachtas staff left behind to hold the fort while TDs and senators took off on their Easter holidays.

It wasn’t just because the Dáil and Seanad were not sitting and they had fewer grumpy politicians to deal with. The good news rumours circulated around lunchtime the 53 Dáil ushers were the lucky “Easter Millionaires” who won the e1 million in the special Lotto raffle at the weekend.

The news that they are to get around e20,000 each was welcomed after a week in which they witnessed one of the toughest budgets in the history of the State. It will be all the sweeter knowing that Finance Minister Brian Lenihan will not be able to get his hands on their cash, which comes tax-free.

“It’s not life-changing, but it’s certainly a huge boost,” said one usher on duty yesterday.

The ushers are the men and women who deliver post, guard the doors, bring glasses of water to TDs when they sit in the Dáil chamber, and guide school tours and visitors around the building.

“The fun will really start when we all start putting in for our holidays at the same time,” said one usher.

They will get their cheques a week from Friday — just the medicine they will need after a week of post-budget debate.

lThere were no winners of the e12m Lotto draw last night. Saturday’s jackpot is expected to be worth about e14m.