Politicians just don’t get how normal people live

IT was almost easy to feel sorry for him. When one sharp stab drew the blood from his thick neck and the Bull finally fell, the excruciating pain could be felt through the circle of seats around the Dáil fighting ring.

Even the greatest aficionados of the blood sport that is politics sunk into their chairs, covered their faces and watched through their fingers.

The heroic Eamon Gilmore, who displayed all the style, bravery and skill of a matador was slightly apologetic and uncomfortable with his victorious sacrifice of the sacred bull.