Icelandic ash robs opposition of first victory in 13 years

WHEN the Dáil attendance record was changed to accommodate TDs who could not turn up because of the Icelandic ash cloud, the deputies argued the correction was incidental.

But there would have been consequences if the reality reflected the record.

The Ceann Comhairle, Seamus Kirk, allowed three Fine Gael TDs to appear present in the Dáil despite being grounded overseas. But had they been in the country they would have got more than a perfect attendance record — they would have delivered a majority for the opposition.