Well Read

Labour‘s new literacy plan is making steady, if slow, progress. But Eamon Gilmore’s mastering of The Gruffalo puts him well ahead of the Fianna Fáil and Sinn Féin press offices, judging by two releases that landed on news desks yesterday.

FF: “More gimmericky from Fine Gael.”

SF: “Sinn Féin to general election manifesto launch tomorrow.”

Back to school, lads.

Bald Ambition

A comparison of posters from the last few elections paints a vivid picture of the toll political life has taken on Micheál Martin. He has moved from the fringes in more ways than one. Still, as the former Minister for Enterprise will appreciate; one man’s worry is another’s business opportunity.

Say What

Does Fianna Fáil’s John Curran have a point when he accused Fine Gael of arrogance? True or not, John might be advised to let them at it, for the party’s growing confidence seems to be manifesting itself in an unusual brand of honesty.

Leo Varadkar, pictured, was first to step up at yesterday’s press conference turned confessional: “I’m not somebody who’s a natural canvasser. I probably shouldn’t be in politics at all. I’m not really a people’s person at all.”

Michael Noonan had another gear on Today with Pat Kenny: “Sure all politicians are spoofers.”

Tomorrow from Upper Mount Street: Five Point Plan? Nah, that was just some figary Enda dreamed up while he was in hiding last week.