Kenny was victim of satirical ‘ambush’ in Leitrim

FINE Gael leader Enda Kenny was the victim of a satirical ambush on Tuesday night as he addressed supporters in county Leitrim.

At his speech in Carrick-on-Shannon, which was the “prior engagement” Mr Kenny claimed was the reason he could not take part in the TV3 leaders debate, the Fine Gael leader was heckled for several minutes by a bearded man who identified himself as “Bobby,” an unemployed road sweeper from Finglas, Dublin.

Shouting down the function room of the Bush Hotel towards Mr Kenny, ‘Bobby’ said he could smell it from here,” referring to the Fine Gael leader’s answers to audience questions.

Referring to politicians as “watery buffoons” and “a bunch of muppets,” the heckler berated Mr Kenny for not taking part in the TV3 debate.

“You came in here thinking everything would be cosy for you. You don’t really perform well with debate. You’re like a cardboard...”, he added.

“Bobby” was shouted at by some of those at the meeting.

“I’m not violent and your heavies are now surrounding me looking to remove me. Enda, it’s very clear that you’ve performed badly for a decade when those other two muppets, those Fianna Fáil [people]. The country is in tatters and you come down here...all I want to hear is an answer to my questions.”

‘Bobby’ claimed his father was in hospital awaiting treatment and the economic downturn had forced a sister to emigrate to Hungary.

Eventually, after nearly 10 minutes, he left the building. A friend, who identified himself as an election candidate in Finglas, named later, came back at the close of the event and apologised, saying ‘Bobby’ “was going through a difficult period.”

The Cllr Terry Ghusto website yesterday carried an apology for the incident and added “in light of recent events, I’ve given Bobby the rest of the week off as my campaign manager.”

In reality, the pair are believed to be satirists who were also involved in a mock interview of TDs entering Leinster House on Budget Day last December, where a sex aid was used to mimic a microphone. The pair have also taken part in other satirical protests at the Dáil to highlight the Corrib gas issue.

Last night it emerged no candidate named ‘Terry Ghusto” is registered to run in Dublin North West. On his website he states he will be taking part in more political hustings events.