Our delegation to Pyongyang - TDs’ flight of fancy almost defies satire

The meek are promised that they shall inherit the earth. That distracting, deferred consolation, though of ever more questionable value, may transpire. 

However, it is unlikely that any of those fairly described as meek might have a successful career in politics while they wait for that particular glory train to arrive. Like many human endeavours, the profession of politics requires a robustness of self-esteem that very few can summon or sustain. Or tolerate.

Thankfully, there are politicians of conviction but there also those whose vanity is a dominant, unshakeable trait. Every now and then one of these Icarus figures renews the relevance of that laughably puffed-up warning: “It (The Skibbereen Eagle) will still keep its eye on the Emperor of Russia and all such despotic enemies — whether at home or abroad.” It is coincidental that the Emperor of Russia and his family met their grim fate at Ipatiev House a decade after that shot across his bows left West Cork. Any suggestion the paper, for all its charms, influenced seismic events century ago seems an over-reach on a par with the suggestion that three minor Irish politicians, each virtually unknown outside their constituency bubble, might travel to North Korea on what has been described as a “peace mission”.