A new generation’s first lesson in politics: this government is a joke

OH, the school around the corner’s not the same — and won’t be again after the niggardly and miserly action by Minister for Education Noel Dempsey in removing the largesse of lord mayors and the odd bishop of giving a half day to primary and secondary school pupils.

For the last 83 years the Lords Mayor of Cork carried on a tradition of visiting schools after their election and giving the kids a half day.

It was probably their first sighting of a politician at first hand and the release from school for a couple of hours left them with a good impression of the breed, at least for a few tender years.