Bertie boxing clever with opponents as round one ends in big hug

IF Bertie Ahern had been drawn to the boxing ring, as opposed to the soccer pitch, he’d have hugged the other boxer to death. There’s nothing like a committed clinch for pinning an opponent’s arms to his side and preventing him from thumping you.

The minute the bell rang on the first round with the Committee of 16, it was inevitable he’d want to give them a squeeze. As soon as they began dancing and feinting, he embraced their principles and approved of their intentions. Clasping them to his chest, he promised to address their desire for a backbench committee at this week’s Parliamentary Party meeting.

On the face of it, hugging 16 ratty backbenchers would seem harder than hugging one minister, but in fact, the Taoiseach had it easy this past week.