Politicians hog sporting glory without giving financial graft

Charlie and his appearances on the Champs Elysee in 1987 and at Rome’s Stadio Olimpico three years later, writes Brendan O’Brien. 

Bertie and his Bowl. Minister Shane Ross gurning for a picture with the Six Nations trophy last month. Taoiseach Leo Varadkar sporting his red scarf at Thomond Park on Saturday afternoon.

Our politicians have long cottoned on to the benefits of a personal attachment to high-profile sporting stories, but the interest from our public representatives wasn’t nearly so devotional last week when there was a noticeable absence of fanfare and media interest. Committee Room 2 had been booked for a session of the Joint Committee on Transport, Tourism, and Sport.