An interesting exchange in the Dáil on Wednesday between Brendan Howlin, the Minister for Public Reform and Mary Lou McDonald, Sinn Féin deputy leader.

Mary Lou was trying to tackle Brendan on the issue of reducing the gilt-edged pensions of certain high ranking civil servants.

The Minister indicated he had taken legal advice and this was not feasible.

“If you have a pain in your neck with me raising this with you week after week and month after month, publish the advice and let’s have a look,” suggested the deputy for Dublin Central.

“Ooh, the deputy would never give me a pain in the neck,” smarmed Brendan.

“I’m sooo relieved” dripped Mary Lou.

Whereupon the Minister elaborated: “That’s not

the part of the anatomy that’s affected at all...”