SENATOR JILLIAN van Turnhout served her last day as chief executive of the Children’s Rights Alliance last Tuesday. To mark the occasion, her former colleagues presented her with a “Senate Survival Kit” full of essentials for busy members of the Upper House.

It included brown envelopes and Monopoly money (for tricky situations). Rose-tinted glasses were packed in the box alongside a packet of ear plugs and a book of great political speeches.

Nail files for use during boring contributions and a compact mirror for emergency lip repair were included on the cosmetic front, while Tunnocks Tea Cakes (by far the most favoured sweet snack in the Dáil canteen) “empowermints” and coffee were added for sustenance.

“I was cheered and touched by all the trouble they went to putting together the box and beautiful handmade card,” said Jillian, who is leader of the Seanad’s Independent Group (Taoiseach’s Nominees).