Dáil Sketch:Maybe we've been too hard on Bertie, bringer of the peace and keeper of the Celtic Tigger. He doesn't know what's hit him since he swept back into power for an unprecedented third term, the most popular Taoiseach in the history of the universe.
Look at things from his perspective: A decade of public service under his belt. Record employment figures. Longest serving prime minister in the EU and reigning Father of Europe.
Serial opener of boutique hotels and economic conferences. Indefatigable supplier of Bertieisms to a grateful nation. Book launcher supreme. Mr Everyman, grandfather to twins and a bloke's bloke that women adore.
It's been a marathon slog for him, but his focus and control have never wavered. Now, with the glorious end in sight, it's all going pear-shaped. He can't seem to do anything right.
He doesn't understand it. And he doesn't like it. He hasn't changed, so what has? This has led to the snappy, dismissive and occasionally daft performances he's been coming out with in the Dáil of late.
After his display on Tuesday, when he unwisely referred to his lack of holiday homes, yachts and jets for private use, Opposition deputies were going around Leinster House gleefully informing anyone who would listen: "Bertie's lost the plot."
Has he? He was more himself yesterday, sounding less irritated and put upon than usual. Maybe it was because the Opposition wasn't in attack mode - only a few fleeting references were made to his new salary.
There was a general air of lethargy in the air, as if all sides were taking a breather before the next battle breaks out.
"This Government is a bit like what Ronald Reagan said, 'It's like a baby's alimentary canal, it's got a huge appetite at one end and no responsibility at the other'," declared Indakinny, before bringing up Bertie's pay rise again.
To his credit, the Taoiseach refused to take the bait. Instead, he said the people who work in government department were marvellous workers doing an excellent job.
Labour deputy leader Joan Burton was standing in for Eamon Gilmore, who has had a family bereavement.
She wanted to talk about public transport - a topical issue, given the bus strike at the Harristown bus depot in Dublin.
Burton congratulated Bertie and his Ministers for getting into work "nice and clean and dry", unlike the thousands of Dubliners who had to walk.
"It's a rainy day out there, and lots of women like me, Taoiseach, are having a bad hair day today because there is no public transport."
In fairness to Joan, her hair looked lovely.
The Taoiseach happily reeled off all a long list of transport achievements, and then added that Minister for Finance Brian Cowen had earmarked over €34 billion for use in the area.
When matters moved from Leaders' Questions, the same Brian Cowen made his way to the seat beside his leader.
"Hi Brian," chirruped Bertie, as a glowering Biffo lowered himself into place.
Bertie tried again. "Mornin'!" he said brightly.
Biffo grunted. "Are y'all right, Tánaiste?" he continued to his slowly subsiding Minister for Finance. Another grunt.
Ahern battled on gamely, like a friendly puppy trying to impress the top dog. "Defending your money, there," he boasted shyly to the back of Biffo's head.
If the Taoiseach was expecting effusive thanks, he didn't get it. "See that. Good luck," muttered the Heir Apparent.
Still, it's nice to see Bertie's humour has improved. Perhaps he feels he is turning a corner. Or maybe he is getting over the shock of giving up the beer for November.
If nothing else, our self confessed poverty-stricken Taoiseach will be delighted with the money he's saved.
