They say we share the pain but it's grand for some


Over 100,000 people took to the streets last weekend for the Ictu-led protest against budget cuts and some angry protesters carried posters with slogans such as: "Fianna Fáil, putting the 'N' in cuts". While derogatory slogans about the government were the order of the day, The Insider was particularly impressed with the above slogan where one protestor out of 100,000 claimed: "I'm actually grand."


Cowen wins praise of FG


Taoiseach Brian Cowen has been derided for his performances since he took over from Bertie Ahern in 2008. Opposition politicians and commentators frequently brand him "the worst Taoiseach in the history of the state". So the Insider's eyebrows were raised last Tuesday when a number of opposition TDs privately complimented Cowen for his decision not to call a snap election. One Fine Gael TD said: "It was one of his best-ever decisions. I can imagine being out knocking on doors and getting pelted with snowballs, no matter what party you are from."


Lady McManus not for turning on Dáil exit


There has been much speculation around the corridors of Leinster House, and in her Wicklow constituency, that Labour TD Liz McManus may not retire after all. The veteran Bray-based TD announced her retirement a few weeks ago. But her son Ronan was defeated by former councillor Anne Ferris (who is Liz's constituency secretary) at the party's Wicklow selection convention a fortnight ago. When asked if she would be making a U-turn on her decision to retire, McManus told the Insider: "The lady is not for turning. I have made up my mind and I won't be changing it."


Friday's Red C opinion poll showed support for Fianna Fáil dropping to 13% and the Greens to 3%. While the poll has been deemed disastrous for the government, The Insider has to compliment Green party chairman Dan Boyle for his tongue-in-cheek appraisal of his party's performance. On Friday morning he tweeted: "Marvellous things opinion polls. It seems we've closed the 37% gap between FF and the Greens at the last GE to 10% now."