The cheesiest politician in Ireland award goes to...

His critics may claim that he has maintained a relatively low profile since Enda Kenny appointed him Fine Gael's agriculture spokesman, but Andrew Doyle's comments on the government's plan to give away free cheese certainly raised eyebrows and put him in line for 'The Cheesiest Gag of the Year' award. He said, "Fianna Fáil and the Greens gouda be kidding. People on the breadline would rather the government's unfeta'd attention was on solving the econ­omic crisis they caused and providing jobs rather than on this ridiculous announcement. This shows just how out of touch Fianna Fáil and the Greens truly are. Maybe looking down from their ministerial Mercs, Brian Cowen, Brendan Smith et al think that all the Irish people want or need is cheese. The truth is sadly different. The EU always had this free scheme but this is the first time that our government press released on it… This announcement has exposed Fianna Fáil and the Greens' true attitude when it comes to the Irish people: Let them eat cheese."

As far as the government is concerned, they were Edamed if they did and Edamed if they didn't...

Whelehan will not take shot at Enright seat

After Fine Gael TD for Laois Offaly Olwyn Enright announced that she would not be contesting the next general election because of family commitments, there was some media speculation that former Offaly and Birr hurling star Brian Whelehan may contest her seat. He contested the June 2009 local elections but his 628 votes were not enough to secure one of the four seats in the Birr electoral area. The Insider understands that Whelehan has considered standing in the next general election but he has decided against it.

Doherty seat favourite

Sinn Féin's successful High Court challenge against the state over the 18-month delay in holding the Donegal South West by-election looks as if it is going to reap dividends, according to the bookies. Pearse Doherty is the favourite to win the seat as Paddy Power has cut the odds on the 33-year-old from 4/6 to 2/5. Fine Gael's Barry O'Neill is 4/1 second favourite alongside the Fianna Fáil candidate, who will be named at the party' selection convention tonight. Labour's Frank McBrearty Jnr is placed at 7/1 and Independent candidate Thomas Pringle is at 10/1.