On Monday, President Michael D Higgins headed a parade of the great and good of Irish poetry at Mount Jerome crematorium, all there to say farewell to Dardis Clarke, former chairman of Poetry Ireland, life member of the NUJ and a legendary figure in bohemian Dublin in the 1960s.
Dardis, son of Austin Clarke, was remembered for his passionate love of poetry but also for his impish sense of humour.
At the funeral service mourners heard an exchange of letters between Dardis and the office of Enda Kenny. Sent in October 2011, they were found by the poet’s daughter Aoife after his sudden death, with a €5 note still attached to one.
“Dear Enda Kenny, I did see a report in the papers some time ago that you thought Gay Mitchell would be our next President. I thought of writing to you then but decided that you might have been misquoted. However yesterday I heard you say it on radio. As a politician you are adept at answering awkward questions without appearing to make a positive commitment. This was such an occasion and you let it pass.
“I enclose €5.00 to back my view that Gay Mitchell will not be our next President. If I am wrong I will send you €50.00 (I am giving you odds of 10-1). I will, of course, expect you to send me €10.00 if I am right and Mr Mitchell is not our next President.
“Fianna Fáil made a mess of the Presidential issue by its attempt to court the other Gay. Fine Gael made a mess of the issue by trying to impose Pat Cox on the Party.
“I look forward to hearing from you shortly and if Mr Mitchell is returned perhaps receiving an invitation to the Phoenix Park! Yours sincerely . . .”
The reply, signed by an assistant private secretary in the Taoiseach’s office, arrived four days later: “Dear Mr Clarke, You wrote to the Taoiseach recently regarding the Presidential Election.
“The Election of a President is an important part of our democratic process. The people of Ireland engage in this process in many ways and the placing of bets can be done so through many channels. I am returning your enclosure should you wish to do so.
“Yours sincerely . . .”
