There were yet more groans this week from the denizens of Leinster House 2000, the new extension which houses most deputies and senators without Government office. The electric power went on Tuesday at around the time leading luminaries were gathered round the Christmas tree on what is left of Leinster Lawn to turn on the fairy lights.
Those in the new building were plunged into darkness, their computers crashed and TVs blanked. As one inmate said, this week they were nearly electrocuted, the previous week they had practically got high on the varnish that was being liberally applied around the place and before that the basement had flooded. He exaggerates of course, but there is considerable dissatisfaction. The OPW's response is to request occupants to compile snag lists. Leinster House 2000 was to be officially opened this month but now it will be delayed until the New Year. Those in the know forecast arguments. The Ceann Comhairle might claim the honour, as might the Taoiseach, as indeed might the OPW minister, Martin Cullen.