It was being said around Leinster House on Tuesday that the Government was now turning into the opposition. When the Assets Covered Securities Bill, a complicated mechanism allowing credit institutions to borrow cheaply, came before the Finance Committee it was noted with astonishment that the Minister, Charlie McCreevy, had tabled 160 amendments to his own bill. The Opposition hadn't any. "I never saw the like of it," said one observer. "Normally there's five or six from a minister." All involved maintain they understand but say it is so complicated that technical changes are inevitable. The Opposition will propose its amendments later. Can't be too careful
Surely Joe Jacob has enough on his hands with the nuclear plan. And now this. FF deputy Ivor Callely tabled a question this week for a written answer, asking the Minister for Education "if he has satisfied himself that there are sufficient precautions and security measures in place in primary and secondary schools to deter terror attacks in any school".
Is the ASTI planning an assault or is Callely privy to a secret plot?