Government Ministers representing the island of saints and scholars at international events on St Patrick’s Day have been told by Taoiseach Brian Cowen not to mention saints or scholars under any circumstances.
“The Taoiseach has been very clear on this,” a source said. “He doesn’t want us to do or say anything that will remind our hosts of child rapists in the church or grade inflation in the education system.”
“We want to attract people not repulse them,” the source said.
It is understood that ministers have been told to use the phrase “lovely hurling” if they are stuck for something to say.
Tanaiste and Minister for Trade, Enterprise and Employment Mary Coughlan has been given special dispensation by the Taoiseach to say “lovely fucken hurling”.
