'Ivor Callely sends me Christmas joy' – Sinn Féin Councillor Matt Carthy

Matt Carthy

By Sinn Féin Councillor Matt Carthy in Monaghan

ONE of the most bizarre aspects of being a Sinn Féin councillor is the Christmas cards and gifts you receive from senators from opposing political parties.

In years past I have received books, ties, pens, DVDs, diaries and chocolates from senators whose parties are in bitter battles with us in a crazy bid for a senate vote.

I think the only party from which I never received a senatorial gift was my own. Pearse Doherty, the cheapskate, never sent me so much as a Phoblacht souvenir keyring during his time in An Seanad!

This year (or do I say last year?), I have to say, the numbers of cards and gifts reduced dramatically from previous times.

However, I am happy to report that one Ivor Callely didn't forget me (even though he has never met me!).

Ivor duly sent me a wee Christmas card in which I think he describes himself as the Holy One of Israel (which may or may not be his current place of residence).

Ivor went a step further in his quest to bid me all the merriment of the Christmas season by giving me a little help with those awkward dates that will arise in 2011 by also enclosing a little calendar.

I particularly like his reference to himself as having "Unwavering Energy & Dedication Born of a True Passion for Public Service". It was easier believing he was the Holy One of Israel.

It appears that there is going to be a bit of a debate on the future of the Seanad in the run up to the election and possibly (unlikely) even a referendum on election day itself. Who knows, maybe its days are numbered. Would anyone (apart from senators) even notice?

Well, in a very, very, very small way, I would. Because, after all, if it weren't for the Seanad – and the gombeen who Bertie Ahern appointed to it – I wouldn't have had one of my biggest laughs of 2010.

Happy New Year!

The Annointed One: Ivor Callely with his caravan of love from Dublin . . . or Cork . . . or the Holy Land