http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k0UTDDgaVg0

THE OIREACHTAS JUSTICE Committee is debating amendments to the Legal Services Bill and while it’s pretty humdrum stuff there was a brief outbreak of cross-party collegiality, perhaps even love, earlier.

Sinn Féin TD Padraig Mac Lochlainn was bemoaning the lack of provisions in the bill for dealing with legal costs and noted that Shatter, a lawyer by trade, was a “learned man” with strong views on these matters.

As committee chair, David Stanton, urged the deputy to conduct his questioning through the chair, McLochlainn said: “Me and the Minister enjoy these talks.

“I was going to get a candle and a bottle of wine there.”

There was much laughter before Shatter asked: “If Deputy MacLochlainn is going to get the candle and a bottle of wine, can I put in a claim for a gin and tonic and a packet of peanuts?”

It was all very lovely and we’re sure the two deputies will get together in the Dáil bar later this evening for that nice bottle of wine or, in the Minister’s case, a G&T.

Hat tip: Danielle Martin

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