A PROSPEROUS new year might be out of the question, but a merry Christmas is definitely on the cards, according to our politicians. However, whereas once they would have shamelessly pounced on the opportunity to splash themselves across an annual Christmas advertisement (card), it seems our recession-hit politicians are playing it safe this year.
Gone are the TDs in woolly jumpers with their perfect families sitting beside the fire place, awaiting Santa's arrival.
And in their place are digitally enhanced images of Leinster House covered in snow and deer (not reindeer) looking off into the distance.
Religion features heavily too, with some members of the Oireachtas obviously determined to spread the true message of Christmas.
Fianna Fail, in particular have stuck with the truly banal, perhaps for fear that they would be accused of being overly joyous in these most difficult of times.
Here, even Senator Ivor Callely (FF), who was in the past infamous for his family portraits, has shied away from the family shoot this year.
About the only TD to keep it homely was Enda Kenny, albeit in a totally different way to his British counterpart.
Mr Kenny has generally relied on his children to provide the inspiration for the card which he sends to his constituents.
And this year the Fine Gael leader has enlisted the help of his 12-year-old son Naoise to design his Christmas greeting. Naoise has drawn the classic Bethlehem scene with Mary, Joseph and baby Jesus under the holy star and surround by the words Nollaig Shona.
First prize
But Mayo TD Michael Ring (FG) claims first prize for the most original card -- and not for the first time, either.
His effort features a cartoon Santa looking into his sack while a speech bubble reads: "Merry Christmas. Ho, Ho ... Ho No!"
Upon opening the card, the receiver can see a less-than-pleased Santa Cowen with an empty sack. A thought bubble reveals: "I must have squandered the lot."
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Sotto Voce
(Source: EH)