“and I think something should be done about it..”

As Mick noted in July last year, after a previous British-Irish Council meeting,

The BIC tasked the secretariat, in consultation with member administrations, to undertake a strategic review of the council’s work programmes, working methods and support arrangements, including arrangements for a standing secretariat, and report back with firm proposals as soon as possible.

After today’s BIC meeting in Dublin, Taoiseach Bertie Ahern confirmed that a permanent secretariat is to be established – “He said a date for the introduction would be announced when staffing and the mechanics had been worked out.” Also of interest is the delegating of new Secretary of State for Wales, Paul Murphy, to attend on behalf of Prime Minister Gordon Brown. Full communiqué hereMeanwhile, Northern Ireland deputy First Minister, Sinn Féin’s Martin McGuinness, revealed he’s not a fan of Eastenders..

“I am not a fan of EastEnders or Coronation Street, but my wife and my children, particularly the girls, watch the programme. I have to say I am absolutely appalled at the level of concentration around the pub in the programmes.

“I am appalled at the drunkenness that is quite clear for everybody to see and all of that before the nine o’clock watershed when children as young as eight, nine, 10 and 11 are watching.

“Now I regard that as irresponsible broadcasting, and I think something should be done about it,” said Mr McGuinness.

[He could switch over to a different channel.. – Ed]

Pete Baker