Playing to the gallery

During the week Deputy Tony McLoughlin was involved in one of the most Ballymagashesque exchanges in the lower house. In an exchange worthy of John B. Keane play, except all the players ignore the third wall and play directly to the audience:

Deputy Tony McLoughlin: The programme for Government makes a commitment to developing and enhancing many rural towns and villages throughout the country. Many of these towns in my constituency, Sligo-Leitrim, are suffering badly as a result of the property-led economic crash and the recession. What proposals does the Government intend to put in place to enhance the towns and villages? Is the Government committed to the three-year plan for the village and town renewal programme?
The Taoiseach: There is indeed a programme for Government commitment to advance a town and village renewal scheme. Deputy McLoughlin may be interested to know that the Minister for Rural and Community Development, Deputy Ring, and the Ministers of State, Deputies Moran and Kyne, are in Longford announcing €21 million in funding for towns and villages, including 14 projects in County Sligo, including Tubbercurry, Strandhill-----
Deputy Thomas Byrne: Deputy McLoughlin should read his post. We all got an email about that.
The Taoiseach:-----Rosses Point, Gurteen, Easky, Coolaney, Carraroe, Carney-----
Deputy Anne Rabbitte: How come we got it and he did not?
Deputy Thomas Byrne: The Deputy must have missed it. He is not reading his post.
(Interruptions).
The Taoiseach:-----Bunnanadden, Banada, Ballymote, Ballygawley, Ballisodare and Achonry-----
Deputy Marc MacSharry: Deputy McLoughlin should tell Deputy Rock to take a leaf out of his book. The Deputy should read his email before asking a question.