High-flier gets major lesson in geography
EDUCATION Minister Batt O'Keeffe gave teachers lessons in economics in two different venues yesterday.
But he himself learned learned valuable lessons in geography, topography and transport logistics.
The minister left home in Ballincollig, Co Cork, yesterday morning by helicopter to fly the length of the country for a cool Donegal reception at the INTO congress.
Then it was another ride on a helicopter, covering almost the same ground in reverse, to Farranfore, in Co Kerry, for another cool reception -- this time from ASTI delegates in Killarney.
A more modest flight path by Tourism Minister Martin Cullen recently sparked outrage when it emerged that taxpayers had forked out almost €8,000 to collect him from his Waterford home, fly him by helicopter to Kerry and then on to Dublin.
It is understood that the Education Minister used the same type of helicopter for both flights yesterday, putting the cost of yesterday's trips well in excess of €8,000.
Mr O'Keeffe reverted to chauffeur-driven Mercedes to make his way home to Ballincollig last night.
This morning he addresses the TUI congress in Rochestown Park hotel in Cork where he can expect yet another cool reception.
John Walshe and Grainne Cunningham
