Cashing in is catching
Sunday November 08 2009
Sir -- The prevalence of the swine flu virus is causing concern and rightly so, but there is another virus around, albeit of a more benign nature, which is no respecter of persons, occupations or careers, and both the young and not-so-young can succumb to it. It is a type of literary 'This Is My Life' -- namely autobiographitis. It seems to generate a compulsive urge to tell one's own story.
It is not confined to our own shores. Take for instance Wayne Rooney of Manchester United. He is only 24, yet has already published his autobiography, and no doubt there will be more to follow. Another Premier League star, Dwight Yorke, in his story, settled an old 'score' with ex-colleague Roy Keane.
But the virus especially attacks our politicians -- Bertie, Albert and Paddy Harte weakened. Mary O'Rourke, when asked on The Week in Politics if she was resistant to the strain, coyly replied that she will publish her autobiography, but not until she retires. She is no doubt already hard at it.
Incidentally, Mary seems to be popping up on a very regular basis of late, on both radio and television. A thought struck me recently: we know Enda Kenny has the honour of being 'Father of the House', so in this era of political correctness should Mary not be designated 'Mother of the House'?
Finally, and to return to the subject, I await in anticipation an autobiography -- not 'ghost written' -- titled: My Story, or, How I Managed South Kerry by Jackie Healy-Rae, with a foreword by John O'Donoghue TD. Surely a best seller!
Glasnevin, Dublin 9
Sunday Independent
