Healthy meals in Dail eaterie for tv TDs

Kevin Doyle

FIFTEEN politicians trying to slim down as part of Operation Transformation are getting a little help from their friends in the Leinster House canteen.

Staff at the heavily subsidised canteen have assured the TDs and senators that they will provide a healthy option on the menu every day during the TV challenge.

The average January slimmer might be tempted to dine out in the Dail -- if they were allowed to -- as a selection of tasty, low-fat and low-calorie dishes enhance the already extensive menu.

And, just in case there is any confusion, they will even take the time to mark the special low-fat snacks with the letters OT.

The challenge, which is led by presenter Gerry Ryan, got under way at the start of the month and will continue for eight weeks.

Participants including Senator David Norris and Green TD Paul Gogarty have committed themselves to shedding the pounds, while voters follow their progress online, on TV and on radio.

Parliamentary members appeared to be showing little solidarity yesterday. The Herald observed the normal push towards chips and the not-so-healthy options.

kdoyle@herald.ie