Plan A was to get a photo of the Taoiseach (Prime Minister) at the opening of the new
School of Informatics & Creative Studies at Dundalk Institute of Technology. But I'm
shy about getting my camera out in front of a pack of pro-photographers. The question
of journalists taking pics is a thorny one, although it's common practice for many of them
to capture images on their mobile phones which are then reproduced in papers. We've got
an excellent free-lancer and I wouldn't want to give the impression that I think I'm a
news photographer.
Anyway, before the arrival of Mr Cowen, now the most despised politician in Ireland due to his
handling of the economic crisis, I wandered the corridors of the former P J Carroll Tobacco
Factory. Designed by the renowned Irish architect Ronnie Tallon it is a landmark building in
Dundalk and has been transformed into an inspiring place for students. The bleak future
which they face, with many likely to be forced overseas in search of work, wasn't mentioned
in any of the speeches.
I'm hopelessly behind with comments - will try to catch up at the weekend.