Enda Kenny goes where no Taoiseach has gone before – an Ann Summers shop – in Limerick yesterday

WITH just days of canvassing left, the Fine Gael presidential campaign has finally got down and dirty.

However, the Taoiseach and Gay Mitchell were not trading low blows against political opponents yesterday.

Instead they brought their canvass into the unchartered territory of a Limerick sex shop.

Never before have a Taoiseach and his nominee for the Aras entered such a den of iniquity -- at least on official business.

And they managed it long before the noon Angelus bells had rang out across Limerick yesterday.

Just minutes after greeting elderly parishioners emerging from morning Mass at the city's Augustinian church, the Fine Gael entourage found themselves outside the Ann Summers store on Cruise's Street.

Trusted Fine Gael handler Vincent Gribbin did his best to divert the Taoiseach and the man who could be our next president from the shop entrance.

But desperate for votes -- and obviously having forgotten the chaos visited on Father Ted during an infamous visit to a lingerie department -- neither man was having any of it. Gay Mitchell fearlessly led the way, followed eagerly by his wife, Norma.

Hot on their heels was the Taoiseach himself, bearing a grin as he boldly went where no Taoiseach has gone before.

A roar of approval went up from their supporters, including Kieran O'Donnell TD and former MEP, John Cushnahan, as the pair crossed the threshold.

'What will you come as?' asked one prominent sign inside the shop, with various risque costumes on display underneath.

Surrounded by lingerie and an assortment of various products, Mr Mitchell and Mr Kenny found there were no shoppers to canvass, but made do with asking shocked shop worker, Debbie Cropper, for her support.

Stunned

Stunned by who was standing before her on a slow Thursday morning, Debbie shook hands with both men.

In a matter of seconds it was all over as the two scuttled out like mischievous schoolboys racing from a sweet shop. And the brave gamble paid off -- a vote was secured.

Trying to catch her breath afterwards, Debbie said they were the first politicians to canvass her and that she would be voting for Mr Mitchell as he and his party colleague was brave enough to enter the Ann Summers shop.

"I've never seen a Taoiseach in a place like this before," Debbie said.

Breathe easy Debbie -- neither have we.

Irish Independent