A Most Dangerous Republican
A Play in One Act
By:
Míchéal Ó Reilly
| Scene: The reception room at No. 10 Downing Street, London |
| Time: May 3, 1997, 10:32am (Two days after the election) |
| Players:
John Major - (Discredited former PM) Tony Blair - (Discredited new PM) Assorted Policy Wonks and hangers-on |
| The scene opens and John Major is pacing back and forth, in expectation of Tony Blairs' visit after the election. The door opens, and in walks the victorious Blair |
| JM: Tony! You're early. |
| TB: I just couldn't wait to start measuring for drapes. |
| JM: The current won't do? |
| TB: Not my colour, really. And Cherie wants that "dank" smell off the place. |
| JM: Yes. The smell. Been here since Thatcher left. |
| TB: Anyway, I also want you to catch me up on things. You know, proper transition and all |
| JM: Ah yes, you did win didn't you. (Turns to his aide) Check those results again won't you? |
| Aide: Yes Prime Minister. (Walks off to check results) |
| JM: Right then, transition. Where would you like to start? |
| TB: Northern Ireland, I suppose. After all, I did bring it up in the elections. I suppose I'll be expected to DO something about it. |
| JM: (glaring at Blair) Right. Well then, I suppose that the most important thing you should know is the McAliskey case. Follow me. (The two leaders walk into the PM's office.) |
| TB: Nice place. I suppose that smell in here is Thatcher also? |
| JM: Actually that's been here since Trimble's last visit. |
| TB: Trimble. |
| JM: Here, read this. (He hands a folder with "Top Secret" emblazoned on the front.) |
| TB: What's this? |
| JM: It's all you'll need to know to bring you up-to-speed on the case. |
| Aide: (Enters the office) Mr. Prime Minister? |
| JM & TB: Yes? |
| Aide: Mr. Major, you did lose. |
| TB: Oh happy day! (He begins to read) |
| Summary of Briefing No. 6042879 In the Case of Loinnir McCotter - Feinian Memorandum To: John Major, PM From: Date: 23, November 1997 RE: Dangerous Situations arising from the Feinian Situational Report Loinnir McCotter - Fenian Background of Case Dangers of "Super-babies" in the United Kingdom Danger #1: Bottle Feeding and Public Health Danger #2: Nappies Danger #3: "Super-babies" = "Super-spills" Danger #4: After all, she IS Irish Conclusions Submitted this day, the 23rd day of November 1996. |
| TB: Ingenious! The Germans! |
| JM: Yes, quite. But remember you must not falter from this reasonably plausible excuse, otherwise the jig is up. |
| TB: Trust me John. After all, none is more afraid of big babies than I. I'll be meeting with Mr. Trimble shortly after the transition takes place. |
| JM: Shall we dance then? |
| TB: Oh,my John you coy little devil. |
| JM: Tango? (He grabs a rose from the vase on the desk, and clenches it in his teeth.) |
| TB: Oh, yes! You cheeky, cheeky man. |
| (They begin to Tango) |
| Fin |