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: , Minister of Emergency Situations

Date: 23, November 1997

RE: Dangerous Situations arising from the Feinian





To wit, the child in custody is ever so dangerous, sir. In fact we have prepared a report as to the possible situations that could arise; resulting in the need to detain said Feinian and mother. Upon my reading and subsequent re-reading of enclosed report, I am of the opinion that said Feinian is quite the danger to the United Kingdom, most of the Commonwealth, half of the territories occupied, and at lease one American Colony..

Situational Report
Loinnir McCotter - Fenian

Background of Case

Word was originally received from Un-named informant Fred, on the streets of Coalisland, that the immanent birth of a "super-baby" was going to happen. Realising the serious nature of having such a "super-baby" on the streets, Un-named informant Fred quickly made such facts known to our office. Upon the subsequent investigation of these allegations, it was determined that they were not just allegations, they were accusations as well!

Un-named informant Fred was then paid the customary amount for his services, along with a bonus of £5,000 for his superior diligence in the face of such a "super-baby." After contacting commanders as to the situation, tea was made and consumed.

The following day, contact was made with the Official (non-existent) Office of Reasonably Plausible Excuses, where information was manufactured that would allow for the detention of said "Super-baby." Unfortunately, said "super-baby" being of the un-born variety, said information provided to our department by officials of the Official (non-existent) Office of Reasonably Plausible Excuses, was employed to apprehend said "super-baby." With said "super-baby" safely off the streets, and peace returning to said streets, the only problems that could arise would be a backlash by people unaware of the "super" dangers of said "super-baby" in custody. This matter was then referred to the Ministry of Ignorance to be thoroughly ignored for a period of eight months.

Dangers of "Super-babies" in the United Kingdom

Danger #1: Bottle Feeding and Public Health

Reports of "super-babies" from around the globe, prove one thing clearly, "super-babies" can turn seemingly innocent items into lethal weapons, destroying whole cities in their paths. Japanese experience with "super-babies" have been documented in many films, shown on late night TV. One report out of the country of Hildabran (officially, a non-existent country) details the devastating effect one such "super-baby" had in late 1957:

said 'super-baby' then crushed the Hildebran City National Bank with one blow from said 'super-baby's' feeding bottle.

Danger #2: Nappies

It may not be obvious to you, but "super-babies" produce "super-messy" nappies, the likes of which Saddam Hussein would be envious of. Along with the obvious consequences of such "super-nappies," landfill space would fill-up at quite an alarming rate, creating a situation the likes of which has not been seen in the Kingdome since the Thatcher days. (A personal note: has the Prime Minister been able to "de-Thatcherize" No. 10 yet?)

Danger #3: "Super-babies" = "Super-spills"

If the floods in the United States are a gauge, (and we believe that a Canadian "super-baby" in Saskatchewan caused them,) the country could be completely flooded by just one "super-baby" bottle spill. Currently, British scientists are hard at work on a "super-sippy-cup" to prevent this from happening.

Danger #4: After all, she IS Irish

Conclusions

Upon consideration of the aforementioned dangers, and consultation with the Ministers at the Official (non-existent) Office of Reasonably Plausible Excuses, it is our recommendation that both the mother (Roisin McAliskey) and the as yet un-born "super-baby" be detained for an undetermined period. The Official (non-existent) Office of Reasonably Plausible Excuses, excuse is beautifully simple, we'll blame the Germans.

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









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