Tis the season.
Minister for Transport Shane Ross has come under fire following the emergence of a car that bears a sleigh-style contraption atop its roof with both Ross’ and Independent Councillor Kevin Daly’s faces emblazoned for company.
The modified sleigh houses a Christmas tree along with a banner that details Ross and Daly’s combined image – itself festively modified with Santa hats – wishing people a happy Christmas.
“Just like Santa we deliver,” it declares.
Now, you might be imagining that the device looks something like this:
Clip via Simpsonphile
But it actually looks more like this:
People say @Shane_RossTD isn't on top of his brief. What more do you want form a transport minister than a lit up Christmas tree in a lit up sleigh, with him wearing a Santa hat, on top of a jeep parked in Stepaside? Merry Christmas Minister!! pic.twitter.com/nQDShw3XCS
— Cllr Peter O’Brien (@CllrOBrien) December 19, 2018
Taoiseach Leo Varadkar stated that he expected Ross to receive warnings regarding the vehicle and before long the Road Safety Authority of Ireland (RSA) called upon the Minister to remove the sleigh due to safety and distraction concerns.
Both Ross and Daly were criticised by fellow politicians, while Daly has stated that the structure is safe.
An RSA spokesperson confirmed to JOE on Thursday that the organisation has been in direct contact with Councillor Daly over the car.
“The RSA can confirm that it has spoken to Councillor Daly regarding the structure displayed on the roof of his vehicle,” said the spokesperson.
“He has confirmed to us that he has satisfied the Gardaí in relation to the security and safety of the structure, which gives the necessary reassurance.
“Furthermore, the Councillor has confirmed that the necessary insurance is also in place. The Councillor confirmed that he will also take on board our concerns.”
LISTEN: You Must Be Jokin’ with Aideen McQueen – Faith healers, Coolock craic and Gigging as Gaeilge
