Fleming Laois' sexiest TD

Edited version appeared in Laois Nationalist 7th June 2011 

Sean Fleming has been judged as Laois’ most attractive representative in Dáil Eireann according to an online poll.

The Fianna Fáil TD, out ranked county compatriots Brian Stanley and Charlie Flanagan in what has been dubbed Ireland’s first ever Irish political beauty contest. Sexytd.com, is seen by its creator and star of Made in Chelsea Franis Boulle, as a memorable and fun tool to help the Irish public get to know their politicians in Leinster House. 

The website, offers up two TDs at random out of the total 166 and asks users to click on the picture of the TD they would rather sleep with. This, as you can imagine, leads to some downright tantalising choices; Ming Flanagan or Mick Wallace? (pictured left on the pull) Willie O’Dea or Gerry Adams? The bizarre combinations are endless.

 Collecting the users votes from the random face-offs, the site then ranks the entire Oireachtas from most desirable to least. The websites blurb concedes that although it fully expects to offend some people, it was never its intention, hoping the majority will see funny side.

Although Fleming had secured bragging rights in the Queen’s county at the time of writing, it must be noted that the overall performance of the Laois TDs is poor, with the Fianna Fáil TD sitting pretty, and highest in 89^th position overall.

 Speaking on the issue, and embracing the funny side of things, Deputy Fleming said he was “suitably impressed” with the current standings. He also revealed plans for a charge on the top half of the table next year, admitting he “can’t wait to see the rankings further down the line, where the glasses will be shed”, for an updated profile picture presumably.  

Earlier last week Sinn Féin’s Brian Stanley polled highest from the Laois contingent, but a mention on Wednesday evenings “Tonight with Vincent Brown” on Tv3 resulted in increased activity on the site, and saw Stanley slip down to 92^nd place.

 When informed of the league table, Deputy Stanley remarked with his trademark humour, saying “wasn’t even aware of the site. And to be blunt, I have no interest. I am elected to give a voice to the people of Laois and Offaly, and I will represent accordingly”, before adding “It is only a bit of a laugh, and not to be taken too seriously”.

His father before him, Oliver, opined “sex never came to Ireland until Telifís Eireann went on air”, how times have changed, now Fine Gael’s Charles Flanagan lives in age where TD sex appeal can be accurately measured online.

Flanagan didn’t warm to the idea of a political beauty pageant, insisting his 102^nd place was the furthest thing from his mind. “I have never heard of the website, I have never seen the website and I have absolutely no interest in it.”

Fine Gael TD for Galway West Sean Kyle has topped the poll, since it went online last week, with other notable appearances being opposition leader Michael Martin at 13^th, Enda Kenny at 28^th, Joan Burton back in 105^th and Seamus Healy dead last in 166^th.