'Taoiseach Uncovered' Fails To Amuse

Following an 'artistic stunt', featuring stylised nude portraits of Taoiseach Brian Cowen, the gardái has proved to be un-amused.

They have quizzed the artist behind the prank after the Bolton Street teacher, Conor Casby presented himself at Pearse Street Gardái station where he was interviewed last night.

The paintings of the Irish leader - one of him holding his underpants - appeared in the Royal Hibernian Academy and one of him pictured on the toilet ended up in the National Gallery.

It is believed that a file is being prepared by the police after the stunt, which could be sent to the Director of Public Prosecutions.

Hours earlier detectives had threatened to raid Today FM's offices after Mr Casby contacted the popular Ray D'Arcy show.

Gardai said they would get a search warrant for the show's studios unless they handed over the artist's contact details.

The officers claimed that hanging up the nude images could be deemed illegal under incitement to hatred, indecency and criminal damage legislation. They asked for his email address and phone number.

The nude paintings have already caused a furious row between RTÉ and the government.

The station issued a grovelling apology last night for a 'frivolous story' on the paintings and were forced to say 'sorry' for any hurt caused to Mr Cowen and his family.

"The RTÉ coverage of the affair could have been interpreted as trying to embarrass the Taoiseach," a Minister said.

"The story has been picked up by the international press since RTÉ covered it; that's the last thing the country needs," the Cabinet Minister added.

Two men were believed to be behind the artists' stunt, which saw the naked portraits of Mr Cowen placed simultaneously in the two prestigious Dublin galleries.

Gardai suspect that Mr Casby, who says he is the artist responsible for the nudes, may have painted more unflattering pictures of the Taoiseach and other leading politicians.

(BMcC/JM)