Hutch ado about nothing

CONTROVERSIAL crime figure Gerry Hutch made a surprise appearance on stage on the opening night of 'The Monk' play at the Ambassador Theatre, taking part in a fictional live question-and-answer session with playwright and performer Rex Ryan.

- BY NICOLA DONNELLY

The production, written, produced and performed by Ryan, the son of late RTE broadcaster Gerry Ryan, centres on Hutch's recent trial before the Special Criminal Court.

Hutch was previously acquitted of charges in relation to the Regency Hotel shooting that claimed the life of Kinahan associate David Byrne.

Before the controversial one-man play began last night, the audience was surprised when Hutch himself appeared on stage. In a fictional scenario that imagines him elected to Dail Eireann, he fielded questions from Ryan about his political ambitions and what kind of TD he would be.

Asked what people could expect if he were elected, Hutch said he would represent his community and challenge ministers directly.

"I am going to be in the Dail and I am going to be talking to ministers and whoever else is there," he said.