He once had the most famous political haircut in Ireland but now Brian Cowen's running mate has hit new heights -- and lows.

Cllr John Foley, who ran on the same ticket as the Taoiseach in the last general election, has caused a YouTube storm with his antics at the Fianna Fail Ard Fheis.

The Edenderry businessman literally popped up in the background of Saturday's night live report on RTE news, which followed the Taoiseach's speech.

The bizarre series of events in which he disappears and then reappears has been viewed more than 17,000 times on YouTube.

Cllr Foley was among more than a dozen FF-types keeping David Davin Power company during his interview with Anne Doyle.

However, around a minute into the live piece he suddenly dropped out of sight, appearing to collapse onto the floor. But just as quickly his popped back up again, albeit facing the wrong way.

He promptly swung around and managed to remain in position for the final 30 seconds of the link.

Mr Foley has laughed off the incident, telling the Herald that he should be getting royalties for the moment of TV gold.

"I haven't been following it on YouTube but loads of people have been onto me about it. If it gives people a bit of a kick, sure that's grand," he said.

However, Mr Foley who runs a drain clearing service called Accelerated Drain Cleaning, was keen to point out he was not drunk.

In fact, despite what the video might suggest, he doesn't drink at all. "It was total innocence, I didn't fall and I wasn't drunk because I don't drink," he explained.

"I knew it was live, but I stepped down because I thought the live broadcast was over."

The politician who is hoping to run in next June's local elections, says he now wants to turn his internet popularity into votes.

"I can't believe it has got so many hits. If I could get that many number ones I'd be away with it," he laughed.

More seriously, he told the Herald: "It turned out to be a bit of craic. I hope everyone enjoys and understands that there was no seriousness in it. We have enough doom and gloom these days, so if it gives people a bit of a laugh then I'm happy with that."

Mr Foley's YouTube debut has far surpassed Taoiseach Brian Cowen's own infamous singing appearance.

After his selection as head of Government last year, a video of Mr Cowen singing on stage in his home town of Clara made itself way onto the popular website.

Mr Foley has matched that video for the number of view in less than a week. You can see the clip on www.youtube.com/watch?v=3elLmrCmOqo.

- Kevin Doyle