he Nineties are mainly marked for Dermot by the run away success of Scrap Saturday and stardom with Father Ted. 

When, in the early Eighties and later in the Nineties, Dermot Morgan got involved with RTE, the harsh reality of the ways of working of this broadcasting authority severely put to the test his confidence and his ability to deal with many unexpected let-downs and setbacks. 

To his great credit, he would always stick to his guns, persevere and do things his way. 

Scrap Saturday, the radio series he wrote in partnership with Gerry Stembridge featured satirical sketches addressing current events, politics and politicians .. all topics he revelled in. And so, many a politician fell victim to Dermots' satire 

Firstly, they would be "adapted" to perform on a figurative stage skillfully prepared for them and which they would occupy during the Scraps' ongoing saga. That required them to undergo a metamorphosis to a degree limited only by the authors' imagination, in order to emphasise the features on which the parody was going to be hinged. And then they would just play their parts. The play was dynamic, the characters hilarious, the humour of the highest quality. 

The most famous of the Scraps' chararacter cast was Dermots impersonation of C.J Haughey (the contemporary PM).

PJ Mara (his Press Secretary) was played by Owen Roe. The CJ/PJ duo was a hilarious masterpiece. CJ was the man in power, the omnipotent "Boss , ..the greatest Leader, Man of Destiny, Statesman , Titan, a Collossus...", etc. while the subservient PJ character was ruthlessly walked over, exploited and trodden upon by his amoral boss.

There was also the more lovable character of Gerry( Gerard!) Collins, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, endowed with a great affection and affinity towards anything edible. (even, in one sketch, extending to camels' bladders!! ... ah well, when you're peckish ..what harm ?") 

The characters were numerous and as far as their originals went, some took to their Scrap image better then others. But, at the end of the day, the intention was for the listener to be made aware of any shortcomings or nefarious behaviour on the part of some of their leaders ... and, of course, to have a good laugh into the bargain! 

The programme delighted its audience, and Dermot and the team celebrated a great success, but after having run for only two years, this popular, award winning series was abruptly cancelled by RTE without explanation, although there was a strong suspicion that they had been "leaned on" by the powers that be. 

The Scrap idea did not end with the RTE decision, (described by some as broadcasting cowardice), it carried on being produced independently by Dermot. Recordings were made by the team and released as a series of tapes comprising:- The Tapes, Scrap Annual and Scrap Charlie. The latter, which coincided with Charles Haugheys' removal from Office, had as its theme a dark drama revolving round the CJ character, who had fallen from the heights of power and out of the limelight. He is portrayed as a disorientated, pitiful figure trying to cope with and accept the drastic change in his status.

The final Scrap was a live performance called Scrap Ireland and took place in one of the Dublin theatres in 1997 during the inauguration of the new radio station, Radio Ireland.