Showing off the social skills he gleaned from his years in the diplomatic corps, Eamon Delaney clicks his fingers and waitresses come forth bearing trays piled high with Ferrero Rocher, the sweets of choice of ambassadors the world over. The book launch of novelist Delaney's new book, An Accidental Diplomat, in the bar of Buswell's Hotel, is all a bit of a giggle.
Looking smart in a pin-stripe suit, the author sets the crowd off as he produces his toothbrush from his inside pocket, all ready and prepared for a stint in Mountjoy in case the Government invokes the Official Secrets Act against his revelations of his years in the Irish foreign service. It's a high-profile crowd out tonight: including former Minister for Foreign Affairs David Andrews and his son Barry; Conor Lenihan TD; Kathleen O'Flaherty, wife of the former Supreme Court judge Hugh O'Flaherty" velvety carpet in the Minister's office in Iveagh House - so popular with amorous couples at the Christmas party - and tittle-tattles from the UN: An Accidental Diplomat is full of salacious details spilling the beans on the DFA (Department of Foreign Affairs).
Prof Declan Kiberd, a former English lecturer of Delaney's, introduces the book with a double-edged and witty speech. There's a few colourful characters out tonight, including some nameless young Foreign Affairs diplomats in dark suits in the corner who've courageously come out to support their former colleague. Most of Delaney's family is here, including his mum Nancy, brothers Hugh, Gary and Colm and sister Cathy. Joe Joyce and Anthony Glavin from New Island, publishers of the book, are here too.