Spirit, the Interoute subsidiary and new telecommunications company, launched itself with flare (as well as flair) on Wednesday night in Dublin by taking over Fitzwilliam Square and filling it with flaming torches, fire jugglers, and a bed of hotly glowing coals over which youthful chief executive David Ryan did a determined firewalk in bare feet - an act that the Margin would certainly enjoy seeing other telecoms company executives emulate.
Mr Ryan, who has returned to Ireland after 12 years Down Under, somehow managed to entice Ozzie ex-PM Paul Keating to the hooley, where he was seen in intent conversation with ex-Taoiseach Albert Reynolds. Also drifting around the place were assorted Corrs.
All were treated to what Mr Ryan called "the first song in the charts by a telecommunications company", Feel Your Spirit, written specially for the occasion by Paul Harrington. Polite toe-tapping accompanied the tune, after which Mr Harrington turned the marquee stage into an Irish history of Eurovision attempts as Niamh Kavanagh belted 'em out. Another Keating - the Boyzone one - joined the crew at times as the floor turned into a dancefest. And the end result: Spirit - douze points.
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