RUAIRI Quinn will want to be seen to preside over a workmanlike meeting of EU finance ministers in Dublin next weekend. While officially dubbed an "informal" meeting, Mr Quinn will be trying to get political agreement on a number of key issues surrounding EMU.

The Minister will greet his European on their arrival next Friday night in one of the landmarks of his constituency - Kitty O'Shea's pub in Grand Canal Street. No doubt an early night will be had by all, as they must have the best suits on and the hair combed for the traditional "family photo" in Dublin Castle at 9.15 a.m. the next morning.

A full day's work will follow, and weighty subjects such as convergence criteria and stability pacts will be chewed on over lunch. Later, the Ministers will repair to the interesting setting of Leinster House for dinner. Those who stay around for Sunday morning will be given the option of a tour of Trinity College and the Dublinia exhibition.