Fianna Cut Loose

Plans are well afoot for the first big political Christmas party - Fianna Fail's Cairde Fail, or President's dinner. Because it is the millennium year, FF headquarters wanted the biggest crowd ever on November 30th, and it appears they are getting it. The event is moving from city centre to City West, where up to 2,000 can be seated for dinner and still have room to get up and dance to Paddy Cole afterwards; and 1,500 tickets at £40 a head have already sold. The Taoiseach Bertie Ahern is the host, and it is suggested that many who, like him, give up the drink for November may break the fast that night and cut loose on Bass or whatever you're having yourself. The great and the good of the party, from public representatives to business supporters, will be there.