Where does he find the time? What with being leader of the SDLP, spear-heading campaigns at local and national level in the upcoming Northern Ireland elections, and addressing the World Council of Credit Unions in Killarney last night (he being a founder member of the organisation here when he was a mere slip of a boy of 22), John Hume is a man with a mission. He has come to the Merrion Hotel to launch The Ulick O'Connor Diaries (1970-1981), A Cavalier Irishman.
The cavalier man himself is centre stage and delighted to tell us that a follow up volume "is coming up which will take us up to the present day when I will be able to deal with the gurriers who have been giving me a hard time. Send the message out," he urges.
Hume and O'Connor have known each other since the 1960s. "His book is a joy to read," says Hume. "There is evidence of an affectionate and good heart - as well as evidence of an acid wit." One anecdote from O'Connor relating to a friend's housekeeper, finishes on a rather acidic note right enough. She was called a housekeeper, he says; "these days we call them partners".
Present at the launch is Victoria Mary Clarke, author of A Drink with Shane Mac Gowan, who is currently working on a novel, "about a rock chick who wants to be a celebrity". Also spotted is the Chief Justice, Mr Justice Ronan Keane, chatting to Aidan O'Reilly and Michael Norris. Another friend deeply engrossed in the book is retired solicitor Lorcan Heron. Also here is Dermot Gallagher, secretary general at the Department of the Taoiseach.
Is he mentioned in the book? Speak to my lawyers, he jokes