Chequebooks out for Hillary; Michael D tops bill at Labour bash; Dunlop defies dodgy memory to graduate in law; Cowen eulogised at Andrews' book launch; anoraks a wait Dáil guide; web surprise for Dara Calleary; Greens silent on salary hikes
Such has been the demand for tickets to the Hillary Clinton fund-raiser at a private house in Dublin 4 this evening, the organisers made a last-minute decision yesterday to erect a marquee in the back garden.
The big draw is former US president Bill Clinton, who will be rattling his collection tin at a cocktail party in the Raglan Road home of barrister Brian Farren and his solicitor wife, Linda O'Shea-Farren. Mr Farren is an American citizen, and will be one of the few people at the party eligible under US electoral law to contribute to Hillary's campaign kitty.
But this is politics, the art of the possible, particularly where money is involved. Guests who can't vote in America are not entitled to make campaign contributions, so Hillary's Irish supporters will have to channel their admission fee of €1,600 through an American citizen. The law is strict in this regard and it's not as easy to do as it sounds.
However, around 150 people are more than willing to shoulder the expense and inconvenience in return for a chance to meet Bill, and there are many more waiting in line in the hope of making the guest list.
Clinton's grip 'n' grin appearance, organised by Irish-Americans for Hillary, is expected to raise in the region of a quarter of a million dollars. The fundraising group includes communications consultant Declan Kelly, hotelier John Fitzpatrick and publisher Niall O'Dowd.
Bill Clinton is flying in from London today, and hopes to get in some Christmas shopping during his three-day visit. His first port of call this evening is Government Buildings, where he will meet the Taoiseach for an hour before attending the fund-raiser.
He has no plans to play golf, but it's unlikely he will leave Ireland without getting in a round or two. The former president's preferred golf partner here is former Labour leader Dick Spring - the two men have scorched around the Ballybunion links on many occasions. However, when Bill rang Dick Spring to say he was coming to town, he was disappointed to hear the former tánaiste would be away on business in Vietnam.
After tonight's fund-raiser, the former president will have dinner in a Dublin hotel with poet Seamus Heaney and his wife Marie.
New York-based lawyer Brian O'Dwyer, who flies in this morning for the Ballsbridge event, is very close to the Clintons and is being spoken of as a possible US ambassador to Ireland if Hillary gets into the White House. Democratic Party fund-raiser Stella O'Leary is coming in from Las Vegas for the evening. She is currently working on a book on Hillary Clinton, in association with Irish publisher, Norah Casey.
Canapes with Clinton is not the only big event on the social calendar tonight. At least not for members of the Labour Party, who will be unwinding tonight at a "gala dance" after their new leader's first conference keynote address.
The Labour conference is taking place in White's hotel in Wexford, and while we don't want to put mockers on Eamon Gilmore on his maiden outing, he should know that the last party leader to address the troops in the luxury environs of White's was Progressive Democrats leader, Michael McDowell.
A band called "Top Cats" will be performing for the dancing socialists, but the entertainment doesn't stop there. Tomorrow morning's session on immigration and integration will incorporate a cultural and musical theme. Delegates who might possibly be nursing hangovers following the gala dance are advised that a Georgian violinist and an a cappella music group will be performing, along with Michael D Higgins.
Party officials aren't sure whether Michael D intends to sing, dance, play an instrument or recite poetry. But he'll a big draw.
There are scarcely enough hours in the day for busy Frank Dunlop, who graduated from Griffith College in Dublin this week with a first-class (hons) degree in Irish law. As the nation is already aware, he gained a first-class degree in corruption from the University of Life many years ago.
Frank's new qualification should be a great help to him as he continues to assist the Mahon tribunal with its inquiries. Indeed, he could now save taxpayers the substantial cost of a lawyer by cross-examining himself.
The former government press secretary, who has been more than happy to name and shame a long list of minor politicians - particularly dead ones - in the course of his evidence, looked very smart in his academic robes. He studied for his degree at night, and is now studying for his Master's at Trinity College.
Sixty-year-old Dunlop, who did not receive his parchment in a brown envelope, said he found the study regime tough, particularly with his "old memory." However, he was glad to report that his memory was up to the task and functioning excellently.
"I think I've created a few problems with my memory. Maybe I'll create a few more," he mused.
He may not have been commenting on future performances in the witness box. In between his studies and tribunal commitments, we understand Frank is writing another book.
To Dublin's Merrion Hotel on Wednesday night for the launch of Kingstown Republican: A Memoir by former Fianna Fáil minister for foreign affairs, David Andrews. The place was packed with members of the Andrews clan - it was like Foxrock on tour.
The Taoiseach, in very good form, did the honours. "No doubt this book will be found in the Christmas stockings of thousands of political anoraks around the country," he predicted.
His second-in-command, Brian Cowen was also in attendance, a fact that didn't go unnoticed by his new best friend. "It was pointed out to me that David makes reference to a certain member of the current Cabinet being the brightest fella to ever come out of Roscrea College - I can only say I'm glad that this same bright fella is on my team, and I am privileged to have him as Tánaiste and Minister for Finance," dripped Bertie, as Biffo looked on, mortified.
The Tubridy wing of the Andrews clan was also out in force, led by David's nephew, broadcaster Ryan Tubridy. In earlier years, young Ryan was spoken of as a Fianna Fáil prospect, until RTÉ snaffled him. His grandfather Seán Tubridy was a Fianna Fáil TD back in the 1930s in Galway.
However, Ryan's younger brother Garrett (31) is keeping up the political connection. He hopes to stand for Fianna Fáil in the Pembroke ward in the local elections. Who knows, if all goes to plan, Garrett might yet get to join his cousins Chris and Barry Andrews in the Dáil.
David Andrews' memoir will tide over the political anoraks as they await the publication of the new Nealon's Guide to the 30th Dáil and 23rd Seanad. Published by Gill and Macmillan and compiled by The Irish Times, this year's edition will also include a section on members of the Northern Ireland Assembly and Executive. Broadcaster and former Fine Gael TD Ted Nealon started the guide in 1973, and since then, it has become the indispensable reference for politics junkies and those of us who face the regular problem of trying to identify some of our less dynamic TDs and senators.
In a fine example of his magnanimous nature, Taoiseach Bertie Ahern is launching the guide - edited by Irish Times political editor Stephen Collins - in Buswells Hotel on Tuesday evening.
It's been a long slog for the team compiling all the details. In particular, a number of politicians were not too keen on revealing their dates of birth. Most caved in after some gentle pressure was applied, with Green TD Mary White the only deputy who didn't supply a date. A number of Senators were similarly reluctant, among them Fianna Fáil's evergreen Ann Ormonde and newly elected veteran party man, Larry Butler.
The website mayofiannafail.ie has been drawn to our attention. Under the heading "Fianna Fáil Dáil and Seanad representatives" we see the smiling smile of Beverley Flynn, alongside the happy face of her fellow deputy, Dr Tom Moffatt.
Dara Calleary, the party's current and only Fianna Fail deputy in Mayo, will be delighted
Things were so different five years ago, when political pragmatism was a concept the Green Party didn't have to worry about. A report from the Irish Examiner in November 2002 tells us how Paul Gogarty TD was calling on his fellow deputies and senators to hand back a recent 4 per cent salary increase and sign up for a three-year pay freeze. The money saved could go towards essential services, he argued.
"The Dublin Mid-West TD says he has written to all 166 TDs and 60 senators asking them to join him in making this simple sacrifice as an example to the nation at this time of retrenchment," wrote then political editor, John Downing, who informed his readers that Gogarty was urging TDs and senators to leave political differences aside and support his campaign.
"If the majority of those contacted respond positively to my proposal, a petition will be sent to the Minister for Finance asking for the pay cut to take effect and a guarantee that the money would be ring-fenced for spending on a specific area," said the optimistic Gogarty.
Now that they are in Government, the Greens are remaining quiet on the matter of the recent big increases awarded to Ministers "in this time of retrenchment". So there'll be no reporting about making a "simple sacrifice" by John Downing this time around, who has gone on to greater things since his stint with De Paper. The laid-back Limerick-man is now Deputy Government Press Secretary, appointed by the Greens.