The Fine Gael parliamentary party meeting to elect a new leader appears to have been the epitome of civility and good manners. There were even a few moments of levity, according to the TDs and senators who attended.
It had been preceded by the Ireland/Germany soccer game and the tone of the match was carried through to the meeting. During his speech leadership candidate Mr Richard Bruton pointed out that it was "small guy" Robbie Keane who had put the ball in the net for Ireland when it was most needed.
But his fellow leadership contender, Mr Phil Hogan, at 6ft 5 one of the tallest TDs in the Dail, laughingly pointed out that the ball had been passed to Keane by the lanky forward Niall Quinn.
According to a number of those present at the three-hour meeting there was not a cross word spoken. Longford/Roscommon TD Mr Denis Naughten said it was in stark contrast to when Mr John Bruton was replaced by Mr Michael Noonan in February 2001.
"In the previous leadership contest you could literally cut the tension with a knife. This time it was very amicable. There was a number of jokes cracked during speeches, " said Mr Naughten.
New Co Offaly TD Ms Olwyn Enright said everyone focused on what they had to do and stressed that there would be no rancour afterwards. "I haven't been in the parliamentary party before but I believe it was not always that way. I am glad that I am coming in at a time where we are certainly united." She seconded the nomination of the new leader, Mr Enda Kenny, and his choice was seen as a smart move by many colleagues. "I spoke to him about it this morning," she said.
Mr Kenny was proposed by his Mayo colleague Mr Michael Ring who said Mr Kenny may have been in the Dáil 27 years but he still would "look well on posters and had a nice fresh face".
By yesterday morning Mr Kenny was being widely tipped as the new leader, although there appeared to have been a late surge towards Mr Bruton who apparently felt quite confident going into the meeting. The count was being closely guarded last night but according to two informed sources it was "clear cut in the end". A voting system of proportional representation was used.
The proposers of each candidate and the candidates themselves addressed the meeting. Mr Kenny, generally acknowledged to have spoken well, gave an "I believe" speech à la Martin Luther King. Mr Bruton spoke "with passion" but a number of those listening felt that he may have over-concentrated on policy. Mr Hogan and Mr Gay Mitchell were also said to have spoken well.
"Billy Timmins, who was proposing Gay Mitchell gave a great speech," said one TD, who referred to the historical tensions between politicians and party administrators. The TD said Mr Timmins made the light-hearted point that "if Gay was elected they would have been over in Mount Street tonight saying 'oh no, that little f***er is leader'."
"Enda was good and when you looked at him you thought 'this guy will go down well with the public, you can let him out'," said the deputy.
Mr Bruton's older brother, John, the former party leader, said he was very happy with the result. "We must move forward now." Mr Hogan was proposed by Cork TD Mr Bernard Allen and seconded by new Wexford deputy Mr Paul Keogh. Mr Bruton was proposed by Cork TD Mr Simon Coveney and Louth TD Mr Fergus O'Dowd. Mr Mitchell was proposed by Wicklow TD Mr Billy Timmins and MEP Mr John Cushnahan.
The voting had been presided over by senior counsel Mr Kevin O'Higgins. Party chairman Mr Padraic McCormack said he did not know the actual result, nor did the leadership candidates.