Port in a storm

Proof that even affairs of State can take second place to sentimentality: The long-serving, former head of information at the…

Proof that even affairs of State can take second place to sentimentality: The long-serving, former head of information at the Northern Ireland Office, Andy Wood, along with legions of others, was replaced when New Labour took office nearly a year ago. He was having a 25th wedding anniversary dinner on Monday night in the Culloden Hotel, outside Belfast, when none other than David Andrews appeared at the next table. After what Wood describes as a tour de horizon of the Northern talks, the Minister for Foreign Affairs capped the evening with complimentary glasses of port for Andy, his wife Barbara and sons Patrick and Owen. If only all North-South matters could be so speedily and pleasantly resolved.