The VIP section for the leader's speech at the FF Ardfheis in the RDS tonight will, as usual, be filled with ambassadors, but the beleaguered Austrian one won't be among them.
Michael Breisky has been defending his country valiantly in recent weeks in the face of EU condemnation and boycott. A spokesman said he had a very busy weekend and simply couldn't attend. It is possible, however, that like other VIPs entitled to be there, he felt it best to avoid creating a diplomatic incident. With the EU's socialist governments all giving Austria the cold shoulder, a walk-out by other ambassadors, as has happened at Council meetings in Europe, might be just too unpleasant all round.
The other VIP unlikely to turn up for equally diplomatic reasons is former taoiseach, Charles Haughey. He came in Albert Reynolds's day, but since FF has been pursuing him for money he hasn't appeared at top party occasions.