BY and large, diplomats are such an anonymous bunch that their movements in and out of Irish posts pass very quietly indeed.

Not so the charming French cultural attache Alexandre Dufay, who is leaving Ireland next week for a new posting in Tel Aviv. Gallery owner Suzanne MacDougald is just one of several friends who have thrown a farewell bash for Alexandre and his wife Isabelle.

The popular couple will be much missed not least because of Alexandre's genuine interest in Irish culture - he was a prime mover behind Imaginaire Irelandais. The couple, who are sad to be leaving their Irish posting, plan to spend holidays here with their twentysomething daughters Stephanie, Mary and Virginie.