FORMER rugby international and chairman of Independent Newspapers Tony O'Reilly was in fine form at the group's a.g.m. in Dublin this week.

Although he didn't have to field any questions not even the usual ones from female shareholders about the pictorial policies of the Sunday World from the assembled shareholders, down in numbers on last year, he kept the crowd amused with his legendary wit and repartee.

Following the auditor's report, a tanned and slim Dr O'Reilly let out a long sigh.

"Hrrrhmmph," he said. "It gets longer every year. Its almost as long as my speech. But I sure hope it doesn't cost as much!"