THE MAN about to become Taoiseach, Mr Bertie Ahern, passed into Leinster House almost unnoticed as reporters, photographers and camera crews jostled to get to the first Sinn Fein TD to enter the Dail to take his seat.
Mr Caoimhghin O Caolain arrived outside Leinster House during the early afternoon to be met by supporters from throughout Ireland, including a bus load from his constituency of Cavan Monaghan.
Also present were the two Sinn Fein MPs, Mr Gerry Adams and Mr Martin McGuinness, who were treated like showbiz figures. Mothers held children aloft so they could see the two men.
Mr O Caolain was greeted at the gate by the Superintendent of the House, Mr Eamonn O'Donoghue. They shook hands, and as Mr O Caolain walked towards the Leinster House steps a scrum of reporters, photographers and camera crews pushed and shoved.
"Another obstacle in the path of Sinn Fein," he quipped.
Sinn Fein has become adept at media handling since the lifting of various broadcasting bans. Mr Adams suggested that the party press officer, Ms Rita O'Hare, get the "hacks" into some order. "Sort yourselves out," he said to the unruly bunch.
First the photographers got their pictures of the three men against the backdrop of Leinster House. Then Mr O Caolain answered a few questions.
Mr Adams and Mr McGuinness did not speak, so as not to break the rule that only TDs may be interviewed in the precincts of Leinster House.
Mr O Caolain spoke of the honour of representing Cavan Monaghan and Sinn Fein, and predicted that after the next election he would be returned with a team of Sinn Fein members.
He said he would be casting his vote in favour of Mr Ahern. His decision, he explained, was based on an objective evaluation of the best opportunities to rebuild the peace process. He said he hoped decommissioning would not become a barrier to substantive negotiations.
With that he posed for further photographs, and Mr Adams and Mr McGuinness disappeared into the side entrance to the public gallery.
Mr O Caolain was greeted by the new TD for Dublin South West, Mr Conor Lenihan, who as a radio journalist conducted the first interview with Mr Adams after the ending of the broadcasting ban.
Senator Donie Cassidy and new TDs Mr Jackie Healy Rae and Ms Olivia Mitchell also welcomed Mr O Caolain before the Superintendent of the House escorted him to a seat at the back of the Dail chamber beside the Independents.
He had a long conversation with Mr Tony Gregory, a shorter one with the Donegal deflector TD, Mr Thomas Gildea, and met Mr Joe Higgins and Mr Harry Blaney. With old world charm, he stood and quite formally greeted Ms Mildred Fox.
As other TDs entered, some looked at Mr O Caolain as if he were an exotic bird. Some greeted him; there was no sign of antagonism.
In his debut speech he spoke of the honour of being a Sinn Fein member of the Dail and welcomed Mr Adams and Mr McGuinness.