AS a light bulb is to moths, power is to politicos. Last night Fine Gael opened its first ardfheis in 10 years as a party of government, and the RDS Concert Hall was not big enough to hold the swarm.
On Friday nights at Irish party conferences, delegates often drone on to half-empty halls about potholes and bovine TB. Last night, however, the multitude came from far and wide to pay homage to the men and women who had so unexpectedly parachuted into Government just over a year ago.
Maybe it wasn't the power. Maybe it was the free drink. For over an hour before the conference got under way drink was poured into anyone who arrived at the RDS complex. And unlike many who received letters over the last few weeks, the party members didn't have to pay a penny.
Outside, protesters shouted about the party of the rich, water charges, and Larry Goodman. Fine Gael had arrived.
Mr Bruton allowed the party some self-congratulation while promising a weekend that would "reflect the national mood". This he described as one of "intense national self-examination".
At the last ardfheis who could have predicted that he would open his speech at this one by saying, "We are the largest party in Government at a time of unprecedented opportunity in relation to the Northern Ireland situation"?
Observers agreed that a sound heard at this point in Mr Bruton's address was that of delegates pinching themselves to make sure they weren't dreaming.
Last night they discussed European affairs and the role of women in society. Mr Bruton will address over 2,000 Fine Gael members this afternoon. In a bigger hall than last night's, he will range over all the issues facing the Government, and people will listen.
When you have the Taoiseach topping the bill, you don't need Twink.