Half-way through Mary McAleese's overseas initiation test as President, it's safe to say she's worked Australia with the confidence of someone who has been in the job for years.
It's been a breakneck itinerary around a continent 68 times the size of Ireland in massive motorcades and jets that wouldn't put President Clinton to shame, but she has remained relaxed and in control. Despite the endless demands of Australian dignitaries and politicians determined to outdo each other in the Irish heritage stakes, she has made time to listen to the stories of the ordinary people. Those of the Irish Family she is so fond of referring to. On the tour's very first night in Perth, after hobnobbing with the great and the good at a state reception, she found herself at the more modest but welcoming Irish Club. After a generous speech, an old lady from the President's area in Belfast made her way to the front and the two former neighbours carried on as if they were on someone's doorstep and not at an official function.
A few days later in Sydney the President moved to tears descendants of the orphan girls who were sent to Australia in the 1850s by her considered, emotional and at times unscripted speech about the Great Famine.
Of course the timing of her trip could have been better. She landed on the first day of a hastily-called federal election campaign, so politicians and the media have been distracted. So far, coverage and comment have been scant.
Next year we're due to vote in a referendum about replacing Queen Elizabeth as head of state with a president. So Mary, as she's already affectionately known here, has been under special scrutiny to see how non-royals might bring the necessary decorum and humanity to the job.
She has smiled while being force-fed a diet of teas and state dinners on the compulsory visits to the various governors who represent Her Majesty in each state. But the demands of stuffy protocol have not been overwhelming and the President has disarmed some with her openness, warmth and informality.
It may be Australia in the glorious spring but the President is here to work hard and she knows it. In Sydney on Wednesday there were no fewer than six speeches to deliver - from a breakfast for prominent women to an Irish business awards dinner.
There were also two major television interviews, and in all forums she outlined the core messages she wants to stay long after her departure. They include the resilience of the peace process despite the outrage at Omagh, the cultural and economic renaissance of Ireland and how the special relationship between the Irish and Australians should be developed and not just taken for granted.
There has also been a favourite and recurring theme - how the individual does make a difference, be it in contributing to the peace process or the lively history of the Irish in this country.
Her humanity and a certain humility have also been on show.
She has also negotiated the delicate minefield of Australian electoral politics and sensibilities about multiculturalism without a gaffe. Her one oversight early on was referring to Australia as being without a community until the Europeans arrived. Now her addresses are packed with references to Aboriginal Australians.
Her native wit and humour have also been used to good effect. Observers of her predecessor, Mary Robinson, say this Mary seems more comfortable and less formal in the ceremonial role. This President might have arrived at the job in Dublin with baggage from her former stands on various issues, but she has pulled off this tour with a textbook precision and heartfelt honesty.
The President has acquitted herself with aplomb. She has, in the words of one headline writer, been an unlikely boost for a republic in Australia, revealing herself as a confident and compassionate face to escort Ireland into the next century.
Now the Australians just have to find someone like Mary McAleese to give the Queen a run for her money.