First John Hume and now Bono. Last night the U2 singer received the music industry's equivalent of the Nobel Peace Prize when he scooped the Free Your Mind Award at the MTV Europe Music's awards in Dublin.
His weren't the only Irish eyes smiling at the Point Theatre. A group of about 30 young people from nearby Sheriff Street had been given tickets to the star-studded gig in a week when locals had accused MTV of "social exclusion". Boyzone were happy as they won two awards, one for best album and another for best UK and Ireland act.
It was the Point as we had never seen it before. It seemed as though the world's press had descended on the venue as limos bearing the biggest names in pop pulled up alongside the obligatory red carpets. For once, even the most renowned members of Dublin's liggeratti (you know who you are) had to queue like everyone else.
First in the queue was 15-year old Derek Moran from Donaghmede who had waited since 8 a.m. to pay homage to the four-award winner, Britney Spears. One thousand lucky teenagers and a few conspicuous adults joined the throng, most dressed in the uniform of their pop idol. The most popular fashion craze - a top that is nothing more than a handkerchief tied around the chest - may have been an unfortunate choice given the chill in the air. But inside they soon warmed up. MTV veejays got the crowds going: "I'm keeping it British" roared Richard Blackwood, before amending this to "I'm keeping it UK and Irish".
Up on the balcony the stars were all trying to outshine each other. Britney wore a skirt that was cut up to reveal sequined undergarments and Whitney Houston was in a sparkly suit.
The night belonged to teeny popper Britney Spears. Her raunchy pop anthem Baby One more Time began to take new meaning as she bounced on stage to collect a total of four awards.