The Green Diamond, written by Maire Geoghegan Quinn, Fianna Fail spokeswoman on health, was launched last night.
Former Fine Gael minister Gemma Hussey turned up for the crowded launch at the National Museum. Also present was broadcaster Marian Finucane who did the honours "on behalf of the sisterhood".
Party leader Mr Bertie Ahern had to go to a funeral but his absence was more than compensated for by the presence of deputy leader, Ms Mary O'Rourke, and party notables such as Mr Charlie McCreevy, Mr Michael Smith, Mr Noel Dempsey, Mr Martin Mansergh and Mr Ahern's chef de cabinet, Mr Paddy Duffy.
Mrs Geoghegan Quinn's successor as Minister for Justice, Mrs Nora Owen, was presented with a copy by the secretary of her department, Mr Tim Dalton. Other Fine Gael politicians present were Ms Frances Fitzgerald and Mr Michael Ring.
Mrs Geoghegan Quinn said she wrote the novel over a period of about 15 months after the party went into opposition. The ankle injury she sustained while dancing at the Fianna Fail Christmas party proved a blessing in disguise.