The National Museum rattles with the voices as memories of James Dillon, the great parliamentarian, are recalled. The reception to launch Senator Maurice Manning's biography is attended by a host of political heavyweights.
"Oraidi iontach a bhi ann," says Donegal TD Donnchadh Mac Fhionnlaoich. Proinsias Mac Aonghusa, a member of the Arts Council, describes Dillon as "sean-chara liom". There is nobody in the Dail today of his oratorical stature, he says.
Andrew Dillon, a nephew, remembers that "he could never speak to you as if you were not a large crowd of people". He also reveals that his uncle used "to come out every Sunday for some of my mother's chocolate cake". His sister, Katharine Gore-Grimes, nods: "He was a wonderful person who made great speeches and was very good to all us children."
As a student Des O'Malley, the former Progressive Democrat leader, went along to hear Dillon speak in Leinster House. "A: because it was warm -, and, b: because it was entertainment," he says. "It was well worth listening to him." What did he learn from the great orator? "I learned that sometimes how you say things is more important than what you say." ail." Michael Noonon, Fine Gael's finance spokesman, believes that Dillon found party whips "difficult enough". Guest speaker is Fine Gael leader John Bruton. He feels entitled to comment on the book because he has read "every word of it". The best passage, he says, is the story of how Dillon persuaded Maura Phelan to marry him within three days of meeting her. "He was almost twice her age at the time," he said "- and he probably called her Miss Phelan too."
There cheering on the author are the senator's wife, Mary, their son, Nicholas (9), and his mother, Alicia.