JUDGING by the number of parties that preceded Thursday's vote, the Rainbow had little hope - despite efforts to get the PDs, the Greens and sundry Independents on board that they could hold on to power. John Bruton was entertained by his staff in the Department of the Taoiseach on Friday, June 20th, before he left on his last official trip to the UN in New York and to Newfoundland: it was, he said, a first for him.
Most Ministers had farewell drinks of various sizes to thank the people who had worked with them. Considering the circumstances, they were jolly enough occasions.
One of the best events was given by outgoing Minister Nora Owen for the top brass in the Garda and the Department of Justice. The Red Bank Restaurant in Skerries, in the heart of her constituency, opened especially on Monday night. The Garda Commissioner, Pat Byrne, and Assistant Commissioner for Dublin, Tom King, who has been much in the news lately, as well as departmental secretary Tim Dalton were among the 30 or so guests, including programme manager Linda O'Shea Farren, who is running for the Seanad on the NUI panel.
Mrs Owen said that as it appeared she would be out of office by 3 p.m. on Thursday, she expected to have a statement issued by 4 p.m. condemning the prevalence of crime. And from Friday she would be waking up without having to worry about Morning Ireland.