Ten million sales and a new book keeps magic alive in Cecelia's world

"STEP INTO the magical world of Cecelia Ahern," the launch invitation said.

Indeed, at the glittering launch of The Gift, the new novel by the former taoiseach's daughter, it was as if the credit crunch had never happened.

In the Round Room of Dublin's Mansion House on Dawson Street, each illuminated table was decorated with an over-sized martini glass with an enormous ostrich feather sticking out.

Fairy lights twisted into the shape of chandeliers twinkled overhead. What looked like two blue Christmas trees sparkled on the stage. Carriages at midnight were even promised.

"You just don't have parties like this any more, do you?" whispered one wide-eyed invitee, clutching a glass of champagne before supper was served.

The dress code for the event was "glamorous".

Mr Ahern turned up in a dark suit and striped orange tie.

The best-selling author herself did not fail to disappoint.

A beaming Cecelia said her red knee-length dress was by British designer Alexander McQueen. She had accessorised with diamanté-encrusted handbag and heels.

Mr Ahern paused for photographs on the red carpet leading to the Round Room.

He greeted Miriam Ahern with a friendly kiss on the cheek.

He clutched his daughter's hand before heading inside for a spot of mingling.

If he had an opinion on how the Government was handling the economic crisis with its bank guarantee plan, the former taoiseach was keeping his thoughts to himself last night.

"Ah, I'll let them at it," was his cheerful response to an approach from The Irish Times.

However Mr Ahern meant his daughter and her friends at the book launch, not the Government Ministers and their problems with the credit crunch.

According to HarperCollins, the publishers of The Gift, Ms Ahern's sixth book is a "story about people who, not unlike parcels, hide secrets.

"They cover themselves in layers until the right person unwraps them and discovers what's inside.

"Sometimes you have to be unravelled in order to find out who you really are."

Ronan Keating's wife Yvonne was among the celebrity friends of Ms Ahern who turned up for the launch.