Like the chimney on the Sistine Chapel, Bertie Ahern has been the cause of much uncertainty over the years. His most recent emissions - on the redevelopment of Lansdowne Road - have been a case a point. The outlook was black on Sunday. On Monday it was white.
And by yesterday, as so often with Mr Ahern, it had finally resolved itself into a shade of grey.
Trying to interpret the smoke during Leaders' Questions, Pat Rabbitte resembled a puzzled commentator in St Peter's Square. All he could to was put the latest confusion in historical context.
He contrasted the Taoiseach's welcome for the amendment of Rule 42 with his stance four years ago when he averted such a development with a huge grant for the GAA. He also recalled Mr Ahern giving his full support for Eircom Park, shortly before "scuttling" the project.
So this was not the first time Bertie's outpourings had caused confusion, Mr Rabbitte explained.
The Taoiseach's latest attempt to clear up the uncertainty was to say that it had been a "sorry day" when the idea of a real national stadium at Abbotstown was shelved, but that he nevertheless wished the Lansdowne Road project well in the difficult planning process ahead.
Soon after he spoke, bells started ringing in Leinster House, causing excited observers to think that the Taoiseach had finally reached consensus on the issue. Sadly, the bell turned out to be only a division call for the daily Order of Business vote.
Mr Ahern's one-man conclave on the stadiums issue is likely to continue for some time to come.
But by then the real drama in Rome was unfolding, and TDs and reporters alike were scattering for the nearest TV monitors. The Order of Business debate is normally preceded by a small farce in which a number of deputies seek (and are refused) the immediate adjournment of the house for a debate on a matter of alleged national importance.
The election of Pope Benedict XVI did not provoke an adjournment, but those who'd heard the rumours voted with their feet.
An hour later, Bertie welcomed the new Pope with a formal statement on the steps of Government Buildings. After the coverage from the Vatican, we half expected him to deliver it in Latin. But the nearest we got to theatre was just before he appeared, when a Government official appeared briefly on a first floor balcony and blessed the media below.
Benedict the Sixteenth is said to be fluent in seven languages, while Bertie the First causes endless confusion in just one. And there was an ominous note when, as with Lansdowne, he wished the new Pope well in the difficulties ahead.
But the smoke had cleared by now and the Taoiseach was for once easily understandable as he offered the prayers of all Irish Christians to help the latest incumbent in the "awesome responsibility that comes with occupying the See of Peter".