On the campaign trail:A hastily arranged show of unity by the three main parties took place in Dundrum yesterday, writes HARRY McGEE.
AT THE entrance to Dundrum Town Centre, everything was in place for the grand opening of Sex and the City - the Movie.
Gleaming Mercedes coupés were strategically parked in the plaza. A few models hung around. And there was a smattering of the well-heeled - literally - in their Jimmy Choos and their Manolo Blahniks. All they needed were the stars to arrive.
And then Mr Big made his grand entrance, surrounded by a swarm of reporters, supporters and hangers-on - his own kind of paparazzi. But for all the attention he was getting, this Mr Big wasn't exactly one that you'd ever imagine swanning up a red carpet.
Still, there was purpose and authority to his stride. For this Mr Big, Taoiseach Brian Cowen, had his own bit of wooing to do yesterday evening.
And his Carrie Bradshaw (there were two of them, in fact), stood waiting patiently for him outside the doors of the shopping centre in order to begin their date. Labour Party leader Eamon Gilmore was there along with Olivia Mitchell of Fine Gael.
We had learned this marriage of convenience had been arranged hastily. And for all the skills Enda Kenny has acquired lately, bilocation is not one of them. He had already committed to a meeting in Cork. Though, as Carrie might say, he and Brian have "compatibility issues".
Last night's joint walkabout by senior members of the three main political parties was presented as an "almost watershed moment" when they cast aside personal and political differences in what Cowen described as "the national interest".
It was very different earlier in the week when there was what could be described as an "almost bloodshed moment" when the party leaders bickered over who was putting in the most effort.
Cowen made a backhand reference to that row last night. "We need to be working together. This is a national issue, not a party political issue.
"There were some unfortunate issues earlier in the week. Whatever misunderstandings there were, we hope that we have left them behind us."
Would they have come together regardless of the row earlier in the week?
Both Cowen and Gilmore seemed to suggest yes. Cowen referred to the Nice II campaign and the show of solidarity from all major parties then. Gilmore remarked that Fianna Fáil, Fine Gael and Labour tend to come together in European referendums in the latter stages.
The Taoiseach suggested a pause in normal political hostilities until June 12th.
"We will return to our political differences thereafter when more domestic concerns will take precedence again," he said.
While it was clear from all parties that talks had taken place behind the scenes earlier in the week, it seemed that the symbolic coming together of party leaders from Government and Opposition was arranged yesterday afternoon - hence Kenny's absence.
But having refused to apologise to Kenny all week, Cowen yesterday was full of generosity about the Fine Gael leader's interview on RTÉ radio and his call for a co-ordinated message from all parties.
"I have listened to what Enda Kenny said today on the one o'clock news and I have no problem with that. I think it's a good idea. We can sit down and arrange for that and get out the message," he said.
The new-found national unity extended to their quotes. Eamon Gilmore's comments were almost indistinguishable from Cowen's. "On this occasion, this is not about party politics. It's good for the country," he said.
Olivia Mitchell was always going to play the role of the gooseberry on such an occasion. Still, she piped up cheerfully, she was delighted with the opportunity to come together and thought it was a fantastic idea.
The sight of Cowen and Gilmore so comfortable together prompted the question: was it possible that they might agree to stand shoulder-to-shoulder on other occasions (perhaps for the formation of the next government)?
"Offaly and Galway have always stood shoulder to shoulder," Cowen declared.
"On and off the pitch," responded Gilmore. "On both the first and last Sunday of September," he added.
But Mr Big wasn't going to end this particular affair without having the last word.
"With victories for Offaly on both occasions," he quipped.