Tiocfaidh Armani may soon be passe. When the 10-strong Sinn Fein delegation was in Downing Street last Thursday, it met the glamorous US designer, Ralph Lauren, and had some discussion on sartorial matters.
The delegation had completed a day of hard negotiating and was waiting to meet the press as soon as Bertie Ahern and Tony Blair had done their bit. Enter Cherie Blair with the Laurens whom she was showing round the building. Introductions were made and the Shinners, in light-hearted fashion, asked Lauren what he thought of Gerry Kelly, whom they considered the most elegant of their number, despite the presence of Gerry Adams and Martin McGuinness.
Lauren, most noted for his WASP style, made a few complimentary remarks about his dress sense and said he carried himself well. Smiles all round after a long day.
Cherie then pointed out to the Laurens that the ceiling's four corners carried the emblems of each part of the United Kingdom. "The shamrock looks a bit shaky," chipped a Shinner.