FG's Jim Mitchell was 21 years in the Dail last week, and a party for 300 of his closest friends was held in the Gresham Hotel in the heart of his Dublin Central constituency. There was a 21st cake, a movie of his career and a presentation of a painting of his family home in Inchicore. There were speeches from Peter Barry, and from former deputy Alexis FitzGerald, who recalled he had hosted the 1973 party for Jim's engagement. However, the standing ovation went to Greg Walsh, who said he believed no one either living or dead but Jim could have won the seat for FG in Dublin Central last time out.
Despite deciding to stand down last year and then being persuaded to run, Jim didn't look like the kind of politician who is bowing out, although a second 21 years, predicted by one speaker, seemed unlikely. Neither, said one guest, did he look like a man who would be running for Europe in June whatever the leadership might want.
Guests, as well as his children and wife Patsy, included the Lord Mayor Joe Doyle, Nora Owen, the brother Gay, Alan Shatter, Theresa Ahearn, Padraig McCormack, Maurice Manning, Therese Ridge, Liam Cosgrave and John Connor.