PAT RABBITTE is enjoying an action-packed St Patrick’s weekend in Italy.

Due to a thrilling prior engagement, the Minister for Communications was unable to attend the Irish Ambassador’s reception last night. On the plus side, it ruled out the possibility of Pat being struck down by a bolt of lightning while perusing the canapés in the lovely Villa Spada, which used to house Ireland’s embassy to the Vatican before a Labour Minister closed it down.

Following the controversial closure, our Ambassador to Italy, Pat Hennessy, and his staff moved from their rented premises in Rome to the prestigious villa.

Rabbitte missed the reception because he was in Tuscany – illuminating the Leaning Tower of Pisa, no less. Because it is a religious monument, Tourism Ireland had to get permission from the Archbishop of Pisa to bathe the tower in green light. And last night, Pat pressed the button to make it happen.

Rabbitte is in Rome this morning, where he will ring the Eucharistic Congress bell at a special Mass to mark St Patrick’s Day. The pope rang the bell “vigorously” on Wednesday. So we expect Pontifical Pat to give it a right belt today.

He will then attend a lunch hosted by the religious congregations at the Irish College. Former president Mary McAleese will be among the guests.

He rounds off a busy day at the Irish Club of Rome’s annual Celtic Ball in the luxurious surroundings of the Parco dei Principi Hotel beside Villa Borghese. Over 300 guests are expected.