Nelson Mandela or Monica Lewinsky - who will attract the highest bid? A large colour photo of the former South African president signed on his last day in office and a copy of Andrew Morton's Monica's Story inscribed by the subject "may the luck of the Irish always be with you" are two of the items for auction at Dublin's Berkeley Court Hotel on September 30th in aid of Energy Action. Mandela's photo was donated by Kadar Asmal and brought here by RTE's Charlie Bird who, describing himself as "the carrier pigeon", says "this is a very unique item relating to one of the great figures of this century. It has to be worth many thousands of pounds."
Such an endorsement should push the photo ahead of the book. Monica's signature was secured because the nephew of the organiser, Michael Kelly, formerly chief welfare officer at Dublin Corporation, knows her in Washington.
This year, Energy Action, which insulates and draught- proofs houses for the elderly and vulnerable, concentrated on finding donations abroad and consequently it has a miniature painting on silk from Benazir Bhutto, a sketch of himself by Rolf Harris, a signed book of his paintings by Prince Charles and an album of signed photos of world leaders, past and present. There is also a copy of the Belfast Agreement donated and signed by Mo Mowlam. Bertie Ahern gave a photo of himself and Bill Clinton, signed by both. Riverdance has donated a specially commissioned bronze dancing shoe by Robert Ballagh and the jockey Richard Dunwoody has given a painting of himself.
It is hoped to raise at least £20,000 on the night and for the first time, bids can be placed in advance.