The former president Mary Robinson and presidential candidate Dana, Rosemary Scallon, were criss-crossing each other in New York all week. Both were staying in Fitzpatrick's Hotel. On Thursday morning Mrs Robinson was having breakfast at one end of the dining room while Dana was being interviewed for CNN at the other end.
Dana's sister Susan is skillfully stage-managing her regular appearances, one of which included attending the ceremony marking the start of work on Fitzpatrick's new hotel near Grand Central Station with Mayor Rudi Guiliani.