Where were the slings and arrows - or even the dinner buns - of previous years? TUI delegates jostled to get close to their Minister, not to better aim their missiles, but in the hope of attaining the simple pleasure that comes from pressing the ministerial palm.
Micheal Martin had obviously eaten his Weetabix. The frosty reception that had greeted Niamh Bhreathnach of old had thawed to a mellow warm glow. eal Martin. When Mr Martin rose to the podium, clad in his customary navy, delegates greeted each bon mot with a burst of applause.
So glowing was the reception that the TUI president, Ms Alice Prendergast, had to remind delegates that she was their president and the rightful recipient of their applause.
She ruefully acknowledged that she was in a particularly difficult situation responding to a speech that "was excellent and promises that were also excellent".
She did manage to whip up a little enthusiasm about the problems of part-time third-level teachers and in-service problems at second level.
And she also became somewhat animated when she rebuked the National Parents' Council, which had the "temerity to suggest that we have engaged in hyperbole" on intimidation of teachers.
By way of leavening, Ms Prendergast also suggested that the present system of inspection was working well and that Whole School Evaluation might not be needed.