Where would you expect McDonalds to hold the bash to launch their Irish corporate plan? Their flagship store on Grafton Street, perhaps? Free Big Macs all round? Certainly not.

Obviously the fast-food chain felt it needed to go upmarket to attract the choosy members of the fourth estate and held the event in the plush environs of the Merrion Hotel.

With not a plastic seat nor a milk shake in sight, the menu kicked off with a salad of tomato bocconcini with pesto sauce. Diners were offered a choice of grilled breast of chicken, oriental vegetables and ginger infusion, or pan-fried salmon with saffron mash, as their main course, followed by a white and dark chocolate mousse for dessert. A 1996 South Australia Basedow Chardonnay or a 1993 Robertson's Well Cabernet Sauvignon were on offer for those who wanted something a little stronger than mineral water.