Small firms are often portrayed as the poor relation of Irish business but the presence of senior politicians and presidential hopefuls at yesterday's Enterprise Ireland exhibition confirmed they carry voting clout at least. Within an hour of the opening of the exhibition in Dublin's RDS at 2 p.m., the Taoiseach, Mr Ahern was leading the charge, with the Tanaiste, Ms Harney, in close attendance.

Those trying to exhibit their products were obscured for a time as a large political entourage glided by. Just when the crowds had cleared and commercial activity was holding sway again, presidential candidate, Mr Derek Nally arrived to shake a hand or three. Rival contenders Prof Mary McAleese - due today - and Ms Adi Roche - on Sunday - will be among an estimated 40,000 people expected to attend the exhibition over the weekend.

The firms themselves reported a good response to their efforts.

Mr Ray O'Neill on the Dynasoft stand said his company had sold several software packages. "The great thing about this exhibition is that people are here to be sold to."

Ms Margaret Corbett, managing director of Paperweight Solutions, which sells document management products, said the exhibition was a huge success so far. "It is the first exhibition we have attended and we have already had numerous queries."

Mr Ahern said the combination of open stands, one-to-one advice, seminars and exhibitions, made the Enterprise Ireland a "unique event".