All that was missing was Louis Walsh. After days of keeping the nation in suspense, the Progressive Democrats' version of Popstars came to an exciting climax yesterday with the announcement that fresh-faced 50-year-old Michael McDowell, from Dublin, and brooding Bobby Molloy (65) from Galway, would be joining sexy sheep farmer Tom Parlon, from Offaly, in the line-up for the general election,writes Frank McNally.
Michael and Bobby joined girl members Mary Harney and Liz O'Donnell for an emotional photocall in the Merrion Hotel to break the news.
As in the TV series, there was even a last-minute controversy over a candidate's eligibility - Fine Gael claiming McDowell's new career was incompatible with his role as Attorney General. Fortunately, Michael was able to provide supporting evidence for his qualifications, pointing to historical precedent from Fine Gael itself, so it all ended happily.
The group members will now go to work on producing original material for the election campaign. But it was clear yesterday they had already been brushing up on their harmonies.
Before Mr McDowell embarked on the solo career which brought him to number one in the AG's office, he was reportedly unable to sing off the same hymn sheet as Ms Harney. There were no such problems at the press conference, however. And afterwards, asked about their alleged musical differences, a beaming Mr McDowell said: "You didn't see any tension there, did you?"
Confirmation of Mr Molloy's intention to run had been expected to come later in the week. But before you could say "Westlife," he added to the celebrations by announcing he would contest the selection convention in Galway.
Amid so much good news, nobody mentioned the recent flying controversy. But then, this was a day for thinking about the future, and hoping the new line-up would take off (oops). In this respect, the leader was more confident than even Louis Walsh.
He might be happy with 6, but Mary Harney had a bigger band in mind. "The PDs have done very well in this Government with four seats. Imagine what we could do with eight."