Dáil Sketch/Michael O'Regan:Routine business dominated the Dáil yesterday. Yet the survival of the man whose demise had been predicted was still being discussed in the offices and corridors.
Did he deserve to save himself? Certainly he had been humble and contrite when he faced the public via the television cameras.
There were those who stood by him, endorsing his suitability for the important job he held. Some opponents and commentators had been harsh in their judgment, advising that it was time for him to go.
But he had gone before his peers and acquitted himself well enough to fight another day.
And so the consensus was that Steve Staunton would indeed hold his job for the moment.
Meanwhile, the supreme survivor, Bertie Ahern, and one-time PD rottweiler, Michael McDowell, were busy in Scotland attempting to get the Northern institutions up and running.
So it was left to one-time Fianna Fáil rottweiler Brian Cowen to take the Order of Business.
Mr Cowen donned his world-weary persona, gravitas replacing the political bark of the old days.
And although the Opposition tried hard, he refused to revert to type.
Enda Kenny wanted to know when the new ethics legislation would come before the Dáil.
"Given the close and warm relationship between the Taoiseach and the Tánaiste, they have now arranged anyone who has any doubts should go to the Standards in Public Office Commission," he declared.
"When will the new Progressive Democrat amendment to the laws of conscience be brought before the House?"
Glaring at Mr Kenny and Pat Rabbitte, FF backbencher Meath's Johnny Brady remarked: "A special Mullingar accord."
Mr Cowen, with his palpable disdain for anything less than perfect parliamentary decorum, said that the legislation would be prepared as quickly as possible and would be brought before the Government for approval.
"At present the advice of the Attorney General is being sought by my department," he added.
"The Government will move on this matter quickly."
Up to Tuesday, when Mr Ahern passed the survival test, the Opposition had been calling for the Government's collapse and a general election.
Yesterday the Opposition was worried about temporary collapses of the Dáil.
Mr Cowen observed coldly that it was not his problem if the Opposition was unable to get anyone into the House to say a few words.
"That was an extraordinary response from the Minister for Finance," said an angry Mr Rabbitte.
"The House collapsed last Thursday at 2.35pm and was not reconvened until 3.30pm because of lack of business.
"The House collapsed yesterday evening at 5.15pm and could not reconvene until 7pm."
As the exchanges continued, Mr Cowen's mind wandered to Wednesday night's events in Lansdowne Road.
"I note that Deputy Rabbitte has been energised by our 1-1 draw last night."
With Mr Ahern and Mr McDowell back in the House next week, hostilities will be intensified in the aftermath of the Taoiseach's survival. There will be no let-up from his opponents. Steve Staunton would understand.