THE IDEA that Dail Bia, the new all-Irish cafe, will do breakfasts as well as lunch and dinner brings a smile to the face of Michael D Higgins. Gaeilgoiri,
you see, he says enigmatically, "are at their best at breakfast". Bobby Molloy, another prospective customer, is smiling too - he's here for the gala opening of the basement restaurant at 46 Kildare Street. He says the place "is handy" for him and "I encouraged them to open it a long time ago."
Helen O Murchu, wearing a mink fur-coat, is a spokeswoman for teachers of the Irish language. She has just returned from a trip to Estonia to enjoy the launch, which is being broadcast live on Raidio na Gaeltachta, with Seosaimhin Ni Bheaglaoich at the helm. Minister of State Eamon O Cuiv makes a speech and Dail Bia is officially declared open for business.