It hasn't emerged in evidence yet, but it would be no big surprise to learn that Pee Flynn does voluntary work for the Samaritans, writes Frank McNally
Certainly, the picture emerging in Dublin Castle this week is that the former EU commissioner is a great listener. And this was the key to his friendship with Tom Gilmartin, a man who - all the evidence suggests - is a great talker.
The relationship was highlighted by their marathon phone conversation in 1998, after the Sunday Independent published a report about an unnamed ex-minister and a £50,000 donation.
Although it was Mr Flynn who made the call, which lasted two hours, he claims it was Mr Gilmartin who did all the talking: "It was as if he was delighted to tell the whole story to someone he regarded as a friend."
The important thing is that Pee was there for him. He was also there for him in at least six subsequent phone conversations, all initiated by Mr Flynn.
Unlike the Samaritans, Pee rings you first. And whether on the phone (in 1998) or in person (in 1989), he always had a calming effect of the developer.
"He was never an angry Mr Gilmartin at the meetings I had with him," Pee recalled.
Sadly, the relationship ended in October 1998 when the developer asked him not to ring again because he was "afraid" of something.
"I'll never forget it!" Mr Flynn said in a dramatic tone that provoked only giggling from the public gallery. "He said: 'I'm afraid, Mr Flynn'!" Mr Flynn added, to more laughter.
The tribunal audience would not get work with the Samaritans.
Great listener that he is, it's no wonder - as he said himself - Pee was able to maintain silence on Mr Gilmartin for the past six years.
This was despite "a lot of asking by the people on this side of the house", he said, turning a benign gaze towards the press gallery where journalists immediately felt a terrible urge to share their problems with him.
Despite his reluctance to hog tribunal counsel's limelight by answering her questions at length, Mr Flynn's evidence could not be concluded yesterday.
Indeed, when the chairman sought estimates from the other legal representatives about the duration of their cross-exams, Liam Lawlor - representing himself - declared his would take "a couple of hours, at least".
It sounds like Mr Lawlor needs a friend to talk to, and Mr Flynn is expected be there for him next week.