On the hustings: It looked like high noon in Dawson Street yesterday, a face-off between two groups of sworn political enemies, writes Liam Reid
But instead, an unforeseen scheduling clash between Fine Gael and Sinn Féin turned into an exchange of pleasantries rather than the political shootout some journalists might have been hoping for. It was smiles all round and best wishes between both parties as the sunny dispositions of both political camps rivalled the fine weather in Dublin.
Fine Gael were first on the street, commandeering the terrace of Fitzer's café for an alfresco launch of their youth manifesto by the party leader, Mr Enda Kenny. They had gathered 20 or so of their young political pups who are running in the forthcoming local elections, keen to shake off the Fine Gael image as a party for the middle-aged.
Grants for housing deposits for first-time buyers, cheaper car insurance and more public transport were some of the 11 commitments in their manifesto. Party officials boasted that it had 69 candidates under the age of 30.
Meanwhile Sinn Féin's Dublin candidate, Ms Mary Lou McDonald, and her canvass team arrived at the bottom of the street and began moving towards an inevitable clash with the Fine Gaelers.
Compared with the young Fine Gaelers, the Sinn Féin team, which was dominated by men in suits, looked positively middle-aged - an uncomfortable position for a party which prides itself on its youthful and radical image.
Mr Kenny was oblivious to the Sinn Féin phalanx, however, as he stood in the street giving interviews to journalists about the Judge Brian Curtin affair. He accused the Minister for Justice, Mr McDowell, of "talking tough" but taking little action on IRA-organised crime.
No sooner had he finished than the Sinn Féin horde was upon his back. But instead of continuing with the anti-republican line, he greeted them like long-lost friends. Mr Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin got a handshake, as did Mr Pat Doherty, while Mr Martin Ferris got a wave from the Fine Gael leader. Ms McDonald herself got a big hello.
"I wish you the best of luck," he said, while also informing the republicans that Fine Gael "have the best candidates in their election".
The Sinn Féin group even listened politely and said nothing while Mr Kenny answered further questions about Mr McDowell's comments on the IRA, reiterating his belief that the Minister was "all talk" and no action. The Sinn Féin party just smiled and moved on up the street.