The crowds at Forestside Shopping Centre in south Belfast knew from the huge media presence that a VIP was coming, but they didn't know who. "Sorry, it's not Westlife," said the new Northern Secretary, Dr John Reid, as he arrived.
He offered to attempt a few verses of one of their songs but he didn't need to. The shoppers warmed to him immediately. And with jokes, laughter, and the odd tongue-in-cheek remark, he charmed his way through the crowds.
"I mightn't be as glamorous as Peter or Mo," he said with a twinkle in his eye. "But I have one advantage. I'm Scottish and that's nearly as good as coming from Northern Ireland."
Daniel Dunning (8) looked glum when the visitor wasn't a pop star. The Northern Secretary introduced himself. "I'm John and I'm sorry I'm just a boring, balding old man but if you give one of my officials your address, I'll write to Westlife and try to get them to send you something."
Daniel was soon smiling. "My newest recruit," joked Dr Reid. He was all smiles himself when a woman said he reminded her of Gregory Peck.
He even indulged in a gentle flirtation with pensioner Betty Welsh. "Do you live on your own, Betty?" he asked. "Would you like to come and live with me then?" asked Betty. "That's the best offer I've had all day," replied Dr Reid.
Betty's daughter blushed furiously. "I can't believe mother is propositioning the Secretary of State."
Dr Reid was less popular with eight-month old Oisin McDevitt who burst into tears. "That's the first person I've upset in Northern Ireland and it probably won't be the last," he said.
The Northern Secretary spotted Walter Goodman doing the weekly shop. "I see you're a new century man just like me," he said. Another shopper, Jim Edwards, complained he couldn't find his wife. "Just as long as she doesn't have your credit card," quipped Dr Reid.
Muriel Warnock admired his Scottish accent. "But this is my posh BBC accent, not my Glaswegian one," he protested.
At the end of his walkabout he expressed delight at the warm response. "I wonder how long it will last," he added.