THE Margin hears that the Eircell sponsored Eurovision party earlier this week in the Herbert Park Hotel was the victim of crossed lines at times. The free bar, at which copious amounts of drink were dispensed, closed before 11 p.m. and diverted to a paying one much to the chagrin of all concerned who, nevertheless, put a brave face on it and rummaged in their pockets. However, about half an hour later, the beer was free again. Other drinks were not. Then all the drinks were free. Then some of the drinks were free.

"Just like the Eircell service," remarked several wags, "drops when you least expect it."