Congratulations to Dara Calleary, Fianna Fáil’s lone standard-bearer in Mayo, on his engagement last week. Dara proposed to Siobhán Greavy, his girlfriend of two years, during a romantic weekend break in Rome.

Siobhán works as a primary school teacher in Sligo, but is from Mayo. The couple knew each other for years before becoming an item.

Mr Calleary surprised Siobhán with a diamond solitaire – “at least I think it’s one of them” – but didn’t go down on one knee. Is she a member of Fianna Fáil? “I think she is now!”

The couple haven’t set a date yet. Dara, who is tipped by many as a future party leader, says he couldn’t be happier.

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The Labour leadership wasn’t happy to see Galway East TD Colm Keaveney winning the battle for the chairmanship of the party at last week’s annual conference. The independent- minded TD was asked by a colleague how he managed to swing the vote. “Ground hurling, Galway style,” he said.

Shane Ross, on the other hand, was delighted to see Keaveney getting the nod.

We hear a small number of Independents ran a book on the result of the election. Most plumped for the leader’s choice, Derek Nolan. Some went for sitting chairman Brian O’Shea. Shane scooped the pot.

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When the troika was in town this week it was staying in the Merrion hotel. Apparently Jedward were staying there too. Full marks to the Government for making sure the Bailout Boys wouldn’t be hanging around too long.