INTRODUCING JOAN Burton and the Dáilettes. A hip new combo from Leinster House. Pat Rabbitte, the rip, has already been overheard calling her Lady Gaga.

On Thursday morning, Joan recorded her short solo for the charity song which is being sung by a cross-party group of TDs and Senators. All proceeds from the download of their surprisingly excellent styling of Bridge Over Troubled Waterwill go to suicide awareness organisation Pieta House.

The office of the Leas Cheann Comhairle was turned into a studio for the occasion and Minister for Social Protection Burton was joined by fellow artistes who were unable to make the original recording last Saturday.

Minister for Agriculture Simon Coveney (lovely voice); Minister of State Michael Ring (God loves a trier) and the Leas Cheann Comhairle Michael Kitt (from a family of singers) did their bit, urged on by their producer, Deputy Derek Keating.

Joan rolled in looking like a diva in head to toe scarlet. “I’m all yours!” she trilled to the sound engineer, “but I’ve a Cabinet subcommittee in 15 minutes.”

Simon Coveney arrived from his 8am Irish language class.

Michael Ring designated himself the lead singer. “But can you sing, Michael?” asked Joan, a little concerned. “Sure I’ll give it a bash!”

Joan sang her line: "Sail on silver girl . . ." The rest followed suit and it was all in the can in two takes. The song, sponsored by Noel Recruitment, will be launched next Friday and then petrified politicians will make their musical debut on The Late Late Show.

Given that suicide is such an unfortunately pressing issue in this country, the political popsters are hoping that President Michael D, diary permitting, might do the honours.