BEING LEADER of Fianna Fáil is a bit of a thankless task these days, but Micheál Martin was feeling the love at his party’s national ladies’ lunch in Dublin recently.

Senator Mary White organised the event and Dr Maeve Hillery, widow of former president Patrick Hillery, was guest of honour. Dr Hillery, a sprightly and stylish 89-year-old, was in fine form. More than 300 women from all over the country attended the lunch in the Stillorgan Park Hotel. They came from every constituency in the State – proof, says Sen White, that the party is still going strong at grassroots level.

The ladies gave Micheál a big welcome and he was presented with a framed citation in recognition of his “political leadership” and for “enacting the pioneering legislation” that brought in the smoking ban.

Fighting cancer was the theme of the lunch, which was also attended by oncologist and Senator John Crown and by Cathy Kelly, consultant oncologist at the Mater hospital.

The smiling Fianna Fáil leader was in his element, surrounded by adoring fans, just like in the old days. It might explain why he’s been in much better spirits in the Dáil of late.