As they like to say in Leinster House, it’s all about “the optics”. And the optics decree that sending Christmas cards is a definite non-runner.

We miss them. But in these difficult times, fripperies such as cheerful cards do not go down well with the public.

The Sinn Féin leader is bucking the trend has two lovely cards on the go this year.

“Maith thú!” as he might say himself, and frequently does.

One features two little girls wearing Santa hats and it was painted by his six-year-old niece, Drithle.

The other shows a snowman in front of a Christmas tree and was painted by her 11-year-old sister, Luisne.

He wishes us a happy Christmas and all the best for 2012, signing himself “Badly Bilingual of Belfast” – a reference to our description of him in a recent Dáil sketch.

And above his signature he appends an affectionate “xoxo.” Odd. But here’s the thing (as Mary Lou likes to say when she’s doing Tánaiste’s questions): Gerry often signs his name with hugs and kisses. On Friday night in the Dáil bar, a middle-aged, male colleague heaved a big sigh of relief when he saw the Sinn Féin leader’s card.

“I was at a book launch a few years ago and got Gerry to sign my book. He added a string of x’s and o’s. I was a bit taken aback, to be honest with you. I hardly know the man.”