THE theme from Rocky rang around St Stephen's Green as the limo pulled in. Fans pressed forward for a glimpse of their hero. Then the familiar, squat figure moved through the adoring crowd, throwing shapes made familiar by a million posters.
Yes, Bertie Ahern was unmistakable as he made his way to the stage to join Sylvester Stallone for yesterday's promotion of Planet Hollywood's planned Dublin restaurant.
It was political life, but not as we know it. By one of those happy transports of the public relations sector, Bertie had been chosen to represent Planet Ireland at this interstellar event, and the other party leaders could only look on in envy like little green men.
Of course, sharing platforms with men of violence is a risky business for a politician. Bertie couldn't compete with Hollywood's most famous boxer for the affections of the crowd, but he gave a good account of himself as he slugged it out over 15 rounds of gruelling free publicity.
If it wasn't so much a Rumble in the Jungle as a Preen on the Green, Bertie's cornerman, P.J. Mara, wasn't complaining. P.J.'s friendship with Ossie Kilkenny - accountant to the stars and partner in Planet Hollywood's Irish venture - was the key to the coup, and the spin doctor supreme could barely contain himself as he sponged his man down between rounds and fanned him with Fianna Fail's latest private opinion polls.
As film fans will know, Rocky's road to Dublin coincided with his recent marriage. The real life Stallone, whose new wife stood demurely by the side of the stage during the performance, confirmed that his trip to Ireland was doubling as a honeymoon and even suggested that Ireland outdid Italy as a romantic destination.
"You guys just breathe romance", was how he put it. And certainly P.J. Mara had a misty, candlelit look in his eye as he watched events unfold on the stage, especially when Stallone helped Bertie into a Planet Hollywood jacket.
According to the press release, there are now 41 of the themed restaurants worldwide - the same number as there are constituencies in the general election. This spooky coincidence was spoiled, however, when Stallone put the number at 55. Whichever it is, when they open in Dublin in November the management will no doubt be hoping for a visit from the Taoiseach - whether it's the one with the Planet Hollywood jacket or not.
Hearing of Fianna Fail's coup, the Labour Party took to the air in a desperate attempt to salvage the Battle of Dublin. As Stallone left St Stephen's Green amid frenzied scenes, a small aeroplane circled overhead trailing a "Vote Labour" banner.
But the effort seemed to be in vain. Nobody was looking at the sky by then and the Red Baron of Irish politics was on the way back to his Mount Street hangar with another notch on the side of his triplane.
