In his previous ministerial appointment, the Minister helped a great deal by listening to the debates on the legislation he introduced. Backing that up was a corresponding investment in hotels and restaurants that matched what they offered to the varying needs of the modern visitor. The result was 15 glorious years and it was no wonder many people thought it would go on forever. Of course it could not last. Long before the twin shocks of last year – the foot and mouth outbreak and September 11 – there were already many signs of overheating in Irish tourism.