The best suits were out in full view and a few TDs clearly got the hair done for the occasion.

We love it when an important guest comes to town and, in EU terms, Jean Claude Juncker is top billing.

As he mounted the steps on his way into the chamber, surrounded by his flunkies and other dignitaries (including commissioner Phil Hogan) it was obvious Juncker had become frailer in the four years since assuming the presidency of the European Commission.

His chief Brexit negotiator, Michel Barnier, was also in town, but unlike his last visit, he was the bridesmaid this time.

Tánaiste Simon Coveney had the job of escorting Barnier around ahead of Juncker’s much-anticipated address.

Barnier was generous with his time for the Irish Examiner, and he greeted its representatives warmly outside the Dáil chamber.

As proceedings got underway, Juncker, Hogan, and Barnier took their place in the distinguished visitors’ gallery inside the Dáil chamber.

Ceann Comhairle Seán Ó Fearghaíl offered an effusive welcome to our EU masters, but was one of a series of speakers to insist on saying things in Irish and then repeating it in English.

Juncker who sat throughout without the benefit of a translation of what was being said, must have wondered what the hell was going on.

The ceann comhairle went a step further, dropping in a few lines of French, which he pulled off with some aplomb.

He then gave the floor to Juncker, who had to make his way down the steep steps of the Dáil to the podium.

But again, Juncker appeared to be struggling with the task and obviously conscious of his weakness, addressed it as he began his remarks. He categorically ruled out he was stumbling because of being drunk.

“Mr Speaker, Taoiseach, other members, I have some difficulties in walking. I am not drunk; I have sciatica. I would prefer to be drunk,” he said to some chuckles.

“It is a real honour to be with you here today for this special joint sitting of the Houses. It is a particular honour for me that you have joined in order to listen, hopefully carefully, to what I intend to say.”

He was, most importantly though, at pains to say that Ireland first is still his position in terms of Brexit.

“Ireland’s border is Europe’s border,” he said to warm applause.

We just love it when EU big guns come to town and tickle our tummies.

What got less applause was his stinging kick at Ireland’s controversial tax regime.

“This shows the economic potential of digital companies, but with profits comes the duty to pay taxes,” said Juncker. “The amounts that are going untaxed are both unsustainable and unacceptable. I know that this is a difficult issue in this country.”

The reference to “difficulty” was an off-the-cuff remark from Juncker, who departed from his carefully prepared script.

But once that was over, it was back to the niceties.

And his address was followed by a series of fawning responses, led by Taoiseach Leo Varadkar, who called Junker a moral and political compass who is to be followed.

Party leaders Micheál Martin, Mary Lou McDonald, and Brendan Howlin too got in on the collective love-in.

One lighter moment in the proceedings came when People Before Profit TD Richard Boyd Barrett, following one of his usual impassioned speeches, yelled directly at a somewhat startled Juncker: “That is the question. We do not trust the Tories. Can we trust you?”

To which Juncker yelled back: “Yes.”

Juncker was the guest of honour at a big posh dinner for about 140 people in Dublin Castle, hosted by the Taoiseach, which was closed to journalists.

Ministers, ambassadors, business people, and senior media executives were among those lucky to be invited, much to the annoyance of some leading TDs and senators.

Today, Juncker is off to Croke Park and will swing by the Áras but is likely to get overshadowed by the presence of another global figure, Hillary Clinton, who is in town to receive an honorary degree from Trinity.