Stars and cops turn out for Paul Williams' book launch

RTE broadcaster Joe Duffy was among those who braved last night's stormy weather to attend the launch of Paul Williams' latest book Bad Fellas.

There's clearly no rivalry between Duffy and the crime journalist, as he showed his support for his fellow charttopper.

The DTwo at the Harcourt Hotel was packed with hundreds of senior gardai and well-known journalists.

Telling the story of organised crime, the book was spawned from the RTE series of the same name, produced by Gerry Greg. Paul thanked his wife Ann and their two children Jake and Irena, while dedicating the book to slain Limerick businessman Roy Collins, whose father Stephen was there.

Justice Minister Alan Shatter launched the book watched on by Garda Commissioner Martin Callinan. Deputy Commissioner Noirin O'Sullivan was also present with Assistant Commr John O'Mahoney and retired Commissioners Fachtna Murphy and Pat Byrne and ex chiefs of detectives Tony Hickey and Martin Donnellan.

Also spotted were RTE's Fergal Keane and his beautiful wife Tara, political editor David Davin Power, VIP publisher Michael O'Doherty, Herald editor, Stephen Rae, Star editor, Ger Colleran and colleague Des Gibson, judge Gillian Hussey, former Defence Minister, Willie O'Dea, the Sunday Independent's Jim Cusack and Niamh Horan and GRA chief John Healy.

Enjoying the night too were the TUV production crew behind the RTE series, led by Emmy award winner Greg, camera ace, Seamus Deasy and Kieran Horgan, along with News International's Irish chief Oliver Keenaghan and Joanne McElgunn and many of Paul's pals from the Sunday World.

-mf