A posthumous Membership of Honour was also awarded to former Belfast branch secretary, Marty O'Hagan. Marty was murdered by terrorists in September 2001 near his Lurgan home. The NUJ is to mount a campaign to have his killers brought to justice. Marty's family were present to accept his award.

Finally, congratulations to Helen Russell, whose defiance of political censorship at the Wishaw Press earned her the union's gold badge.

An eye witness described the scene: "It was grotesque. He was boogeying with Anita Halpin whose hand and footwork was straight out of the Rocky Horror Show. James must have been either mesmerised or just highly distressed because, for no apparent reason, he launched himself across the floor."

In a move described as combining "the spring of a gazelle with the grace of a penguin" James's ankle gave way "and he landed right on his arse," said the witness.

There were no other reported casualties although Anita was reported to have had grave difficulty in filling her dance card for the rest of the evening.

Troubled onlookers wept when Rory then took the mic to sing Mac the Knife as, thankfully, only he can. One delegate, who asked not to be named, commented, "When you've been through something like that and survived, it makes you stronger."