in Paris. 6 September – Thousands of people queued at the British Embassy in Dublin to sign a book of condolence for Princess Diana. Due to the large turnout, three books of condolence were made available. Taoiseach Bertie Ahern, Tánaiste Mary Harney, Minister for Foreign Affairs Ray Burke, Fine Gael's Nora Owen and Labour's Ruairi Quinn all signed their condolences. Thousands of bouquets and cards were left at the gates of the embassy. Books of condolence were also made available at the Mansion House, Dublin and at City Hall in Cork. 6 September – All flags on state buildings in Ireland flew at half mast as a mark of respect for Princess Diana on the day of her funeral. 7 September – A special service of remembrance for Princess Diana, was held in St. Patrick's Cathedral, Dublin, attended by the President Mary Robinson, (on one of her final official engagements as President) and the Taoiseach, Bertie Ahern. 12 September – Mary Robinson resigned as President to assume her new role as UN High Commissioner for Human Rights. 18 September – The converted Collins Barracks in Dublin re-opened to house the National Museum of Ireland's Decorative Arts and History collections. 7 October – Substantial all-party peace talks began in Northern Ireland. 10 October – At a Provisional Irish Republican Army General Army Convention held at Falcarragh, County Donegal, a majority supported the ceasefire. 31 October - Mary McAleese won the presidential election. November – IRA members opposed to the ceasefire, led by Michael McKevitt, met at a farmhouse in Oldcastle, County Meath, and formed a new organisation of Óglaigh na hÉireann, which became known as the Real Irish Republican Army. 1 November – The Hepatitis C Compensation Tribunal Act, 1997, took effect. 7 November – Dick Spring confirmed that he was resigning as leader of the Labour Party. 11 November – Mary McAleese was inaugurated as the eighth President of Ireland, the first time in the world that one woman succeeded another as elected head of state. 13 November – Ruairi Quinn won the leadership of the Labour Party. 27 December – The Loyalist Volunteer Force leader Billy Wright was shot dead in the Maze prison in Northern Ireland by members of the Irish National Liberation Army. Arts and literature 3 May – Ireland staged the Eurovision Song Contest, hosted by Ronan Keating and Carrie Crowley. The Irish entry, Mysterious Woman