Ireland's bid was seen as the worst of the three countries, handing them a major blow in their hopes of hosting the event for the first time.

Two weeks ago Munster and Irish rugby had a harsh commercial reality underlined. 

Proposals by the energy minister, Dick Spring, to compel the ESB to buy gas from the Kinsale gasfield at uncommercial rates were described as “hopelessly illogical” by the country’s most senior civil servant.

The head of Ireland’s Rugby World Cup bid team believes they have already secured over 40% of the votes available in the race to secure the 2023 tournament.

The reality of coalition government is well known to Labour. It has bounced back from the brink before, says Gary Murphy.