AIB has revealed that 2019 pre-tax profits fell by 60% to €499m. Though more or less €10m a week, the figure is down from 2018’s €20m-plus a week. Though all banks pay an annual levy the fact that they can, like all banks, write off losses against tax, meaning it will pay no corporation tax on profits for years to come, must soften the blow.

Despite the bitter rivalry between the Kelly, Clune, and Harris teams during the campaign, the battle plan succeeded in the end and the party nailed two seats in the South.

The Ballyhea group brought their battle to have Ireland’s massive debt cancelled to the European Parliament and today makes their case to the president of the member states’ Council.