Running down the clock may be Theresa Mays’s policy but extending the clock, and running it down at the same time for the Irish Government, is the deliberate strategy of Fianna Fáil. For they well know, from recent experience, that the longer the present Government stays in power, the more likely they will become a risk to the economy or get the blame for a downturn, post-Brexit, etc.

David Cameron faced Labour claims of arrogance after declaring that he would not seek a third term in office just weeks before voters go to the polls in a general election that will decide if he gets a second.