It’s good to talk: Micheál Martin makes the first move

It was the day when the partners-in-denial finally accepted that they need each other.

Although there was some coyness, careful choreography and well-packaged phrasing when it came to who actually picked up the phone first; it was a relief to many that the call had finally taken place.

It must have felt like someone opened a window in the stifling negotiation room when Taoiseach Enda Kenny informed the assembled crew of 15 Independents — who have been locked into talks for three solid days — that he had “reached out” to Micheál Martin.