A lot done but ...

Fine Gael holds its first ard fheis since returning to power this weekend.

Whether the cheer brought by the re-engineering of the Anglo Irish Bank debt is enough to sweep away the gloom caused by the revolt over the household charge remains to be seen. However, it is more than likely that a frisson, if not an atmosphere, of triumphalism will prevail. We are, after all, talking about the political classes and they usually find such temptations irresistible.

Nevertheless some things must be acknowledged. Taoiseach Enda Kenny has confounded his critics by his dogged, personable and focused leadership. He may not be as charismatic as some pin-up leaders but his steady-as-she-goes approach seems as if it might, in the long term, prevail.

There have been U-turns and there will be more, the pace of reform is frustrating and the jury is still very much out on whether the Croke Park deal will deliver the level of change needed. Fine Gael have built a good relationship with Labour and it seems that it might last another four years. It would be premature to reach a judgment before then but early signs are, when taken in the round, encouraging.