Government wants your vote at any price... well, almost

BANG! And there goes the gavel for the resumption of auction politics. Last seen in 2007, the post-crash version is a bedraggled shadow of its former self, but seems to be the only big idea an increasingly scared-looking Government has for the next election.

First up from the floor, to bid for your vote, is Brendan Howlin, as the public expenditure reform minister suddenly realises the toll that three-and-a-half years of wage pain have taken on public sector workers.

Mr Howlin now plans to open talks with trade unions, to reverse some of the pay and pension cuts, as the Haddington Road Agreement begins to expire in the middle of 2016 — tellingly, just after the slated date for the next general election.