Alison O'Connor: Patience and tempers fray, but a sense of unity must be preserved

The pressure-cooker conditions are difficult and everyone is tired - but we must still all be in this together

Tánaiste Leo Varadkar, who has called the latest Covid restrictions peculiar, pictured alongside Dr Tony Holohan. Picture: Sam Boal

THE difficulty is in organising a détente between the squabbling sides. But that is exactly what is needed to repair relations between the Government and Nphet.

Group hugs are not currently allowed and it’s likely to take more than a paintball session in some woodland. For maximum chances of success, we may be looking at a Zoom weekend retreat with a highly experienced facilitator — either way this situation needs sorting and fast. Standing back from it, the row is hardly a surprise when you consider the pressure-cooker conditions that both sides have been operating under for such a sustained period of time.