Priorities and pitfalls

As the Dáil returns for another dramatic year, Political Correspondent Shaun Connolly assesses what lies ahead for the parties

Tensions are likely to escalate in the Cabinet over which semi-state assets need to be sold to meet the country’s obligations under the EU/IMF bailout deal; Jan O’Sullivan needs to reposition Labour as a party of the mortgage debt oppressed; Micheál Martin may always be seen as the Mother of Austerity; the United Left Alliance, which includes Socialist Joe Higgins needs to explain what it stands for, rather than what it stands against. Pictures: Maxwells, Nick Bradshaw, Eddie O’Hare, PA

FINE GAEL