Labour Think-In: Smiles, suntans, and sweets before party labours over plans

It’s that time of year again. Bronzed TDs and senators with sunny outlooks and tans return from their travels. The sleeves are rolled up and there’s a bit of pondering before the Dáil is back in full swing.

Parliamentary party think-ins are a strange affair. Nothing much is said, very little is announced, and generally speaking, everyone packs into a hotel for two days of chin-wagging. Crucially it’s all about the mood and expectations among members going into the new political year.

Jovial Labour ministers, TDs, and senators arrived in Whites of Wexford Hotel yesterday afternoon, full of holiday stories and post-summer smiles.