Leo's floral tribute to Mary Lou not a sign of coalition cosying

Niceties came to an abrupt halt with the Sinn Féin leader criticising the Government response to the housing crisis, likely to be a key focus of attack as election campaigning intensifies

Mary Lou McDonald said well-wishes came from across the political divide after her hysterectomy. Picture: Gareth Chaney

It may have been bunches of flowers over the summer, but relations between the political parties are now getting thorny, with politicians very firmly on an election footing.

Back from leave after undergoing major surgery, Sinn Féin leader Mary Lou McDonald made it clear that she has fully recovered and is now focused on preparing her party for government.