Leading the news this morning are reports that the Mendacious Cheese Puff Man-Baby has paused military aid to Ukraine, has revived his trade war, and is trashing European efforts to secure peace in Ukraine. 

The Irish Examiner reports that the Government is set to approve new laws that will extend pension rights to bereaved partners, while the Irish Independent reports on the experience of staff at the Department of Social Protection, detailing incidents of abuse against staff.

A hotel group accused of sacking a manager 11 days after she suffered a miscarriage has told a tribunal it is “a substantial stretch” for her to argue she was shielded by workplace maternity protection law. The case has adjourned at the WRC.

Increased disruption to Dublin Bus services is expected this morning and over the coming days. The Irish Times reports that a continuing work to rule by about 190 engineering operatives at garages across the city started on Sunday evening. 

Zen 

I was pleasantly surprised to spot our retired colleague Vera (pictured) in today's Irish Times, reporting on her 50 years of volunteer work with The Samaritans. Congratulations Vera!

Your bonus Zen moment today is all about contrast...and character, from Gideon Rachman in yesterday's Financial Times.

Have a lovely day.

Niall Shanahan