Good morning,

My colleague Bernard Harbor writes in the Irish Examiner today about how social dialogue accelerated the progress of gender pay gap legislation, ironing out differences with the employers body Ibec.

Bernard writes that this is the sort of pragmatic approach to solving common challenges in the workplace that needs to be put on a more stable footing. The need for a social dialogue platform is on the agenda for this week's conference.

President Michael D Higgins made a visit to the home of Emma Mhic Mhathúna in Kerry before his visit to Killarney.

He received a very warm welcome at the INEC (there were standing ovations all round) and gave a rousing speech on the failed economic models and technological dogma underpinning the erosion in the quality of work.

The Irish Times reports Employees now expected to shape lives around work - President Higgins, the Examiner reports President tells Fórsa conference continued dignity of labour in society is at stake, and RTE reports Battle for decent work a 'defining struggle'. 

A twitter livestream recording of the President's speech is available on our website, along with a link to the full text. But for a real flavour of the response to his speech, have a look at #fórsanc2018, where lots of delegates have posted quotes, comments and photos. There's also plenty of colour, comment and photos capturing the opening day of conference, including the triumphant arrival of our charity peloton.

We'll be bringing you news and conference updates throughout the day on the Fórsa website, Facebook and Twitter.

Follow the action in real time at #fórsanc2018.