The Journal carries that story about how dozens of qualified paramedics have been left in limbo after being informed they will not automatically receive permanent contracts with the National Ambulance Service (NAS). 

A Government investigation has concluded that construction workers were illegally forced to work on a bogus self-employed basis at a major State infrastructure project run by Children's Hospital contractor BAM. 

Meanwhile, hundreds of thousands of passengers have had flights and travel disrupted following US and Israeli strikes on Iran, the latter’s retaliations, and the closure of regional air spaces in the Middle East. The Cantillon column in the Irish Times says the economic fallout from the conflict in the Middle East is dependent on several factors, the biggest being how long the violence lasts.

The Indo leads on the US President's threat/promise of a 'bigger wave', showing his trigger finger remains itchy, while European shares decline and "investors grappled with the prospect of a drawn-out Middle East war", while a sharp jump in oil prices is likely to hit the cost of living. 

The ECB's chief economist has said prolonged war in the Middle East and a persistent fall in oil and gas supplies from the region could cause a “substantial spike” in inflation and a “sharp drop in output” in the euro zone.

Your zen this morning is taken from the soundtrack from John MacLean's excellent Slow West, a moody western with a Scottish accent. Last night I got to see his follow up film, Tornado. Highly recommended.

Have a great day.

NS