When the dust finally settled in Leinster House, a Government was formed, and the Cabinet has as many women as it has men called James. Only three women secured senior cabinet posts – Jennifer Carroll MacNeill (Health), Helen McEntee (Education) and Norma Foley (Children and Disability) - while Aontú leader Peader 'Tupac' Tobin is claiming an East Coast bias in the Cabinet's composition.

Armed with a newly-ratified Programme for Government, the Government has pledged an immediate trade offensive in the US, while the Irish Times editorial reckons 'new cabinet, old energy'. Here's the full Cabinet list.

In other media coverage of the storm, ICTU policy officer Laura Bambrick says the growing number of extreme weather events across Europe caused by climate change is likely to result in a future provision at EU level for a minimum number of paid days off to protect staff. Spain introduced a law granting four days of such leave in the wake of recent floods. 

Zen 

Lisa O'Neill plays the last of four nights at the Gate Theatre in Dublin tonight. I'll be there once this storm passes. Her unique voice and lyrical perspective are always a delight, and you might have enjoyed her recent interview with Tommy Tiernan. Here's her latest tune, a reflection on Dublin's digital age. 

Have a great weekend. 

Niall Shanahan