A new survey by Early Childhood Ireland reveals that three-quarters of people believe early-years education should be available free of charge and more than half say graduates working in the sector should have the same terms and conditions as primary school teachers.

The Irish Times leads this morning with news that European states look set to come under greater pressure to free up money to spend on defence as the US president's push for a settlement to end the war in Ukraine gathers pace, while Ireland could provide Ukraine with €50 million in non-lethal military support under new proposals. 

Zen 

It's been a very long time since I watched an episode of neighbours, although I did tune in for that finale where they brought back Margot Robbie, Kylie and Guy Pearce a few years back. Actor Ian Smith played the much-loved bumbling Harold Bishop, on and off, for 30 plus years. Funny and charming, this interview with him goes to some very unexpected places. 

Have a lovely day.

Niall Shanahan