In today's news it's reported that the relocation of the Donegal Education Support Centre, from its home in Donegal Town to Letterkenny, has provoked local anger, while the Government has announced details of the membership of its Just Transition Commission, which includes Fórsa's Ryan McKinney.

Government formation talks continue to enthrall those resident inside the Leinster House bubble, while the rest of us wait to find out what portfolios will end up in the hands of the Healy Reas and Michael Lowry gives us all a big wink.

Fintan O'Toole's column today looks at what has changed in the five years since the pandemic landed: "Five years after Covid, we scorn health workers, ignore vaccines and work in our offices - Whatever happened to the need to end commuting and presenteeism? Or to our gratitude for healthcare workers or our resolution to change how we care for older people?"

Elsewhere, SIPTU has warned that there has been a marked increase in assaults on Dublin City Council workers, following the recent assault of a caretaker in Ballybough in Dublin, while the Irish Examiner's editorial looks separately at AI and the volatility of the incoming US administration.

Zen 

Zen today is about the absence of absinthe, the drought of stout and the decline of wine as the popularity of Dry January continues to grow, and the marketing departments are now investing more on promoting 0% options for the growing ranks of non-drinkers. There's a big generational shift, as younger generations are having fewer drinks, and seeking out more alternatives, while Conor Pope's 2022 month of abstinence developed into something more lasting, which you can read about HERE.

Have a great day. 

Niall Shanahan