We've a very mixed news bag this morning, folks.

The Social Democrats' parental leave bill is off the blocks, there's over €15 million in public service pay and pension overpayments knocking around, and the Dáil's call on broadband failed to connect. On the latter matter, I thought Karlin Lillington's piece in yesterday's Times business pages was pretty-much on the money.

Also, the WRC has stepped into the Irish Rail row while batting away a High Court challenge to its constitutionality. And, up north, Siptu is standing up for Northern Ireland's women soccer players.

Looking further afield, we see a crackdown on unpaid internships in Blighty and the North Koreans are back in South Korea, this time by invitation. Meanwhile, the Guardian brings us analysis of the new German coalition and (from earlier this week) the forthcoming Italian elections.

Also in foreign news, the stock markets are finishing the week as they started it; jitteryly. As Jim Power blames Donald Trump, I've already heard at least one economist reassure that the "fundamentals are solid." So I, for one, will be stocking up on tinned food and preserves this weekend.

Speaking of preserves, my doubts about Fórsa's willingness to reach out to that important demographic of 50+ male former punks hardened this week when I heard we'd hired organisers who haven't heard of Paul Weller, aka The Modfather. Hence Zen is for those of us who want Jam on it.

Have a good weekend.

Bernard Harbor