A Dublin protest in support of childcare workers is due to take place today, calling for more support from the government for the sector. The Early Years Alliance who has organised today’s protest, are asking that early years workers are paid a decent wage and that the sector is made more sustainable – so that the industry doesn’t collapse if and when a private company pulls out of the Irish market.

The main political parties contesting Saturday’s general election have responded to a series of policy questions put to them by Fórsa. Read more about that here.

Meanwhile, The Times examines public sector pay in the context of the election, and how the next government will have to deal with calls for two-tier pay reversal.

IBEC has warned that the business impact of some of the proposals featured in the general election manifestos would be “ grave” and would threaten growth and job creation. In a note to its members, IBEC chief executive Danny McCoy refers to proposals to increase personal and business tax – which featured in Sinn Féin’s manifesto – as well as proposals to alter some big state investment projects included in the National Development Plan, which feature in a number of party programmes.

Elsewhere, this opinion piece explores how precarious work reduces political participation, increases inequalities and is detrimental for younger generations 

There have been calls for legal reforms around Tusla child abuse investigations following new guidelines allowing the accused to question the complainant. 

Following on from yesterday's Teachers Union of Ireland strike, the Association of Secondary Teachers in Ireland has warned that there will be further industrial action if the incoming government does not address pay inequality by the end of this year. 

RTE explores the benefits of working from home in this opinion piece.

"Misleading" Ryanair adverts have been banned by the UK advertising watchdog after the company claimed it is "Europe's low CO2 emissions airline". The UK's Advertising Standards Agency (ASA) has ruled that Ryanair broke rules on environmental claims and misleading consumers in its press, TV, and radio ads from September 2019, and they must be changed.

And finally, US President Donald Trump delivered his annual State of the Union address before a joint session of the US Congress. Mr Trump made headlines even before delivering his address - refusing to shake the proffered hand of top Democrat, Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi in an unprecedented snub. Ms Pelosi later ripped up a print out of Mr Trump's speech as he finished. 

For our zen we have some Def Leppard. This is 'Hysteria' from their album 'Pyromania', which started a 92 week run on the US charts back in 1983.

Have a good day.