The Taoiseach is expected to discuss his decision about the timing of the general election with his Government colleagues at this morning's Cabinet meeting.

Meanwhile, the chair of the Oireachtas Public Accounts Committee, Fianna Fáil’s Séan Fleming has warned that people who registered to vote last September or October will not be registered to vote until February 15 and therefore will not have a vote if the general election is called for either February 7 or Valentine's Day.

 
Last year was the warmest year on record for the world’s oceans, part of a long-term warming trend, according to a study released on Monday. The study, published in the journal Advances in Atmospheric Sciences, follows an announcement last week by European scientists that Earth’s surface temperatures in 2019 were the second-hottest on record. 

The Times report that Supreme Court judge Mr Justice John MacMenamin has represented the Association of Judges of Ireland (AJI) at a silent protest march in Poland’s capital city on Saturday alongside dozens of judges from other European countries. The protest took place in Warsaw against ‘threats’ to rule of law.

The BBC reports that the Welsh Government have said that public sector staff experiencing domestic abuse should be entitled to paid leave. Some public bodies in the UK already offer paid leave for their staff, but there are calls to make it an explicit commitment. 

And finally, today sees the launch new uniforms for Aer Lingus. The re-vamp will allow female cabin crew to wear trousers for the first time.

Our zen today is this beautiful piece of music that I've found myself listening to on repeat, as I binge watch Band of Brothers.

Have a good day folks.