And that trade war could also punch another hole in the battered arguments of sanguine right-wingers still promising lucrative new post-Brexit trading partnerships. But don't lose hope lads; scientists have discovered signs of life on Mars.

Not one to be out-stropped by David Davis, Boarish Boris shaped up to take his cricket bat home after the UK Government finally negotiated a 'backstop' agreement with itself. Good shot! And the best of luck in your talks with the EU! The Irish Times has this explainer.

Back home, Roscommon county council bounced back against Fórsa's Wednesday release with some nifty mathematical footwork, concluding that the union wants over 50 days' leave a year. I reckon that's over 154 days if you include weekends - more if you factor in the evenings. The Roscommon People has this.

Elsewhere, Ibec has repeated its support for student loans on foot of Irish universities' decline in international rankings, and there's a reminder that WRC cases will find their way into the media. See this tale of a civil servant who failed to get an increment instated after being late for work 137 times in six years.

In other news, our members at the CSO have worked out a new way to measure house-building, Tipp nurses have voted for industrial action, and there's more on the audiology review that hit the headlines yesterday.

Continuing my earlier Brexit theme - "makes a change," I hear you say - today's pic shows the great Nick Cave striking his Nigel Farage pose. I've reached Peak Cave after two concerts over the last three nights, and this Zen is part of the rehab.

Enjoy the weekend.

Bernard