A short and sweet digest today, folks.

Consideration should be given to allow defence force unions affiliate with the Irish Congress of Trade Unions, according to a new report given to Minister with Responsibility for Defence, Paul Kehoe.

SIPTU members in the Rapid Action Packing (RAP) plant in Gaoth Dobhair have suspended a 24-hour work stoppage which was due to commence this morning following a proposal from management to enter into talks.

This Indo article tells you everything we know about budget 2019 so far, with the front page of the Examiner reporting the hospitality VAT rate is set to increase by at least 2%. 

The Broadcasting Authority of Ireland has recommended that, at a minimum, RTÉ should receive an increase in its annual public funding of €30m.

After reports last week of Fine Gael TD Peter Fitzpatrick feeling disillusioned with the party, he has resigned and intends to run in the next election as an independent candidate.

The internet can be a strange place sometimes but often yields gems such as this. Today's Zen goes out to the dogs of Twitter in support of Michael D.!