Kevin Callinan gave the response address at yesterday's Donal Nevin lecture, and called for a new social compact - bringing together government, employers and unions - to better prepare for the “considerable” challenges facing the country as a result of inflation, international conflict and a changing climate. Those of you with subscription to IRN will see Brian Sheehan's coverage in this week's edition.
Your bonus Zen this morning is one of my favourite dance tunes. Yazoo's Situation, released in 1982, has lost none of its slick-yet-simple charm, and I'm a sucker for all those analogue electronic sounds, especially at 120bpm.
The band only ever released two albums. Vince Clarke, who had previously formed Depeche Mode, went on to form Erasure with Andy Bell. This trio of acts have ensured that the working class town of Basildon, Essex punches above its weight in terms of pop culture.