In industrial relations news, the FSU has negotiated an extra 4% pay rise for Ulster Bank staff, which means they'll get a total of 8% in 2022.

And, after Donegal's Joe McHugh slipped the whip, the pol cols are getting giddy about next week's likely confidence vote. The Indo claims that Taoiseach Micheál Martin was on the blower to fractious backbenchers yesterday. 

Friday also finds the IMF fairly upbeat about Ireland's economic prospects as the UN warns of a looming world hunger catastrophe.

In commentary, UCD's John Geary wonders if remote working is a busted flush just as an Oireachtas committee seeks changes to planned grounds for refusing blended arrangements.

I usually find environmental scribbler George Monbiot a bit holier-than-thou, but this piece from earlier in the week is a journalistic humdinger.

Ninety years ago today, the Dow Jones hit rock bottom during the great depression. Let's Zen-mark that with the classic Brother, Can You Spare Me A Dime? So many great versions to choose from but, in support of my crusade for more applause for one of rock's unrecognised greats, here's Ronnie Lane. 

Keep cool.

Bernard