Taoiseach Leo Varadkar has suggested to union leaders that Fianna Fáil proposals could see a pay freeze being introduced for more than 300,000 staff across the public service from next year. In correspondance to head of the public service committee of the Irish Congress of Trade Unions Kevin Callinan yesterday afternoon, Mr Varadkar maintained Fianna Fáil had not set out any money for a new public service pay accord. He suggested this could result in a pay freeze from next year, leading to staff departing from the public service and widespread industrial relations conflict. Read more about that here and here.

The Labour Party is promising a shorter working week for no less pay, increased public holidays and ensuring workers' right to switch off from work when at home. Announcing its plans in Dublin yesterday, the party said it will examine the evidence for a shorter working week, and will implement findings that are consistent with good work-life balance, high productivity and safeguarding worker’s pay levels.

In more election news, Fine Gael Senator Catherine Noone has apologised for calling Taoiseach Leo Varadkar “autistic” during an election canvass this week. In a statement released this morning, Ms Noone said she wanted to “unequivocally apologise and withdraw all of my remarks...which were completely unacceptable”. She said her “choice of language was inexcusable and wrong. I am truly sorry”. 

Germany's has confirmed it's first coronavirus patient marking the first human-to-human transmission on European soil.

Cork childcare providers will travel to Dublin early next month to take part in a national protest to highlight what they say is a major crisis in the sector. Organised by the Early Years Alliance, low payment rates is the dominant reason for taking to the streets of Dublin on February 5.

Survivors of Auschwitz, the Nazi death camp, have warned the world against indifference to hatred, at a ceremony to mark the 75th anniversary of its liberation by the Soviet army which took place yesterday. More than 200 survivors of the camp were among more than 3,000 who gathered in a huge purpose-built tent enveloping the notorious “Gate of Death”. 

And finally, motorists are being urged to drive with care in north Galway and across much of Co Mayo, after persistent snow showers have led to dangerous driving conditions. Conditions are expected to deteriorate later tonight as temperatures fall below zero.

For our zen we have a snippet from the glorious Fleetwood Mac album Rumours, which went to No.1 on the UK album chart in this day in 1978.

Have a good day folks.