Speaking at the Pdforra conference in Killarney yesterday (Wednesday), Fórsa general secretary Kevin Callinan spoke about how growing inflation means state employees are likely to demand higher pay. "There will certainly be a renewed focus on the cost of living when negotiations on a new public service deal get under way.” This was picked up by the Irish Times among others. You can read more about it by clicking here.

Kevin was also on RTE's Drivertime radio show yesterday discussing Irelands involvement in the 4 day a week working trial. Ireland is to join New Zealand, Canada and certain companies in the US in a six-month trial next year. You can listen back here.

Fórsa has backed calls for full compensation for homeowners affected by the mica homes scandal, in advance of a protest in Dublin due to take place of Friday (8th October). The union formally backed the call for full redress for those affected at a meeting of its national executive in September. You can read the full statement here.

Campaigners and politicians have called on the Government to put an end to maternity restrictions during a March for Maternity in Dublin on Wednesday afternoon. Director of training and development with Fórsa, Linda Kelly spoke to Cork's Echo Live describing the march as both 'incredible' and 'emotional'

The Irish Times leads with a poll that indicates that Sinn Fein have opened up a 10 point lead making them the most popular party in Ireland.

RTE reports that the Cabinet will meet this afternoon to decide whether Ireland should sign up to sweeping global corporation tax reforms that would require the long-standing 12.5% rate to be increased to 15%.

Hiking taxes on workers to cover new spending would be a Budget mistake that would strangle economic recovery according to the ESRI reported by the Irish Independent.

ZEN

On this day in 1977 two new singles were released before being included in the album 'News of the World'. The sixth studio album by Queen, 'News of the World' received mixed reviews due to the bands shift towards a more minimalist sound. The two songs released on this day have both gone down in music history, most notably for their rock arena ambiance. In what is perhaps known as the greatest live performance ever, Queen took to the stage at Live Aid  and left us with this gem.