States holding the EU presidency always try to entertain ministers at so-called "informal" meetings at attractive locations. But when you're as small as Luxembourg, the options must be a bit limited. This weekend's meeting of EU finance ministers is being held in the spa town of Mondorf-les-Bains. Expect plenty of comments about the Ministers trying to keep out of hot water.

Charlie McCreevy will bring a top-line team to his first outing with his European counterparts. Department of Finance secretary, Paddy Mullarkey, will be over keeping an eye on the new Minister, as will Central Bank governor, Maurice O'Connell, himself the most experienced Irish policymaker in the monetary field.