The Margin was enthralled by some of the New Year bets being offered by Paddy Power over the holiday period. Top of the list was a less than generous 10/1 on the PDs being disbanded before the next election.

Odds of 1000/1 on Geoffrey Robinson being the next Chancellor of the Exchequer appear better value, and the same odds are available on Margaret Thatcher being the next Tory leader and on Ireland leaving the EU this year. The Margin advises money would be best put on a horse than any of these.

A more interesting bet is on the ISEQ index going over 5000 in 1998. The index was flirting with the 4,000 level before Christmas, but another year of steady gains would be needed to cash in on the 5/ 1 odds being offered. However, it seems better value that the 10/1 on offer for Ireland pulling out of EMU this year.

And what other bets are available? A sporting 50/1 is offered for closing time for pubs being abolished this year, but the Margin advises against wasting any funds on the 1000/1 shot of income tax being abolished in the Budget or the 500/1 on all meat products being banned in Ireland.

And the Margin's favourite? It has to be the 500/1 on Charlie McCreevy taking back the £20 million he promised to the GAA and giving it to the FAI.