The Institute of Professional Auctioneers & Valuers (IPAV) held their annual convention this past weekend in Athlone, and as usual it was difficult to get anyone in the profession to admit that they've been having it rather good lately - despite the number of Rolex watches spotted and the gleaming luxury cars in the car-park.

At the afternoon session, Jim Mitchell TD induced an outbreak of clenched jaws among those auctioneers based in the most rural areas by suggesting it was about time that the high cost of fees involved in buying a house were looked at. One of the delegates asked straight out if he had a figure in mind, but Mr Mitchell had the sense to say that all he really was proposing was the need for auctioneers and solicitors to sit down and see if anything could be done.