Okay, I may be looking through rose-tinted glasses today, but I wanted to share a couple of moments of warmth witnessed in Leinster House in recent weeks.
It must come as a source of solace to those in rural Ireland to witness the tug of war between Fianna Fail and Fine Gael for its affections.
Both Micheál Martin and Leo Varadkar have been trying for the role of Cupid in directing their arrows towards the west of the country.
Needless to say, rural Ireland is playing it cool and waiting to see if either one of its potential suitors is serious about its future.
Fine Gael will have its first date this week when it unveils the National Development Plan and the National Planning Framework. However, Fianna Fáil will be hoping it can play the long game and sweep rural Ireland off its feet in time for the general election.
Meanwhile, the Government is feeling rather amorous as it is proposing to do a line with Fianna Fáil AND Sinn Féin this week.
Instead of dismissing their advances outright, the Government will accept Fianna Fáil’s calls for better rural transport - but also tag along with Sinn Fein’s legislation to penalise bankers who tell untruths to the Central Bank.
There must be something in the air . . .
Housing remains political pressure point
The Government is facing renewed pressure over its response to the housing crisis.
Yesterday, a report from Daft.ie predicted rents will rise to an average of EUR2,500 before they eventually subside.
Fianna Fáil has labelled it a national emergency, as reports emerged of landlords flouting the rent controls imposed in certain areas by simply dumping one tenant and recruiting another.
Meanwhile, Minister for Housing Eoghan Murphy has called for an examination of the tax treatment of landlords who assist those in social housing.
There is constant scrutiny of the Government’s housing policy, but as a general election comes into view over the horizon, there will be an emphasis placed on it.
There are also little signs of improvement in the Brexit fiasco. The British prime minister is seeking Ireland's assistance in figuring out how Britain can resolve the issue.
As for Northern Ireland, a deal appears to be edging closer, but there are still a few difficulties to see to. Sinn Fein believes it is a matter of days, while the DUP believes it may be longer.
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