Abortion: Politicians start to grapple with issue they hate the most

Expect more jockeying for position in the months ahead

Enda Kenny meets Mary Laffoy and Maurice Manning at the first meeting of the Citizens’ Assembly Pic: Bryan Meade

2017 was always going to be a year when the durability and longevity of the minority government would be tested, with awkward decisions kicked to touch during its formation last year coming to a head.

The painful journey towards a deal on water charges is now thankfully reaching a conclusion that is satisfactory for the majority of politicians, if not exactly being a beacon of good long-term policy-making.

The next major issue now ...