Government sides with Labour in row over Leaders’ Questions pecking order

Ethel Gannon, Coco Gould and Padmé Murphy just three of the pets namechecked as TDs backed case for stronger protections

Young campaigner Cara Darmody was the star of the hour as tree-lighting ceremony was moved inside

The Taoiseach grins in the driver’s seat while Sensible Simon steers the economy

Parties made a big Christmas show of launching the initiative, complete with flashy flyers and silly videos

Unlikely wartime leader must be so weary of having to travel the world, pleading for solidarity with his invaded homeland

Mix-ups over photos and Bob Dylan, memories of a cow called Thatcher, and Mr Angry meets his match

‘I don’t believe €750,000 is right, proper or appropriate for 14 steps,’ Taoiseach concedes on his return from the world stage

Ministers of a more fragile disposition than Darragh O’Brien might have been crushed by the reception

Outgoing minister for finance effusive in his praise for party leader and ministerial successor Simon Harris at Fine Gael gathering

Taoiseach and Tánaiste relish the chance to remind Mary Lou McDonald of her one-time alignment with the former Tory PM

The now former minister bowed out ahead of taking on his new job at the World Bank in his usual fuss-free style

The venue was too small, there was not enough food and an ambassador tried to leave

Verona Murphy hatched a comedy line, but deputy Michael Collins was counting his chickens already

Simon Harris walked Catherine C up the aisle in Dublin Castle before giving her away to the people of Ireland