Closer to home the latest senior editorial appointment at Middle Abbey Street has many Independent journalists wondering whether their much cherished four-day week is going to come under assault.

The Indo, it seems, has appointed Michael Roche as managing editor, reporting directly to deputy managing director, Gavin O'Reilly. A former business journalist, Mr Roche has been running Independent Newspapers's People chain of newspapers in Wicklow and Wexford and has, by all accounts, a bit of a reputation as an enthusiastic cost-cutter.

As managing editor, he will be responsible for budgets in Middle Abbey Street and may be tempted to take a look at some of the working practices on the newsroom floor.