Builders enjoyed their Edinburgh conference

The Irish Home Builders Association did not allow the row with the Government over social housing to spoil its annual conference in Edinburgh last weekend. Hundreds of builders and associate traders availed of a break in their busy schedule, either to sharpen up their golf or ponder on where to put their spare cash now that they are all multi-millionaires. They certainly know how to enjoy themselves: when they weren't golfing or socialising, they were being gently massaged in the Posthouse Hotel's health centre on the top floor. However, delegates with rooms at the rear of the hotel found it particularly difficult to sleep because of the amorousness of their neighbours - in the zoo next door. In between the partying, the association's chief executive, Ciaran Ryan, used every opportunity to bring his members up to date on the Government diktat on social housing that threatens to squeeze profit margins. With the Dail still mulling over the planning Bill that will allow local authorities to grab 20 per cent of all housing land at agricultural prices, the IHBA is still hopeful that it can force a Government rethink.