Estate agents head for Derry

The peace process may be at a standstill but Ireland's estate agents are going ahead with their annual bash in Derry this weekend. No less than three hotels in the city centre will cater for the delegates, many of whom have been grumbling about the inconvenience of getting to the city on the Foyle. When they finally arrive they can relax because by all accounts the IAVI has no intention of rocking any boats at a time when their members are enjoying the longest running property boom in the organisation's history.

Don't be surprised if you don't see too many of the agents who specialise in new homes sales. They are saving themselves for the far more lavish annual outing of the Irish Homebuilders, which moves this May to Edinburgh.