Senan Molony: Coalition suitors practise their waltz before the dance-off for a place in the final

Government formation is an extended and multi-phase dance that involves many interchangeable partners, suave assurance and coquettish looks. All about policy, of course. Labour and the regional Independents are still engaged in the main drag, from the Walls Of Limerick to the Haymakers’ Jig .

And if you happen to end up as ceann comhairle when the music stops, that is some hay to be making: €225,000 a year and plenty of perks in return for a three-day week..