People across Britain now have the option, if they so choose, to frequent a nightclub. There are practically no restrictions in place – masks are optional, social distancing isn’t required, and only a few clubs appear to be asking for negative tests or vaccine proof to gain entry. By and large, the experience is much the same as before.

The same cannot be said across the Irish Sea. I’ve already written about the bizarre situation in Northern Ireland, where nightclubs appear to be lumped in with ballroom dancing – and a date on clubs opening there isn’t forthcoming. And the latest meeting, due to take place today, has been delayed due to Sinn Féin’s Michelle O’Neill catching Covid-19.

So what about the Republic of Ireland? As it happens, I went with my family down to Dublin Zoo on Monday – and I did notice a fair number of restrictions are still in place. Then yesterday, news emerges that Micheál Martin and Leo Varadkar – that’s the PM and his deputy, essentially – want to remove almost all legal restrictions on October 22nd.

If the Northern Ireland ban goes on after that, I’d be amazed if there wasn’t a legal challenge…