I hear Ann Derwin has been appointed assistant secretary general in the Department of Agriculture. This is Philip Carroll’s old role. Derwin has been elevated from her position as chief economist and is highly regarded in Ag House and the wider sector.

Insiders suggest that Derwin’s promotion now puts her in the frame for the secretary general job when it rolls around, whenever that might be, although as Aidan O’Driscoll has just been appointed, that won’t be soon.