Pace of planned reopening catches even Coalition by surprise Inside Politics: expectation had been that May would see more incremental unwinding about 6 hours ago Updated: about 5 hours ago
Good morning - shortly after lunchtime on Wednesday, whispers began to circulate in political circles about a “liberal” stance being taken by the National Public Health Emergency Team (Nphet) as it considered its advice to Government. Until then, the general expectation had been that May would see more of the incremental reopening that has characterised months of policymaking this year. However, the pace of developments on Wednesday afternoon took even Coalition figures and Ministers by surprise. Dates for reopening things like personal services, which had been expected later in the month, were pulled forward, while it seemed outdoor hospitality - which wasn’t expected until June - could be on the cards for May, as might intercounty travel.