ALL politics is local, of course, and, with an election in the offing, it was no surprise to see Ray Burke whose Swords base is just a couple of miles from Dublin Airport - ask the Taoiseach in the Dail this week to "take action immediately at EU level to ensure duty free sales will continue".

They are, of course, due to expire in 1999 with significant implications for job numbers in Aer Rianta and the airlines. The Taoiseach pointed out that it was Bertie Ahern "who allowed this proposal to become EU policy at the European council".

And, er, purely coincidental to the election, Ruairi Quinn announced later the same day that he was asking consultants to examine the implications of the possible ending of duty free. This will, of course, give Government deputies something to talk about on the doorsteps of north Co Dublin.