The year started on a very positive note for the residential property market with strong activity evident from early in January onwards. Viewing levels across the branch network were high with an average of just under 10 parties viewing each re-sale open-view property each weekend, with approximately 3,000 offers made on properties for sale across the DNG Dublin network in the first three months of the year, demonstrating the high level of activity seen in the market. The general election held in February did not deter buyers from transacting in the market or vendors from putting their properties for sale, even though housing was the key election issue for many given the housing and accommodation crisis evident across the country. When a new government is eventually formed, it is clear that housing policy will be under scrutiny, with all political parties acknowledging that appropriate and timely housing delivery solutions need to be found and implemented. I believe that homeownership needs to be encouraged in any way possible by the new government and should be the cornerstone of future policy decisions. Homeownership should not just be for the privileged but should be available to as many people as possible.