Everything hinges on the vaccine. The reopening of the economy, travel, schools and the simple hope that normal life can resume sometime this year.
Politically, the stakes could not be higher for Taoiseach Micheál Martin, Minister for Health Stephen Donnelly and the entire Government.
But the success of the vaccination roll-out depends on three factors - supply, transparency and fairness. Piecemeal announcements, moving targets and recent upsets have contributed to opposition accusations that the programme lacks the clarity needed to secure widespread support.
Ireland, like other EU countries, is off to a slow start as vital doses trickle into the country. On supply, Ireland is constrained by its 1.11 % proportionate share of the EU's