THE decision by Dublin City Council to impose compulsory purchase orders on property owners who allow buildings or sites to fall into dereliction is to be welcomed and should be reflected across the country.

THE United Nations’ special envoy on migration Peter Sutherland pulled no punches when he spoke about Europe’s “ruinously selfish” behaviour towards refugees.

AS any veteran of Leinster House will confirm, a politician does not have to do much to provoke suspicion.

Whether the Taoiseach decides to go to the country in February or leave it until later in spring, there can be little doubt that the general election campaign has already begun, what with the number of public announcements and promises being made by the major political parties.

The abolition of Rule 68, which stipulates that religious instruction is the most important part of the primary school curriculum, is not before time.

THE prospect of improving your lot or at least maintaining your place on life’s greasy pole is one of the motivating factors in people’s lives. 

WE have, since Sigmund Freud developed psychoanalysis as one of the most powerful tools in self-realisation just over a century ago, myriad ways of trying to make ourselves comfortable in our skins, of trying to make ourselves fit into the world we find ourselves flickering through like a fairy light blinking on a Christmas tree.