WITH a general election looming early in the new year, the clamour for tax cuts is relentlessly mounting as politicians of all hues cynically promise the sun, moon, and stars to voters in the hope of being returned to the gravy train of Dáil Éireann where TDs enjoy lucrative pay, perks and pensions. 

NO doubt children will be disappointed, and their parents delighted, to learn that a white Christmas is not on the cards.

WITH political parties in the Republic having difficulty enticing female candidates to run for the Dáil, perhaps they should look for a role model in 45-year-old Arlene Foster, newly appointed leader of Northern Ireland’s Democratic Unionist party. Next month she replaces Peter Robinson as First Minister.

THE Health Service Executive director general Tony O’Brien yesterday asked a question that has been begging for an answer for years. Mr O’Brien wondered why the State contests long-running medical negligence cases that delay compensation — especially as it loses virtually all of them.