ON Saturday hundreds of thousands of people marched in Berlin to protest against a planned trade deal between Europe and the United States which was described by its opponents as being dangerously anti-democratic. 

FAR too many people, individuals and communities, have been forced to come to terms with the terribly sad reality that a loved, but distraught, relative has killed another, or others, in their family and then taken their own life. This all-too-regular tragedy is made even more difficult if children are, as they so often are, victims. There have been at least 27 such tragedies in Ireland since 2000.

ANYONE who imagined that the fears around rural crime are a figment of fevered country dwellers’ imagination was disabused of that notion on Thursday night in Thurles when a meeting to discuss the issue was full to the rafters.

IT might be difficult to surpass Thursday night’s heroics when our soccer team beat world champions Germany in Dublin, but tomorrow every Irish sports fan will be spoilt for choice — and have an opportunity to undergo a self- administered heart health check.

THE Volkswagen emmissions scandal underlined how ubiquitous the car is. It underlined how societies, this one included, depend on cars to function.

A SUCCESSFUL career in politics requires ambition, determination, and a pretty thick skin. Stamina and an ability to focus on the tree rather than the branches seem prerequisites too.

AT first sight, the Government’s new strategic plan for digital technology in schools seems like a good idea. After all, it is five years since there has been any significant investment in new technology in our education system.

WHILE much of the nation was gorging on that big breakfast fry-up, yet another health survey landed on our collective plates.