Earlier this week, two men were murdered in gangland killings.

When ambitious ideologies and contracting budgets collide there is almost inevitably a period of disappointment followed by a compromise and then, maybe, a tolerable resolution.

For those who believe that whistle-blower legislation will be an effective tool in reforming this society evidence given to yesterday’s sitting of the Dáil Public Accounts Committee will be very disheartening.

Junior health minster Róisín Shortall’s resignation is the first major crack in Enda Kenny’s coalition Government’s solidarity.

The purpose of prison may be to punish criminals and protect society from dangerous offenders but surely the objective should also encompass something more humane and positive, something with the potential to be life-changing and redemptive.

Today, when a woman reaches the traditional — if now nominal for so many — retirement age of 65 she can expect to live for another 21 years.

Yesterday’s warning from President Barack Obama, that America will “do what we must” to deny Iran a nuclear weapon should not be confused with electioneering.

Everyone lucky enough to live in a democracy is encouraged to cherish their vote.

There’s hardly a family which has not been touched by mental health issues.

More often than not, sport tends to make headlines for all the wrong reasons, be it the use of performance enhancing drugs, match fixing or violence on the pitch, and so it is refreshing to see sportsmen and women play a leading role in commemorating victims of two appalling disasters.