“It is clear ... corruption in Irish political life was both endemic and systematic. It affected every level of Government from some holders of top ministerial offices to some local councillors and its existence a was widely known and widely tolerated.”

There will be unswerving public approval for the decision of the Garda Ombudsman to conduct a full investigation into Garda behaviour relating to child sex abuse cases in the diocese of Cloyne.

Same colours — different teams. That sums up the similarity between a discredited Fianna Fáil administration and the current Fine Gael-led coalition when it comes to doling out positions on state boards.

Anyone familiar with the active evil uncovered by investigations into child abuse by Catholic clergy will have looked to yesterday’s publication of a summary of a report prepared by a delegation representing Pope Benedict XVI with some interest.

In recent times we’ve all heard the phrase “never waste a good crisis”.

It’s almost 40 years since Ireland became a member of the EEC in 1973.

Few things are as difficult to understand as hate crimes, especially those inflicted on strangers for no reason other than their religion, nationality, political ambitions or sexual orientation.

There has been an explosion in cannabis cultivation in this country.

Celebrating the 800th anniversary of its formation, the enclosed contemplative order of the Poor Clare nuns has embraced the internet as a means of reaching out to the world.

In no particular order or weight ... Paul Brady, Henry Shefflin, Myrtle Allen, Saoirse Ronan, the Gulf Stream’s micro climate, Seamus Heaney, Fiona Shaw, Martin Hayes, Graham Norton, the Society of St Vincent de Paul, Rory McIlroy, Olivia O’Leary, Connemara, the Delphi and Blackwater valleys, Julie Feeney, John Hume, Lyric FM, Michael Noonan’s unflinching, selfless resolve at a moment of great personal tragedy.