IN THE midst of trouble it frequently helps for people to realise that, as bad as things may be, they might actually be much worse.

THE European Commission, the executive arm of the 27 countries of the EU, has proposed regulations that would allow it to review the draft budgets of eurozone countries in order to ensure the proposed national budgets would be inline with EU budgetary rules.

EVERY media organisation, this one included, has had to face the awful consequences of libelling individuals.

FINE GAEL councillor Darren Scully had no option but to resign as Mayor of Naas after he declared that he would not represent “black Africans” living in his area.

WITH Ireland facing unprecedented levels of unemployment, it is especially heartening to welcome initiatives to boost jobs in the teeth of the enormous problems that beset the economy.

THE capture of Muammar Gaddafi’s son Saif al-Islam and the former spymaster Abdullah Senussi marks the end of a regime that terrorised Libya for decades.

WITH Fine Gael and Labour growing more out of touch with the public by the day, it is timely to ask if the Government is losing its grasp on political reality.

NOT for the first time, the child protection service of the HSE, which deals with the most vulnerable children in Irish society, warrants criticism for its long delay in publishing a mandatory report on the adequacy of the child and family services.

IF there was ever proof needed that people lie to pollsters, it is in the latest Central Statistics Office survey on voter participation.

THOSE days when a junior minister could be forced to resign over the accidental leaking of budget information mere minutes before its official publication seem almost comical now, given the nonchalant exposure to a global audience this week of the Government’s planned VAT changes.