A SERIES of scandals has undermined confidence in our medical systems.

The recent spell of cold weather provided a sharp and painful reminder of the value of water as a resource.

People who had to endure the loss of water supplies during the recent cold snap will, no doubt, be more mindful of how difficult it must have been for anyone sleeping rough at that time.

As we begin the new year, former taoiseach Bertie Ahern has announced that he is quitting politics at the end of the current Dáil term. In a sense, it marks the end of an era, and it would be nice to be able to think that we could now put all of the heartache and the pain of the past few years behind us, but that is not realistic.

In the past couple of years, more than 1,000 people a month have gone into business for themselves. In the process, they have exhibited the kind of entrepreneurial drive and fighting spirit that will be necessary to drag this country out of our current malaise.

THIRTY years after Ireland’s non-existent childcare service was initially discussed by Cabinet ministers, major neglect of the system continues to this day.

NEW Year revellers, publicans, restaurant owners and hoteliers will welcome the easing of restrictions on water supplies tonight. Common sense has prevailed. Tonight of all nights, people like to enjoy themselves, ringing out the old times and ringing in the new.

PRAISE for public servants is praise indeed. Much maligned and often criticised, there is no denying those responsible for delivering vital services to the public performed heroically under pressure during the most severe weather conditions since records began.

THE hypocrisy of former taoiseach Charles Haughey is among the more sordid aspects of Irish political life. The sheer duplicity of his infamous admonition that as a people we were “living beyond our means” is unbelievable.

THE wretched, gray year dragging to a close has been one of misery, frustration, disappointment, capitulation and anger.