THE recent hard weather took us a long, long way outside our comfort zone but no matter how long we have been without water, no matter how difficult it is to travel to and from our homes, none of us would swap with the unfortunate people of Haiti.

We have been through some difficult times in recent weeks as a result of the bad weather and the continuing downturn in the economy. But that suffering pales into insignificance in comparison with the natural disaster that struck Haiti on Tuesday.

The Irish pub may be a growing phenomenon around the world, but they are clearly declining in this country.

OVER the last two months the pivotal, irreplaceable role water plays in our lives has been underlined in so many ways.

CORK County Council is considering the introduction of procedures to combat antisocial behaviour.

THOSE brave souls who have taken on new year’s resolutions are just getting into their stride.

A GREY area surrounding the sale of substances that mimic the affects of cocaine or amphetamines has developed and given cause for concern.

AS a result of the European Union’s minorities and discrimination survey published last month, the Garda Síochána has been accused of racial discrimination, because black Africans are twice as likely to subjected to Garda stops as other members of the public.

Transport Minister Noel Dempsey is back in the country and making no apologies for taking his holidays in the midst of the bad weather.

MARIAN KEYES is one of the most popular and successful Irish writers alive. Through her writing she has given pleasure – and very good company – to tens of millions of readers in scores of countries.