ANYTHING that helps our cluttered courts and school systems operate more efficiently is to be welcomed.

NO matter what our circumstances an informed perspective will, more often than not, help us overcome the difficulties of the day.

IN a scene straight from one of the darker passages of a Mario Puzo mafia-fest, an innocent father and businessman was murdered in his family-owned amusement arcade, on Thursday, because his cousin gave evidence against a key associate of the killers.

THIS week’s budget cut €100m from our international development aid budget, and though it was unavoidable it was nonetheless disappointing.

THE Catholic Archbishop of Dublin Most Rev Diarmuid Martin has, for some time now, been preparing us for the report of the Dublin Archdiocese Commission of Investigation into clerical sex abuse.

THE teachers’ unions will be in conference next week and we can expect all sorts of dire predictions because of a range of cuts imposed in the last two budgets.

THE reactions to the emergency budget were as varied as some were distressed and angry. Amidst the fear there was an acknowledgement that it may represent a start to a long process to rejuvenate our plundered economy.

DESPITE the great excitements of the day the swallows have returned and the cherry trees are on the cusp of lifting the heart of everyone who will be lucky enough to see one in full bloom.

THOUGH the income levies are to be doubled and imposed at lower salary levels, mortgage interest relief is to be scaled back, the Christmas welfare bonus axed and plans for means testing of child benefit are afoot it is very difficult not to think that the insatiable monster in the corner has not been confronted.

THE great majority of people realise and accept that anyone dependent on social welfare payments is not in an enviable position.