THE prediction by medical experts of a possible explosion of diabetes among Irish people in the coming years has frightening implications.

THE dismal, grey weather, the unseasonal and seemingly inescapable rain has made this summer a washout.

IT IS doubtful if the profession of teaching would be enjoying a new popularity — as revealed by this week’s CAO figures — if those studying to become teachers knew they would have to carry a gun in the classroom.

PEOPLE who live near rivers, and residents of low-lying areas in general, are discovering to their cost that global warming is no longer a subject confined to the realms of academic debate.

Delays in delivering essential services to hundreds of people who are deaf or hard of hearing typifies a health system where those most in need are usually first in the firing line of cutbacks.

TAOISEACH Brian Cowen made his first significant public appearance in a few weeks yesterday when he joined the people of Omagh — and virtually everyone on this small island — in remembering the terrible times that led to the murder of 31 innocent people in that quiet, unremarkable Tyrone town 10 years ago.

BECAUSE we all love China this week it may be appropriate to quote a Chinese politician on a visit to America. “The Americans,” he said, “are wonderful, people, they do everything their children tell them to.”

WE OWE the Real IRA bombers who murdered 31 people in the Tyrone market town of Omagh 10 years ago today a debt of sorts.

Education Minister Batt O’Keeffe has called for a national debate on the funding of the third-level sector.

Pádraig Harrington came storming through at the finish to retain the British Open last month, despite his wrist injury. He went one better last Sunday.