THIS evening our roads will be busy with thousands of people returning from what was, hopefully, an enjoyable bank holiday weekend spent with family or friends.

AS commercial fishermen, bus companies, hauliers, the Irish Small and Medium Enterprise Association and British Airways yesterday reacted to soaring fuel costs by either demanding government intervention or increasing prices, America’s leading commodities regulator launched an unprecedented investigation into possible market manipulation.

IF anyone decides to investigate investment options they should expect to be told the truth and nothing but the truth about the product offered by a bank or advisor.

WHAT a pity it would be if, at the first time of asking, Taoiseach Brian Cowen made a significant U-turn.

IN the past four years the number of crimes believed to have been committed by people free on bail has all but doubled. In 2004, 15,531 crimes in that category were committed and last year that figure reached 24,189.

The publication of the report, Getting On: From Migration to Integration, deserves careful consideration. Commissioned by Immigrant Council of Ireland, it was drawn up by a range of academics at University College, Dublin.

Crime figures released yesterday make harrowing reading. Murders and manslaughter are up 27%, along with kidnappings, while assaults and instances of harassment are up 10% on the previous year.

THE Health Service Executive has been accused of asset stripping our psychiatric services for some time.

THE notion of someone who is entrusted with the care of a child turing into a sex abuser is not new to anyone who has lived in this country for more than a decade.

THERE is a long and unhappy history of poor industrial relations at Iarnród Éireann.