AS WE begin the first of two consecutive long weekends — the first to celebrate our national day, the second to mark one of Christianity’s central beliefs — it’s as good a time as any to acknowledge and celebrate some of the good things about living in Ireland and being Irish.

OVER the past five years 42 people have been killed and 104 seriously injured on our roads over the St Patrick’s Day and Easter holiday periods.

TWO sets of figures released yesterday are so unusually downbeat that they might cause a moment’s pause even among the bravest of punters at Cheltenham for today’s unique, nine-race Gold Cup day.

SO, OUR crime gangs are using children as young as 10 to carry drugs and guns. Should we be surprised?

AT THIS stage it has become as predictable as the debate over who will be allowed to march in New York’s St Patrick’s Day parade.

AS IF we needed it another statistic has come to light to confirm that our health system is in a muddle.

THE declining standards argument about social, moral and educational systems is as old as society itself but that does not mean we can afford to ignore those who would add their voice to that time-honoured but often derided discourse.

THE shocking conditions revealed at the Leas Cross nursing home some years ago shocked the whole country and began a process that led to yesterday’s announcement of new standards for nursing homes.

TAOISEACH Bertie Ahern’s defenders have had, possibly after one of his torturous days at Dublin Castle, referred to his achievements to try to reassure us that he is a great statesman rather than something much shabbier and mundane.

ENGLAND invaded Ireland once and stayed for 700 years; the Irish invade England every year and come home after less than seven days.