THE outcome of the no-confidence motion in Health Minister Mary Harney was never in any real doubt throughout the two-day Dáil debate.

THIS time last year the Irish Examiner highlighted the scourge of domestic violence with a series of articles on the problem, and the failure of the State to deal with it.

ST VINCENT DE PAUL SOCIETY launched its annual report yesterday and it will conduct its annual appeal for funds next week from December 2 to 9. For many unfortunate people, the society represents the last hope. They are the people who fall between the gaps in government services.

INTERVIEWED yesterday Professor Tom Keane, interim director of the Cancer Control Programme, emphasised that the recent controversies over cancer services have led to a crisis of confidence that must be tackled.

HEALTH MINISTER Mary Harney will face a Dáil motion of no confidence from Labour tomorrow but make no mistake about it, this is a challenge to Mr Ahern’s authority to continue as Taoiseach.

THE US Ambassador Thomas Foley is unlikely to agree with the weekend remarks made by the Archbishop of Canterbury Dr Rowan Williams about the war in Iraq.

IT WOULD have been amazing if the weekend opinion poll showed anything other than profound disappointment with our beleaguered Government.

EDUCATION Minister Mary Hanafin would have known the reactions that would be provoked by the decision to distribute 2,000 books on Éamon de Valera to 720 secondary schools.

SO, THE LADY is not for turning. Surprise, surprise.

THIS MORNING Pope Benedict XVI will invite Archbishop Seán Brady to become a Cardinal and the leader of the Catholic Church in Ireland.