IT WOULD be all too easy to deride the Archbishop of Armagh and Primate of All Ireland, Archbishop Sean Brady, because of his Knock attack on our growing enthusiasm for horoscopes, astrology, palm reading, tarot cards, clairvoyants and mediums.

WE ARE fortunate enough to live in a society that can afford to sustain an expectation of efficient healthcare provision in our dispensaries and hospitals.

Bertie Ahern has been the second longest head of government since the foundation of the State. Eamon de Valera was head of government for 16 years from 1932 until 1948, and also two other periods as taoiseach in the 1950s. The next longest serving taoiseach was Jack Lynch, whose two terms extended over almost nine years with a four-year break in between.

Survival rates among women suffering from cancer in Ireland are among the lowest in Europe, according to a new comprehensive study compiled by the National Cancer Institute of Milan.

THE Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources Eamon Ryan has outlined a spectacular schedule for reforming our energy policies.

IF YOU say something was active in 1,200 BC, it is difficult to get your head around the absolute immensity of the time gap; when you say something or someone was active 3,207 years ago, it becomes even more difficult.

AS YOU read this the people of Jamaica will be counting the cost of Hurricane Dean and others on the shores of the Gulf of Mexico will be braced for what is expected to be an even greater onslaught from that source.

THERE is tremendous potential for a sceptical response to the news that a British government agency is to establish, on our behalf, the level of Sellafield radioactivity faced by some people living in Ireland.

THOUGH the rate of deaths on our roads is falling, the heartbreak felt by those so bereaved is not in any way eased by the improved figures.

THIS week 54,000 students got their Leaving Cert results. On Monday many of those young adults will know if they will be able to enrol in the third-level course of their choice when the first round of CAO offers will be made.