YESTERDAY’s reintroduction of about a dozen white-tailed eagles to the national park in Killarney is a thoroughly welcome attempt to undo some of the damage inflicted by man on some of the other species that inhabit the planet.

EVEN Defence Minister Willie O’Dea cannot have been surprised to have found himself isolated by his Cabinet colleagues yesterday. After maintaining a steadfast silence, it is unimaginable that the Taoiseach or any of his ministers would now make any statement that might undermine Aer Lingus.

THE difficulties involved in convincing any person wading through the Irish summer of 2007 that water is a scarce resource are obvious.

INDIA is celebrating 60 years of independence and though comparisons of scale between Ireland and India are meaningless, there are many parallels in our histories, some illuminating, some unfortunate.

IT IS hard to imagine a more resounding expression of disappointment with the Government and with Aer Lingus than that revealed by today’s poll.

YESTERDAY’S announcement of the appointment of Professor John Horgan as Ireland’s first press ombudsman is a welcome milestone in the relationship between the press and the people of Ireland.

THE news that Ireland is to pay more than €90 million a year in child benefits to EU nationals whose dependants do not live in this country is just another punctuation mark in the evolution of our society.

THERE can be few greater gifts a parent can bestow on a child than a love of reading.

Under public pressure to take remedial action against growing drug violence and antisocial behaviour on our streets, especially late at night, the Government is considering the establishment of a joint strategy to deal with illegal drugs and alcohol.

The State has allocated €1 billion to pay back people who were charged illegally for nursing home care.