WITH Ireland’s population now at over 4.2 million, the highest since 1861, it was inevitable debate would be sparked on the need to redraw Dáil constituencies.

HOMEOWNERS and company bosses will be asked to don the hair shirt following yesterday’s dire ESB warning that electricity prices are set to rise by 10%-20% next year.

THE High Court’s preliminary ruling in the dispute between an estranged couple over the fate of three frozen embryos may be relatively straightforward but it puts the spotlight on how important it is for such agreements to be copper-fastened.

PROPOSED changes in the policing of the medical profession are long overdue and to be welcomed.

THE situation in the Middle East continues to deteriorate at an alarming rate, while the international community stands idly by, seemingly believing that little can be done.

DISCARDED chewing gum fouling footpaths causes one of our most difficult litter problems.

THE average taxpayer has to pay benefit-in-kind, so there is no reason civil servants should be exempt from paying for parking spaces for which the public has to foot a bill of almost €11 million annually.

UNDER international law reprisal actions are supposed to be commensurate with the initial attack, but Israel’s response to the kidnapping of two of its soldiers in Lebanon has been utterly disproportionate.

THE finger of blame for the carnage on Ireland’s roads has been pointed at drivers, Government inaction, lack of garda enforcement, speeding by boy-racers and drink-driving.

IN a country where only half the working population has a decent pension, the strong hint at a mandatory scheme by Social Affairs Minister Séamus Brennan could not be more timely.