We are great ones for regulations in this country. We imagine that as soon as some new policy or other has been put to paper that it will take on a life of its own and solve a myriad of problems. The reality is often very different.

When the people of the United Kingdom voted to leave the EU, on June 23, it provoked a tsunami of self-centred comment on this side of the water. Would it be economically disastrous for Ireland or would it bring huge opportunities for our financial services market?

It’s still possible to hope that the Trump presidency might not be as bad as the president-elect has promised, that some of his wilder notions might be filed under ‘electioneering’.

As the centenary of the 1916 Rising draws to a close, it is important to acknowledge that the apprehension that preceded the year’s flag-waving and cheers has proved unfounded.

IT was entirely predictable but nonetheless disheartening that Israel’s prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu summoned a parade of ambassadors to his apartments on Christmas Day to administer a “personal reprimand”.