WHO IS in charge around here? There was a time when it was the Government that employed the nurses, the teachers, the gardaí and all the other public servants we need.

IS THERE a danger that the legacy of Charlie McCreevy will go sour for the Government?

IS THERE a possibility we might be about to have an unconstitutional general election? Of course, it’s never happened before in the history of the State.

IN a democracy there is no uglier spectacle than the power of the State being used against its own citizens. In fact it’s not even compatible with the notion of democracy.

THERE’S a famous conversation in one of the Sherlock Holmes short stories.

Is there one place that whenever you hear its name, you automatically associate with Protestantism, loyalism and unionism?

WE love our kids, right? We’d do anything to protect them from harm, and all we want for them is to grow up right. We want them all to get the best possible start in life, don’t we?

IN order to prevent Napoleon landing in Dun Laoghaire, the Fortieth Regiment of Foot was sent by the British Army to build fortifications to the north and south of the town — and they built strong and lasting defences.

Sons of the Gael! Men of the Pale!

FOR a while last Sunday it felt as if the entire population of Ireland was in Croke Park. I had hunted for a month for tickets, and just when it seemed the mission would fail a decent man from Kerry (he’s owed a big one) came up trumps.