HIGH Noon. That’s how Sheriff Bertie always thought of it. Others might refer to the occasion as Leaders’ Questions, but for him it was that moment when he stood alone.

BEFORE any big prize fight, there’s always hype. Champion and challenger square up to each other at the weigh-in, glowering and trying to look as menacing as possible.

THE political joke last week concerned the comparison between Irish and English politics.

HERE’S a daft idea. Instead of building 300km of roads next year, let’s build 280km instead. And use the money we save to make sure that nothing like the Ferns scandal can ever happen again. Let’s make our kids safe.

HERE’S a Nostradamus prediction that can’t go wrong. It may not seem like it at first glance, but it’s good news and it’s bad news.

I DON’T suppose the Taoiseach is likely to be consulted about whether Brian Kerr should go or stay.

THE teachers knew that Timmy was supposed to be starting school, but they were too busy with the new intake of kids to notice that he never turned up. Not the first day, nor the second, nor the third.

WE’RE in the process of introducing a diversity policy in our organisation. The first time the idea was suggested to me, I balked.

ARE we supposed to be grateful? Are we now supposed to flock in our thousands to vote for Sinn Féin? Are we supposed to acknowledge and accept what Martin McGuinness and others call this “truly historic moment”? Well, count me out.

CONGRATULATIONS, Sarah Carroll! An A, three Bs and 2 Cs. It was a great Junior Cert by any standards, and it just goes to show that you can do everything you set your heart on.