THE late Seamus Brennan cautioned the Green party government negotiators that they were now playing All-Ireland senior hurling. Internal Fianna Fáil politics is much more brutal — it’s a genuine blood sport.

On the cusp of changing years, it’s traditional to acknowledge achievers and set out new aspirations. 2010 was no ordinary year. ‘Annus horribilis’ doesn’t come close — ‘maximus’ needs to be inserted.

OUR politicians are so self indulgent. It’s always about them. Dithering over the timing of the election date reminds me of similar political paralysis in 2008.

THE last vestige of credibility evaporated from the Progressive Democrats from the moment Michael McDowell hoist the petard that the PDs were exiting government — only to subsequently change their minds.

TONY Blair and George Bush maintained one maxim throughout the Iraq war.

THE poster boys for our financial crisis have been well established: Seánie Fitz, ‘Fingers’ Fingleton, Eugene Sheehy, Patrick Neary, Bertie Ahern, Charlie McCreevy, Brian Cowen.

NEGATIVITY of the national public mood is at fever pitch. The response to the allocation of free cheese has been bizarre. As part of the Common Agricultural Policy, the EU Commission has a regular policy of acquiring and distributing free food, within its remit.

THIS week’s visit by Olli Rehn from Brussels sets the domestic mood music for the Government’s draconian budget.

OUR contemporary Celtic crisis is akin to a three-leaf shamrock. The first component is the banking failure.