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.

ONE of the more strident sayings in our period of construction mania between 2004 and 2007 was “build it and they will come”.

A FEW years ago at a meeting with a senior banker in relation to financing an acquisition I raised the question of their fees. The head honcho replied “I love to talk dirty…”

Greetings from Ireland. We are delighted your club is topping the table in the Premiership, following on from last year’s league and cup double.

NEW and unprecedented high watermarks are being recorded on a weekly basis.