THE two Brians need to wake up fast. Recent news emerging about Anglo Irish Bank is analogous to the BP oil well in the Gulf of Mexico.

PROFESSOR Brendan Drumm epitomised the worst aspects of public administration late last week.

DID you happen to see the Heineken Cup final (albeit on Sky)? There was a defining moment in the second half.

HAVE you encountered the latest social phenomenon? The Celtic Cubs are voting with their feet. They’ve heard all the propaganda about recovery and positivity. Their real choice is Canada, Australia or Britain. Emigration parties are now commonplace as well wishers offer their best for a bright new future.

GETTING up at 3.50am to present the early Newstalk radio show means my body clock doesn’t understand bank holiday weekends.

DURING our last general election in 2007, my occupation was bookmaking. Our firm pioneered betting markets for every candidate and constituency.

THE state of our public finances has taken on a severe international dimension in the past week. Two events have brought into sharp focus the perilous path Ireland treads.

THE toast at the annual Labour party conference in Galway was ‘Eamon Gilmore for Taoiseach’. This ambition has a semblance of credibility in the context of the party leaders’ opinion poll approval ratings.

THE Croke Park accord is apparently heading up a cul de sac. Key public sector unions are coming out against the revised pay deal.

THE Croke Park accord is apparently heading up a cul de sac. Key public sector unions are coming out against the revised pay deal.