Regarding the talks between the political parties in Northern Ireland, you have to hand it to the British Prime Minister - these talks had dragged on for the past year without any agreement.

These are pivotal times in history, not just in Ireland but worldwide.

Travellers to the hotspots of Europe will notice that all drinking water comes from plastic bottles. With our plentiful supply of the raw fresh product seeming to incessantly fall from our skies, an opportunity presents itself.

Daniel Teegan’s account of his conversation with an ex-Israeli soldier (Letters, December 17), depicts the IDF as a rogue force operating outside the norms of international law. 

Letters from people like Tom Cooper (Letters, December 19) are dangerous, as they can feed the fantasies of those who like to justify the terrorism of the IRA, they must be challenged.

It needs to be pointed out that recognition of a state brings responsibilities as well as rights for the newly acknowledged entity.

Enda Kenny has said that if he is re-elected to office, his next Cabinet will be comprised of “50/50 of men and women - on merit”.

News that the US and Cuba are to restore full diplomatic and commercial relations, after a Cold War-style prisoner swap, as detailed in ‘Secret US meetings with Cuba pay off’ (Irish Examiner, December 19), is the latest foreign policy misstep by US President, Barack Obama.

I unreservedly condemn acts of terrorism including those which took place in Pakistan and Australia recently. 

Health Minister Leo Varadkar leads a charmed life.