I refer to the report from Juno Mc Enroe (Aug 12) which indicates that the tobacco industry is orchestrating a campaign aimed at preventing the implementation of plain packaging of tobacco in Ireland. 

On June 28th 1914 the First World War started. It finished on the 28th of November 1918. Still debate occurs as to why and who started the war. 

The excellent HSE Report into the Savita Halapannavar case confirmed that medical negligence was the reason for the tragic outcome and that subsequent references to abortion were a total ideological red herring.

Almost every day we are treated to news of this year’s grain harvest being exceptional; the yield is high, the quality superb and the weather benign towards harvesting. 

When the crisis hit in 2008, the Social Protection budget was first in the firing line.

Religion must be a continuing source of scandal to non-believers and believers alike when they see the atrocities committed by one group against another claiming the blessings of God.

It was sad to learn of former Taoiseach and FF leader Albert Reynolds’ death, at the age of 81, after a long illness. Reynolds had a fruitful career in various government ministries, from the 1970s to the ’90s.

Figures relating to extremely poor rates of third level progression among students from schools in less affluent areas highlight the need for immediate action by government.

Like many of the most fervent Cork hurling supporters I was sorely disappointed at the outcome of last Sundays All-Ireland SHC semi-final against Tipperary. More so since it was Tipperary who hammered us.

The generous tributes paid from all sides of the political spectrum yesterday on the death of Albert Reynolds were well-deserved by the former Taoiseach and government member.