FOR the first time in five years I can say that Christmas was almost pleasurable — and I have to give all the credit for that to US President Barack Obama.

WE should all be grateful to those atheists who have recently been contributing to your columns.

ECONOMIST Richard Tol’s prediction, as he departed his ERSI post, to the efffect that Ireland faces another decade of economic austerity, might be wholly depressing, but it was scarcely a revelation.

STATISTICS just released reveal that the number of asylum seekers to Ireland has decreased significantly.

IN HIS address at the Cork Chamber Business Breakfast on December 20, the President of University College, Cork, Dr Michael Murphy stated that “there is extensive anecdotal evidence of many of our brightest students emigrating after completing Leaving Certificate for overseas education, and never returning”.

CAITRÍONA McClean bemoans the fact that “the bailout and bank guarantee were forced upon us” and that we are now in a position of “subservience” (Letters, Dec 31).

IN light of the fact that many people existing below the poverty line have to decide between spending money on food or heating — the only way they can pay the household charge is by paying €2 every week.

DO we live in a democracy?

OUTSIDE cynics might well say we should allow a decent interval to pass before passing judgement.

IN supporting Ireland’s attempt to be elected to the United Nations Human Rights Council for the first time, Taoiseach Enda Kenny spoke at the weekend about taking a commitment to peace, justice, security and development seriously.