EDUCATION Minister Ruairi Quinn is (predictably) calling for a drastic revision of our examination system, with a big increase of in continuous assessment, at the very time when our neighbour to the east is taking steps to go back to exams.

THE reduction of two years of effort by a Leaving Cert student, across a broad spectrum of subjects, to a single CAO points figure is a crude system — it can never reflect the diversity of their talents and achievements.

WE have lost all sense of arithmetical reason and numerical perspective. We have become million-wise, but billion-foolish. We no longer seem to know the difference between a million and a billion.

IF one were to rely on the mainstream liberal-fundamentalist dominated media in Western Europe, one would get the distinct impression that Madrid was under siege by a mob of indignant “free thinkers” (whatever they are), atheists and homosexuals; and that Pope Benedict was nowhere to be seen.

WHILE I don’t like the wearing of the burqa, I think any woman who wishes to wear it should do so without interference or criticism.

WE are now told that various groups and individuals are calling on the British authorities to be “fair and reasonable” with those charged in connection with the outbreaks of violence.

SARKOZY and Merkel are acting undemocratically as they try to hoist their own agendas on member states. Regardless of our current crisis, I don’t remember electing them to act on my behalf, nor would I ever wish them to.

HERITAGE WEEK begins today and every media outlet — radio, television and newspapers — is busy highlighting the importance of our cultural and environmental heritage and the nationwide programme of activities being provided to enable all of us to appreciate and enjoy that heritage.

THE lay citizen, desperately trying to inform himself and herself, will be under-impressed by the latest round of the Berlin/Paris “pas de deux”. So, too, will the markets, but they at least will be able to make money on their pessimism.

IT was interesting to read the recent letter regarding cyclists and their treatment by motorists. It was, however, extremely one-sided.