IT’S clear that there are two Irelands now.

WE are up to our eyes in politicians and debt.

THE news that David Drumm received a tax rebate of €12k is yet another bitter pill to swallow for the hard-pressed taxpayer in Ireland.

KATIE is 17 years old. I want to see her doing her Leaving Certificate. I want to see her going to college.

I CERTAINLY welcome the head of state of our nearest and one of our dearest neighbours.

THE reporting by your investigative correspondent Conor Ryan on the number of state agencies or quangos in Ireland and the composition of their boards is a welcome contribution to a complex (and hence often misunderstood) sector of Irish public administration.

IT was a shock to learn of Dr Garret FitzGerald’s passing.

THE visit to the Republic and her reception by a guard of honour of the Defence Force reminds me of the action of Colonel Michael Corcoran, Officer Commanding the 69th Infantry Regiment, New York State Volunteers, who refused to parade the regiment in honour of the visit of the Prince of Wales to the city.

GARRET FITZGERALD was a gentleman born. He lived a very worthwhile life.