I FIRST met a Protestant when I was 12. My family had moved that year to a town where there were a number of them. There were rumoured to be a few in my hometown, as well, down in the “deep south”, but nobody my age.

A gay Taoiseach would be no big deal with many in Fine Gael. But a candid leader who tells it like it is might still be beyond their comprehension, writes Michael Clifford

HOW do you solve a problem like Charlie? Not easily, if the dramatisation of Charlie Haughey’s life that has been showing for the last two Sundays is anything to go by.

There was one light moment at the Oireachtas banking inquiry in an otherwise depressing trawl through Ireland in the dark months of autumn 2008.

I used to work in a bunker. At least, that’s how it felt.

The year ahead is going to be an exciting one in politics. There will be upheaval. There will be blood. The old order is rapidly changing, with apologies to Mr Zimmerman.

EIGHT days ago, George Redmond’s name was cleared before the law, after a decade-long battle. George is 90. He is a retired public servant and former assistant manager for Dublin City and county.

ENOUGH. Enough of the affairs of State. It’s the time of year for reflection and excess, joy and pain, laughter and tears. And whatever you’re having yourself with a hot drop.

THERE’S a big hole out there where establishment parties used to be, and there will be some fun in filling it.

MATERNAL care in this country was under the microscope last week with the inquest into the death of Sally Rowlette.