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.

FINE people have made this country great, but few can match John Delaney, the chief executive of the Football Association of Ireland, who was in the news, again, last week, being unfairly pilloried, subjected to media intrusion, victimised.

A new book sees nuns reflect on their life-changing decision and how it affected them. Michael Clifford met the author, herself a former nun

WHERE to go from here?