IF YOU were looking for a slice of contemporary Irish political culture, it was all there last week. Starring role went to Ruairi Quinn, a career politician who is on the last lap. The Greek chorus was supplied by a couple of teachers’ conferences.

MARY Robinson would never cut it as Flash Gordon. While Flash had only 14 hours to save the universe, Mrs Robinson has given us all of 20 years to save the planet.

IT WAS a historic week: Michael D went to meet the Queen; Martin Mac went to meet the Queen; Tommie Gorman went to meet the Queen.

HAVE you ever heard The Football Association of Ireland described as the greatest organisation in the country? Me neither.

THE assistant commissioner came out to the gate to meet me. He was accompanied by a detective superintendent from the Garda Bureau of Fraud Investigation.

On the night of the last general election, a victorious Enda Kenny went on TV and set out his strategy for governing.

Michael Clifford says that the big winner in the penalty points furore is the administration of the law in observing road safety and, for that, two whistleblowers deserve a debt of gratitude

While the garda confidential recipient has directed his ire against opposition politicians, the media, and the whistleblower, he need only turn to the man who appointed him if he wants someone to blame, writes Michael Clifford

THE Dáil was treated to a rare outburst of emotion last Wednesday. Unlike the odd performance that rises into high dudgeon, this came from the heart.

Ireland is different. Multicultural with a small ‘m’, it is also a modern country where citizens are aware of their rights, and where proper standards are demanded. In this, it would seem, ‘the force’ is somewhat out of time.