Columns - Irish Examiner

Pat Brosnan

Government turns a blind eye as drinks trade takes us by the throat

THE latest price hike announced by the drinks industry is rather hard to swallow.

Fri, 28 May, 2004

Ministerial discretion can raise some boats higher than others

DOWN around Killorglin, they reckon that John O’Donoghue can walk on water. Certainly he was well able to make a splash when the local rowing club was out of its depth while building their new boathouse.

Fri, 21 May, 2004

It’ll be painful, but early releases will happen if peace talks succeed

IF a broken promise will ultimately bring a permanent settlement to Northern Ireland, then political expediency will prevail and Jerry McCabe’s killers will not serve their full sentence.

Fri, 14 May, 2004

Like e-voting, our democracy is inadequate and far from secure

BEVERLY FLYNN is a fine, shining example — of what should happen to Minister for the Environment Martin Cullen, just for starters.

Fri, 07 May, 2004

Their expenses are far greater than their contribution to the nation

AT a casual glance, it appeared to be the usual list from the revenue commissioners, naming and shaming the publicans, parish priests and assorted others who are conscientious objectors to paying their tax.

Fri, 30 Apr, 2004

April fool proves voters wouldn't put anything past this Government

TO the casual observer it might have appeared that the women of Cork — and quite a few men — had suddenly and en masse become madly interested in the antics of a seemingly demented leader of the Labour Party.

Fri, 09 Apr, 2004

Punchestown whitewash won’t stick to Walsh and McCreevy

THE very first thing the report of the Public Accounts Committee into the €14.8m handed over to the Punchestown horsy set did was to send in a ringer.

Fri, 02 Apr, 2004

McDowell shoots himself in the foot before Dubya’s hitmen arrive

WHEN Justice Minister Michael McDowell gratuitously gave the nod to US security men to take target practice during their upcoming visit to Ireland, he probably did so with members of Sinn Féin in mind.

Fri, 26 Mar, 2004

True democrats would support the decision of the Spanish people

IT’S reassuring, isn’t it, to hear Taoiseach Bertie Ahern declare unequivocally that Ireland is an al-Qaida-free zone?

Fri, 19 Mar, 2004

Torture, rape and abuse with no remorse — and we’ve set him free

WE are still living in a country with a Tír na n-Óg attitude to time, at least in a legal context. Why else would one of the most evil men who was ever forced into an Irish courtroom serve just nine years of the 238 years he earned for his horrific crimes?

Fri, 05 Mar, 2004