THE British Tory Party is leaderless at the moment, rather like this country.

IF Gerry Adams were to swear allegiance to the queen, join the Police Service of Northern Ireland and lead an Orange parade down the Garvaghy Road, then maybe — just maybe — David Trimble might be satisfied.

I WAS suffering under the delusion, probably like most other people in the private sector, that the secretive benchmarking deal for workers in the public sector was supposed to result in productivity and improved services.

THERE is something fundamentally wrong that the communities in Ringaskiddy and those in the surrounding Cork harbour area should be subjected to a Bord Pleanála oral hearing in relation to the proposed Indaver Ireland hazardous waste incinerator.

OH, the school around the corner’s not the same — and won’t be again after the niggardly and miserly action by Minister for Education Noel Dempsey in removing the largesse of lord mayors and the odd bishop of giving a half day to primary and secondary school pupils.

THE right to choose is a slogan synonymous with another issue, but it’s one which Minister for Health Mícheál Martin will be hearing a lot of between now and the New Year before his unilateral smoking ban is introduced.

IN the fall-out from the Laffoy Commission debacle, Minister for Education Noel Dempsey has come up with what can only be described as an inspiration on how to cut down on costs, numbers and delays.

THE litter problem in this country is a dirty business, but something which few people think about is the fact that it could have a detrimental effect on the economy.

IT will come as no surprise to hear that the Government is going to axe the 100 people receive from the President on reaching the remarkable milestone of 100 years of age.