WHEN the late Dr John O’Connell TD contested the first European Parliament elections — against the wishes of his party, Labour — it was the first political campaign I ever experienced.

I AM on one corner of the road, he’s across the way.

HE’S really pleasant, but wouldn’t be an intellectual heavyweight like Garret.

FOR those stricken with disbelief at Fianna Fáil’s resurgence in the opinion polls, here are eight factors that party currently has going for it.

SHE’S probably the most successful neophiliac ever.

IT’S the fields of waving wildflowers that are puzzling.

SO you’re going for a job interview.

THE email was welcome, because emails from this individual are always welcome.

WE stand between two significant television moments. One happened last week, the other is due later today.

RIGHT now, somewhere in Ireland, someone’s giving their name and telling everybody in the room how they stole from dying relatives or spent their children’s Holy Communion money or sold the curtains for drink.