The predictable decision by MEP Brian Crowley not to stand again to be an MEP brings down the curtain on one of the most successful politicians this country has ever seen, writes Daniel McConnell.

Any of us who get through this life without being, at one stage or another, susceptible to a charge of hypocrisy is indeed one of a sainted minority.

Sinn Féin president Mary Lou McDonald has launched a blistering attack on what she called the “utterly repulsive” media in the Republic over the treatment of the late Martin McGuinness during the 2011 presidential election.

President Higgins declared in Australia this week that he believes himself “fit enough” to undertake a second presidential term but that he will publicly disclose next May, after his 77th birthday, if he intends to exercise his prerogative under Article 12.4 of the Constitution to become a candidate for a second term on his own nomination. 

Unscripted remarks by President Michael D Higgins’ wife, Sabina, on abortion have provoked outrage in the pro-life movement, which described them as “calculated and inappropriate”.

Sean Gallagher loves desserts — anything with a biscuit base with ice cream and chocolate sauce.

President Michael D Higgins has called for the 1916 centenary celebrations to be used to remember the “diversity of our people and events” that have made the nation what it is today.

Former Irish Examiner political correspondent Fionnan Sheahan has been appointed as editor of the Irish Independent.

Eurovision Song Contest winner and former Irish presidential candidate Dana Rosemary Scallon broke down in tears as her brother walked free from court after he was cleared of historic sex abuse charges.

Senator David Norris is facing a race against time to secure a transplant in his fight against an inoperable liver cancer.

Mohamed Bin Hammam has claimed to FIFA’s new chief investigator that Sepp Blatter appears to be untouchable.

The Fianna Fáil parliamentary party has today agreed that its 33 TDs and Senators should not nominate candidates for the upcoming presidential election.

Argentina’s President Cristina Fernandez was “submissive” to her powerful husband who was a controlling “monster”, her former cabinet chief told a US official, according to new US diplomatic cables.

ARE the cautious, nuanced signals emanating from several individuals who might have an interest in becoming a candidate in the 2011 presidential election an acknowledgement that the electorate will have very high expectations when they decide whom to elect as the next President of Ireland?