We need to appreciate the complexity of rural Ireland and empower local communities if we truly want regional development, writes Holly Cairns

Restrictions on the number of TDs who can sit in the Dáil, reduced working hours and limited committee time has hampered the work of our elected representatives but some newbies have still made an impact, writes Deputy Political Editor Elaine Loughlin

The Mother and baby homes report continues to pay lip service to women but fails to fully listen or bring about real equality