Societies based on the rule of law are morally obligated to defend the lives and liberties of those who can not defend themselves — inclusive of those beyond their boundaries.

TAOISEACH Brian Cowen has polarised the country in a way not seen since the Civil War or the War of Independence. Brother against brother, cousin against cousin, neighbour against neighbour, public sector against private sector.

I FIND myself being increasingly alarmed at the correspondence coming home from my children’s schools.

WHY shouldn’t Majella Holohan know exactly what happened to her child, the child she gave birth to and nourished and cared for over 12 years?