TAOISEACH Brian Cowen has described the contribution of Michael Berkery as general secretary of the Irish Farmers Association as outstanding.

IN THE void left by silent politicians, grassroots commuter groups are forming en-masse in an effort to harness support for improved rail services and standards.

FINALLY, a way to avoid the phoniness of a politician on the prowl for votes — a humble clipboard.

FINE GAEL will fail to win a seat in one of the constituencies the party targeted for a key gain at the general election, according to the results of a new poll.

A WAR of words has erupted between the government and opposition parties on the eve of a Dáil debate on education.

OUR Lady’s Hospital for Sick Children in Crumlin will only co-operate with plans to build a specialist children’s hospital if the site is chosen by an independent panel of international experts, a consultant at the Dublin hospital stressed yesterday.

PARENTS who have spent the past five years campaigning for a new national children’s hospital are worried that the latest row over the location of the facility will delay the development even further.

Fine Gael's Alan Gillis has dropped out of the race for the nominations for the 2004 European elections.