At the beginning of 1983, Irish ambassador Tadgh O’Sullivan believed it was going to be a decisive year for US President Ronald Reagan whose competency was being severely questioned both on the ideological and economic fronts.

IS Nelson Mandela the only hero left as he prepares to celebrate his 90th birthday tomorrow? It is difficult to conclude otherwise, despite recent criticism of his muteness about Robert Mugabe.

Emmerdale is axing two families in a new cast clear-out.