On April Fool’s Day, 1986, a survey of 404 Irish students was published in a national newspaper.

Irish politics must undergo urgent reform to address a culture of “secrecy”, unfair weighting of rules in favour of government, and “cronyism” links to private interest groups if a repeat of the economic crash is to be avoided.

There will be no Greek style political earthquake following the Irish general election next year, with the established parties most likely forming the next government, according to a major new report on political risks to Ireland’s recovery.

Former Leinster House staff should have their Dáil passes taken away to avoid “fly-by-night” lobbying, according to an academic who advised the Government on a bill due to be published shortly.

Following Ireland’s tame exit from Euro 2012, the glare of the media has again turned to FAI chief John Delaney.

Looking at the human carnage in Sopot this morning, it’s no surprise Spain and Ireland are the basket cases of Europe.

A NATIONAL gathering of concerned citizens is to be held in the summer with a view to re-invigorating Ireland’s democratic institutions and restoring trust in public life.

Linkin Park pay homage to Public Enemy on their new album ‘A Thousand Sons’.

PROF David Farrell of UCD’s politics department is surprised there has been no physical reaction to the state of Irish politics and society in general along the lines of that in Greece (August 31).

DÁIL deputies turn up in parliament only two-thirds as often as their British counterparts – yet pay themselves €14,000 a year more for doing so.

A TAOISEACH should be automatically re-elected to the Dáil at the end of his or her term, Foreign Affairs Minister Micheál Martin has suggested.

Newcastle are through to the fifth round of the FA Cup with a 4-2 win over Peterborough but they were made to battle against the Posh.

Newcastle have taken the lead after a controversial penalty for handball at Peterborough in the FA Cup fourth round.

Peterborough have grabbed a lifeline against Premiership side Newcastle Utd at Peterborough.