Putting a value on things we take for granted may save humanity argues Dieter Helm. Noel Baker is impressed by his powerful, commonsense arguments.

IRELAND was last night on course for a green energy revolution as Taoiseach Bertie Ahern pledged to more than double electricity production from renewable sources by 2020.

TAOISEACH Bertie Ahern yesterday pointedly refused to speculate on coalition arrangements for Fianna Fáil after next year’s elections, saying he would begin to consider the matter only when the results come in.

Fianna Fáil’s annual think-in begins in Co Mayo today.

FINANCE Minister Brian Cowen last night accused voters of complacency as Fianna Fáil put the economy centre stage in a bid to claw back support ahead of the looming general election.