The reference to the failure of John the Baptist to make any headway in the recent election and the fact that he ultimately lost his head has more relevance to the present situation than has being ascribed to it by media commentary.

Environment, the poor and the weakest are among the top prorities for Pope Francis, report Philip Pullella and Catherine Hornby

THE Taoiseach has been described as “Scrooge-like” after refusing to increase the €19.10 weekly allowance to asylum seekers to allow them buy Christmas gifts for their children.