WITH four boom and bust cycles over the past 40 years, a growing population, particularly in London, and the state withdrawing almost altogether from building social housing — the sector is in crisis in Britain.

IN the year that the Cork writer Patrick Galvin died, my own Patrick Galvin was also in his final days. My father wasn’t distinguished or a man of letters: he had worked in the factories of Coventry from his early 30s, as a machinist, been widowed young and raised two daughters.

The BBC and The Guardian scooped awards at the Amnesty International Media Awards ceremony last night.