Six wrongfully imprisoned for Birmingham pub bombings ‘offered nothing but false hope, promises’

The taxpayer paid out close to €20m last year in pensions, lump sums, and other retirement benefits to former politicians.

Gardaí are still protecting Liam Cosgrave's home over a month after his death.

The home of former taoiseach Liam Cosgrave, who died more than five weeks ago, is still under Garda protection.

For someone who was far more comfortable waiting quietly in the background than standing in the glare of the spotlight, the past few days of wall-to-wall attention must feel unusual for those who knew Liam Cosgrave, writes Fiachra Ó Cionnaith.

Paschal Donohoe must deliver a budget singlehandedly for the first time with little or no money to give out. Yet, an endless stream of expectation lurks from every corner, writes Daniel McConnell.

No man or woman — and especially no Irish politician — who takes on the mucky business of leading a political party and a government can expect to sail through his or her career without critics and, from time to time, enemies.

Latest: He was a leader who put the nation first, a statesman who was never too busy to listen to others, a true patriot in a time of violence, and - ultimately - someone of genuine principle who has now been lost from our land

Here's what you need to know this lunchtime. 

Liam Cosgrave was humble but played a key role in politics and will be remembered as doing the State exemplary service, writes Political Editor Daniel McConnell.

Liam Cosgrave’s monumental legacy is that he put the nation’s security and the national interest before party considerations, writes Ryle Dwyer   

An officer and a gentleman is how Liam Cosgrave should be remembered.

Former Taoiseach and Fine Gael leader Liam Cosgrave has died at the age of 97.

"He was a courageous politician and will be greatly missed.”

Since the opening of Digital Equipment Corporation in Galway in 1971 its legacy — now in the guise of Hewlett Packard Enterprise — is still as strong as ever, writes Dr Chris Coughlan.

Surely the time has come to acknowledge what a substantial figure Enda Kenny is, and what a mark he has made on the Irish political landscape, says Fergus Finlay. He established a place in history last week as the first Fine Gael leader ever to have been re-elected to the office of Taoiseach.

Political leaders, Rising relatives, the Defence Forces, and public servants joined together yesterday in an historic 1916 commemoration that repeatedly sought to include all parts of Irish society.

Heritage Minister Heather Humphreys is seeking to have the 30-year bar on releasing state papers reduced on a phased basis.

The last chance to hit the dance floor at a hotel that hosted top political figures in Irish history takes place this weekend, as the new owner sells off its contents.

An early election would be a big risk for Fine Gael, but an even bigger one for Labour, writes Gerard Howlin

Check out our guide to the best of tonight's TV.

The expressions of indignation and condemnation from some in government at the heckling of President Michael D Higgins by anti-water charge protesters in Dublin smacks of double standards. (Water charges protest - Attack on President crossed a line, Editorial January 29).

Former Taoiseach Liam Cosgrave has wished Enda Kenny well in running the country and warned that being in government is never easy.

Alan Kelly is proposing forcing developers to hand over 10% of new developments for social and affordable housing. He better be prepared for very stiff resistance, writes Michael Clifford

All this hand wringing about abortion and other social issues is so typically Irish and makes one fear that despite everything that’s happened over the last six years, nothing has changed. We all know that there won’t be any meaningful reform or change as long as Enda Kenny’s generation of the grey old men from the 1970s is still in control. Mr Kenny is nothing if not the political son of Liam Cosgrave.

The state funeral of Albert Reynolds is continuing in Donnybrook in Dublin, and has heard a moving eulogy from his son Philip.

Pope Francis has paid tribute to the late former Taoiseach Albert Reynolds for his work as a peacemaker.

Unique footage has emerged of a historic march undertaken by the Irish Army in Co Cork almost 60 years ago.

THE strongest emotions created in any cabinet reshuffle are resentment, jealously, and anger.

A Fine Gael TD’s attempt in the 1960s to reconstitute the role of the State in society may have failed, but it later influenced major policy changes, writes Ciara Meehan.

THERE are some things you can say for sure about Enda Kenny. He is a survivor, as tough as nails and not nearly as happy-go-lucky as he wants you to think. Part-actor, part-chameleon, part-huckster and dealer, and if we are lucky part-prodigy as well.

YOU want a slice of Ireland today? Come to Carrigaline. Down on Main St, the Turkish barber has closed up and left town.

This Friday will be the 40th anniversary of the Dublin and Monaghan bombings, in which 34 people were killed, including a pregnant woman and her unborn child, as well as a family of four (a four-month-old baby, her 18-month-old sister and their parents).

If there’s one thing we do well in Irish politics it’s dynasties and yesterday one of the most revered members of one branch of Fine Gael royalty travelled south to give his blessing to the scion of another blueshirt-blueblood line.

One of Cork city’s oldest hotels, the Victoria Hotel on St Patrick Street, is for sale by tender in April.

It was the kind of gathering Colm Murray would have loved.

One of Ireland’s best-known sports broadcasters was today remembered as an enthusiastic and articulate reporter gifted with a marvellous memory and unique voice.

As the old saying goes, it’s a long road without a turn, and for Messrs Frank Dunlop, Jim Kennedy, Liam Cosgrave, Don Lydon, Colm McGrath and Tony Fox that fateful bend arrived yesterday when the damning last chapter of the Mahon Tribunal on Planning and Payments was finally published.

President Michael D Higgins has until Wednesday to decide if new abortion legislation should be tested in the Supreme Court.

WE don’t do corruption in this country.