THERE are inmates of the Irish prison system who have been incarcerated for most of their lives.

BRIAN LENIHAN was a chip off the old block. His father, Brian Snr, also enjoyed a distinguished career as a parliamentarian and government minister. Both were barristers, and both fought general elections in the throes of serious illness. Both died young, taken while still in public service.

TAOISEACH Bertie Ahern yesterday said he passionately believes other countries should be given the same chance Ireland had in joining the European Union 30 years ago.

IT was just like old times. There they were, Garret, Dessie and Albert, the elder statesmen of Irish politics, as if they had never gone away.