President Michael D Higgins has hailed his “memorable” historic state visit to the UK as “so positive, so uplifting and so hopeful”.

WITHOUT striking too ghoulish a tone, perhaps it is fair to reflect that amid the brouhaha surrounding the death of Margaret Thatcher, an opportunity was lost.

Three classic Elvis Costello albums are to be re-released as double-CDs, with a total of 73 extra tracks.

New wave exports from the late 1970s will join the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame next year.