THE “Minister for Banking” has insisted NAMA will be able to resist any legal challenges that may come its way. Notwithstanding the fact that such writs will be coming from some of the smartest shysters in the country, such an assertion begs the following question.

IN the wake of the recent announcement that not one of our 51 public hospitals is at the highest standard of cleanliness, let’s get one thing straight before there’s more tut-tutting and poo-pooing in the media with regard to Joe Public getting what he deserved after re-electing Bertie Ahern and Co last May.

ON the day when Bertie Ahern began babbling for his political integrity at the Mahon Tribunal, the best Fianna Fáil could offer by way of distraction was the news that the budget will be announced differently this year.

IT’S been reported that the Ryder Cup golf tournament will be worth an estimated €130 million to our economy next month.