The almost Soviet-style image of world leaders arm-in-arm in Paris, vividly captures the cynical efforts of powerful states to make political capital from the Charlie Hebdo atrocity.

The horrific murders in Paris must be roundly condemned. It should be possible to criticise and satirise both public figures and ideology without such actions from young men.

Western politicians’ equivalence of Israel’s horrific assaults on civilian populations with the insignificant efforts of Hamas to defend the people of Gaza is obscene.

Minister for European Affairs Paschal Donohue said on RTE News recently regarding the Ukraine that "mechanisms must be developed to lead to a de-escalation of the tension". Sadly the actions of EU foreign ministers are only fuelling the crisis.

What an amazing week last week was for Irish neutrality.