Triumph and tragedy: politicians and events that marked our year

THIS evening Dáil Eireann rises for the Christmas recess, so it is time to announce the fourth annual Tallyman’s awards - my entirely subjective political prizes for ‘05.

Political Image of the Year

Among the international events which generated the most striking images were the funeral of Pope John Paul II in April and the election of his successor, Benedict XVI. The images from the Live 8 concerts in July were also iconic.