Let's swap water cannon for decent public health and education

DESPITE the corporate sponsorship which the Government was touting in advance of Bertie Ahern's world grand tour otherwise known as Ireland's presidency of the EU it looks like it will still cost us at least of €60million.

To put it another way, before this month is over, it will have cost us the equivalent of a couple of schools, a few hospital wards and a couple of hundred extra gardaí on the streets.

On paper, Ireland may be the second wealthiest country in Europe, if not the planet, but splurging millions to bolster political egos and electoral advantage is something we just cannot afford.