New year outlook - You’ve gotta accentuate the positive...

DESPITE the gloom of some of the global economic predictions, there are still indications that the Irish economy will grow this year, though not at the same rate as recent years. This should be taken as a positive indication.

Hopefully, Bertie Ahern will be able to overcome his problems at the Mahon Tribunal in a convincing way, and the tribunals will then be able to wind up its seemingly interminable deliberations.

The Taoiseach might then crown this with a successful appearance before a joint session of the US Congress.