» BY MARY LOU McDONALD

YOU HEAR some hair-raising stuff in the Dáil at times but even by Dáil standards Enda Kenny’s defence of bondholders and bankers left me speechless. We will not have the word “defaulter” written across our brows, said An Taoiseach, full of pomp and faux patriotism. “We pay our way,” he declared.

This was his rationale and defence for paying over... Free article

AN BHFUIL grá agat don Ghaeilge? Grá agat don Phoblachtánachas? Suim agat do theanga agus do thír a chuir chun cinn? Má tá, b’fhéidir gur tusa an duine atá ag teastáil chun folúntas, nua dúshlánach atá ag Sinn Féín a líonadh.
Sinn Féin are recruiting for a new position in the party: Irish Language Development Officer. This person will be involved in the implementation of the Irish... Free article

ULSTER COUNCIL GIVES GO-AHEAD | SINN FÉIN CREDITS CAMPAIGNERS ACROSS THE BOARD

THE 2013 Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann will be going to Derry, the first time it has been held in the Six Counties. The cultural festival will bring an estimated 300,000 visitors to the Maiden City in an event worth around €40million to the region.

The Ulster Council of Comhaltas Ceoltóiri Éireann reversed... Free article

BY RODDY COLLINS

Enda Kenny: Playing for Team Ireland?

IS ENDA KENNY playing for Team Ireland when he’s away? I manage soccer teams. When I’m being interviewed in that capacity, I always try and represent them well in public. Enda Kenny didn’t.

When he was away in Switzerland at the World Economic Forum, the Taoiseach was representing Ireland and the Irish people. So where does he... Free article

CINEMA: MERYL STREEP AS MARGARET THATCHER

The Iron Lady

Director: Phyllida Lloyd.
Writer: Abi Morgan (screenplay).
Stars: Meryl Streep, Jim Broadbent and Richard E Grant.

The Iron Lady (12A) – 105 minutes

Review By Cathy Power

THE IRON LADY is a sugar-coated account of some of the life of Margaret Thatcher (played by Meryl Streep), one of the most hated and hateful individuals... Free article

PUTTING INTERNATIONAL FINANCE AHEAD OF THE IRISH PEOPLE

» LE EOIN Ó MURCHÚ

THAT’S THE MESSAGE coming out of the Fine Gael/Labour Government as they pay €1.25billion to international financiers under compulsion from the European Central Bank.

This optimistic message is based on the fact that the National Treasury Management Agency (NTMA) has been able to reissue Irish short-term... Free article

THE NEW Danish Government has presented a document called ‘Europe at Work’ as a programme for its presidency of the EU. They apparently stand for a responsible, dynamic, green and safe Europe. Over the coming months, the Left will be testing such claims and pushing the Danes to take tangible steps towards solidarity, job creation and real financial sector regulation in a... Free article

Fine Gael election manifesto

“Fine Gael will prioritise the frontline and support schools to inspire and equip the next generation with the skills and knowledge needed to rebuild our country’s future.”

Labour Party election manifesto

“Labour is committed to protecting children’s education, because we believe they deserve the best start their country can give them.”

» BY MARK... Free article

Agus seasann Éamon Gilmore leis!

» LE EOIN Ó MURCHÚ

TÁ COGADH eile, is cosúil, dhá bhagairt ar an MeánOirthear, ar an Iaráin an uair seo, más fíor dona comharthaí atá ag tíocht as Meiriocá agus ón Aontas Eorpach.
Tá’s againn cén praghas a d’íoc muintir na hAfganastáine is muintir na hIaráice as na cogaí a fearadh rompu, ach anois tá lucht na cogaíochta ag díriú a n-áird ar an... Free article

SOCIAL WELFARE PAYMENT CHANGE | END-OF-FEBRUARY DEADLINE FOR REPORT TO OIREACHTAS

SINN FÉIN Social Protection spokesperson Aengus Ó Snodaigh TD has been asked by the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Jobs, Social Protection and Education to compile a report on the consequences of amalgamating all social welfare payments into a ‘Single Working Age Payment’. He now wants all groups... Free article