I am pleased to note that the whole of Ireland has been exempted from a EU-wide ban on the export of livestock and meat products. Why should we take a hit when the problem is located in Britain? Fair play to you, Taoiseach, to Ian and Martin, and to both Michelle Gildernew and Mary Coughlan for adopting the fortress-Ireland approach to preventing Foot and Mouth Disease from spreading to this country. Free article

The decision by Aer Lingus to locate its first hub facility outside of the 26 Counties in Belfast has caused much controversy and debate. While the reaction by interested parties both in Shannon and Belfast are understandable, investment in one part of the country should not be to the detriment of another. Free article