Shatter conduct blights justice system 

Last week, Alan Shatter, Minister for Justice, couldn't stop himself from behaving peculiarly. If we had a Taoiseach who cared about such matters, the minister would be in deep trouble. As it is, I doubt his behaviour will have any comeback.

Where will we be without the bankers? 

IT'S not all bad news. Sometimes, it's like the country is on a downward spiral into permanent stagnation. But, occasionally there's some really good news. For instance, have you heard that Goldman Sachs, the controversial cabal of international bankers, is pulling out of the International Financial Services Centre? Reliable sources say Goldman Sachs doesn't want to do business in this country anymore. Whoopee!

Pro-lifers devalue the life they treasure 

Gene Kerrigan

The 'pro-life' groups – they stand head and shoulders above the rest of us. And that's because they cherish life. We know they cherish life because they tell us so. All the time. And the fact that they cherish life makes them morally superior to the rest of us. So, naturally, their views matter more to politicians than the views of those of us who – in the eyes of some – don't cherish life quite as much.

It's time to stop outsourcing abortion 

THERE is a solution to this abortion mess – a solution that follows logically from the makeshift compromises and political cowardice of the past 30 years. Presently, I will outline this rational and workable solution. It's consistent with our current abortion policies and it would work. Many people, however, will find it unpalatable.

In theory and in practice, austerity fails 

Paul Curtis is an Elvis Presley impersonator from Mississippi. He allegedly sent a poisoned letter to the White House last week in an attempt to assassinate President Obama. Most weeks, that would guarantee Paul his 15 minutes of fame. Last week, however, Paul was consigned to the small print at the bottom of an inside page. Bad timing, Paul – you were up against sensation overload.