The universal truth about human nature is this: how people think they should behave and how they really feel are often worlds apart.
And when it comes to sizing up politicians, the rule holds fast.
In his 16th-century handbook for politicians eager to gain power, Niccolo Machiavelli wrote: "Men in general judge more from appearances than from reality."
Brendan O'Connor The people who have just got out tell me that it's not too bad today. It's warmer than it was during the week. The sun was on it yesterday they say, so it's warmed up. I always tell people after I get out that it's not so bad. This is because after you've been in it it doesn't seem so bad. And also, what else are you going to say?...
I was very taken by the story of the Italian academic who claimed two days sick leave from her university because her dog was sick. Needless to say the employer took a poor view of this and the issue ended up in court. The judge found that the pet was part of the...
Gene Kerrigan There are good things and bad things about the Belfast Agreement, but anyone treating it as a political poker chip is gambling with other people's blood. And that seems to be what went on last week.
