The reason why I ask this is because I was under the distinct impression Monday, January 2nd, was indeed a Bank Holiday! read full story / add a comment

Fine Gael has called on the Government to introduce a five point plan to cut A&E attendances by up to a 1/3. The plan which includes penalizing people who attend A&E units and also happen to be drunk, may put lives at risk.

The proposals ignore the fact that the vast majority of those attending A&E units are actually in need medical aid and further that the majority of those in attendance never cause any disturbance to staff or fellow patients.

One of the key planks of the policy calls for the doubling of A&E fees for those found to be under the influence of alcohol. The proposed fee of almost €100 will discourage people who may need medical aid from seeking it and will hit those on low incomes hardest, students in particular. read full story / add a comment

Another multinational rolls into town unopposed. read full story / add a comment

There is a very active organic college in Drumcollogher, Co. Limerick. Everyone there obviously loves what they are doing, in pursuing not just a different way of producing food but a different way of life. read full story / add a comment

Today I bought a book and returned it but was refused a refund. read full story / add a comment

36 days to go, and I'm sure many of the readers are like my good self, drawing up the list for Christmas Cards 2005.

I enjoy these gradually shortening days and evenings as Winter comes on. The garden becomes more manageable, all the roses are pruned, and flower beds have been dug, I find more time to relax and draw up the list.

Of course at this time of year it may number some thousands of names, and then the fun bit comes-

Crossing off the names. It is my annual project to "not send" christmas cards to many thousands of people, from both public and private life. & I have noted that they don't send me one either. read full story / add a comment

This week, I’m going to venture into uncertain waters by doing my first column on football and by having my say on the great Keano debate. read full story / add a comment

One morning my mother was in the basement feeding wet-washed clothes into the ringer when she paused to rest for a moment. With the ringer off she suddenly realised the house was quiet - unusually quiet. She took a careful look around and thoughtfully headed for the stairs. It was equally quiet in the kitchen. She moved more quickly now as she headed upstairs. The bedromms were empty but before climbing to the attic, she noticed the bathroom door was fully shut. Approaching, she thought she heard a noise. Trying the knob she found it locked. read full story / add a comment

Still a routine procedure in many Irish hospitals learn how you can reduce your chances of getting an episiotomy. read full story / add a comment

The consequences of abandoning the true purpose of food and turning it into a form of entertainment. read full story / add a comment

From 1st June 2006 any town, village or city suburb that has not formally claimed its right to hold markets may find that they are permanently prevented from ever doing so. There is a revival in the popularity of such markets which will likely be snuffed out if we don't act now. Katy Sinnott explains how you can preserve these rights for your locality - and it's easier than you might think. read full story / add a comment

Alcoholism is a bad thing, right? Anybody who makes any attempt to eradicate it deserves our gratitude and encouragement. Well, that’s not the story at all, as it turns out. There is only one way to do it and it’s the Alcoholics Anonymous way. At least according to AA themselves, that is. Theirs is the only thing that works and they are 100% infallible in what they say and do. Jesus Christ had more self-doubt than the AA. read full story / add a comment

Bertie is alarmed at the new cut price "Tribunals" read full story / add a comment

Belfast city centre, tin rattlers are wrecking it for people who want to shop!!! read full story / add a comment

Craigavon Trades Council organised another successfull petition signing in Portadown Town centre on Saturday 24th September. As expected the response was very positive and supportive.There being a huge grassroots opposition to the impossition of this unfair double tax. However the one worrying trend was a certain ammount of resignation that for all our efforts the government would push this through come what may. If feel this is due in no small way to the over all lack lustre campaign mounted by the "Coalition".. Craigavon Trades Council can see the potential for this campaign to get off the ground but there seems to be nothing happening anywhere else!! read full story / add a comment

Norwegian scientists say the suicide risk involved in taking SSRI antidepressants indicates that warnings for adults are necessary. The research bolsters demands to the Irish Medicines Board to extend to adults the suicide warnings to children (under-18s) included with these drugs, and to make them more prominent. read full story / add a comment

This morning a joint operation between the Gardaí and customs types saw 1.5 tonnes of fireworks seized en route to Dublin.

It has of course been only a few months since Michael Mc Dowell, suggested a new law "possession of a firework with intent to supply" and asked for public (your) input. read full story / add a comment

In an attempt to keep the momentum going on this campaign, Craigavon Trades Council held another public meeting in Lurgan last night (12th Sept)
Difficulties in advertising the event contributed to another disappointing turn out. However using the maxim of quality over quantity the meeting was a possitive one. The launch of the water charge petition in the area has been a great success. So much so the Trades Council has been encouraged to organise further signing days in the major towns in the forthcoming weeks.
It is vitally important that the postponement of the charges for a year does not bring about a false sense of security on this matter. There is still a massive job to be done, needing the focused attention of all the groups opposing this unfair double tax.
There is another meeting in Portadown Town Hall wednesday 14th September at 7.30.
Other meetings and events will be advertised in due course. read full story / add a comment

Original studies on aspartame revealed brain, mammary, ovarian, testicular, thyroid, uterine and pancreatic tumors. A recent study in Italy showed malignant brain tumors, leukemia and lymphoma. A movie, Sweet Misery: A Poisoned World, www.docworkers.com exposes how Don Rumsfeld got aspartame approved. www.docworkers.com read full story / add a comment

Craigavon Trades Council hosted an open meeting in opposition to the introduction of water charges.
The meeting was designed to consider the best ways to progress the campaign which now includes a provence wide petition.
While the meeting was very useful, the fact that only one political party (Sinn Fein) attended the meeting was a clear indication that a lot of hard work was going to be nessessary.
The lack of interest from the political parties (apart from the above mentioned) was in sharp contrast to the "bluster" heard from ALL the political parties during the recent election campaign.
It seems clear that if any serious opposition to this unjust double tax is going to be mounted it is going to come from within local community groups, Trade Unions, and members of the wider general public.
Hopefully the campaign will now begin to take shape, and with a sufficient groundswell of support the other political parties might consider rejoining the fight. read full story / add a comment