The Progressive Democrats have voted to install Galway man Ciarán Cannon as leader but Senator Cannon could be in possession of the greatest political poisoned chalice in the country as the party seems to have a long way to go to convince its own party members, never mind the electorate, that the party is a force to be reckoned with.

Two short years ago, Health Minister Mary Harney announced that overcrowding in Irish emergency departments constituted a 'national emergency'. It is surprising then to discover that the 'Preparing for Major Emergencies' booklet that went through the letter boxes of every house in the country this week bears no mention of what one should do should they find themselves in an Irish A&E.

As the dust settles following the bombshell of Bertie Ahern's shock departure announcement last Wednesday, we must now look, not to see what his legacy has been - there are enough historians and political commentators who will do that - but to our own personal finances and those of the country.

A decision you make this week could save the life of someone who is suffering from a life-threatening illness.

Galway’s ability to retain its strength in the information and communications technology sector has been identified as one of the key uncertainties in relation to the future of the city in a new report that says Galway should focus on branding itself a ‘City of Talent and Creativity’.

In May next year Galway will play host to what is predicted to be the single largest sporting event ever to take place in Ireland, the Volvo 5 Oceans Race.

An Taoiseach Bertie Ahern has described anti-Lisbon Treaty campaigners as loo-las of every shape and kind who advocate loony-left policies. But at least the loonies and loo-las know something about the Treaty; ask your average, fairly sane, Joe and Josephine Soap and they will, by and large, confess to gross ignorance of the major issues.

Environment Minister John Gormley and Galway City Council Director of Services Ciarán Hayes have expressed their hope that investment in upgrading Galway's water treatment facilities will do much to improve confidence in Galway's water supply. However, with a boil water notice still in operation in Clarinbridge and Galway's own councillors expressing doubt over their confidence in drinking tap water, it is obvious that a consistent supply of clean water over time and not words will be the real confidence healer.

Valentine's Day is almost upon us and lest we forget there isn't a cobweb, crevice or ounce of space unadorned with something red, rosy or heart-shaped. It's total overkill but we love to hate it. Secretly we are all hoping for a piece of the action, no matter how lame. Right?

With the rise in the incidents of violent crimes, murders and killings in this country in recent years has come a rather morbid fascination with all things murderous. This has never been more apparent than the huge public interest in the murder of Rachel O'Reilly and the killing of Robert Houlihan.