The year 2008 draws to a close and we are forced once again to remember the year that was, to examine what we have learned and to consider what we can expect going forward. As usual, the year will be remembered for a number of firsts. It will be remembered as the year the first mixed race president was elected the leader of the most powerful nation in the world.

Iraqi journalist Muntader al-Zaidi made headlines last week when he hurled his shoe at President George W Bush, calling the US premier a dog who had delivered nothing but death and sorrow in the country over the past six years. So, if the shoe fits, should we consider hurling it?

After a lengthy investigation into the impact the Galway City Outer Bypass will have on the environment it crosses, An Bord Pleanala ruled last week that only a portion of the bypass can go ahead. However, even before the decision was made known, it was clear that the city was once again being bypassed for development.

As Galway Chamber geared up to launch its Sp€nd Christmas in Galway campaign yesterday, the debate was already raging about shoppers going north to make their Christmas purchases. While the exodus north may not have reached Galway, the Chamber has its work cut out for it to convince people that shopping locally is the best option. Previous Sp€nd Christmas in Galway campaigns have targeted shoppers heading stateside to do their Christmas spend. Now, however the threat is localised, as Irish shoppers take advantage of Northern Ireland's reduced VAT rates to 'spend' Christmas up North.

We knew things were bad, but we didn't think they were this bad. We can understand that (yawn, say it with me) faced with these uncertain financial times the Government needs to take something back from the super rich Cinderellas, the super rich who stay here after midnight, the not-so-super rich, the middle classes, even the minimum wagers, but the beggars? Really?

Do you know your neighbours? Do your neighbours know you? Would you notice if you didn't see them for a day or two; would they notice if they didn't see you? Would you know if something happened to the woman who lives alone next door? Did you even notice that she lives alone? Would you notice if your neighbours were being broken into? Would you care?

So, it seems we're all a bit thick really. We just don't get it. We can't do the big sums and we certainly don't understand Offaly English. We are in recession. RECESSION people. Sound it out. No 'u' for union in that!

In a year that has seen its fair share of change, with global economies collapsing one after another and markets going from bull to bear, boom to bust, it is fitting that the self-proclaimed greatest nation in the world looks set for the biggest change of its existence, with the election of its first mixed race president.

You like ratification and we like rejection. You like reneging and we like reflection. Ratification, rejection, reneging, reflection, let’s call the whole thing off.

The threat to the health of our elderly population in the wake of the Medical Card fiasco may be occupying minds nationwide but the threat to the health of our economy has come to the fore locally with the news that Galway Airport staff are to strike next week.