#Read mes
7 exciting reads to get you through the boredom of Dry January
Entertain your mind for a sec.
Mary Lou McDonald on Dáil debate: 'Playing the woman and not the ball is a tactic'
The deputy leader of Sinn Féin writes for TheJournal.ie on her frustration with the ‘arrogance and entitlement’ of establishment parties.
'This is not an abortion referendum, we need to stop calling it one'
Member of maternity services advocacy group argues that language in the 2018 referendum could alienate the many people who could have deciding vote.
'Lobbyists are lining up to kill the Alcohol Bill'
Senator Frances Black finds it ‘disheartening’ to watch legislation picked apart that she believes will protect families all over Ireland.
'The #JobstownNotGuilty social media campaign was absolutely necessary'
TD Paul Murphy writes candidly about the “relief, gratitude, anger and sadness” that accompanied the ‘not guilty’ verdict in the Jobstown trial.
The Trump Bump? An increase in trust for news media
A major new report gives Irish news publications some “chinks of light”, writes Dr Jane Suiter.
Men DO open up about their problems - but no-one is listening
James Behan of Men’s Voices Ireland on why men’s problems are frequently trivialised.
"My four-year-old son got up on the stool, held my father's hand, and kissed him"
Watching a loved one slip away is hard enough, writes Denis Goodbody, but good palliative care supports the family as well as the patient.
Colombia's rejection of peace deal has echoes of UK's shock Brexit
There was a lot to stomach in a Yes vote for a people caused so much pain over the past five decades, writes Michael Sheils McNamee from Medellin.
Digital can deliver vital votes - but how do politicians earn the 'like' love?
Nothing can beat the knock on the door – sure – but this will be the year to pay attention to the ones who don’t answer.
Did social media really turn 'No' votes to a 'Yes'?
Elections – like referendums – are determined by the undecided.
Column: Enda's charm offensive has begun
The Taoiseach’s rare appearance on Irish television is a firm signal that Fine Gael is gearing up for a general election – but don’t expect him on Vincent Browne any time soon.
Column: Irish politicians are campaigning in the Dark Ages
While politics in Ireland are still centred around the parish pump, in the US and UK social media has transformed how politicos engage with the public, writes Paul Allen.
Prisoners, parole and politics don't - and shouldn't - mix
Jim O’Callaghan SC on why the power of parole should be taken from Ministers for Justice and put in independent hands.
'Ireland over-medicalises birth - and it is terrifying mothers-to-be'
Dil Wickremasinghe, since she has become pregnant, has found the maternity system is fraught with fear and discourages women from making decisions about the birthing process.
Why Vincent Browne must be licking his lips in anticipation of Renua Ireland
Established parties are going to fight, and fight dirty, ahead of the general election – Lucinda Creighton’s party need to sort out their communication strategy, writes Paul Allen.
An octogenarian gentleman taught me that it's never too late to come out
News of Pat Carey’s brave move reminds Dil Wickremasinghe of an elderly man who asked to connect with LGBT community. “I’ve wanted to do this all my life,” he said.
Opinion: What do traditional newspapers have to do to survive?
Dumbing down their content, pursuing ‘edgy’ stories over quality journalism, are not wise decisions, writes Paul Allen.
How to pick the right therapist for you
People are reaching out more for counselling and psychotherapy, write Dil Wickremasinghe and Anne Marie Toole, but it’s important to know how to find the right help.
Aaron McKenna: We need our politicians to behave themselves in 2015
The Oireachtas descended into the anarchist’s cook book in 2014 – and it threatens to break our democratic system.
My 2014: Awards, marches, and the most longed-for baby
Broadcaster and activist Dil Wickremasinghe has had one hell of a year but wait until you see what she has lined up for 2015…
These handy tips will help develop your child's maths skills (without them knowing it)
Fun ways to make maths count without it being a chore.
Column: The Ebola outbreak is much more than a medical emergency
Food scarcities, rocketing transport costs, closures to schools and clinics – an on-the-ground account of the situation in Liberia.
Column: It's still okay to say 'NO!' to your Junior Cert teen on drinking
…But saying ‘No’ alone is not good enough. Tell the whole story.
Opinion: Brand Suarez now has even more bite
Despite his reputation being torn to shreds by the media, Luis Suarez will remain hot property for companies eager to associate with one of the hottest, if most controversial, figures in sport, writes Paul Allen.
Bullied: Your stories of bullying in the workplace
We asked and you told us. Here are some of your experiences of bullying in the workplace.
Column: We must stop claiming that 'we never knew' about child abuse at Catholic institutions
It’s a common refrain that widespread abuse was only exposed in recent decades – but the real story is very different, writes Fin Dwyer.
Column: 10 guiding principles for being a 'good Christian' online
Archbishop Eamon Martin has shared his thoughts on how to have a sense of humour and “be missionary” online.
Damien Kiberd: This government's housing policy will - literally - put people on the streets
Willful ignorance or not, the crude approach is going to end in misery. Again.
Column: 6 things I hate about restaurants
Restaurant critic Ross Golden-Bannon reveals his pet hates cultivated as a restaurant critic and food writer
Damien Kiberd: They say €240 per year for water. Sure. For now.
Damien Kiberd finds the election promise of an ‘average’ water charge is as leaky as a badly-laid pipe.
Damien Kiberd: Some very solid reasons why the banking inquiry will fail to deliver
“This country is suffering from paralysis by analysis”.
Column: How we lost our shame of being glued to the TV
The small screen, once home to has-been actors and low-budget dross, has been revolutionised, writes Dave Winterlich.
Damien Kiberd: Teachers do, literally, run the country
But it hasn’t helped them as those old-school types have made it next to impossible for young qualified types to get a permanent job.
Column: The digital world can support journalism - but who is supporting journalists?
A code and compass is needed to guide journalism through the challenges of going online, writes an NUJ Ethics Council member.
Damien Kiberd: United States of Europe? Then show us the benefits
With the EU forcing us into a ‘devaluation for slow learners’, isn’t it time we look closer at what exactly the euro has done for us?
Damien Kiberd: Michael Noonan wants house prices to rise so we can emerge from this cul-de-sac
There’s a hole in the balance sheets, dear Liza.
Damien Kiberd: Be honest, GAA, the Sky deal IS about cash...
…but this might not be a Bad Thing.
Damien Kiberd: If prices are deflating, why are we feeling poorer?
Statisticians tell us inflation is a memory but what lies beneath – massive premiums on childcare, health insurance, water tax and more – is a better measure of the pain consumers feel.
Damien Kiberd: The real reason why Frank Flannery's head was served up on a plate
‘Spin doctors? But who the hell is sick?’ To paraphrase the TV drama Borgen, Frank Flannery’s dismissal uncovers some uncomfortable truths about ‘access all areas’ PR in politics.
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