There was some low level controversy in the media late last week relating to the death toll due to Covid-19 – was it 1,700 or was it 1,200? Important to get the facts right of course, at the same time a much higher death toll barely caused a ripple – the 6,666 unborn babies  who…

So we have, finally, a new Government. It’s often said that if you don’t like a Government you can vote them out in the next election. Well, living through the last few months, you’d be forgiven for wondering about that. As described by presenter Justin McCarthy on last Monday’s Morning Ireland (RTÉ Radio 1), the…

In a recent column, I wrote that I’m never ashamed to be Irish despite reservations about aspects of culture and government policies, but I was certainly proud when, last week, we got a seat on the UN Security Council. The issue was discussed when Samantha Power, former US ambassador to the UN, was interviewed on…

I get a sense of the anticipation that’s growing with the prospect of public Masses being back from June 29. Some have wanted them sooner, others have urged caution, but unlike the anti-racism protestors the Church has shown great restraint and civic responsibility. Last Monday Archbishop Diarmuid Martin was interviewed on The Pat Kenny Show (Newstalk)…

In these strange and wearying times, I tend to welcome feel-good programmes, perhaps too uncritically, and if they manage deeper meaning as well, it’s a bonus. Unsung Heroes (RTÉ1) on Wednesday night of last week was conductor David Brophy’s third outing with special focus choirs – previously there was the High Hopes Choir (for people…

So, last week it was the second anniversary of the referendum to repeal the Eight Amendment, but I didn’t notice much about it in the media. Maybe we’re ashamed of what we did and want to pretend it didn’t happen? Anyway, some were in triumphalist mode. On the Pat Kenny Show (Newstalk FM) last Thursday,…

Was news ever presented free of spin? Maybe it never was but I think the problem is worse now. These thoughts were prompted by the headlines Tuesday morning of last week. I woke up to Morning Ireland (RTÉ Radio 1) news headlines telling me that the Covid restrictions could last for years. It’s a wonder…

One of the things I’ve noticed about public debate in the media is that sometimes certain views are marginalised. People are often unaware of this, or conveniently oblivious, until they find their own views suffering the same fate and then the penny drops. This is happening to a certain extent in the debates over Covid-19,…

I’ve never been that much of a lover of Barbara Streisand’s music or acting but I have been a long-time fan of Leonard Cohen and have fond memories of seeing him perform in Dublin’s 3 Arena. What connects them apart from music is their Jewish heritage and this was explored with Michael Comyn by historian…

This August a new feature film, Fatima, is due in cinemas. It stars Harvey Keitel and the trailers look really interesting. Readers may well remember the 1952 version, The Miracle of Our Lady of Fatima, starring Gilbert Roland. I saw it years ago and was impressed. The 13th Day (EWTN, Sunday) from 2009 was another…