Sgt Murray was neither "truthful" nor "conscientious". Garda Leonard gave evidence "in an effort to mislead the Tribunal". Garda Anderson failed to tell "unbridled truth". All three are still serving with the force. By Vincent Browne

The 'gradual erosion of discipline' within the Garda 'will, sooner or later, lead to disaster' – Morris Tribunal Report

The dominant image of the week was of the throngs of people lining the streets of Rome around the Vatican waiting to pay their respects to Pope John Paul II. Perhaps never in history has one man's death aroused such widespread sorrow. For someone who caused such division, especially within his own church, during his pontificate, there is a splendid incongruity in the unity of the world in mourning his passing and in valuing his life. The papacy has been spectacularly enhanced by this effusion of respect and sadness.

Whether it is an election ploy or not, Gerry Adams's call to the IRA unconditionally to disband changes the North's political equation irrevocably. By Vincent Browne

Mary Harney's claims to have acted decisively on residential charges don't stand up. She also dithered on an even more significant looming legal crisis for the health service. By Vincent Browne

In July of last year a report by High Court Inspectors into the affairs of National Irish Bank (NIB) was published. The Inspectors were former Supreme Court judge, John Blaney, and former Irish rugby international and accountant, Tom Grace.

There was a dignity about the final hours. 'Conscious, lucid and serene', the Vatican said. The last rites were administered on Thursday night. He asked for mass to be said in his bedroom on Friday morning, then a reading of the Stations of the Cross and of the priest's office: John Paul II preparing for his own passing, awaiting 'The angels to lead him into paradise'. By Vincent Browne

Seven women dominated the week. Catherine, Claire, Donna, Paula and Gemma McCartney, Bridgeen Hagans and Anne McCabe. All were at the White House for a St Patrick's Day reception. All represented a determination to rid Ireland of paramilitary murder, violence and criminality.

In a previous judgement on the release of two of the killlers of Jerry McCabe the Supreme Court made a grevious factual error, which later it refused to correct. However, if the factual error is not repeated, the logic of the Court applied in the previous case would suggest that two other killers may get early release, writes Vincent Browne

The persistent claim by government ministers that there has been no change of policy in facilitating America's war in Iraq by the use of Shannon as a stop-over from US military aircraft and personnel is simply not true. This government has altered fundamentally policy on the use of Irish territory by foreign military. The change took place first when Afghanistan was attacked by US forces following 11 September 2001.