Two detectives from the National Bureau of Criminal Investigation have been at the centre of the Morris Tribunal investigations recently. They were involved in obtaining a “confession” from Frank McBrearty jnr for a murder that never happened. These same detectives were also involved in previous controversial cases. By Frank Connolly

He is a magnet for controversy, argument and media attention. He is a divisive figure even within his own party. He has dominated the period of this government's terms of office, even more so since he became Tániste six months ago. Vincent Browne and Emma Browne contribute critical evaluations of his policies and stances in the first of Village's special editions for Election 2007

Much has been made of the eclipse of RTÉ's Drivetime programme by Today FM's The Last Word. Much has been also made of what a production mess Drivetime is and the incoherence of latching on a sports programme and then an arts/entertainment hour. Much has been right. Drivetime is a mess, more of a mess than it used to be, which is saying something.

A collection of wonderfully colourful letters to Leitrim novelist and teacher Michael McLaverty reveals a side of the late John McGahern usually not shown to the public. Review by Eamon Maher

A woman, a black, a Mormon and a cross-dresser. No, it's not a Village People-style cabaret – it's the 2008 US presidential election. Marion McKeone reports from New York.

The number of deaths per week in Zimbabwe is higher than that of Iraq and Darfur combined, with almost 4,000 people effectively being “exterminated” each week, according to a Zimbabwean human rights lawyer. By Chris Connolly

Kate O'Toole writes about her father, Oscar nominee Peter O'Toole

While Cubans dismiss speculation that Castro's death will lead to another revolution, some think it inevitable that the US will attempt to destabilise the socialist state after his death. By Liz Walsh

By Niall Hatch. A common sight on ponds, canals, lakes and slow-flowing streams, the Moorhen is found throughout Ireland. It belongs to the rail and crake family, though unlike most members of that group, such as the scarce Corncrake, it is not a particularly shy or secretive bird. It often comes out into the open and permits close approach by humans. 

The future of Uganda's children is under severe threat as negotiations between the government of Uganda and the Lords Resistance Army edge closer to collapse. Statement by Save the Children