The build-up to this soccer World Cup has been laden with nostalgia pieces showcasing each of the great teams in their pomp. Both BBC and RTÉ have been offering us the chance to reminisce over Zidane's French side, Garrincha's Brazil and the highlights of the Technicolor 1970s.

An Independent electoral pact for the next Dáil looks unlikely writes Scott Millar

In March of this year, the results of a study into institutional racism in Ireland commissioned by Amnesty International were released at a press conference, at which leading British human rights lawyer, Imran Khan, described Ireland as being in the "dark ages" with respect to racism. The study documented hard statistical evidence of institutional racism, such as the fact that "only one per cent of non-EU doctors became consultants, even though almost half of junior doctors were from outside Europe".

Rubens is seen as the great painter of the Counter-Reformation and looking at 'The Descent from the Cross' in Antwerp Cathedral, his mastery of sacred theatre is unquestionable. Nicodemus and his workmen, John the Apostle, Mary, Mary Magdalene and Mary Cleophas, move in unison to take the wounded body of the dead Christ carefully and lovingly from the cross. It evokes feelings of sadness, pity and guilt in the eyes of the viewer.

Covert CIA flights are in breach of international aviation regulations, says a new report. By Colin Murphy

At least it can be said of the new head of RTÉ Radio One, Ana Leddy: she can take decisions. More decisions within a few months of her appointment than over several years previously. But good decisions?

Despite references to a register by the media, by ministers and even by judges, there is no sex offenders' register in Ireland. By Colin Murphy

The most recent poll in the Sunday Business Post may have boosted spirits in Fine Gael and Labour, but the average of all published opinion polls since the last election still shows none of the coalition options being offered to the electorate would win an overall majority. By Colin Murphy

Extraordinary evidence of abuse and cover up.
Religious orders say institutions were happy and well run. Colin Murphy reports

'A Month in the Country' is less fin-de-siecle, more end-of-summer, writes Colin Murphy