Darina Allen wants to make a pilgrimage to Saudi Arabia in search of the very best dates. Here she tells us why

The day we mourned a man whose life was devoted to clarity, this city was hidden in fog. You couldn't see the Potomac, even on its bank.

 Ian Paisley's categorical statement on Monday 16 January that there will no power sharing administration est...

When Paul Bremer, the former US head in Iraq announced recently that he was about to publish his memoir of the disastrou...

Two years ago, she was my assistant. Her English was excellent; but nothing compared to her intuitive grasp of teaching. Soon Wang became indispensable. She could tell me exactly where I had lost my students. She could spell out what was needed to leap the abyss between East and West.

Nearly a year after her death her body still has not been found. Nor has her death received the attention that Robert McCartney's did, despite the alleged involvement of paramilitaries. Colm Heatley reports

For the 2003/'04 year the salary and expenses bill for Northern Ireland Assembly members was £9.2 million, although the Assembly did not sit for a single session in that 12-month period. Now assembly members are outraged at the possibility that their wages might be stopped. Colm Heatley reports

Tomato fondue

Having shied away from the subject for the last few years, Hollywood is now turning in full force to the events of 9/11. Heather Timmons reports

Ancient gods, spot prizes, sports heroes, Irish artists: Dermot Bolger has his choice of idols on TV this week