Society

‘One in two Britons wants to become a writer... Are you sure you want to join the rat race?’ So opens the blurb on the back of Alessandro Gallenzi’s debut novel Bestseller. By the end of it, you will most likely despair at the fickle world we live in – and none too pleased with the publishing world either. By Shane Creevy.

Jim Talbot has always known he would write a bestseller. Regularly thwarted by publicists, reviewers and agents who ignore him, he is nonetheless assured that he will become the next JK Rowling.

Dublin recently played host to legendary environmentalist Stewart Brand and acclaimed novelist Ian McEwan. Politico was in attendance to hear what two of the most agile intellects of our time believe the global community must do to confront the greatest threat humanity has ever faced: global warming. By Edward O’Hare.

Recently published in paperback, Trevor Byrne’s debut novel Ghosts and Lightning bristles with the vernacular of Dublin’s working class. By Shane Creevy.

The novel is often touching and funny at the same time; no doubt the tale of the escaped white-haired Japanese monkey will linger in your mind for some time!

But the tale centers around Denny, the narrator, who has returned to Dublin from Wales following the death of his mother.

An alliance dedicated to changing the structure of Irish society to make it more fair and equitable is crucial. By Vincent Browne.

The economic and financial crisis offers an opportunity to reshape this society, making it more democratic, fair and equal, and giving it a robust sense of solidarity. We are not talking about revolution here, nor communism, but changes which, intuitively, we all (or most of us) would welcome.

The roles of HSE CEO and cancer chief have recently been filled by Cathal Magee and Susan O'Reilly, whose combined experience indicates interesting times ahead for the health service. By Sara Burke.

Two of the most senior health service posts have been filled in the last couple of weeks. Cathal Magee is the new HSE CEO, while Canadian Susan O’Reilly is the new cancer chief. So what's the word on the new HSE managers?

Harvard Professor of Government Michael Sandel’s compelling new book is a look back at previous theories of justice and a timely reflection on the kind of political philosophy we need right now. By Edward O’Hare.

Violations of Irish children’s rights received primary attention during the launch of Amnesty International’s 2010 report on the state of international human rights. By Sarah Hale.

Two separate reports contradict Pat Carey's claim that deprivation and social exclusion are being tackled.  By Vincent Browne. 

Pat Carey, the new Minister for Community, Equality and Gaeltacht Affairs, showed up early yesterday morning at a seminar on poverty in a European perspective. And as Ministers are expected to do, he read a speech which contained the obligatory self-congratulation that every Minister is now expected to intone about how wonderful the Government strategy has been in addressing the fiscal deficit crisis.

If one lesson has been learned in the recent weeks, it is clear we need to prioritise our children. By Sara Burke.

How come we still don’t know how many children died in care?

Why is it, ten years on from the publication of the national children’s strategy ‘Our Children – their lives’, we are still listening to political squabbles over the poor state of our child protections services? Quite simply, there is no priority given to children by the State, particularly those who need its help most.

Criminalisation of forced labour would greatly assist in strengthening protections and rights for immigrants. By Siobhán O’Donoghue, Director, Migrant Rights Centre Ireland.

A few weeks ago a Chinese woman, who is a potential victim of trafficking for forced labour was freed from prison under bail conditions where she has been held for the past 18 months.