Politics

Labour in government would meet Ireland's Overseas aid target two years ahead of the Government's latest commitment says Michael D Higgins.

Charlie Haughey is 80 on 16 September. The irony is that his sins were less damnable than has been claimed and his good deeds less virtuous. But as he surveys his own record on his 80th brithday, he could hardly care less what the verdict is of any of us commentators, detractors or friends.

A peace vigil will be held in Dublin's city centre on Sunday 11 September to commemorate the victims of the New York, London and Bali terrorist attacks, as well as those who died in the "War on Terror" in Afghanistan and Iraq.

His opponents throw plenty of mud at him, but Sinn Féin membership in Martin Ferris' constituency continues to grow and he is confident of being in Government soon.
The Kerry TD talks to Mary Regan

A public relations stunt reveals the policy vacuity of the alternative government.

As Fianna Fáil regrouped in Co Cavan, Brian Cowen defended the Government's record on spending and backbenchers remained mute. Eoin Ó Murchú reports from there. Over the page: Colin Murphy on Bertie's guru Robert Putnam; and Village gives Bertie tips on how to improve his social capital

The family of Georgina Eager would have experienced solidarity and support had they been present at Frankie's nightclub in Raphoe on Saturday afternoon 3 September, where 400 people from around Ireland gathered to tell stories of injustice, corruption and unfairness.

In case the Taoiseach is serious about promoting social capital, Village suggests some initiatives he could take.

As the dual mandate is phased out, Simon Coveney will soon have to choose between his seat in Brussels and his seat in Leinster House. He talks to Mary Regan

Irish aid organisations called on the Government to make 2010 the new target date for reaching the overseas aid target of 0.7 per cent of GNP. Sound familiar? It should. The target – intended to boost aid from rich countries to poor countries – was first set at the United Nations over 30 years ago. In 2000, with Ireland campaigning for a seat on the UN Security Council, Bertie Ahern announced that we would reach the target by 2007. "We have now unprecedented prosperity in Ireland, but we remain a deeply concerned and caring people," he told an audience in New York.