The white flag has been raised. The towel has been thrown in and, like the prowler waves of the west coast, they're coming on Thursday. And they're not coming in here to say 'Well done Brians, well done lads, keep at it, you're doing a great job'

Enda Kenny anticipates the arrival of the European bailout officials

That decision, which looked smart then, is now the downfall of the country

the bank guarantee is analysed by Daniel Gros, head of the Centre for European Policy Studies

I think we're in a pretty good position… I think the government has handled this situation well

Comical Fahey, aka
Fianna Fáil TD Frank Fahey, comments on the week's events

There is a huge amount of negative reporting on the economic situation Ireland is in and today we must question how much of a negative impact that is having on society

Ballycotton councillor Michael Hegarty connects the national gloom and the murders of Zoe (7) and Ella Butler (2) by their father John, who subsequently took his own life

They have been
practising long enough

England's Prince Charles welcomes the

engagement of his son Prince William to Kate Middleton

Mea maxima culpa

Composer Bill Whelan accepts the blame for 'Riverdance'

Correct me if I'm mistaken... but you have awarded compensatory damages of €9m and aggravated damages of €1m

Judge Eamon De Valera can scarcely believe a jury's decision to award businessman Donal Kinsella €10m in libel damages against his former company, kenmare Resources