Bartering is back as Irish go swapping

Websites for bartering over goods and services are booming as thrifty internet users try to save money

Louis Walsh: The master of our twin obsessions

Britain is hooked on The X Factor and Jedward, its amateurish duo. Judge Louis Walsh explains the appeal

Drug regulator ‘risks conflict of interest’

Report concludes close relationship with the pharmaceutical industry could be comprimising

Ictu and the wailers

Can the unions stand united over cuts?

FINAL WORD: Reggie breached EU clean beaches policy

The EU would like all employers to introduce psychological testing for workers over the age of 45

Aylward: My one for the road that said it all

The Fianna Fail TD for Carlow Kilkenny accepted the challenge to put Mattie McGrath's drink-drive theory to test, to prove a point

The figures don’t add up for women

A study by University College Cork shows men opt for a curvier figure in a woman than they choose themselves

Fear of cruel fights as rare foul sold on

The Asian Shamo fowl, used for cock fighting, has become a status symbol for the residents of some Irish council estates

Call to buy Carson uniforms

Ian Paisley Jr of the DUP wants to display uniforms worn by the founder of the Ulster volunteers in the renovated Ulster Museum

Little: I quit RTE inspired by Lee

The Prime Time presenter is not leaving in a dispute over the higher salary of his co-presenter Miriam O’Callaghan

Follow the Money author in €450,000 book deal

He may not be Lenihan’s choice for economic advisor but following a two-book deal David McWilliams’ finances look rosy

Profile: Miriam O’Callaghan

The presenter has struggled with anorexia, teenage loneliness, divorce and her sister’s death, but she remains ever the optimist

Profile: John and Edward Grimes

The twins may not be the most talented act around but they’ve taken the X Factor by storm through force of personality

Think tank: New ideas for the 21st Century: It’s time to call in the outsiders

The public sector cannot be trusted to reform itself

Briefing: Dublin bus gate

The rush-hour ban on cars in the centre of Dublin has hit retailers hard. Will compromises proposed by the council work?

Brenda Power: Steal a march on career criminals – we’ll all be their victims soon

Shaming, as well as naming, might exert sufficient pressure to make them rethink their "career" choices

Harry Browne: Crime - it’s not as organised as you’d think

Criminals are mired in unproductive conflict and possibly governed by hotheads

Terry Prone: Virtue of carbon tax won’t stop it hurting like a vice

Our emissions are way too high and, sooner or later, the EU is going to fine us for them

Irish firm’s fake wrestling figures put on hold

World Wrestling Entertainment have requested French customs officials that have seized the toys destroy them