Ireland's too easy a target for the pensions industry fat-cats 

Ireland's too easy a target for the pensions industry fat-cats 

J Good on Joan Burton. Speaking at an insurance conference last week she said that pension industry charges are too high. One third of the value of a pension can be wiped out with commission and costs. For years, successive governments have been brow-beating us into taking out pensions. The fact that many people don't has been blamed on inertia and bad planning. But maybe as customers, we've just realised that pensions are a total rip-off.

Suck it up, Bruton 

Sarah Carey

THE only logical response to John "€140k-a-year pension" Bruton's sermon on sucking up the austerity is, "Suck it up yourself, John".

When to tell children about the facts of life? 

Marisa Mackle

"WHERE did I come from, Mummy?," my son asked me the other day. The question came out of the blue, taking me completely by surprise.

Peace must break out on the buses 

IF a planned strike goes ahead at Bus Eireann this Sunday, it will cause huge disruption to the travelling public.

In which I monkey around for my art... 

Katie Byrne

THE craft of acting was once described as "standing up naked and turning around very slowly".

Let's all touch base and end office jargon going forward 

By Theo Merz

MANAGEMENT-speak has been dubbed a "pointless irritation" by office workers, with "going forward" and "thinking outside the box" the most offensive terms.

Joe Brolly believes Dubs will wilt 

Frank Roche

JOE BROLLY believes that when the heat is turned up at the business end of the summer, the Dubs could wilt.

Legislation may be least painful way out of Croke mess 

Dan White

WHAT part of 'no' does our Government not understand?

Rhys Myers can learn from role as Dracula 

Michael O'Doherty

Best of luck to Jonathan O'Keefe – or, as he prefers to call himself, Jonathan Rhys Myers – who is set to star in Sky TV drama series Dracula, which will air later this year, as it marks his latest attempt to resurrect a once-promising acting career.

Grafton Street plans are a joke 

GRAFTON Street is falling apart, in more ways than one. While the underfoot paving is in awful shape, the shops themselves are no better off, with "to let" signs visible everywhere.

We must lay down the law to our judges 

Andrew Lynch

ALAN SHATTER has never shied away from a good scrap. Now our pugnacious Minister for Justice can enjoy the rare sensation of a row where most people will be firmly on his side.

We're going to party, just like they used to... 

PARTIES are stressful. I only enjoy them when other people are hosting them. Otherwise, I'm a bag of nerves.

In which I discover a women-only retreat... 

Katie Byrne

We live in a fairly egalitarian age when it comes to co-ed activities. The success of the Irish women's rugby team was a defining moment, both for Irish sports and the forward march of feminism.

How family tales can help your children 

Jillian Bolger

How much do your kids know about their family? Do they know the little details that make up the fabric of their past? Are they aware of any dramas and tribulations that life threw at their ancestors? Has there been a sad or traumatic period that you've decided to brush under the carpet to protect them?

It's not big or clever to keep your troubles to yourself 

Jenny Darmody

College students have passed their secondary school days, yet I think it's fair to say that we're still technically regarded as children.

Cig ban hard to enforce 

NEW legislation banning smoking in private vehicles could prove too much work for little results after research showed more drivers use their phones than smoke while behind the wheel.

Thatcher was good for Britain, bad for Ireland, says Bertie 

Alan O'Keeffe, Cormac Murphy and Niall O'Connor

BERTIE Ahern believes "nothing was achieved" towards peace in Northern Ireland during Margaret Thatcher's time as prime minister.

Corminator, you truly are a creative genius 

Michael O'Doherty

DAUNTING intellect that he is, Tallafornia star Cormac Brannigan's mind is always on, constantly active with ideas as how best to utilise the brand that is 'The Corminator'.

Francis really is working wonders 

Anna Nolan

SOMETHING is a-changing with this new Pope. The stories I'm hearing about him make a little smile appear on my face.

Time to rescue retailers from the rents rip-off 

EVER since the economic bubble burst more than five years ago, retailers have been complaining loudly about the excessive rents they are still being forced to pay.

Why I took a rain check on the baby shower 

Marisa Mackle

I don't agree with baby showers. Call me superstitious but I never had one for Gary, mostly because I thought it would be bad luck. I bought a few things for him when I was pregnant, but in hindsight I shouldn't have. He received so many presents that I could have opened a baby shop.

McGeever story does not shock me one bit 

Eamon Keane

I'M not surprised by the Kevin McGeever story.

Oh stop squabbling Leo and Michael 

FASTEN your seltbelts: this is proving to be a bumpy ride. When an irresistible force meets an immovable object you can expect a massive crash.

In which I bomb as Bob's wingman... 

Katie Byrne

There comes a point in every single person's life when they must recruit a wingman. Finding the right man – or woman – for the job is by no means easy. The role is as challenging as it is varied, and the inexperienced simply need not apply.

Colourful crew can't beat curse of the Independents 

Kevin Doyle

THEY were touted as the new breed. A group of men and woman who stood alone, shunned the comfort of party politics and understood the plight of a scorned people.