News:

President Higgins and the visit abroad:

So, President Higgins is off to see the Queen and there's a huge fuss been made of the visit. He's getting special treatment we're told; availing of accommodation only offered to 'special' guests, we're been informed. One question; does anyone care? How, exactly, does a politician going to stay in the UK for a few days, attend a few dinners, catch up with the Diaspora exactly affect me? Except that any politician is scanning airlines for tickets, thus they'll all be vying for photo time. Yes, I know it's historical and all that, but we hardly need it to be the main headline when there are important issues to be dealt with at home.

The jobless figures are down again:

This seems excellent news, and judging by social media also, people are going back to work. Yet, the item doesn't get much media airplay. Could it be that good news doesn't sell? Even the 'big' develops are coming back to town to build. Hold on to those hats!

House prices going up again:

This seems to be a monthly news item at this stage. Even the part of the country outside Dublin is recovering! Houses are scarce and a few of the big players of the Celtic tiger are looking at building housing estates again. Banks are coming out with sales pitches again. We need to put structures in place, so we don't lose the run of ourselves again.

Reality TV:

Has Reality TV lost its spark? The voice had low viewership numbers, even with Kylie Minogue. Our own The Voice isn't hitting any high notes, and X-Factor spats are staring unusually early this year. Maybe people are waking up to the notion that these shows are stage managed and they're not in as much control as they think they are. By the way, one of Reality TV biggest stars, Kim Kardashian is on holidays with very little on again. Does she have clothes that fit her? And why exactly is she famous? Oh.

Polls:

Most recent polls have Fianna Fail back in contention again. Now we take polls with a dash of salt, as they're hardly representative are they? When was the last time the whole country was surveyed? Plus the views of a 1000 people in Dublin vary greatly with the views of a 1000 people in Cork or Kerry. But lets play devil's advocate and take the results at face value. Have people no memories? What exactly have Fianna Fail done to come back up the polls? Wake up people! Also worrying is the popularity of Sinn Fein. If they hold the balance of power, who is going into coalition with them and how severe will the deal have to be?

Sport:

Toulon ain't Toulouse:

Munster will have it all to do in the semi-final. Toulon are a far battle hardened side than Toulouse. And if Munster defend like they did in the ten minutes from the 50th minute to the 60th minute, Toulon will go to town on them. The Brightside being that with Leinster beaten, and by Toulon, Munster won't be given much hope. And beware of a Munster side scorned!

Ulster were hard done by:

Credit where credit is due. Ulster were dealt some horrible blows on Saturday and they were still in with a chance at the end. It's of great testament to their character that they were still within a score at the end. No other team, even with 14, could withstand the loss of Pinnear and Best, and perform so admirably.

BOD:

So, the international stage bids farewell to Brian O'Driscoll. And no, we don't see the Rabo as being 'international'. He is definitely Irelands finest back, and he has some inspired a generation of youngsters to be all round centres. But let's have some balance to it all. He bows out with all the medals he heart desired and he won't be exactly short of a job or a few euro. Farewell Brian, it' s been a blast.

Arsenal:

Poor old Arsenal. A Manchester United friend of mine was lamenting the loss of 4th place in early February and was saying that it would be easier to catch Arsenal than Liverpool for 4th. How I laughed. Ahem, hats off. They are a side bereft of spine, and Wenger isn't exactly inspiring confidence at the moment. Everton could catch them for 4th, but City at home is a big test. Plus you'll be helping your arch rivals by beating City.

Liverpool are STILL top of the table:

Top of the table and there to stay it seems. Liverpool have a great record against City and won't fear them one bit. A draw would be a good result for City, but I can see Liverpool beating them. The thing I feel that could sway the title Liverpool's way is that opposing teams and their fans like Liverpool and want them to win the title. Take the West Ham game yesterday. West Ham nor their fans went after Liverpool with as much venom as they would say a United or Chelsea team going for the league. Perhaps this is the year.

Spare a thought for:

Poor old Jose. No striker, and so many midfielders that you'd think one of them could fill in up front. He even has a fifty million pound striker! And I say 'striker' with the very best of intentions. By the way, how come Jose hasn't come out and engaged Brendan Rodgers in mind games as of yet? Just a thought