FURTHERMORE  By Gerry Moran Gary Lynch passed away on January 17. I loved Gary. Did I tell him that? Don’t be daft. Men don’t tell each other that they love each other (but we should). I feel I’d known Gary all my life. That said I am desperately trying to remember when and where I …

BY JOHN ELLIS, FINANCIAL ADVISOR As inflation eases and mortgage interest rates drop, 2025 brings a mixed bag for consumers. While new tax rules offer some relief, a slew of price hikes across energy, broadband, insurance, and groceries threatens to stretch household budgets. Here is a detailed look at what is rising and how you …

AS I SEE IT BY MARIANNE HERON We have seen the results of plenty of wheeling and dealing recently. Some of the bargaining has resulted in deals being struck, while some have been abandoned or fallen apart. By far the most dramatic has been the sudden agreement between Israel and Hamas for a ceasefire in …

THE FACT OF THE MATTER BY PAUL HOPKINS It seems like it was only yesterday that I wrote in this column, Where did that year go, what with 2024 just upon us? Now, here I am again, wondering where the last 12 months went. I may not be any the wiser but I am, unfortunately, …

BY JOHN ELLIS, FINANCIAL ADVISOR The housing and financial markets are experiencing significant shifts as 2025 unfolds, driven by a robust economy, people’s changing needs and reduction in interest rates. Trevor Grant, of Irish Mortgage Advisors, notes an increase in first-time buyer mortgage approvals, signalling strong demand for home ownership. This trend, fuelled by uncertainty …

AS I SEE IT BY MARIANNE HERON In the wake of the devastating wild fires that reduced whole neighbourhoods of Los Angles to ash the blame game caught light. Locals blamed water shortages, cutbacks, possible arson and poor forest management for the inferno. President-elect Donal Trump, never slow to point the finger, accused local leaders …

THE FACT OF THE MATTER BY PAUL HOPKINS It is 2004 and I am traversing South Africa to write a major national newspaper report on the country celebrating 10 years of independence. I am travelling with the South Africa Ambassador to Ireland, Melanie Verwoerd – one-time partner of the late Gerry Ryan – the youngest, …

BY CLAIR WHITTY Last week myself and AoifeRose looked at ways to get motivated for the new year and we promised that we would talk about some supplements that might help you achieve your goals. If you are worried about getting colds and flu if you go out and about mixing with people, I suggest …