The sudden resignation of George Lee from the Dáil yesterday is damaging to the Opposition leader Enda Kenny, the Fine Gael party, to Lee himself and, most of all, lest other parties begin to gloat, the body politic.

Starting out as a theatre director, Rachel O’Riordan worried her ballet background might work against her, but in fact it makes her style distinctive, writes JANE COYLE

Has a midterm ever snuck up so stealthily? Even the kids can’t believe they’re off again on Friday. They’re still getting mince pies in their lunch boxes. SANDRA O'CONNELLhas some suggestions for where to go and what to do

Volume of sales declined further in December as Christmas trading failed to provide boost

RUGBY SIX NATIONS CHAMPIONSHIP:A FORMER professional rugby player informed us he had dozed off on the couch during last Saturday’s second half against Italy. He is not that old, mind, just couldn’t keep his eyes open.

Research shows that discovery of ‘telltale’ antibodies could indicate need for further tests and treatment

EDUCATION PROFILE:THEY CAME from near and far. About 60 past pupils of different ages and backgrounds – from students who had recently left school to middle-aged CEOs – all crammed together in a south Dublin classroom to witness the final lesson of a teacher who had meant something to all of them, writes GRÁINNE FALLER

The cash-for-gold business is thriving but sellers get a shocking deal for their jewellery

FOOD:THERE ARE CERTAIN dishes and flavours that can hurl you back in time. We rarely eat buttered crackers as grown-ups, but for myself, buttered Matzo crackers instantly remind me of chicken noodle soup and pretending to be sick so I could avoid school.