THE “SQUEEZED MIDDLE” describes one of the most pronounced social and economic trends of 21st-century life in the developed world. It refers to the section of society regarded in cold economic terms as people particularly affected by inflation, wage freezes and cuts in public spending during a time of economic difficulty. It consists principally of those on low and middle incomes.

 DOMINIC COYLE answers readers' queries

 Who is bagging the plastic levy? Peter McCauley contacted us in connection with bag charges in Tesco and Dunnes. He said that both are now charging 70 cent for their “bag for life”. He points out that retailers in the UK sell these bags for between 6p and 10p.

 ME and MY MONEY: Maggie Mangan, Creative Director, Cloon Keen Atelier Perfumery

 CONOR POPE reviews instant chicken soup

AS THE EURO ZONE crisis rumbles on, an indication of just how mixed up things are in the banking market is that investors are favouring lower yielding alternatives to the tax-free savings options offered by An Post on the grounds that they are more secure.