The news headlines in recent times have reminded us of the many complex, traumatic and horrendous circumstances facing the international community. At the same time, news headlines here in Ireland repeatedly reveal similarly complex, traumatic and tragic circumstances facing us in our own towns and cities.

As we approach the Christmas season, we all know someone who already has everything they need. How do I buy a gift for someone like that? Especially in a petrol station at 4 p.m. on Christmas Eve!

It is a wonderful thing to see one’s children growing up to become independent adults. I have four children and it has given me great pleasure to be able to declare them ‘fully processed’ making their own way into wider society.