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, writesJANE 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

Sales values declined last year as retailers reduced their prices in a bid to attract shoppers

Rugby - Ireland v France team news:Ireland coach Declan Kidney will afford Stephen Ferris every opportunity to prove his fitness ahead of Saturday’s crunch Six Nations clash in Paris. Ferris came through training with the rest of the squad this morning but a final decision on the flanker’s inclusion will not be taken until Thursday.

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, writesGRÁINNE 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.