The visit of Britain’s Queen Elizabeth II to Ireland will allow a welcome opportunity to shine a light on the doggedly sectarian institution that she represents.

It’s tragic that in Britain sectarianism is codified in law through the Act of Settlement of 1701, which prevents Catholics or those who marry Catholics from ascending to the throne.

Since it was announced that the Government has welcomed Britain’s Queen Elizabeth II to visit Ireland, probably next year, there has been much commentary in the media about how the visit will represent a “moment of national maturity”.

It’s been announced that the Taoiseach, Brian Cowen TD, has invited Britain’s Queen Elizabeth II to visit Ireland. The trip, the first by a British monarch since the 26 southern counties won independence from British rule, is likely to take place next year before President Mary McAleese stands down as President.

With John Gormley happily setting down limits on when religious believers can and can't enter the public arena, it's worthwhile to have a look at what Pope Benedict told the American bishops on this score in 2008.

Who is running the Government's social policy? Not Fianna Fail, that's for sure. The Green's latest coup is to make the larger party sign up to a proposal called the Gender Recognition Bill. This looks set to be as radical as possible.