The killings of Falcone and Borsellino

20 years ago on May 23rd, 1992 judge Giovanni Falcone got blown up by the Sicilian Mafia. His wife Francesca was also killed in this blast, together with three security personnel. Only 57 days later on July 12th his friend and colleague Paolo Borsellino met the same fate in the streets of Palermo. Five bodyguards could not prevent his assassination and died with him. The new book by John Follain asked why  Falcone and Borsellino had to die? I would put the question another way: is there anything that could have obviated the murders?

Irish referendum on fiscal compact

I am watching RTE’s live stream (here) about the fiscal compact referendum (60% vs 40%). I am puzzled by the arguments of the victorious yes-side: since the referendum has been passed now, we need a growth strategy. Fair point. But how one stimulates an ailing economy? By putting more money in maybe? But where is that to come from? No answer. Silence. That’s not good enough I am afraid.