Kevin Myers reports on the finances of the Peace People. By Kevin Myers

THE IRISH Motor Show is a lavish carfest which proves annually what everybody already knows: automobiles are fascinating. Like a sumpptuous banquet spread tantalisingly beyond Mr Everyman's reach, the machines stand in exotic, expensive rows, many of them unattainnable.

THE FORD CAPRI has always attracted buyers with an unusual sense of priorities about what they want in a motor car - namely, appearance. According to market research carried out by Ford of Europe,styling is the key to maintaining the Capri's astonishing sales of 103m since the first model was introduced in Europe in 1969.

Mulligan's, Poolbeg Street, Dublin 2. Some people would like to put a preservation order on this pub and its , atmosphere'. Devoid of plastic trimmings, fulfilling its function as a place to meet and drink in much the way that old Wild West saloons must have done, it's a natural for those who are into basic Living, maaaan.

THE IRISH LEFT has been characterized by a sectarianism of its own for several decades - Brendan Behan said of republican organisaations that the first item on the agenda at all their inaugural meetings was 'the split' - so perhaps it is salutory that two such groups are contemplating fusion over the next few months. By Gene Kerrigan

As republican and loyalist violence diminishes in Northern Ireland, there is yet no hope of a political solution, writes Kevin Myers.

He sustained a belief in the dream world that could be created out of ordinary life as it surrounded him, writes Bruce Arnold in an evaluation of the work of the late Sean Keating.

"AISLING DRURY-BYRNE talks about and plays some of the 'cello pieces set for this year's Intermediate Certificate Examination." (RTE Guide for 3.01 pm 28th January.)

IN SPITE OF the huge advances in medical science in this century life expectancy, for those who reach the age of forty has not increased at all. According to Dr. Noel Hickey of the Department of Preventive Medicine at UCD. this is because of changes in behaviour patterns. He cites in particular the things we eat and the fact that most of us take a lot less exercise. Even without any obvious excesses, like overwork or heavy drinking, the average modern lifestyle is a health hazard. Most people are slowly, inexorably, killing themselves.  By Eamon Dunphy.

THEY DON'T NEED ME,' says Noel Browne, TD. He says it with no mock modesty, a hint of satisfaction and a perceivable measure of hope. He is explaining that the recently formed Socialist Labour Party 'is not, repeat not, Noel Browne's New Party'. By Gene Kerrigan