Whether or not to mention God, who did, who did not

There has been media coverage, criticism and praise for the words spoken at a Mass celebrated by the Army's head chaplain, Msgr Eoin Thynne. in a Dublin church on Christmas Eve.

In his homily Msgr Thynne commented on the absence of any reference to the Christian faith in the President's Christmas messgae.

In today's papers reference was made to the US President, and the British Prime Minister, how they spoke of God in their Christmas messages.

For the record, German Chancellor, Angela Merkel in her New Year's address, wished God's blessing on all Germans.