The week in photos

Some of the week’s biggest stories – in pictures.

THIS WEEK SAW the charts – and a certain former Minister for Defence – go nuts for a satirical video by Limerick comedy group The Rubberbandits; WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange and his ongoing legal trials received as much exposure as the leaked US embassy cables; the legislation on abortion in this country again stoked controversy; and the very sad details of Gerry Ryan’s cocaine-linked death dominated conversation.

This is that week, in pictures:

The week in photos

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Champagne civil servants?
Bonus bonanzas were still on the agenda this week as it was revealed that almost 100 staff in Brian Lenihan's Finance department earned bonuses in the past year. The head of the National Treasury Management Agency was given a bonus of €200,000 for his performance in 2009. Also in bonus news, AIB and the Government did a U-turn on the €40m of bonuses deferred from AIB staff in 2008 and said they will not now be paid out.
Gerry Ryan's legacy
The family of Gerry Ryan - pictured here are estranged wife Morah and son Rex - were left facing insecurity over whether life assurance will be paid out in the wake of the revelation that the broadcaster had died as a result of his cocaine use. The rest of the week saw his friends and former colleagues under fire on the question of whether they knew Gerry had a drug problem - and if anyone tried to help him beat it.
No anonymity for Assange
WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange continued to gather at least as much exposure as the documents leaked on the site. He gained a troupe of celebrity supporters and is currently resting in an English country manor after being released on bail.
Daylight banditry
Comedy duo the Rubberbandits did more than let their Youtube hit Horse Outside speak for itself - they went on Liveline (ably supported by Willie O'Dea) to defend themselves against accusations of making a mockery of Limerick folks...
Greek anger
Greece again broke out in violent protest against the government's latest austerity measures. The injured man in the picture is former Greek development minister Costis Hatzidakis, who was attacked in Athens.
Silent protest
In Ireland, there was no violence as the Government managed to get the IMF/EU bailout passed through the Dail, 81 votes to 75, but this protester made his point outside Leinster House on Wednesday.
Gold, frankincense and ... more gold
One place austerity measures have certainly not taken hold is in the Emirates Palace Hotel in Abu Dhabi, which had decorated its Christmas tree in strings of pearls, jewels and gold to the tune of over €8m.
Abortion debate
Rival posters from the 2002 referendum on abortion laws: the subject of Ireland's legislation in the area was in the spotlight again this week. The European Court of Human Rights said Ireland had failed to introduce legislation to back up the constitutional right for an abortion if there is a risk to the life of the mother. Health Minister Mary Harney conceded that the Government would have to bring in that legislation.
Chapter closed on Tony Walsh
A woman leaves The Church of the Assumption after Mass in Ballyfermot, the parish where former priest Tony Walsh ministered Between 1978 and 1985. The details of the dangerous serial paedophile's rampages through the young people he came in contact with were finally revealed in Chapter 19 of the Murphy Report today.
Ice ice - maybe
The country has been bracing itself all week for the predicted return of snowy, icy conditions. Thursday night saw the cold front sweep in from the north - it is expected to continue right up to Christmas Eve.