One remedy might lie in the creation of powerful regional school commissioners, who could demand changes, send in improvement teams when things go awry and generally strive to outdo one another.

ECONOMIST: Schools reform

The band's roots lie in the city's Mount Temple school where the then 15-year-old Larry Mullen, looking for fellow musicians, posted an advertisement on a noticeboard.

BBC: News | Entertainment | Capital honour for U2

Students said that, as word spread that a gunman was moving through the school, they were told to barricade themselves in classrooms, lie on the floor down and wait for help.

CNN: Finland in mourning after fatal school shooting