During the conference, many countries used their political muscle to ensure that they would not have to deal with prickly issues of race or discrimination.

It has also raised the prickly issues of race and recognition in a city that prides itself on its sensitivity.

Then there is the prickly issue of Columbus Circle, which hasn't worked well as an urban space in decades.

The prickly issues instead are how deep - and how fast - the nation's No. 1 auto maker can cut.

He's stayed away from more politically prickly issues, such as the minute details of budget cutting.

Indeed, indications have emerged that the trade agreement will remain a prickly issue for a long time.

As a Socialist, he will test his allegiance on that and other prickly issues.

Whatever the prickly issues, dismiss them as a rose's thorns.

So here, as often in the United States, a prickly issue is passed on to judges to decide.

Underlying the debate has been the prickly issue of money.