Let $\mathcal{A}$ be a Banach algebra with a bounded right approximate identity and let $\mathcal B$ be a closed ideal of $\mathcal A$. We study the relationship between the right identities of the double duals ${\mathcal B}^{**}$ and ${\mathcal A}^{**}$ under the Arens product. We show that every right identity of ${\mathcal B}^{**}$ can be extended to a right identity of ${\mathcal A}^{**}$ in some sense. As a consequence, we answer a question of Lau and \"Ulger, showing that for the Fourier algebra $A(G)$ of a locally compact group $G$, an element $\phi \in A(G)^{**}$ is in $A(G)$ if and only if $A(G) \phi \subseteq A(G)$ and $E \phi = \phi $ for all right identities $E $ of $A(G)^{**}$. We also prove some results about the topological centers of ${\mathcal B}^{**}$ and ${\mathcal A}^{**}$.

For a locally compact group $G$ and $1
Keywords:Locally compact groups, amenable groups, multiplier algebra, Herz algebra
Category:43A07

Willis's structure theory of totally disconnected locally compact groups is investigated in the context of permutation actions. This leads to new interpretations of the basic concepts in the theory and also to new proofs of the fundamental theorems and to several new results. The treatment of Willis's theory is self-contained and full proofs are given of all the fundamental results.