Unemployment figures continue to rise as rate hits almost 14%
THE number of people signing on for dole payments continued to rise slightly last month, giving an unemployment rate of almost 14%.
Novice drivers face tough rules in bid to cut road deaths
IRRESPONSIBLE learner drivers will be hit with double penalty points and may have speed limiting devices fitted to vehicles under tough new rules.
Coalition insists it is ?united? on Anglo
THE Government has insisted it is ?united? in its determination to resolve the Anglo Irish Bank issue and that no rifts exist between Fianna Fáil and Green ministers.
Interest rate rises threaten massive default
HOUSING charities are warning interest hikes could force tens of thousands into default as it was revealed more than 36,000 debt-ridden householders are three months or more behind with mortgage payments.
Iraq war endgame as US prepares for withdrawal
THE US yesterday moved into the final phase of its military involvement in Iraq, with administration officials saying the war was ending even as the new commander of the remaining 50,000 troops warned of the ongoing threat from ?hostile elements?.
Blair warns Labour not to drift to the left
TONY BLAIR risked plunging the Labour leadership contest into civil war yesterday by issuing a warning to the party not to drift to the left.
Violence casts cloud over Mideast peace effort
OPENING Mideast peace talks under the shadow of fresh violence, US President Barack Obama vowed yesterday not to allow ?extremists and rejectionists? to undercut long-stalled negotiations on creating a sovereign Palestinian state beside a secure Israel.
Analysts predict airline will leave Shannon base
THE future of Shannon Airport as a Ryanair base is in serious doubt with analysts predicting it could follow the same fate as Belfast City airport.
Recovery fears as retail sales dip
FEARS that an economic recovery has stalled were expressed when figures showed retail sales fell in July.
Trap gives Green light
ALTHOUGH he won?t name his team until later today, Giovanni Trapattoni has already all but confirmed Paul Green will make his competitive debut for Ireland in Armenia tomorrow.
Hart-felt praise for Given
JOE HART has paid tribute to his rival at Manchester City, Shay Given, as he prepares to make his competitive debut for England, claiming he is happy the Ireland No 1 has decided to stay and fight for his place at Eastlands.
Coldrick to referee All-Ireland football final
DAVID COLDRICK is the surprise appointment to referee the All-Ireland senior football decider between Cork and Down in Croke Park on September 19.
Co-op bid of €33m likely to be accepted
THE €33m bid by Kerry Group for Newmarket Co-op is expected to be approved by the society?s shareholders at a special general meeting in Meelin, tonight.
Anti-CAP clutching at straws
REPORTS of straw and hay becoming a target for thieves in Britain might change the minds of the country?s strong anti-CAP lobby, and their anti-CAP friends in the Netherlands, Sweden, Denmark and Malta.
?We?ve lost an icon?
A SHY man of passion, sensitivity, grit, honesty and immense talent who should never be forgotten.
Asylum seekers vow to continue protests
ASYLUM seekers are committed to continuing a protest campaign demanding the speeding up of the asylum process and improvements to their living conditions, according to the leaders of a series of demonstrations held yesterday.
Cork TB outbreak rises to 25 cases at school
THE number of primary school children infected with tuberculosis at a Cork school has risen to 25 since screening began over a week ago.
Bid battle for notes leaves Cillian ?2,844 better off
ONE of this year?s most successful Leaving Certificate students is this morning almost ?3,000 richer after anxious school-goers rushed to buy the secret to his success.
?Dry run? air terror attack suspected
TWO men suspected of carrying out a dry run for a terrorist attack on an airliner were being questioned by police last night.
Painstaking drilling to free miners begins
ENGINEERS were in the early stages of drilling an escape route yesterday for 33 Chilean miners trapped deep underground, as officials insisted their ordeal may last until Christmas.