The Irish Times -

Dublin mayor Bill cleared by Cabinet

Tue, 09 Feb 2010 21:11:49 GMT

Taoiseach Brian Cowen today said the election for Dublin’s first directly elected mayor would take place this year.

Kidney delays Ferris decision

Tue, 09 Feb 2010 21:11:49 GMT

Rugby - Ireland v France team news:Ireland coach Declan Kidney will afford Stephen Ferris every opportunity to prove his fitness ahead of Saturday’s Six Nations clash in Paris. Ferris came through training with the rest of the squad this morning but a final decision on the flanker will not be taken until Thursday at the earliest.

Cowen assurance to Halifax customers

Tue, 09 Feb 2010 20:24:22 GMT

Bank of Scotland Ireland customers would not be affected by the closure of its Irish Halifax operation, Taoiseach Brian Cowen told the Dáil.

Ronaldinho left out of Brazil squad

Tue, 09 Feb 2010 20:24:22 GMT

Dunga has left Ronaldinho out of the Brazil squad to face the Republic of Ireland in London next month, dealing a blow to the AC Milan forward's hopes of travelling to the World Cup in the summer.

Obama signals sanctions against Iran

Tue, 09 Feb 2010 19:36:53 GMT

US president Barack Obama said today a new push toward international sanctions against Iran is moving along fairly quickly and should be completed in the next few weeks.

Benitez not buying investor talk just yet

Tue, 09 Feb 2010 19:36:53 GMT

Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez would welcome any new investors into the club but remains to be convinced of their impending arrival. Reports suggest two tycoons from the sub-continent are competing for bids to buy a significant stake in the club.

Google announces new sharing feature

Tue, 09 Feb 2010 19:04:49 GMT

Google, the world's most popular search engine, is adding social-networking features to its Gmail e-mail software, in an effort to take on Facebook. The feature, known as Google Buzz, allows users to share photos, content from its YouTube video site and updates from Twitter.

Nicanor slips up at the last

Tue, 09 Feb 2010 19:04:49 GMT

Fairyhouse racing:A final-fence blunder by Nicanor handed the most interesting race of the day at Fairyhouse to his rival Kempes.

Majority see ISC funding cut

Tue, 09 Feb 2010 18:32:45 GMT

Irish Sports Council Funding:Special Olympics Ireland and Horse Sport Ireland are among the biggest losers in the scaled down funding announced by the sports council (ISC) today.

Sri Lanka parliament dissolved

Tue, 09 Feb 2010 18:32:45 GMT

Sri Lanka's president has dissolved parliament before legislative elections on April 8th, a senior government official said today, a day after a leading opposition figure was arrested on military offences.

Statement by the Financial Regulator

Tue, 09 Feb 2010 18:17:09 GMT

The following is the full text of the statement by the Financial Regulator in relation to today's announcement by Bank of Scotland (Ireland):

Zola angered by timing of owners

Tue, 09 Feb 2010 18:01:23 GMT

Gianfranco Zola has taken a swipe at West Ham's new owners after David Sullivan announced in the media the entire staff would have to take a pay cut in the summer.

Man arrested over 1985 UK murder

Tue, 09 Feb 2010 17:45:24 GMT

Detectives have arrested a man over the murder of a policeman hacked to death almost 25 years ago during one of Britain's worst race riots, police said today.

Wenger tired of media's meddling

Tue, 09 Feb 2010 17:13:54 GMT

Arsene Wenger has hit out at the press after Michael Ballack criticised his response to Chelsea's 2-0 win over Arsenal. In the aftermath of the game at Stamford Bridge, Wenger congratulated Chelsea on their efficiency, but said "we didn't get a demonstration of football".

Dissident threat 'very serious' - FG

Tue, 09 Feb 2010 17:13:54 GMT

The threat from dissident groups is still ?very serious? and is at its highest level for six years, Fine Gael justice spokesman Charlie Flanagan told the Dail today.

Pensions Board fines 51 trustees

Tue, 09 Feb 2010 17:13:54 GMT

The Pensions Board said today that up to 80 per cent of defined benefit schemes were estimated to be in deficit at the end of 2009.

Landmarks to 'go green' for St Patrick's Day

Tue, 09 Feb 2010 16:10:49 GMT

Tourism Ireland has secured permission to “green” buildings such as the Sydney Opera House, the London Eye and the Empire State Building to mark St Patrick’s Day this year.

Halifax to shut branches in Ireland with loss of 750 jobs

Tue, 09 Feb 2010 16:10:49 GMT

Bank of Scotland (Ireland) is to close its Halifax retail banking business in the Republic, with the loss 750 jobs.

FG front bench backs Kenny

Tue, 09 Feb 2010 16:10:49 GMT

Fine Gael's front bench has given Enda Kenny its full backing to continue as leader despite internal party disquiet over the departure of George Lee.

Emerging markets support Coca-Cola

Tue, 09 Feb 2010 15:54:54 GMT

Coca-Cola Co reported a quarterly profit in line with analysts' estimates as strong volume in China, India and Brazil offset a decline in North America.

Meteorite 'may have landed in Donegal'

Tue, 09 Feb 2010 15:39:07 GMT

A fireball seen by thousands of people across Ireland last week probably landed somewhere in Co Donegal, Astronomy Ireland said today.

Retail sales fall 7.5% in December

Tue, 09 Feb 2010 15:39:07 GMT

The volume of retail sales fell 7.5 per cent in December from a year earlier, and provisional figures showed sales fell 14.1 per cent during 2009, the Central Statistics Office (CSO) said today.

Somali pirates claim receipt of ransom

Tue, 09 Feb 2010 15:23:21 GMT

Somali pirates said they received a $3.1 million ransom today for a Panama-flagged ship which they hijacked in October and planned to free in the coming hours.

64 feared dead in Afghan avalanches

Tue, 09 Feb 2010 14:35:20 GMT

At least 24 bodies have been recovered and 40 other people are feared dead after avalanches swept vehicles into a ravine and trapped cars in a mountain pass overnight, Afghanistan's interior minister said today.

Brown to face Iraq inquiry in March

Tue, 09 Feb 2010 14:03:39 GMT

British prime minister Gordon Brown will give evidence to a public inquiry into the Iraq War in early March, officials for the probe said today.

BBC paid staff £229m last year

Tue, 09 Feb 2010 14:03:39 GMT

The BBC revealed today that it paid its top presenters £229 million last year, in a move widely seen as an attempt to quell growing disquiet over the pay packets of its biggest stars.

MEPs approve new commission

Tue, 09 Feb 2010 14:03:39 GMT

The European Parliament overwhelmingly approved the line-up of the next European Commission this afternoon, clearing the way for the EU executive to take office nearly four months behind schedule.

State 'to increase stake in banks'

Tue, 09 Feb 2010 13:47:45 GMT

The governor of the Central Bank, Patrick Honohan, has said the Government will take additional equity stakes in the Irish banks as part of the recapitalisation process.

Birth injuries court case settled

Tue, 09 Feb 2010 13:32:02 GMT

The High Court has approved a settlement of €500,000 against two doctors in the case of a child born with disabilities allegedly caused by prescription drugs taken by her psychiatrically-ill mother during pregnancy.

Barroso defends struggling euro

Tue, 09 Feb 2010 13:32:02 GMT

European Commission president Jose Manuel Barroso talked up the euro today as the beleaguered currency faced a growing test of credibility on world markets.

Gatland sticks with Jones

Tue, 09 Feb 2010 13:32:02 GMT

Rugby – Wales v Scotland team news:Wales coach Warren Gatland has made two changes for the Six Nations clash against Scotland on Saturday, but lock Alun-Wyn Jones keeps his place. Jones was sin-binned during Wales’ defeat at Twickenham on Saturday, and England scored 17 unanswered points in his absence.

Man on trial for Dublin murder

Tue, 09 Feb 2010 13:32:02 GMT

A British national accused of the murder of a woman at a homeless shelter in Dublin in 2008 has gone on trial today at the Central Criminal Court.

Warning on social networking risks

Tue, 09 Feb 2010 13:16:29 GMT

Social networking sites such as Facebook have made the personal information of minors more accessible online, according to a new study by the European Commission.

Shock defeat could cost Ireland dear

Tue, 09 Feb 2010 13:16:29 GMT

Cricket:Ireland’s bid to make it to a fourth straight world event suffered a huge setback on the opening day of the qualifying event today as they went down to a 13-run defeat to an Afghanistan team that is fast becoming their bogey side.

Nissan returns to profit in third quarter

Tue, 09 Feb 2010 13:16:29 GMT

Nissan said it returned to profit in the third quarter from a year earlier and lifted its outlook for the second time this financial year, buoyed by brisk sales globally.

SDLP proposes Maginness for justice

Tue, 09 Feb 2010 13:16:29 GMT

The SDLP today nominated Alban Maginness to become the first justice minister in the Northern Ireland Executive.

US firm to create up to 100 jobs in Dublin

Tue, 09 Feb 2010 13:00:08 GMT

Business information firm D&B is to set up operations in Dublin, creating up to 100 jobs over 18 months, it was announced today.

Two held over cannabis seizure

Tue, 09 Feb 2010 13:00:08 GMT

Two men have been arrested in connection with the seizure of cannabis plants and herb in Co Meath yesterday.

Gerrard fires volley at Gunners

Tue, 09 Feb 2010 12:43:48 GMT

Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard has cranked up the pressure on Arsenal ahead of tomorrow’s clash at the Emirates Stadium by stating defeat for the Gunners will cost them third place. The Gunners have taken just one point from their last three Premier League matches were dumped out of the FA Cup by Stoke.

Navan A&E services to be curtailed

Tue, 09 Feb 2010 12:43:48 GMT

The Health Service Executive (HSE) has confirmed that ambulances will no longer take complex trauma patients to Our Lady’s Hospital in Navan from this Friday.

Toyota confirms recall of Prius

Tue, 09 Feb 2010 12:27:23 GMT

Toyota has confirmed it is recalling its recently launched Prius petrol-electric hybrid model.

Massacre charges filed in Philippines

Tue, 09 Feb 2010 12:27:22 GMT

Philippine prosecutors filed murder charges against the patriarch of a powerful political clan with close ties to president Gloria Macapagal Arroyo and 196 others for the massacre of 57 people in the country's worst election-related violence.

Study highlights gender imbalance

Tue, 09 Feb 2010 12:27:21 GMT

Men in Ireland leave school earlier and are less qualified than women yet they earn more and are better-represented at all levels of government, the latest Central Statistics Office (CSO) figures show.

UN seeks $537m in aid for Pakistan

Tue, 09 Feb 2010 12:09:55 GMT

The United Nations appealed today for $537 million in aid for hundreds of thousands of Pakistanis affected by military offensives against al-Qaeda-linked militants.

Tendulkar unable to save India

Tue, 09 Feb 2010 12:09:55 GMT

Cricket: South Africa completed a comprehensive innings and six-run victory over India with a full day to spare in the first Test in Nagpur to go 1-0 up in the two-match series.

UBS posts quarterly profit

Tue, 09 Feb 2010 12:09:54 GMT

Swiss bank UBS posted its first quarterly net profit since Oswald Gruebel took the helm a year ago but clients withdrew far more money than forecast, signalling he may need more time to steady the ship.

Germany may raise social welfare

Tue, 09 Feb 2010 11:53:46 GMT

Germany’s government may have to raise spending by billions of euros after the country’s highest court challenged the way it calculates social welfare to the long-term unemployed and their families.

Leinster rearrange Glasgow fixture

Tue, 09 Feb 2010 11:37:38 GMT

Leinster have rescheduled their Magners League fixture with Glasgow for Thursday, March 18th at the RDS. The tie was to have been played on January 8th but was postponed as the big freeze descended on the country.

Cork gardaí in dissident operation

Tue, 09 Feb 2010 11:21:46 GMT

Up to 60 gardaí took part in early morning raids on several homes and business premises in Cork today as part of an operation targeting dissident republican and criminal activity.

Jackson doctor denies manslaughter

Tue, 09 Feb 2010 11:05:58 GMT

Michael Jackson’s doctor last night appeared in a Los Angeles court charged over the pop star’s death.

TUI Travel 'confident' on 2010 predictions

Tue, 09 Feb 2010 10:50:06 GMT

Europe's biggest tour operator TUI Travel said today it remained confident of meeting expectations for 2010 with second-quarter trading showing a significant improvement on the first quarter.

Bobsleigh team to learn fate today

Tue, 09 Feb 2010 10:50:06 GMT

Winter Olympics:The Irish women's bobsleigh team will learn later today whether it will be able to take part in the Winter Olympics in Vancouver following a legal move by the Australian Olympic Committee which could result in them being removed from the Games.

Three held over PSNI officer murder

Tue, 09 Feb 2010 10:34:35 GMT

Three people have been arrested in connection with the murder of PSNI constable Stephen Carroll, who was killed by the Continuity IRA in the North in March 2009.

Robinho points finger at Mancini

Tue, 09 Feb 2010 09:46:43 GMT

Robinho has criticised Manchester City manager Roberto Mancini for not giving him the freedom to express himself.

Bobsleigh team await Olympics decision

Tue, 09 Feb 2010 09:46:43 GMT

The Irish women's bobsleigh team is still unclear whether it will be able to take part in the Winter Olympics following a legal move by the Australian Olympic Committee to have the team ruled out of the competition.

Fairyhouse beats the cold snap

Tue, 09 Feb 2010 09:30:59 GMT

Racing:This afternoon’s meeting at Fairyhouse will go ahead as planned after the track passed a 7.30am inspection.

Trichet to attend EU summit on debt

Tue, 09 Feb 2010 09:30:59 GMT

European Central Bank president Jean-Claude Trichet will cut short a trip to Australia to attend a special European Union summit as concerns heighten over a debt crisis in the region.

German exports rose 3% in December

Tue, 09 Feb 2010 08:59:37 GMT

German exports rose by 3 per cent on the month in December, official data showed today, pushing foreign demand above the year-ago level for the first time in 14 months and easing concerns about economic recovery.

Man (36) dies in Westmeath crash

Tue, 09 Feb 2010 08:43:35 GMT

A man (36) has died after a car crash in Co Westmeath in the early hours of this morning.

UK January sales hit 15-year low

Tue, 09 Feb 2010 08:27:54 GMT

British retail sales recorded their worst performance for the month of January in at least 15 years, a survey showed today, even as separate figures showed house prices extended their recent rise.

United Drug reports 'successful' first quarter

Tue, 09 Feb 2010 07:56:47 GMT

United Drug said it had a "successful" fiscal first quarter and forecast pre-tax profit for the year to the end of September 2010 would be in line with the previous year, as a new deal on prices of medicines came into effect.

Ukraine election result rejected

Tue, 09 Feb 2010 07:56:47 GMT

Yulia Tymoshenko, the loser of Sunday's Ukrainian election, "will never" accept the legitimacy of winner Viktor Yanukovich as the country's president, a Ukrainian newspaper quoting her as saying today.

Abuse victims appeal to Pope

Tue, 09 Feb 2010 07:56:47 GMT

A letter has been sent to Pope Benedict by abuse victims in Dublin calling on him to remove the Bishop of Galway, Martin Drennan, as he “still refuses to accept any responsibility for his part in supporting a culture of cover up during his time in Dublin”.

Open letter to the Pope

Tue, 09 Feb 2010 07:09:53 GMT

OPEN LETTER TO POPE BENEDICT XVI ON BEHALF OF MARIE COLLINS, ONE IN FOUR, ANDREW MADDEN

N Korea pledges to remove weapons

Tue, 09 Feb 2010 06:23:13 GMT

North Korea's leader Kim Jong-il has pledged again to remove nuclear weapons from the peninsula, a news report said today. He has also sent his top nuclear envoy to Beijing in a move that could bode well for stalled disarmament talks.

Poll shows Tory support down

Tue, 09 Feb 2010 06:23:13 GMT

A hung parliament in Britain looks increasingly likely as the main opposition Conservative's lead over the ruling Labour Party slips, an opinion poll published today showed.

Sri Lanka arrests losing election candidate

Mon, 08 Feb 2010 22:05:45 GMT

Sri Lanka's military arrested defeated presidential candidate General Sarath Fonseka today on charges he conspired against the president while serving as the country's top military officer.

Labour suspends MPs over expenses

Mon, 08 Feb 2010 21:50:00 GMT

The Labour party in Britain today suspended three MPs facing criminal charges over their expenses to try to limit the damage from the case before an election to be held by June.

Gerrard urges Reds to stay focused

Mon, 08 Feb 2010 21:18:45 GMT

Jackson doctor charged over death

Mon, 08 Feb 2010 20:46:52 GMT

Los Angeles prosecutors charged Michael Jackson's personal doctor on Monday with involuntary manslaughter in the singer's death last year.

Balance the key for Ballack

Mon, 08 Feb 2010 19:42:13 GMT

Michael Ballack believes Chelsea have once again demonstrated they possess the perfect mix needed to be champions. Carlo Ancelotti's men returned to the top of the Premier League table after a first-half double from Didier Drogba saw off the challenge of Arsenal at Stamford Bridge.

175 jobs to go at Boston Scientific

Mon, 08 Feb 2010 19:09:51 GMT

Medical device manufacturer Boston Scientific has advised staff at its Galway plant that it plans to reduce the workforce by 175.

Limerick taxi driver jailed for rape

Mon, 08 Feb 2010 18:37:03 GMT

A Limerick taxi driver who raped and sexually assaulted a female passenger two years ago after driving her to an isolated area has been jailed for seven years.

Palestinian government calls July elections

Mon, 08 Feb 2010 18:20:50 GMT

The West Bank-based Palestinian government today called local elections for July in a move that Hamas said was illegitimate.

Case against Irish outhalf struck out

Mon, 08 Feb 2010 18:20:50 GMT

A development company’s bid to obtain judgment against Irish rugby international Ronan O’Gara was struck out in the Dublin County Registrar’s court today.