TOO many governments, including members of the EU, are not standing up against abusive leaders and insisting they respect human rights the international organisation, Human Rights Watch, said in its annual report.

IRELAND’S campaign to have the EU reduce the interest rate it charges for the €67.5 billion emergency aid received a boost last night after finance ministers met in Brussels to overhaul the loan facility.

AIB passed its stress test last year when the Government underestimated the discount NAMA would apply to its loans, according to European Competition Commissioner Joaquin Almunia.

FISHERIES Minister Sean Connick has denied Ireland ignores the scientific evidence in favour of increasing fish stocks available to the Irish fleet.

IRELAND’S small island and inland fishermen are siding with the European Commission and environmentalists against the Government and the big fishing interests at the annual battle for fish quota.

WE have been through another week of absurd politics in the European Union, and who knows what the leaders summit on Thursday and Friday will bring.

THE EU will sign the loan agreement with Ireland before Christmas and be ready to raise the bailout money in the new year, the head of the European Financial Stability Fund announced following last night’s eurozone finance ministers meeting in Brussels.