Tomorrow sees the start of the most fascinating French presidential election in decades, reports Europe Correspondent, Ann Cahill.

THE EU Constitution has been put on hold awaiting the outcome of the French presidential election but the four main candidates have been careful to avoid any major debate with the public on the issue.

FOR the first time, toys have topped the list of dangerous consumer goods removed from shop shelves in the EU.

IRELAND has one of the highest levels of drink-driving deaths in Europe, but up to now the authorities have failed to collect official statistics.

RYANAIR’S bid to take over Aer Lingus has received a significant setback from the European Commission.

CHANGES to the EU’s common agriculture policy substantially reduced farmers’ incomes last year, figures reveal.

EUROPEAN Commissioner Charlie McCreevy has turned up the pressure on the Government to reform the VHI.

MILLIONS of euro in bribes changed hands in connection with tenders for European Commission buildings and security services, EU and Belgian authorities have revealed.

EU finance ministers have unanimously agreed banking changes estimated to save consumers and business at least€28 billion a year.

IRELAND should be able to vote on a new Constitution for Europe in the 2009 elections, Taoiseach Bertie Ahern believes.