Shares in Centrica slumped as an update from the British Gas and Bord Gáis owner showed it had lost customers in its key British market.

The Garda’s top statistician twice sought, in vain, to get access to a Garda report for the Policing Authority on homicide figures — and was only granted sight of it a week-and-a-half after a public meeting with the authority.

Britain’s largest energy supplier Centrica has raised £700m (€889m) in a surprise share sale to pay off debt and protect its credit rating after being hit by weak energy prices and tough retail market competition.

London’s Ftse 100 index was 2% higher yesterday after the unexpected Conservative election victory added over £40bn to market prices.

Welcome to your Tuesday morning briefing. Let us ensure you're up to speed on what's happening and are prepared for the day ahead.

Labour leader Ed Miliband yesterday accused David Cameron of going into a “panic” over energy prices, after Downing Street said that consumers “may wish to consider” wrapping up warm at home to help keep their heating bills down.

British Gas owner Centrica has dealt a blow to Britain’s energy security plans by shelving two huge gas storage projects at a cost of £240 million.

The wholesale gas market sees the purchase and sale of energy products - electricity and natural gas – by energy producers and energy retailers.

British households were facing the prospect of more price hikes today after British Gas owner Centrica warned its costs continued to mount.

CONSUMER-LED organic food group purchasing initiatives are growing at a rapid rate in many countries in Europe and beyond.

GAS exploration firm Circle Oil has run successful tests on its KSR-11 well in the Sebou Permit, Rharb Basin, Morocco.

The FTSE 100 Index surged ahead for the third session in a row today as a multi-billion dollar telecoms deal offset concerns over military strikes in Libya and the ongoing nuclear crisis in Japan.

Energy giant Centrica stoked anger over energy bills today by revealing that its British Gas residential arm made record profits of £742m last year.

GAS board staff will be reading more than meters over the next six months as they devote their energy to help local children improve their literacy skills.

SPANISH energy giant Endesa must provide more information on environmental issues as part of its planning application for a €500 million gas-fired power plant at Tarbert.

World markets were dragged lower today after cautious comments from the US Federal Reserve curbed enthusiasm for riskier stocks.

The FTSE 100 Index dropped back below the 5600 level today as concerns over moves to calm China’s economy hit mining stocks hard.

Investors in the British banking sector were spared more misery today after Royal Bank of Scotland posted better-than-expected losses of £3.6bn (4.08bn) for 2009.

Traders toasted a one-month high for the FTSE 100 Index today before miners dragged the top flight back towards its opening mark.

GAS and electricity companies want new measures to stop customers switching energy suppliers to avoid paying outstanding bills.

Hopes of consolidation in the insurance sector meant shares in Friends Provident and other leading players posted strong gains today.

Centrica and France’s EDF were today reported to be on the brink of a deal that will give the British Gas owner an entrance into the nuclear sector.

The FTSE 100 Index lost ground today as more economic gloom dominated sentiment.

GAS flows from the Corrib gas field in future years are unlikely to lead to lower fuel charges for customers who are facing further price increases for gas and electricity early next year.

French energy firm EDF was today said to be close to winning the shareholder support it needs to seal a £12bn (€15bn) takeover of British Energy.

A much-needed rally for banking stocks helped power the FTSE 100 Index to a gain of more than 2.5% today.

Banking stocks came under further pressure on the London market today as Halifax Bank of Scotland revealed £1bn (€1.3bn) in writedowns and predicted a 9% fall in house prices.

French industrial group Suez confirmed today it was no longer involved in talks over a possible bid for UK nuclear power provider British Energy.

Millions of households faced further pain today after British Gas owner Centrica signalled it may have to make another hike in energy prices.

Shares in retail stocks jumped ahead today as investors reacted to speculation over possible takeover interest in B&Q owner Kingfisher.

Nuclear power station operator British Energy was today said to be weighing up an £11bn (€13.7bn) takeover approach from German utility business RWE.

The FTSE 100 Index touched the 6000 barrier today after the London market benefited from a surge by shares in the mining sector.

The London market overcame fresh worries about the state of the US economy to close near the 6,000 barrier today.

British Energy shares jumped ahead today after it was reported the board of French energy giant EDF had given the green light for a takeover bid.

British Gas parent Centrica in the UK today said it could pump up to £3bn (€3.9bn) into wind farm investments as the industry strives to meet strict new renewable energy targets.

Households in the UK received a fresh blow to their finances tonight after the countrys largest energy supplier announced double-digit price hikes.

The London market advanced today as blue-chips benefited from broker upgrades and stronger trading in New York.

London shares were on the front foot today, buoyed by strong corporate results from Centrica and BAE Systems.

DSG International led the London market into the red today after a disappointing Christmas trading update sent its shares tumbling 12%.

The FTSE 100 Index powered to its highest level for nearly six years today as investors welcomed the end of an investigation into an arms deal between BAE Systems and Saudi Arabia.

Up to 200 people a year die from lung cancer caused by high levels of radon gas in Ireland – way above the global average, health organisations revealed today.

The FTSE 100 Index briefly touched 6250 today before drifting into the red ahead of the Bank of England’s decision on interest rates.

Renewed bid speculation involving energy giant Centrica excited traders during an otherwise lacklustre end to the week for the London market.

British Gas owner Centrica was today preparing to reopen its Rough gas storage facility in the North Sea following a fire, as it looked to shore up supply for the UK this winter.

London’s top shares raced to a two-month high today as one of the busiest days in the corporate diary drew plenty of buying interest.

A positive reaction to one of the biggest days in the corporate calendar ensured the London market rose to a new two-month high today.

Bid interest in British Gas owner Centrica reared up again today as investors took a punt on the possibility of a takeover move from Russia’s Gazprom.

Steady gains by miners put the London market on the front foot today as the FTSE 100 Index looked to claw back losses after a disappointing end to April.

The nominees have been announced for the annual Guinness Ulster Rugby Awards Dinner which will be held on Thursday May 18, at the Ramada Hotel.

Wholesale gas prices in the UK remained near record levels today after yesterday’s unprecedented warning that demand was outstripping supply.