The final quarter of 2009 was a difficult period for retailers in the Republic of Ireland as footfall in shops declined by more than 7% compared with the same period last year, according to new research.

A WELL-KNOWN Dublin pub today slammed as ridiculous a law preventing it selling cheaper pints to regular customers during the afternoon.

A well-known Dublin pub today hit out at a law preventing it selling cheaper pints to regular customers during the afternoon.