Tempers have flared at Greece’s main border crossing with Macedonia, where riot police pushed back thousands of people after the Macedonians blocked access to those deemed to be economic migrants and not refugees.

For those who are not immersed in the world of economics and finance but who still have either an academic or a vested interest, the world has been a pretty depressing place since 2007.

Credit ratings agency Fitch Ratings yesterday sketched contrasting outlooks, predicting strong economic growth for Ireland, in the short term at least, but contrasting with an uninspiring picture for the rest of the eurozone.

Improving economic conditions are helping Iarnróid Éireann carry an increasing number of passengers this year, as more people return to work, particularly in the capital.

Failure to invest in critical regional infrastructure could jeopardise economic growth in the south of the country and limit business development, according to Fine Gael MEP Seán Kelly.

More jobs are being created outside the Dublin region as the economic recovery broadens and finally spells an ending to the two-tier economy, according to two surveys published today.

Ireland’s economic recovery is still not boosting consumers’ spending power, with rising accommodation costs and water charges among the elements weighing on confidence levels.

A slew of lacklustre manufacturing data left London’s blue-chip share index lower today, putting paid to an initial rally which had sent it above the 7,000 mark in early trading.