In the context of the travails that the Irish economy has endured since 2008, 2012 was not the worst year of the “depression”, and in fact turned out somewhat less bad than might have been expected.

Having taken the first step towards a banking union, EU leaders put off the more difficult issues of resolving problem banks and who exactly would pay for them.

Opposition parties have today criticised the lack any firm commitments said at the meeting between Ministers Michael Noonan and Brendan Howlin and German Finance Minister Wolfgang Schauble.

Tens of thousands of Greek protesters filled the streets of Athens to greet German chancellor Angela Merkel, who offered sympathy but no promise of further aid on her first visit since the euro crisis erupted three years ago.

ABOUT 2,500 years ago, the Greek philosopher Heraclitus concluded that war was the father of all things.

Light Heavy gave Jim Bolger a third Derrinstown Stud Derby Trial success when again displaying commendable tenacity to beat pacemaking Ballydoyle second string Tower Rock by a neck in Leopardstown yesterday.

LEWIS HAMILTON believes he is back in the fight for the Formula One world title following a German Grand Prix victory he has hailed as “more special than usual”.

Diego Maradona described Argentina's humiliation at the hands of Germany as the toughest day of his life.

Germany’s Interior Ministry said tonight al-Qaida has posted a new video threatening the country, highlighting an increased threat level ahead of national elections and prompting authorities to step up security.

FORMER enemies and allies sombrely marked the 70th anniversary of the start of World War II yesterday, underlining the need to remember the bloodiest conflict in the 20th century so as not to repeat it.

The future of the German Grand Prix is in doubt after a Nurburgring official confirmed the circuit would not be able to host the race in 2010 should Hockenheim fall by the wayside.

Seven-time Formula One world champion Michael Schumacher could be set for a return to top flight motorsport after being linked with a ride in the World Superbike series.

A drinks promotion for Beck’s Vier encouraged irresponsible drinking, it was ruled today.

Germany coach Joachim Low believes Michael Ballack’s decision to leave Bayern Munich was the right one.

Local favourite Nick Heidfeld has backed plans to alternate the German Grand Prix venue between Hockenheim and the Nurburgring.

Andrew Johnson picked Everton for his return to the Barclays Premiership believing that it will boost his England career.

Conservative challenger Angela Merkel claimed that her slight edge in German elections gave her a mandate to form a government, but conceded disappointment her Christian Democrats fell well short of their target.

Fernando Alonso took another giant stride towards becoming world champion after Kimi Raikkonen again found himself haunted by Hockenheim.

Michael Schumacher has written off his chances of a fourth German Grand Prix victory as the reigning world champion remains baffled by Ferrari’s continued failure this year.

FERNANDO ALONSO fears Juan Pablo Montoya could again undermine his bid to become world champion this season.

Irish Davis Cup man Kevin Sorensen won through to the second round of the Italian Futures Tournament in Teramo, beating Alex Vittur (Italy) 7-5 6-2.

Tottenham's Christian Ziege and Liverpool midfielder Dietmar Hamann were both selected by Rudi Voller in an experienced German World Cup squad which, as promised, contained few surprises.