Reacting to the news, the National Bus and Rail Union has said it is "appalled" that the Transport Minister would consider going to North Korea, saying he "refuses to work towards sorting a major rail dispute".

While Christmas and New Years bring plenty to celebrate, it is also a time to remember the people who we lost throughout the year.

AN Irish priest has forced red-faced EU officials into an embarrassing apology after they omitted Christian holidays from a diary circulated to thousands of schools around Europe.

The singer-and-actress Jessica Simpson got engaged to NFL player Eric Johnson last week after a six-month romance and she is now determined to walk down the aisle over the festive period because she doesn’t want it to be overshadowed by the nuptials between her ex-husband Nick Lachey and his new fiancee Vanessa Minnillo.

IRELAND’S adopted astronaut returned to Earth after 101 days in space yesterday to an emotional reunion with his wife and children.

Cocaine and champagne were consumed by New Years Eve revellers the night a man was murdered at Jurys Inn Hotel, Croke Park, a court has heard.

TRAVEL companies tend to come up with novel reasons why customers should choose one type of holiday instead of another.

Israelis would vote Ehud Olmert out of office if elections were held now, polls indicated today, as the defiant prime minister defended his performance in the Lebanon war and lashed out at his critics.

TWICE as many calls were made to the National Smokers Quitline in the 10 days leading up to New Year’s Eve, latest figures show.

The Old Midleton Distillery offers a Corporate Gift Service - you can send a gift of a premium bottle of Irish to your customers, friends and clients overseas - full range of whiskey and other spirits available.

There are fears of mass confusion over the introduction of the Euro at midnight on New Years Eve next.