DESPITE the dreadful impositions of the zeitgeist, the wretched panini has yet to usurp our national dish — the toasted special sandwich, the mid-day cousin of the breakfast roll — in the hearts of True Gaels.

Preparations for the Big Brother wedding task got underway as a hen night was held for Shell before she “ties the knot” with Victor.

The world’s largest wine company is being created through the $1.4bn (€1.3bn) takeover of Australian firm BRL Hardy by US group Constellation Brands, it was announced today.