Politicians’ stock answers usually make us all groan but I’ve always had a soft spot for one occasionally heard: “I’m not even going to dignify that with a response”.

Waterford-born singer and TV entertainer Val Doonican, who became a household name in Ireland and Britain, has died aged 88.

HSBC Holdings Plc chief executive Stuart Gulliver offered “sincerest apologies” following fresh details of how the bank’s Swiss unit helped customers evade taxes.

Aardman’s co-founder tells Alan O’Riordan about Shaun the Sheep’s leap to the big screen.

The man in charge of BBC TV has said he expects to lose viewers when BBC3 moves online.

¦ The AGM of Blarney and District Flower Club takes place in the Community Hall, Whitechurch on Thursday, Jan 23 at 8pm. All welcome.

Critics have savaged Diana, a biopic of the late Princess of Wales who died in a Paris car crash 16 years ago, just hours after its world premiere.

Patrick Moore was the astronomer who, more than any other scientist living or dead, could explain to the world at large the marvels and intricacies of the universe — and beyond.

British astronomer Patrick Moore died today aged 89, a group of his friends and staff said.

Britain’s BBC must undergo a radical overhaul in the wake of “shoddy” journalism which led to the resignation of its chief or its future will be in doubt, the head of the state-funded broadcaster’s governing body said yesterday.

A leading Irish boxing official has predicted Ireland could have 10 boxers qualified for the Olympic Games in Rio in four years’ time.

Kylie Minogue says it's a "dream come true" to be headlining this year's BBC Proms in the Park.

Wayne Rooney accepts missing England's first two games at Euro 2012 is the price he must pay for a moment of madness in Montenegro.

Fianna Fáil leader Micheál Martin said today that Cardinal Seán Brady should consider his position as head of the Catholic church in Ireland.

The Dubliners and 'American Pie' singer Don McLean will give much-anticipated live performances tonight at the annual BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards.

Nancy Dell’Olio spent rehearsals for BBC TV’s 'Strictly Come Dancing' this week locked in a pen with bulls to prepare herself for her paso doble on tonight’s show.

A BRONZE buttock that was “liberated” from a statue of Saddam Hussein, famously toppled after the fall of Baghdad in 2003, has attracted global attention ahead of an auction later this month, its owner said.

BRITISH lawmakers have called on CNN talk show host and former tabloid editor Piers Morgan to return to Britain to answer questions about phone hacking after allegations made by the ex-wife of former Beatle Paul McCartney.

Mary Robinson’s presence in Africa this week focused world attention on the famine in Somalia, demonstrating the crucial role the famous play in highlighting the plight of the poor and dispossessed, says Georgina O’Halloran.

FATHER-and-son act Rupert and James Murdoch top the bill today in what promises to be a day of gripping political drama in the normally staid surroundings of the parliament’s committee rooms.

Clapping solemnly, dignitaries in Norway paid tribute to Nobel Peace Prize winner, imprisoned Chinese dissident Liu Xiaobo – with an empty chair.

UNIVERSITY students smashed their way into the headquarters of British Prime Minister David Cameron’s party yesterday during a chaotic protest against the government’s plans to triple tuition fees.

GAELIC GAMES teams have embraced the area of match statistics to gain a vital edge, and now a leading performance analyst will address a Dublin seminar on how that edge might be achieved.

British Prime Minister Gordon Brown today accused the Conservatives of planning to cut school funding and scrap NHS waiting list guarantees in order to fund tax breaks for millionaires.

Avram Grant has accused the Premier League of not giving Portsmouth a fair chance to avoid the drop.

In the UK one of the architects of New Labour, Peter Mandelson, has warned that Prime Minister Gordon Brown risks losing power unless he identifies himself more clearly with the principles which won Tony Blair three general elections.

Arsenal’s Alexander Hleb faces being banned for the rest of the season if the Football Association call for video evidence of his clash with Reading captain Graham Murty at Emirates Stadium.

A jury was selected today to hear the trial of a former pub landlord accused of murdering five prostitutes.

Divisions in the North’s power-sharing ministerial Executive deepened further today when one minister branded another a liar.

Syria’s foreign minister arrived in Baghdad today, becoming the highest ranking official from his country to visit since the war began in 2003.

Tributes have been paid to 27-year-old snooker star Paul Hunter, who has died after losing his battle with cancer.

FRANKIE DETTORI landed a 5-1 plus double on two horses that broke course records at Lingfield yesterday.

Tonight’s British lottery draw was held up after Fathers 4 Justice demonstrators invaded the BBC TV studio.

The World Snooker Championships will be sponsored by online casino 888.com for the next five years after signing a multi-million euro agreement.

Steve Davis produced a vital finish to the opening session of his 25th appearance at the Crucible to revive his chances of staying among the game’s elite for next season.

Harry Redknapp has conceded Southampton will have to sell marksman James Beattie if there is an acceptable offer for him in the January transfer window.

ARSENAL manager Arsene Wenger’s personal hearing with the Football Association to answer a charge of improper conduct will be held on December 16.

Ruud van Nistelrooy has apologised to Arsenal’s Ashley Cole for his Old Trafford tackle on Sunday, after confirming he will not contest a Football Association charge of serious foul play.

Ruud van Nistelrooy has claimed there was no malice in his much-criticised challenge on Ashley Cole during Manchester United’s 2-0 win over Arsenal at Old Trafford on Sunday.

RUUD VAN NISTELROOY is set to become the first victim of the ‘Battle of Old Trafford II’ but probably not the last after the FA launched an investigation into Sunday’s ‘soupgate scandal’.

THE British Embassy in Iraq has no information about news reports that hostage Ken Bigley has been handed over to another kidnapping group.

The British Embassy in Iraq has no information about news reports that hostage Ken Bigley has been handed over to another kidnapping group.

Fans of The Clash have been treated to a collection of "lost" music and film footage.