THE budget is still nearly three weeks away and speculation is already mounting about the Government’s ability to get it through the Dáil. Against all expectations when this government was formed, the Greens have developed a limpet-like grip on power. Only grim death will separate them from ministerial office, it seems.

CLIMATE change is still one of the gravest long- term threats and could land a hammer blow on agricultural production in parts of Europe and the rest of the world, European Commissioner Mariann Fischer Boel warned in Stockholm yesterday.

Sinn Féin’s Mary Lou McDonald has become the first Irish politician to be shortlisted for the title of MEP of the Year, the party said today.

The Progressive Democrats National Conference continues in Wexford today.

Tánaiste Michael McDowell will today open his first national conference as Progressive Democrats leader as the party languishes at its lowest-ever position in the polls.