THE decision of 33 Afghans to embark on a hunger strike in Dublin rather than face deportation highlights the grim plight of asylum seekers in contemporary Ireland — and throughout fortress Europe.

OPPOSITION parties angrily rounded on Justice Minister Michael McDowell yesterday after he compared Fine Gael deputy leader Richard Bruton to the notorious Nazi propagandist Joseph Goebbels during a row over the level of garda resources in Dublin.

BOMBAST and bluster form Justice Minister Michael McDowell’s response when facts and figures don’t suit him, Fine Gael deputy leader Richard Bruton said last night.

THREE Irish-born children were among a mass deportation early yesterday of failed asylum seekers.

The Government has not ruled out appealing against a judgment which found there were major loopholes in immigration laws, it emerged today.

The once-famous Irish Press newspaper building in Dublin has new tenants.

EMPLOYMENT inspectors are to interview lap dancers who claim to have been exploited by their bosses. Lap dancers have complained they are being robbed, being asked to sleep with customers and having their passports confiscated.