A keynote Brexit speech by UK Prime Minister Theresa May is anxiously awaited amid expectations she will realise the worst fears of Irish business and Government and confirm that London is intent on striking a hard Brexit deal with Brussels.

EU budget rules constrain the Government’s spending plans, regardless of how well the economy is doing.

Sterling could face a further sell-off this week and deliver a fresh blow to Irish exporters into Britain amid more weekend revelations about David Cameron’s links with offshore funds, economists here have warned.

FORGET dodgy socks: the most unwelcome presents come in the form of scalding turkey trays, bickering relatives and piercing Christmas trees during what is the most dangerous time of the year.

IRISH firms have signed contracts worth €125.8 million during the Government-led trade mission to China last week, Enterprise Ireland has said.