THE late Billy Nagle, a native of Buttevant, Co Cork, who died last week, was a champion of the co-operative movement and a leading figure in Irish agri-business.

Farm groups have welcomed today's easing of anti foot-and-mouth measures.

Bankruptcy loomed for tourism interests close to the Irish border today as the slaughter of farm animals was intensified following confirmation of foot-and-mouth disease in Co Louth.