"For me, eligibility is not, and should not, be a political issue. Nor should it be a religious issue."

The EU agriculture and rural development commissioner, Phil Hogan, has received an apology, undisclosed damages, and costs under settlements of his separate High Court actions alleging defamation against two media organisations.

PROFITS at the Irish Daily and Sunday Star have increased by 26% in 2006 to €5.83 million.