The chief proponent of a ban on oil and gas drilling in Irish waters has threatened the possibility of a legal challenge against the State in order to resurrect the proposed legislation which has been blocked by the Government.

The industry group for offshore drilling firms is warning against moves to ban oil and gas exploration, as an exploratory drilling rig prepares to move into position in the Porcupine Basin off Kerry within days.

IT is certainly regrettable that members of An Garda Síochána should have made such degrading and threatening remarks to the two female protesters who were arrested while interfering with the development of the Corrib gas pipeline.