CIA director David Petraeus was shocked to learn last summer that his mistress was suspected of sending threatening emails warning another woman to stay away from him, former staff members and friends have told the Associated Press.

THREE high-profile spin-doctors are to intensify competition for blue-chip clients in the fiercely- fought public relations’ sector.

The Taoiseach, Bertie Ahern, has reiterated the Irish government’s "unstinting support" for the US military attacks on Afghanistan.