The Donald Trump owned Trump Doonbeg resort in Co Clare was paid over €107,000 to provide food to Gardaí deployed around west Clare to protect the US President during his two-night June visit.

Hotelier Michael B Lynch admitted yesterday it has been a difficult few years after his hotel business crashed in 2011.

Hopes of a major revival in the property market might seem somewhat premature after more than a quarter of lots at a major public auction in Dublin yesterday were either withdrawn or failed to sell.