Make-A-Wish Ireland has launched its annual Christmas appeal.

Toyota has declined to accept a Japanese government energy efficiency award given to its hybrid Prius, saying today that the honour is not appropriate for a car hit by massive recalls.

Jockey Cathy Gannon was named Irish sportswoman of the year today as President Mary McAleese paid tribute to the country’s sporting heroines.

TOKYO (AFX-ASIA) - Share prices closed lower in line with the steep falls on NASDAQ Friday, but were well off their lows near the close on positive comments from the ruling Liberal Democratic Party's Shizuka Kamei, dealers said.