Ukraine President Viktor Yanukovych's party claimed victory in an election vote tainted by the jailing of the country's top opposition leader.

A joint inquest into the tragic deaths of two young brothers in a house fire in Cork last year has been adjourned pending the completion of Garda investigations.

The Life and works of Alfred Bestall - The Rupert Bear 90th Anniversary Edition

Europe’s sovereign debt crisis refused to loosen its grip on world markets today as commodity stocks led a fresh plunge for the FTSE 100 Index.

THE weird and wonderful creatures in Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland and Through the Looking Glass have captivated millions of children, but it has now emerged that one waspish character did not make the final books.

London’s FTSE 100 Index was under more pressure today as recovery doubts put pressure on blue-chip stocks.

World markets were under pressure today as uncertainty about Chinese economic prospects led investors to take profits following a recent rally.

WHEN it comes to the price of a pint in Ireland, size matters — the smaller, the better.

The FTSE 100 Index fought back from lows below the 4000 barrier today in the wake of figures confirming the official start of the UK recession.

The FTSE 100 Index dived below the 4,000 barrier today after grim economic figures heightened fears of a deep and prolonged recession.

Heightened volatility continued in the banking sector today with Barclays and Royal Bank of Scotland shares see-sawing in another tough session for the sector.

Trading in banking shares continued to be volatile today after a sharp about-turn for shares in Barclays and Royal Bank of Scotland.

London’s blue chip share index was treading water ahead of the latest interest rate decision today, despite some welcome support from heavily-weighted miners.

The FTSE 100 Index slid more than 2% today as some miserable high street results did nothing to ease fears of a looming UK recession.

Persistent fears over the economy and weaker metal prices dragged the London market more than 2% into the red today.

The FTSE 100 Index finished the week above the 6000 mark today as the world's biggest bank gave a boost to the market.

Pub group Punch Taverns today called off all talks about a potential deal with rival Mitchells & Butlers.

Embattled British pubs group Mitchells & Butlers today confirmed talks to buy the managed pub business from its rival and former takeover suitor Punch Taverns.

Pubs group Punch Taverns today said it had pulled plans to merge with rival Mitchells & Butlers after deciding the deal was “not in the best interests” of its shareholders.

The London market struggled to make headway today as blue chips gave back earlier gains after a poor opening on Wall Street.

The London market remained in positive territory today as takeover rumours cheered trading.

ONE of Britain’s largest pub operators, Punch Taverns, is understood to have made an offer for its troubled rival Mitchells & Butlers, it was reported yesterday.

UK pubs giant Punch Taverns today poured cold water on speculation it was in talks over a £5bn (€7bn) merger deal with the owner of bar chain All Bar One.

Pubs operator Punch Taverns today said the soggy summer would dampen full year profits.

Strong mining stocks and a confident start to trading in New York helped the FTSE 100 Index close almost 2% higher today.

Pub groups and mining stocks led a rally on the London market today, adding to the boost from an overnight surge on Wall Street.

The UK's biggest pubs company, Punch Taverns, today sold a collection of 869 pubs to rival Admiral Taverns.

The UK’s biggest pubs group Punch Taverns may put as many as 1,000 of its pubs up for sale ahead of the forthcoming smoking ban, it was reported today.

British pubs operator Punch Taverns today looked forward to World Cup glory for Sven’s men this summer as it looked to build on a strong start to the year.

Punch Taverns agreed to sell 205 of its pubs today after the UK’s biggest operator reviewed its estate in the wake of a £2.7bn (€4bn) deal.

The UK’s second-biggest pubs chain today snapped up more than 1,000 community pubs in a deal worth £335m (€598.8m).

VINNIE ROE has been taken out of today's Gold Cup at Royal Ascot

Last year’s winner Mr Dinos heads 17 horses in the Ascot Gold Cup after today’s confirmation stage.

The head of leading pub firm JD Wetherspoon was today named as the most influential person in the drinks industry.

Men in military uniform raided four villages in eastern Nigeria, razing homes and gunning down scores of civilians, news reports said today.