Europe tried to bounce Ireland into an international bailout before the Cabinet could discuss it, a senior minister said last night.

Sinn Féin today tabled a motion of no confidence in the Taoiseach.

The Labour party today called on Taoiseach Brian Cowen to dissolve the Dáil after the Greens called for a General Election.

Labour leader Eamon Gilmore today demanded the Taoiseach resign in the national interest claiming Ireland had suffered its blackest week since the Civil War.

Opposition parties today demanded the Government resign amid accusations it had handed-over the State’s economic independence to foreigners.

The European Commission has offered the Government some flexibility over the €15bn four-year spending cuts target, it was claimed today.

Sinn Féin Dáil leader Caoimhghin O Caolain has today EU Economics Commissioner Olli Rehn to go back and tell Europe that Ireland cannot cut its Budget deficit to 3% of GDP by 2014.

THE Health Service Executive says it will not carry out an audit of children who died in statecare prior to 2000.

Sinn Féin today urged the setting up of a commission to safely dismantle the State's toxic loans agency.

THE Minister for Children Barry Andrews yesterday said a proposed referendum on children’s rights will not be “long-fingered”, amid accusations that the Government is seeking to redraft the agreed wording.

Taoiseach Brian Cowen denied today giving a live radio interview while drunk or hungover.

THE auditors who signed off on misleading accounts produced by the crippled financial institutions will have their work investigated in the ongoing banking inquiry.

THE Government has insisted it will “vigorously pursue” ex-directors of Anglo Irish Bank who owe more than €155m to the institution – even though Anglo’s new management believes the bulk of the money will never be repaid.

LAWS are being promised to ensure imprisonment is used only “as a last resort” for people unable to pay back bank loans or credit card debt.

SINN Fein’s leader in the Dáil, Caoimhghín O Caoláin, has dismissed claims of a difference of opinion on the Lisbon Treaty between the party’s North and South organisations.

Sinn Féin is having problems rallying grassroots members to raise cash for their anti-Lisbon Treaty campaign, a senior party member admitted today.

The closure of key services including accident and emergency wards at Monaghan General Hospital will undoubtedly threaten lives, it was warned today.

The Government today faced calls to revise its capped compensation scheme for thousands of victims of clerical child abuse.

Sinn Féin TD Caoimhghin Ó Caoláin has hit out at the Government's decision to abolish the double-payment given to social welfare recipients at Christmas time.

Fianna Fáil deputies would support a motion of no confidence in Minister for Health Mary Harney if given a free vote by party chiefs, Labour Party leader Eamon Gilmore said tonight.

A film criticising the US health service by controversial documentary maker Michael Moore was today recommended to the Taoiseach.

Bertie Ahern appeared to be on course for a third term as Taoiseach this afternoon.

Ministers Willie O'Dea and Mary Hanafin became the latest high-profile Fianna Fáil candidates to be re-elected to the Dáil this afternoon as they were returned in Limerick East and Meath West respectively.

Minister for Health Mary Harney was today accused of presiding over a two-tier hospital system.

Only people with wealth can buy health in Ireland’s unequal healthcare system, it was claimed today.

The Easter Parade to mark the 90th anniversary of the 1916 Rising will exclude all citizens from taking part, it was claimed tonight.

The Taoiseach has caved in to Opposition pressure and abandoned plans for an All-Ireland Oireachtas forum involving Northern Ireland MPs, it was claimed today.

LABOUR leader Pat Rabbitte has accused the Government of now downplaying expectations about the Budget's childcare package after building up high expectations for months.

Sinn Féin will be bidding for all-party Dáil support today on its plans for a united Ireland.

A united Ireland should be created as soon as is humanly possible, it was claimed today.

Northern Ireland MPs will be invited to sit on a special committee in the Dáil dealing with issues affecting them, Sinn Féin said today.

TAOISEACH Bertie Ahern has agreed to meet with the family of murder victim Joseph Rafferty, who allege his killers had connections to Sinn Féin and the IRA.

Sinn Féin’s cross-border parliamentary representatives met in Dublin today to plot the party’s campaign for the forthcoming General Election.

Sinn Féin TD Caoimghin O Caolain has been suspended from the Dáil for repeatedly interrupting the Taoiseach during this morning's business.

Staff in the Taoiseach’s department produce more waste paper than most other ministries, the Dáil heard today.

The suspension of two consultants at Cavan General Hospital will have a serious effect on medical services, it was claimed today.

Two consultants surgeons at a hospital in Cavan have been suspended without pay, it emerged today.

Opposition leaders have attacked the Government's performance after the publication of a document defending Government decisions and promises over the last year.

A bid to link the gardaí with the Police Service of Northern Ireland should be withdrawn in protest at the postponement of Assembly elections, Sinn Fein claimed today.

Politicians from Northern Ireland’s currently suspended Assembly could soon have their say in debates south of the border, Taoiseach Bertie Ahern signalled today.

The IRA has taken courageous decisions that have too often been taken for granted, Sinn Fein’s leader in the Dáil claimed today.

Sinn Fein leader Gerry Adams today criticised the Government for not speaking out against war on Iraq.

A major review of the tax system was today proposed by Sinn Fein.