The board of management at a secondary school has agreed to allow a first-year student opt out of religious education.

The high-performance electric car market is shaping up to be a high-profile battleground featuring some of the world’s most glamorous brands after Porsche and Audi unveiled models to challenge pioneer Tesla Motors.

A senior economist who attended the infamous Brian Cowen-Anglo golf outing and was the only expert the then taoiseach called on the night of the guarantee has insisted he had no role in decisions about the firm.

With conservation metering off the agenda this decade and those who didn’t pay for water probably receiving €100 for the privilege, the credibility of those we have put in charge of the country has taken another hit, writes Shaun Connolly

Former Anglo director Fintan Drury revealed some of his friends find it "lacking in credibility" the bank’s situation was not discussed with then taoiseach Brian Cowen at a golf outing.

After a make or break fortnight which saw ousted ex-taoiseach Brian Cowen take centre stage, the banking inquiry has still to find any smoking gun for what caused the 2008 crash.

Brian Cowen called a senior economist who took part in a golf excursion with him and Anglo Irish directors for advice on the night of the bank guarantee – the only external expert who was asked for their opinion.

Ireland’s Press Council has defended its role in the wake of recent criticisms voiced by Denis O’Brien during his libel action against the Irish Daily Mail.

The Irish Daily Mail is considering a Supreme Court appeal after millionaire businessman Denis O’Brien was awarded €150,000 for defamation in a key case concerning freedom of expression.

Tycoon Denis O'Brien has won his defamation action against the Irish Daily Mail and has been awarded €150,000 in damages.

Businessman Denis O’Brien told the High Court yesterday he pays his taxes in Ireland and in all countries he and his company Digicel are connected with.

Denis O’Brien told the High Court it was not true the final report of the Moriarty Tribunal was devastating for him.

The transfer of Ireland out-half Johnny Sexton to Racing Metro has acquainted Irish fans of the oval ball with a fact of life: A new breed of owner now holds sway in French rugby and they will allow little to get in their way.

Birmingham 1 Leeds 2

Leeds manager Neil Warnock faces a selection dilemma ahead of the Capital One Cup quarter-final with Chelsea.

Adam Drury’s 11-year spell at Norwich City is to end with the defender agreeing a two-year deal to join npower Championship side Leeds United at the start of next month

BUM DEAL FOR SWEDES

Norwich left-back Adam Drury (groin) is a doubt for tomorrow’s Premier League trip to Arsenal.

Norwich striker James Vaughan is pressing for another Premier League start against Liverpool tomorrow after his recovery from a frustrating injury spell.

Norwich will have striker James Vaughan back in the squad after a long-term knee injury and recent hamstring problem for tomorrow’s trip to Blackburn.

Norwich will still be without defender Zak Whitbread for tomorrow’s Barclays Premier League game against Manchester City.

Tottenham manager Harry Redknapp admitted it would be “tough” to overhaul rivals Arsenal to claim third place in the Premier League after yesterday’s shock 2-1 home defeat by Norwich dented their Champions League ambitions.

Aaron Lennon will make his first start in just over a month as Tottenham look to regain the initiative in the battle for third place with a win over Norwich at White Hart Lane this afternoon.

Norwich captain Grant Holt returns from a one-match suspension for tomorrow’s Premier League clash with Everton at Carrow Road.

Ipswich 1 Barnsley 0

Norwich captain Grant Holt will serve a one-match suspension for tomorrow’s Barclays Premier League trip to Fulham.

Norwich midfielder Anthony Pilkington has recovered from the knock suffered at Newcastle last weekend and is available for the visit of bottom club Wolves to Carrow Road tomorrow.

NEWCASTLE boss Alan Pardew praised the battling qualities of his players after they re-ignited their bid for European football with a first win in five Premier League games yesterday.

Norwich expect to have midfielder Jonny Howson available again after illness for Sunday’s Barclays Premier League trip to Newcastle.

Norwich 1 Wigan 1

Midfielder Jonny Howson could make his Norwich debut at Stoke tomorrow after finally returning to fitness from a knee injury.

Ryan Giggs was set to make his 900th appearance for Manchester United in today's Premier League clash at Carrow Road.

Norwich manager Paul Lambert made four changes to his starting XI as the Canaries looked to get back to winning ways against Bolton at Carrow Road.

Striker James Vaughan could make the trip to West Brom after making a goalscoring comeback from his long-term knee injury in the 3-3 midweek reserve match against Chelsea

West Brom had some key players back in their squad for this afternoon’s Barclays Premier League clash with Norwich at The Hawthorns.

Goalkeeper John Ruddy returns to the Norwich squad after missing the FA Cup win against Burnley after his partner gave birth to a daughter.

Norwich will again be without full-back Marc Tierney (groin) for tomorrow’s FA Cup third-round tie against Burnley at Carrow Road.

JOEY BARTON hit out at a “ridiculous decision” to send him off in QPR’s loss to Norwich at Loftus Road yesterday for an apparent headbutt on Bradley Johnson.

Norwich left-back Marc Tierney (groin) is 50-50 for tomorrow’s Barclays Premier League clash against Fulham at Carrow Road.

Russell Martin will continue in central defence for Norwich but the club’s injury problems at the back look to be easing.

Norwich will be without striker James Vaughan for tomorrow’s Barclays Premier League trip to Manchester United, as he is set to be out for up to four months with a knee injury.

GAA President Christy Cooney has expressed his confidence the proposed five-year recognition protocol deal between the Association and the GPA will be given the green light by counties over the coming three weeks.

Taoiseach Brian Cowen was under increasing pressure today to explain previously private meetings with disgraced former Anglo-Irish Bank chairman Sean FitzPatrick.