A consumer body representing motorists has criticised the carbon tax as a “pure revenue-raising” measure, while a fuel industry body has claimed raising carbon taxes further would have “unintended consequences” for the economy.

The Bord na Móna group of unions says it “does not accept” the decision by the company to close its peat briquette plant in Littleton, Co Tipperary, which will lead to the loss of 69 jobs.

WINGS Over Delft, the story of a young girl in 17th century Holland who agrees to have her portrait painted and develops a relationship with the painter, won the 2004 Bisto Book of the Year Award yesterday.