The prospect of an all-out strike by Luas drivers seemed increasingly inevitable last night following a breakdown in talks designed to end a dispute over pay.

The Minister for Enterprise Batt O'Keeffe has asked IDA Ireland to look for companies interested in taking over three Pfizer plants earmarked for closure.

SIPTU's Eoin Reidy has said it is vital the Government should maintain the pressure on the European Commission to relax its policy of refusing exchequer backing for airlines.