Cap’n’ Menu has been polishing his maritime metaphors and honing his seaborne similes the better to tackle a whole host of ocean-related events in the offing.

A man who punched, kicked, and stamped on a terminally ill and defenceless man before being stopped by onlookers from throwing him into a canal has been jailed for five years with the final year suspended.

Minister for State at the Office of Public Works Brian Hayes has asked residents in flood-affected areas to help his department find out how many homeowners are being refused house insurance.