Two senior trade union officials were the signatories to a bank account at the centre of a State training scheme expenses controversy, it emerged today.

An armed robber who was "roared" off a premises by a "feisty" postmistress has received a six-year sentence with three suspended for this and related crimes.

A "feisty" postmistress roared at two armed raiders to get out, causing them to flee, Dublin Circuit Criminal Court has heard.

Kicking Gordon Brown out of Number 10 would not save the British Government from electoral meltdown – even though his popularity is at an all-time low, according to a poll tonight.

Two Labour backbenchers today called on UK prime minister Gordon Brown to sack David Miliband following the controversial newspaper article which sparked wild speculation about the Foreign Secretary’s leadership ambitions.

Up to 13 people were feared dead today by rescuers in Britain searching for a group of cockle pickers missing after they were trapped by rising tides.