Ireland will be the worst hit economy in the eurozone if the US-China trade spat broadens to envelop Europe, according to a leading economics group.

Irish elections will soon loom large for investors as political uncertainty yesterday helped send the borrowing costs of Portugal and Spain significantly higher.

Eurozone banks expect strong demand for loans from companies and home-buyers in the coming months as the European Central Bank’s money printing initiative improves funding conditions, a survey showed yesterday.

LEINSTER’S galacticos may have a reputation as the most exciting back division in Europe but tomorrow they face a young Gloucester unit that is a serious pretender to their throne.