Many believe that it was the Government decision to make Senator Martin McAleese chairman of the interdepartmental group that brought the religious orders on board.

A farmer has failed in a High Court bid to have a mareva injunction lifted against his 900-acre grain harvest and other assets.

A Co Laois farmer is to ask the High Court for a partial lifting of a freezing order on a 900-acre grain harvest.

Harry Redknapp lost his cool at his football bungs trial today as he shouted at a detective for “staring”.

Harry Redknapp told police his home was at risk after he lost millions of pounds in disastrous investments, a court heard.

Harry Redknapp lost £250,000 (€298,754) in a bid to save his friend's management job at Oxford United, a court heard today.

Police in Australia have launched an arson probe after four elderly people were killed and another 14 critically injured when two fires tore through a nursing home in Sydney.

LAND surrounding a former mass grave at the largest Magdalene Laundry was quietly sold by the order of nuns who ran it for €61.8 million during the boom.

THE SISTERS of Our Lady of Charity, who ran a Magdalene laundry in North Dublin, received thousands of pounds from numerous wills and legacies from the 1920s through to the 1970s, documentation shows.

Former England head coach Steve McClaren was unveiled as the new Nottingham Forest manager at a press conference at the City Ground this morning.

Former England manager Steve McClaren was today named by Nottingham Forest as their new boss.

THE four religious congregations that ran the Magdalene houses in Ireland have agreed to help achieve justice for thousands of women who were forced to work in the laundries.

Several Garda districts are without key senior officers because of a recruitment freeze, representatives have warned.

Gardaí found guilty of any wrongdoing in an alleged rape remarks controversy face the gravest of consequences, rank-and-file leaders have warned.

THE World Health Organisation says radiation in food after an earthquake damaged a Japanese nuclear plant was more serious than previously thought, eclipsing signs of progress in a battle to avert a catastrophic meltdown in its reactors.

Steve McClaren has today parted company with German side Wolfsburg following a string of poor results.

The Magdalene laundry women have been boosted by a report from the Irish Human Rights Commission that calls for a statutory inquiry into the institutions, writes Claire O’Sullivan.

GARDA bosses want controversial gangland legislation to be expanded so that other serious crimes can be heard in the non-jury Special Criminal Court.

ALEX FERGUSON admits the toughest part of his job these days is dealing with today’s “fragile” footballers.

Alex Ferguson believes the Premier League will turn into a two-horse race as usual this season.

Star midfielder Lassana Diarra has given Portsmouth a scare after hobbling off injured in a pre-season friendly at Oxford.

NEWCASTLE were yesterday closing in on their man as they stepped up efforts to lure Harry Redknapp to St James’ Park.

Harry Redknapp’s old boss Milan Mandaric believes the Portsmouth manager is at a “crossroads” in his life – and he expects him to move in the direction of Newcastle.

FREE agents Abel Xavier and Alex Nyarko are both due to begin training with Southampton today with a view to joining until the end of the season, according to agent Barry Silkman.

England manager Steve McClaren believes it is easy to see why managers lose their cool during matches - but insists they must always shake hands and "be humble" once the final whistle blows.

After braving a hostile reception in Oxford, Cristiano Ronaldo should get to find out what Manchester United’s fans think of him at Old Trafford on Saturday.

Oxford United 1 Manchester United 4

A CREW of intrepid Munster fans could yet launch themselves across a storm-tossed Irish Sea in a bid to make Saturday’s crunch Heineken Cup decider in Cardiff.

Portsmouth chairman Milan Mandaric intends to offer Matt Taylor a new contract and has dismissed speculation linking the full-back to Fulham.

Graham Geraghty seems certain to play some part in Meath's NFL Division 1B tie against Derry (Navan, throw-in 3.30pm) on Sunday after officially returning to training this week.

Graham Geraghty has decided to return to the Meath senior football panel following clear-the-air talks with manager Eamonn Barry.

Former QPR boss Jim Smith has rejected the chance to re-join the club – but did not rule out a return in the near future.

Kevin Bond has returned to Portsmouth as assistant manager where he rejoins boss Harry Redknapp.

Steve McClaren is set to announce his long-term commitment to Middlesbrough later today.

Harry Redknapp has revealed he decided to remain at Southampton next season and guide them back to the Premiership because he refused to “go out on a low note”.

Harry Redknapp will hold talks with under-fire Southampton chairman Rupert Lowe before deciding whether to retire from football – or try to bring the Saints back up to the Barclays Premiership.

Southampton 1 Man Utd 2

SOUTHAMPTON assistant boss Jim Smith was delighted at the way his side climbed out of the bottom three with a deserved victory against Middlesbrough.

Southampton are in talks to sign Olivier Bernard and Henri Camara before the transfer deadline.

Portsmouth chairman Milan Mandaric has called a truce in his war of words with Southampton counterpart Rupert Lowe.

Wayne Rooney was at the centre of controversy as Manchester United kept up the pressure at the top of the Premiership table.

Harry Redknapp has conceded Southampton will have to sell marksman James Beattie if there is an acceptable offer for him in the January transfer window.

Southampton 0 Charlton 0