Tesco directly and indirectly benefits the economy to the tune of €3.27bn a year, according to a new report.

Up to €1bn more is likely to be invested this year by the Ireland Strategic Investment Fund, the State-backed vehicle which has replaced the National Pensions Reserve Fund.

Charity founder Jonathan Irwin will run in the next election because he thinks the Irish are ready to vote for an Etonian seeking change, says Arlene Harris

Just five people have been entrusted with the secret recipe for Lily O’Brien’s. Liz O’Brien isn’t one of them — but she manages to get a rare tour of the chocolate factory as they create 200,000 eggs and 24,000 bunnies for the booming Easter market.

Cute chicks and bijoux beauties jostle for attention in Esther N McCarthy’s list of lovelies.

Choosing a gift for Mother’s Day is a doddle with Carol O’Callaghan’s smart guide — no matter what the budget there’s something to suit all pockets, from cheery candles to watches with wow

Ambitions for food export growth are being given a lift with this week’s Bord Bia Food Works open evenings.

Creative food entrepreneurs can avail of expert industry advice and a €5,000 feasibility grant by applying for the new Food Works initiative launched yesterday by Bord Bia, Enterprise Ireland and Teagasc.

HELEN and Brian Heaton must have been as surprised as anyone when Castlewood House, their 12-bed guesthouse in Dingle, was last week named the sixth best hotel in the world by TripAdvisor.

FAMILIES eager to enjoy the sunshine and raise funds for severely ill children at the same time are being encouraged to visit an unique event in Wicklow this weekend.