Taoiseach Leo Varadkar has said that he will ask US president Donald Trump not to agree a new free trade deal with the UK if it undermines peace on the island of Ireland.

Taoiseach Leo Varadkar has walked in New York's St Patrick's Day parade which up until recently had banned LGBT groups from marching.

The Taoiseach has faced the embarrassment of having to “clarify” comments that he contacted Clare County Council on behalf of Donald Trump on a planning matter, claiming he remembered it incorrectly.

A result where holy Catholic Ireland has elected a gay prime minister would make international news, writes Alison O’Connor.

Already new GAA president Liam O’Neill is in exalted company. Not only does he stride in the footsteps of luminaries such as Maurice Davin, Con Murphy and Seán Kelly. But men like Matt Barrett, Gerald Ratner and David Shepherd can also now call him one of their own.

With Irish exports to Britain poised to grow in the wake of Queen Elizabeth’s visit, from businessman Gerry Robinson to TV and radio presenter Terry Wogan, the Irish are making their presence felt there, writes Kyran Fitzgerald

Barclays was on the verge of a new era today as the controversial tenure of chief executive-turned-chairman Matt Barrett draws to a close.

Banking giant Barclays today said that its “inspirational” chairman Matt Barrett will stand down at the end of the year to be replaced by Marcus Agius.

Shares in Barclays surged by as much as 10% today after speculation of a bid from US financial giant Citigroup swept through the London market.

Banking group Barclays today said its UK arm had performed well as it posted a 23% rise in half-yearly pre-tax profits to a record £2.4bn (€3.6bn).

Banking giant Barclays unveiled a boardroom shake-up today that will see chief executive Matt Barrett take on the chairmanship four months early.

BARCLAY'S chief executive, Irishman Matt Barrett, is poised to become chairman of the banking giant earlier than expected, it was reported yesterday.

Barclays chief executive Matt Barrett is poised to become chairman of the banking giant earlier than expected, it was reported today.

Banking giant Barclays today reported a strong start to 2004 with first quarter profits up “significantly” on the same period a year earlier.

British banking group Barclays today overcame attacks on its executive pay policy.

Barclays has reported a 20% surge in 2003 pre-tax profits to £3.84bn (€6.55bn).

Barclaycard is to offer customers in Britain loans to replace the balance on their credit card.

Matt Barrett, the 55-year-old Irish-born chief executive of Barclays, risked a shareholder revolt yesterday after being named chairman-designate of the high street bank.

The FTSE 100 Index finished clear of the 4300 barrier today as strong US economic figures drove stock markets around the world higher.

In London, shares in Barclays moved higher in opening trade thanks to the wider optimism on the European markets.