IS it just me, or has the political world gone mad? I’ve never seen so much invective heaped on a political leader, from outside and inside his own party. 

Health Minister Leo Varadkar has been urged to address the Seanad over what action officials are taking to prevent a "toxic chemical" form of bleach claiming to "cure" a host of serious conditions from being given to vulnerable Irish children.

The Government and junior minister Kathleen Lynch were accused of prioritising “political expediency” over the needs of mental health patients as they were lambasted in the Seanad for shutting acute psychiatric beds in counties Galway and Cork.

NUIG, UCD, DIT and Antrim booked places in next weekend's Bord na Móna Walsh Cup quarter-finals, following this weekends action.

At least two Fine Gael Senators are likely to lose the party whip with a vote on the abortion legislation later today.

Fine Gael is expected to lose up to three senators today when the House votes on an amendment objecting to the principle of legislation allowing abortion in limited circumstances.

Dissident Fine Gael senators will attempt to block the passing of the abortion legislation through the Seanad on Monday.

On Friday, Oct 19, thousands of farmers received the first tranche of their single farm payment — aptly, that night there was a ‘your farm, your business’ seminar in Carrigaline, Co Cork.

Dairy farmers are more likely than those in beef, pork, and tillage to answer Ireland’s call for agri-food expansion, Cork-based agri-business consultant Michael Brady has said.

It’s time for farmers to get up to date with legal and financial matters.

Galway manager Mattie Murphy certainly knows a thing or two about minor hurling and reckons the Tribesmen’s true worth will be revealed in next month’s fascinating All-Ireland semi-final encounter with Tipperary.

London 2-9 Antrim 2-11

Ireland will have to pay about €12 million to the European Commission this year in respect of issues such as non-compliant farmers, and overpayments, which were revealed in audits by officials from the Commission.

RESIGNATIONS in RTÉ are not being ruled out after the Government announced an investigation into the defamation of Fr Kevin Reynolds by the national broadcaster.

THE FAMILY of another missionary who was accused of abuse in RTÉ’s Mission to Prey documentary is accusing RTÉ of unfairly targeting their relative.

CONFUSION reigned at the end of normal time in this absorbing All-Ireland MHC semi-final but ultimately it was Galway who reacted better to the surprise of the additional 20 minutes.

THIRTEEN recently elected members of the Seanad are to share a windfall of almost €440,000.

A FORMER leader of the Seanad brought a close to the election count by imploring newly elected members to fight for the continued retention of the Upper House.

Counting of votes cast in the Seanad election is due to resume at around 10am this morning.

FORMER Fine Gael TD, Deirdre Clune, returned to national politics after becoming the first candidate to secure one of 60 seats in the Seanad.

A NEW specialist mobility vehicle outlet suitable for wheelchair -users is to open at CAB Motors in Co Cork.

AS a great sports venue, Thomond Park has often been described as a cauldron. This evening it will live up to the analogy.

COMMUNITIES devastated by some of the worst floods in living memory were last night bracing themselves for a further deluge.

Communities devastated by some of the worst floods in living memory were tonight bracing themselves for a further deluge.

Army units joined emergency crews volunteers and worried locals around the country as communities rallied in the face of rising flood waters.

THE Garda who built the case against a Roscommon mother convicted of abusing her six children has said the full truth of the scandal may never come out.

Frankie Dolan's long-awaited inter-county return failed to inspire Roscommon to victory in their Connacht FBD League clash with Mayo at Ballinlough this afternoon.

Michael Mullins, partner with Cork-based accounting firm HLB Nathans, talks to David Clerkin.

DELINQUENT taxpayers, who used life assurance products to dodge tax, could be forced to pay double their original investment to the Revenue Commissioners to clear their tax liabilities, it emerged last night.

Old Crescent made a profitable trip to Wicklow to record an easy 45-23 victory over Greystones this afternoon.