The Israeli ambassador has offered advice to a Catholic campaign group seeking the reinstatement of Ireland’s embassy to the Vatican and the possibility of its co-location with the embassy to Italy.

In an open letter to Michael D Higgins, author Dervla Murphy , who is writing a book on the Middle East, argues why the president should not visit Israel as a state guest

I AM writing to you following the publication of Mr Teegan’s letter (January 17) and Ambassador Modai’s response (January 20).