Socialist candidate Francois Hollande has appeared to solidify his chances at winning France’s presidency after his strong showing in a debate against beleaguered incumbent Nicolas Sarkozy.

FORMER Taoiseach Charles J Haughey personally authorised the granting of Irish citizenship to a 14-year-old Lebanese girl, the Moriarty Tribunal heard yesterday.

THREE Palestinians, including two children, were killed by Israeli fire in the Gaza Strip as troops pressed on with a massive nine-day-old incursion in the north, Palestinian medics and the Israeli army said.