Editorial failings in the production of RTÉ’s controversial Frontline presidential debate were more significant than it admitted, the broadcasting watchdog has revealed.

Michael D Higgins got an easier ride than the other candidates in the RTÉ Frontline debate ahead of last year’s presidential election, a report produced for the national broadcaster says.

Monaghan businessman Pat McGuirk claims he was pressured to ask Seán Gallagher a question written for him by a Frontline researcher and aimed at “gunning down” the independent presidential candidate.

Communications Minister Pat Rabbitte hinted that further inquiries are unlikely into the production of RTÉ’s Frontline presidential debate and complaints by failed independent candidate Seán Gallagher.

RTE has denied allegations that they gave a 'Frontline' audience member a prepared question to put to the former presidential candidate.

Veteran RTÉ reporter Charlie Bird has described the scandal over the ‘Mission to Prey’ Prime Time Investigates episode as “the worst libel, the worst mistake RTÉ has ever been involved in”.

Six divers had to be rescued after their boat capsized in rough sea conditions.

People taking to the water over the Easter weekend have been warned that sea conditions remain unpredictable after 12 kayakers were rescued today off the Co Antrim coast.

Jockeys Jamie Jones, James O'Reilly and Jose de Souza have been suspended for 10 days by the disciplinary panel of the British Horseracing Authority for failing to provide a reason for missing the Flat Jockeys' Training Seminar.

SCOOTING across the lawns of RTÉ yesterday, presenter Ryan Tubridy looked confident but cautious as he approached a wall of journalists.

Northern Ireland coach Nigel Worthington has called on his youthful squad to prove they deserve a place in his future plans by impressing against world champions Italy tomorrow.

Ed McMahon’s To The Point made a striking impression on her racecourse debut under Richard Mullen in the European Breeders’ Fund Primrose Maiden Fillies’ Stakes at Warwick.

The first major TV documentary on Taoiseach Bertie Ahern is due to air on RTÉ this Autumn.

Beaver Patrol ensured his place in the totesport Ayr Gold Cup on September 22 by making all in the Inkerman London Handicap at Newbury.

Cambridgeshire winner Blue Monday was touched off by a short head on his seasonal bow in the Ripon Silver Bowl Conditions Stakes at the North Yorkshire track.

WHEN the time came to end his eventful political career, Charles J Haughey quoted Shakespeare’s Othello: “I have done the state some service, and they know it. No more of that. I pray you.”

TOBY BALDING is hoping for rain in South Yorkshire as he sends Turbo to Doncaster to try to end his career as a trainer on a high note.

Luca Cumani left Portman Square a relieved man today, having won last month’s totesport Ebor “for the third time”.

Mephisto got the better of Gold Ring in a thrilling finish to the totesport Ebor at York this afternoon – but then had to survive a stewards’ inquiry.

Tout Seul earned a crack at the Juddmonte Lockinge Stakes after returning to form with a smooth victory in the totesport Leicestershire Stakes yesterday.

THE makers of a powerful documentary on an attempted political coup in Venezuela were yesterday announced overall winners of the 2003 ESB Media Awards.

Joe Fanning, fresh from riding a treble at Haydock Park on Saturday, followed up with a 1,070-1 double at York to take his tally for the season to 59.

Irish jockey Neil Callan will have his appeal against a 14-day suspension heard by the disciplinary panel of the Jockey Club tomorrow.

A total of 16 horses have been declared for Saturday’s Entenmann’s Irish 2000 Guineas at the Curragh - the first Irish Classic of the season.

Veteran jockey Pat Eddery has ridden some blinders in his time but his victory on Splendid Era in the Littlewoods Bet Direct AW Owners Championship Novice Stakes at Lingfield today must rank among the most remarkable.

Hughie Morrison plundered one nice prize at one United Racecourse and now has his sights set on a bigger pot at another of their tracks.