MANY of the end of year reviews are extremely positive about the fact that the Irish economy has enjoyed another 12 months of success.

THE Government has said repeatedly that other than for special skills shortages, businesses should be able to recruit from within the EU, particularly since the accession of 10 new countries in May 2004.

Britain's new Trade and Industry Secretary Alan Johnson will today make his first visit to the West Midlands since his appointment on a fact finding mission in the aftermath of the MG Rover crisis.

MICHEÁL MARTIN vowed to maintain the country's economic competitiveness and be a consumer champion in his new post as enterprise, trade and employment minister.