The Government has been accused of ignoring the concerns and wishes of Aran Islands residents by withdrawing the air service contract for the islands from Aer Arann.

Laws to allow unpaid water bills be deducted from people’s wages or dole were passed by the Seanad, despite warnings the moves may affect employment prospects or result in personal financial details being revealed in court.

Communications Minister Alex White has been accused of “patronising” former Clerys staff by claiming he could not bring in laws to stop capitalism after 460 people were thrown out of work.

A man has died in a fire in a mobile home.

The Irish Farmers’ Association gave the thumbs up to budget measures aimed at encouraging land leasing, but opposition parties and lobby groups claim the Government had failed rural communities.

Only six of the 16 officers responsible for the use of Irish in Government departments can speak the language themselves, the outgoing Irish language commissioner has said.

Waves up to 10m high, driven by winds approaching hurricane strength, were bearing down on south and west coastal areas overnight, threatening to compound the devastation of recent days.

Sinn Féin is hoping it can build its support in the West of Ireland by holding its annual ard fheis in the Taoiseach’s home town of Castlebar this weekend.

Sinn Féin wants to make corporations ineligible for the single farm payment, and proposes to limit the amount an individual can claim at €100,000.

As landlords and tenants heap criticism upon the Government for its latest cap on rent supplements, opposition party politicians have warned the payment could be cut again in this year’s budget if social welfare payments are to be preserved.

We, the undersigned, wish to draw your attention to the continued detention of Marian Price, which we feel constitutes an alarming breach of human and civil rights.

The Fianna Fáil leader may have a problem convincing the grassroots his strategy is the right one, writes political editor Paul O’Brien

TDs and senators claimed more than €600,000 in expenses in December, the latest figures show.

MORE than 130 jobs have been lost across the country after a Gaeltacht community development company shut down with immediate effect.

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.

TWO constituencies were still undergoing recounts last night, with a third beginning this morning, as the wait goes on to see the full make-up of the next Dáil.

Labour's Derek Nolan is leading the poll after the first count in the Galway West constituency.