Imagine if Apple, Google, or Microsoft, or any of those new imperialists who make Cecil Rhodes seem an avuncular philanthropist, offered to build a vast “gathering space” — a shop — in Cork’s Bishop Lucey Park, Galway’s Eyre Square, or, say, Dublin’s St Stephen’s Green.

She’s married to the most powerful man in the world and is used to eating haute cuisine with heads of state.

THE company that operates the five-star Shelbourne hotel in Dublin last year recorded pre-tax losses of €2.89 million, new accounts show.

An award that celebrates those who “give while they live” is to be launched today.

THE union representing bank workers will land a €12 million windfall for members when it sells its landmark headquarters later this month.