A second postmaster has put himself up as an election candidate in the deepening row with the Government over feared post office closures.

Eight candidates are preparing to contest the general election over the threat to hundreds of rural and urban post office services.

Six cars were washed out to sea at Cleggan in west Co Galway in one of the worst storms to hit the west in years.

Flooding and high winds are continuing to cause problems for many homeowners and business people across the country today.

Road restrictions are in place in cities and towns across the country today to facilitate hundreds of St Patrick's Day parades.