President Hugo Chavez told his military to be prepared for a possible confrontation with Colombia, warning that Bogota’s plans to increase the US military presence at its bases posed a threat to Venezuela.

LAWS banning the sale of pre-signed Mass cards have come into effect to end a multi-million euro commercial activity which some Church leaders said had no spiritual value.

DAVID GRANT’S letter (September 24) about bogus collections of second-hand clothes just illustrates the level of scams operating in the name of charity.

Miss Australia, Jennifer Hawkins, was named Miss Universe 2004 today, following a two-hour pageant in Quito, Ecuador.

CATHRIONA Duignam is aiming to wow a host of top beauty experts on the judging panel of this year's Miss Universe pageant with two stunning Irish designer creations.