Egypt’s vice president met major opposition groups for the first time and offered new concessions including freedom of the press, release of those detained since anti-government protests began nearly two weeks ago and the eventual lifting of hated emergency laws.

Tens of thousands of people converged on the heart of Cairo today, responding to a call for a million Egyptians to unite in the largest protest in a week of unceasing demands for President Hosni Mubarak to leave after nearly 30 years in power.

HUNDREDS of Irish citizens are attempting to flee Egypt as the country descends further into crisis, sparked by a violent popular revolt.