The threat of a ratings downgrade for Spain sent blue-chip banks lower today and dragged the FTSE 100 Index back from yesterday's two-and-a-half-year high.

Two of the 12 men arrested over an alleged al-Qaida plot worked for a cargo company which has access to secure areas inside airports, it was reported today.

Owen Hargreaves believes Manchester United are the best team in the land because the “chemistry” among the squad is without equal.

Stores across the UK hope for a Christmas trading boost today after recent indications that shoppers are struggling to part with their cash.

THE fact that it can count Nicolas Cage among its clientele is no great boast for the Park Hotel Kenmare.

Cut-price cashmere jumpers helped keep UK retailer John Lewis in upbeat mood today as it posted bumper figures in the first week of its January sale.

Millions of shoppers are expected to hit the high street today on one of the UK's busiest shopping days of the year.

Trendy Italian restaurant group Carluccio’s served up a tasty boost in profits today and unveiled plans to open more branches in UK city centres.

THE Northern Ireland Tourist Board is keen to attract family groups for mid-term and other short breaks this year.

The UK’s second biggest port operator said today it remained on track for a £780m (€1.1bn) takeover by the owner of Liverpool’s John Lennon Airport.

The battle for control of the UK’s second-biggest ports firm intensified today after Peel Holdings spent £103.8m (€149.4m) for a higher stake.

Sales of Rampant Rabbit sex toys helped Ann Summers ring up a record Christmas, the lingerie chain said today.

A packed football stadium could have been the target of an al-Qaida attack, it emerged today, as 10 people arrested in anti-terror raids were being questioned by police.

Britain is in the grip of sales fever today as bargain-hunters shop their way towards an estimated £9bn (€12.8 bm) spending total.

Bargain hunters packed high streets across Britain today as the post-Christmas sales began with a boom.

England captain David Beckham was continuing his Spanish footballing renaissance as more revelations over the star’s relationship with his former manager were published today.