THE global recession hit Dubai as hard, if not harder, as most popular holiday destinations, so there has rarely been a better time to venture into the midst of the Arabian Desert and discover the attractions on offer in the destination.

Former ICC Bank executive Denis O’Connell gave evidence today of travelling to Bulgaria in 2004 with the man who was later accused of laundering more than £3m from the Northern Bank robbery.

A carer from the home county of the Minister for Finance tonight said she was furious with the meagre scraps the Budget had to offer.

The Taoiseach, Bertie Ahern, has called on employers to give priority to Irish people when recruiting new staff.