The Briefing - Your Tuesday morning news catch up

Welcome to your Tuesday morning briefing. Let us ensure you’re up to speed on what’s happening and are prepared for the day ahead.

Tue, 24 Jun, 2014 - 01:00

Greg Murphy

BRIEFING TOP STORY

HARMFUL DRINKING 'IS NORM IN IRISH SOCIETY'

More than half of Irish drinkers — almost 1.4m people — consume alcohol in a "harmful" manner, yet 98% believe they are "light or moderate drinkers".

IRISH NEWS

MOTHER GETS 14 YEARS FOR SEX ABUSE OF DAUGHTER

A mother who used her young daughter for sexual exploitation has been given a 14-year sentence.

CROWELY FACES FIANNA FAIL EXPULSION FOR EU SWITCH

Fianna Fáil will discuss expelling poll-topping MEP Brian Crowley from the party when they meet today after his decision to join the Eurosceptic group led by British Tory members.

WORLD NEWS

JAIL TERM STUNS REPORTERS FATHER

The father of an Australian journalist jailed in Egypt said his family was stunned by the court’s decision to imprison his son.

MEET RAY, THE ROBOT WHO WILL PARK YOUR CAR

Plane to catch and no time to search for a parking space? Travellers at Dusseldorf airport in Germany can now leave the job to a robot valet.

SPORT

IT'S NOT A FAIRYTALE. IT'S SPORT. AND ITS BEEN AMAZING

Yesterday I announced my retirement from competitive athletics. In this column I want to expand on my decision. It’s still quite raw and I’m a little emotional, but here goes my attempt to articulate it.

EMBRACING THE ONLY SHOW IN TOWN

There’s no getting away from football in Brazil this month — which is absolutely fabulous if you’re a fan.

BUSINESS

COMMISSION SAYS NO LEEWAY ON BUDGET

Current figures do not show any leeway for the Government in next year’s budget and the full sum of €2.1bn must be cut, says a European Commission report.

VIEWPOINTS

WE NEED AUTHENTIC LEADERS TO ROOT OUT AND PREVENT DISGUSTING GREED

I’VE decided how I will vote in the Labour leadership elections. All these years a rank-and-file member, and now I have a say in who should lead my party.

SHOWBIZ