The Briefing - Your Monday morning news catch up

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

Mon, 04 Aug, 2014 - 01:00

Robert McNamara

BRIEFING TOP STORY

RONAN QUINN ON THE HUNT FOR JUSTICE IN WAKE OF MOTHER'S MURDER

The son of a woman murdered in 2002 wants a range of minimum sentences of 15 to 30 years and whole-life terms for murderers, writes Cormac O’Keeffe.

IRISH NEWS

'FLAWED' DATA BEHIND CUT IN CHILDREN'S WATER QUOTA

The energy regulator is under pressure to explain what evidence it used to justify a reduction in the free water allowance for children when charges come in next year, after claims the decision was based on "biased" or "flawed" research.

CRECHE WORKERS PAID IN SPITE OF CLOSURES

The Department of Education is continuing to pay wages to staff at some VEC creches despite the fact the facilities have been closed for some time.

WORLD NEWS

ISRAEL PULLS OUT GROUND TROOPS FROM GAZA STRIP

Israel withdrew most of its ground troops from the Gaza Strip yesterday in an apparent winding-down of the nearly month-long operation against Hamas that has left more than 1,800 Palestinians and 60 Israelis dead.

EARTHQUAKE KILLS AT LEAST 367 IN CHINA

A strong earthquake in southern China’s Yunnan province toppled thousands of homes yesterday, killing at least 367 people and injuring more than 1,800.

SPORT

OLD HIGHS AND NEW LOWS AS MAYO SAVOUR CORK SLAYING

By day’s end, football delivered the first pair of All-Ireland semi-finalists most believed would fetch up at headquarters in three weeks’ time.

FLETCHER FIT AND LEADING UNITED REHABILITATION

After three years of pain and frustration, Darren Fletcher’s road to recovery finally appears to be nearing its end.

BUSINESS

MOSCOW NOW IN FIRING LINE

Sanctions will impact heavily on Russia which, despite its ‘gas card’, may not have as strong a hand as it thinks, writes Kyran Fitzgerald.

VIEWPOINTS

SEATS OF POWER: ONE LOT ALWAYS WANTS TO LIMIT THE OTHER

Terry Prone: I had this client due in for a breakfast meeting the other day. A powerful and important woman, this client, albeit possessed of such physical fragility she looks like she eats a single rusk once a fortnight. She clearly needed building up, so I started to cook breakfast for her.

SHOWBIZ