Your Thursday lunchtime news catch-up

Thu, 16 Jul, 2015 - 01:00

TOP STORY

Mick Wallace to co-operate with Gardaí, but refusing PAC invite

Independent TD Mick Wallace says he will co-operate with the Gardaí over allegations he made about Nama deals under Dáil privilege yesterday.

IRELAND

Joan Burton brands Social Democrats ‘the New Troika in Town’

The Tánaiste and Labour leader Joan Burton has dubbed the new political party the Social Democrats as “the New Troika in Town”.

No giveaway budget on the way hints Enda Kenny

The Taoiseach has signalled the Government will not attempt to buy the next election with a giveaway budget in October.

MOST READ: Water charge ‘farce’ to cost State millions

Water charge-dodgers are being given effective tax rebates of €100 each despite refusing to pay the levy in a “financial farce” that could cost the State tens of millions of euro, opposition TDs have warned.

SPORT

Irish amateur Paul Dunne 'pretty pleased' with dream Open start

Irish amateur Paul Dunne had such an early start to the Open Championship his only hope was someone was watching to take notice of his excellent opening round at St Andrews on Thursday morning.

MOST READ: WATCH: ‘Bully’ bashing won’t faze revitalised Alan O’Connor

Cork midfielder Alan O’Connor has dismissed former Kerry player Darragh Ó Sé’s description of him as a ‘bully’.

WORLD

Israel warns of right to defend itself

Benjamin Netanyahu has stepped up his criticism of the US-led nuclear deal with Iran.

Greece seeks immediate bailout relief after voting through austerity package

Greece is seeking urgent relief from European lenders after pushing a harsh austerity package through parliament, triggering a revolt in the governing party and violent demonstrations in central Athens.

ANALYSIS

Irish Water Q&A: How much does the utility have to raise and is the scheme feasible?

We answer some of the most common questions about Irish Water.

EXAMVIRAL

WATCH: Batman vs Superman and Man of Steel scenes connected up match perfectly

Comic-Con and the world went nuts last weekend when we got a full length trailer for the new DC Comic’s blockbuster, Batman vs Superman.

MOST READ: WATCH: Too-tall lorry gets stuck on one-way street in Cork

We’d hate to have been the unlucky driver of this lorry.

TECHNOW

VIDEO Sony Xperia Z3 Plus review

Sony Mobile has just released their new flagship smartphone in the form of the Sony Xperia Z3+ and its got a shedload of features

Apple sued by Irish company over iWatch name | http://t.co/VukZzqZNUZ (DOD) pic.twitter.com/YpkP2G8rLf
— Irish Examiner Lifestyle (@IELifestyle_) July 16, 2015

MOST READ: Apple sued by Irish company over iWatch name

Apple may not have called its smartwatch the iWatch, but it is still being sued over its usage by Dublin-based Probendi.

BUSINESS

Sports Direct staff share £150m bonus after profits jump

Thousands of Sports Direct workers will share in a £150m bonus scheme after the retailer posted a surge in profits, but cut current year targets after admitting expansion plans had fallen short.

IMF’s bailout threat a challenge to Germany

The IMF’s threat to pull out of bailouts for Greece unless European partners grant Athens massive debt relief poses a stark challenge to Germany, the biggest creditor, which insists on IMF involvement in any future rescue.

LIFESTYLE

Could you last a day without your smartphone and its apps?

Claire Droney lost her phone recently and it was a wake-up call as to how reliant she is on apps for everything from dressing to shopping to even paying for coffee. Just take a look at her typical day.

SHOWBIZ

Coronation Street: no happily ever after for Sally Webster | http://t.co/09tFA6x67I pic.twitter.com/VzW8BbZ1k1
— IE Arts & Culture (@IEArtsCulture) July 16, 2015

Coronation Street: no happily ever after for Sally Webster

Coronation Street star Sally Dynevor has said Sally Webster can never have everything she wants in life – because her whole character is based on her striving for perfection.