Your Monday lunchtime news catch-up

A deal agreed to guarantee local authority staff work with Irish Water until the middle of the next decade was “cloaked in secrecy”; US Police have launched a massive manhunt following the killing of an officer who interrupted a drug deal; A breakthrough in the war against cancer could save hundreds of lives with a simple urine test. Here’s today’s lunchtime irishexaminer.com round-up.

Mon, 03 Aug, 2015 - 01:00

TOP STORY

Charlie Flanagan: Determined to leave a legacy of his own

Foreign Affairs Minister Charlie Flanagan speaks to Political Reporter Juno McEnroe about juggling diplomatic sensitivities and his ambitions for the remainder of the Coalition’s term.

IRELAND

Irish Water deal ‘cloaked in secrecy’

A deal agreed to guarantee local authority staff work with Irish Water until the middle of the next decade was “cloaked in secrecy” and is a noose around the company’s neck, Renua leader Lucinda Creighton has claimed.

‘Ugly’ disused factory ‘diminishes’ tourist town: Killarney Council

Council chiefs have been urged to repurpose a “monumentally ugly” disused factory in a tourist town.

SPORT

World bodies vow action following leak of 'suspicious' blood tests by top athletes

Both the World Anti-Doping Agency and the International Association of Athletics Federations have promised to act if information contained within the ”biggest leak of blood-test data in sporting history” proves to be correct.

Angel di Maria attends Paris St Germain medical

Angel di Maria has arrived in Doha for his medical with Paris St Germain.

WORLD

Manhunt for armed cop killer in Memphis

Police have launched a massive manhunt following the killing of an officer who interrupted a drug deal.

Biden for president? Allies mulling Clinton challenge

Vice-president Joe Biden’s associates have resumed discussions about a 2016 presidential run after largely shelving such deliberations while his son was sick and dying earlier this year.

ANALYSIS

Bold initiatives required to address nation’s housing crisis

The Housing Agency’s first National Statement highlights the difficulties besetting efforts to house people. But as Rory Hearne points out, few practical solutions are offered.

LIFESTYLE

Views on black women coloured by media

The Twitter spat between Nicki Minaj and Taylor Swift is far more than two pop princesses having a go at one another. Minaj is reminding us how appallingly black women are treated by media, says Louise O’Neill.

EXAMVIRAL

Quick Quiz: Can you pass the colour blind test?

It’s the last Bank Holiday weekend of the summer and while usually we would look forward to a nice long weekend of beer gardens and beaches, the Irish weather has other plans for us.

POLL: Is the new Manchester United women’s shirt sexist?

Manchester United released their new kit on Saturday to much fanfare but the design of the women’s version has caused a social media debate.

TECHNOW

GAMING

Gamescom 2015 preview | http://t.co/jK5qWF175x (RMC) pic.twitter.com/d12T9LWnSz
— Irish Examiner Lifestyle (@IELifestyle_) August 3, 2015

In Irish cinemas August 7th | http://t.co/uTJGA83EGF (RMC) pic.twitter.com/BvG3Gy8i8B
— Irish Examiner Lifestyle (@IELifestyle_) August 3, 2015

Dell unveils rugged Latitude 12 tablet | http://t.co/NKSS9JW5Ko (RMC) pic.twitter.com/769huqrcJr
— Irish Examiner Lifestyle (@IELifestyle_) August 3, 2015

BUSINESS

X-Bolt Orthopaedics could be snapped up by a major player

Dr Brian Thornes had a light bulb moment when using a bolt to fit a TV on a wall. He’s now reaping the rewards, says Trish Dromey.

Kelsius to provide tech for retailers

Kelsius – a food monitoring technology firm – said it has completed a contract to install its new and “unique” FoodCheck technology systems in SuperValu and Centra stores.

SHOWBIZ

Spanish police investigate 'dizzy spell' claim following Cilla Black's death

Spanish police are investigating whether Cilla Black’s death was caused by a fall from a dizzy spell, caused by a sudden temperature change in the room.