Your Wednesday morning catch-up

Good morning. Here’s everything you need to know before you start your day.

TOP STORIES

Ireland is ready for a gay taoiseach, according to an Irish Examiner/ICMSA national opinion poll of farmers.  In the survey of farming households, 45% of respondents said the country was now ready for its first gay taoiseach, with 20% saying they are strongly in favour. However, more than one in three (36%) strongly disagreed with the statement.

Ministers have backed Taoiseach Enda Kenny as he faced down accusations of being dishonest and dodging questions about his role in the resignation of the Garda commissioner.

One of Cork’s most established politicians,  minister of state Kathleen Lynch,  opposes the merger of Cork’s city and county councils.

WORLD 

Justice ministers “snatched victory from the jaws of defeat” the vice-president of the European Commission admitted  after a U-turn on the refugee crisis by eastern European countries.

A “ginger extremist” who fantasised about shooting Prince Charles so Harry could be king  has been found guilty of plotting a terror attack “for the Aryan people”.