Your Wednesday evening catch-up

Here’s a briefing on some of the stories and issues highlighted on irishexaminer.com today.

TOP STORIES

Taoiseach Enda Kenny has said he is “disappointed” at the Web Summit organisers’ decision to move the convention from Ireland. Founder Paddy Cosgrave has confirmed the 2016 event will take place in Lisbon - because of its great “transport and hotel infrastructure” and start-of-the art venue.

Meanwhile, the president of the Irish Hotels Federation Stephen McNally has said he is not all that surprised by the move. “We’ve been aware for some time that a move was on the cards and really it is out of size and growth,” said McNally.

Democratic Unionist Party leader Peter Robinson has rejected allegations he was to receive any payment linked to the North’s largest ever property sale. Dismissing as baseless the accusations made to a Stormont scrutiny committee, Mr Robinson, who has temporarily stood aside as first minister to facilitate talks to save the devolved Assembly at Stormont, said he would be willing to appear before MLAs.

In our Farming Poll it was revealed that Fine Gael is still the most favoured political party among farmers and one in five survey respondents would like the current coalition returned after the next general election

For more news, data and analysis on the 2015 Farming Poll, click HERE.

WORLD

Volkswagen CEO Martin Winterkorn says he is stepping down “in the interests of the company” as it grapples with the emissions scandal. Mr Wintekorn said in a statement: “Volkswagen needs a fresh start – also in terms of personnel. I am clearing the way for this fresh start with my resignation.”

US President Barack Obama has welcomed Pope Francis to Washington. A crowd of 15,000 watched as the pope and president stood to attention on a red-carpeted platform decorated with red, white and blue bunting for the national anthems of the Holy See and the United States.