Wednesday lunchtime briefing: Neighbours shocked after brothers die at home. Catch up on all the headlines

Good afternoon. Here’s all the news you need to know this lunchtime.

IRELAND

Post-mortem examinations are to be carried out on the bodies of two elderly brothers found dead in their home.

Tanaiste and Justice Minister Frances Fitzgerald has said she will “very carefully” consider two protected disclosures from two senior Gardai alleging a campaign to destroy whistleblowers.

The transport minister has admitted the state's subsidy for public transport services isn't high enough.

The health system has been starved of funding to improve technology, according to the HSE Director General.

WORLD 

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With the announcement that Diane James is quitting as Ukip leader just 18 days after taking the role, a lot of questions have emerged concerning what happens now. Who is currently leading the party? Hang on… who is currently leading the party? Well, as it turns out – Ukip isn’t sure either.

Democrat Tim Kaine aggressively challenged Republican Mike Pence over a long list of Donald Trump's controversial positions and statements in the only vice presidential debate of the US election campaign.

The woman allegedly raped by footballer Ched Evans said she woke up naked in a hotel room alone and could not remember how she had got there, a court has heard.

So humans aren’t the only ones to experience language barriers when they move to a new country or territory – scientists believe fish might have the same problem.

SPORT

FIFA vice-president Victor Montagliani has suggested football might still be blighted by corruption if Russia and Qatar had not been chosen to host the next two World Cups.

James McClean has warned the boo-boys their taunts will only make him stronger as he attempts to establish himself as a regular for both club and country.

Maria Sharapova has told fans she is "counting the days" until she returns to tennis next spring after the Court of Arbitration for Sport reduced her two-year doping ban to just 15 months.

There is bad news for Connacht who are losing skills coach Dave Ellis.

OPINION

Don’t expect others in the public service to rally behind the hospital consultants, writes Health Correspondent Catherine Shanahan

If you hear an unusual “tap, tap, tap” sound near Leinster House, don’t worry. It’s just Justice Minister Frances Fitzgerald attempting to chisel her way out being stuck between a damaging rock and a hard place with the Government’s most prized possession: a commission.

BUSINESS

US tech giant Apple is top on the world’s most valuable brand list, despite iPhone sales falling this year, and two British companies make the top 100.

Soaring rents and rising house prices have increased the down payment and extended the time a first-time buyer must save to secure a mortgage — with Dublin recording the longest wait, according to major research by the Central Bank.

LIFESTYLE

After 12 years and seven unsuccessful IVF treatments, Helen Browne says fertility treatment and support should be publically funded.

SHOWBIZ

Last week we welcomed The Graham Norton show back to our television sets with open arms. Robbie Williams was chatting about his former rebellious days before leaving everyone speechless as he told this NSFW story.

VIRAL

A nine-week-old, nicknamed Baby Bear, has captivated the internet, thanks to his insanely impressive hair. And just look at him.

VIDEO

For many Corkonians a staple of the summer months is a visit or two to Fitzgerald's Park in the City. Our videographer Eddie O'Hare popped along this week and captured some of the scenes from this local landmark.

TECHNOW

GAMING: Resident Evil fans might want to invest in a PlayStation if they haven't already, because the next chapter is a console exclusive.

MOVIES/TV: There's no denying that Westworld is a gorgeous looking show with huge sets, flawless special effects and a large, starry cast included Anthony Hopkins and Ed Harris so it's no surprise that HBO's latest cost a lot to make.

TECH: Google had a major conference yesterday to show of a whole range of new hardware, including two new Pixel smartphones, a VR headset and even a fancy router.

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From depression, marriage breakdowns and bankruptcy, Kerry Katona has been through a lot and during last night’s episode of Living with Lucy, she told her side of the story - warts and all.