Irish edition of News of the World 'to close'
It is understood that the Irish News of The World, which employs about 20 people, is to close after its UK parent newspaper was told today that Sunday would be its last edition.
A shocked employee of the Irish edition of the paper said "It's the same for us here", when asked how the UK decision to make Sunday the newspaper's last publication day affected the Irish operation.
This Sunday's edition will be the last in the UK paper's 168-year history after allegations the paper hacked into the phones of murder victims.
The news came in a two-page statement from James Murdoch of News International, who said all proceeds from advertising and sales of the final edition will be donated to charity.
Former Fleet Street Editor Roy Greenslade described the announcement as "astonishing".
"It's taken my breath away," Mr Greenslade said.
"There has been so much that has taken my breath away in the last week involving the News of the World. This is an amazing decisionā¦I feel it's the right decision.
"It's an astonishing decision."
