More news in brief.
Aer Lingus dispute talks continue
Talks aimed at resolving the dispute between Aer Lingus and its trade unions will continue at the Labour Court today. A strike was averted after the court said it would launch a formal investigation into the dispute.
After Siptu withdrew its threat, Aer Lingus agreed not to introduce controversial new contracts for existing staff which were due to come into force yesterday.
Cork airport consultant plan
Cork Airport Authority is to hire its own independent consultant to develop a strategic plan and assess the long-term independent viability of the airport in the wake of the Government's proposal that it would carry €100 million of its new terminal debt.
After a board meeting last night, the authority said it was not in a position "to evaluate or discuss the long-term financing of Cork Airport as recently proposed".
Connolly to run as Independent
Cavan-Monaghan TD Paudge Connolly announced last night that he would contest the forthcoming election as an Independent.
Mr Connolly, who was elected as a hospital candidate in 2002, said he had recently been approached to run for Fianna Fáil and he was asked to outline his demands for services at Monaghan General Hospital.
He got "no satisfactory response from the Government in relation to these demands".
Four held over firearm find
Four people have been arrested in Dublin following the discovery of a firearm and ammunition in the north of the city. Two men and two women were detained following the search of a building on Richmond Road in Drumcondra.
Pensioner (92) found murdered
A pensioner has been found murdered in Belfast. Formerly with the British navy, Charlie Steed (92) was beaten about the head and dumped in the bedroom of his house at Canberra Park, Dundonald.
Warning on stolen car certificates
Gardaí are warning motorists looking to buy a used car to check the serial number on the top right hand corner of the UK vehicle registration certificate following the theft of more than 20,000 blank vehicle registration certificates from the driver and vehicle licensing agency in the UK.
If a certificate has the prefix BG within the range BG 9167501 to BG 9190500, motorists are advised to contact the Garda or police.
Shotgun used in attack on Cork house
Gardaí in Cork say they are keeping an open mind as to the motive behind a shotgun attack on a house in the city yesterday morning.
Officers believe that at least two shots were fired at the local authority owned house at Springvale, Old Youghal Road, Mayfield, at about 4.45am.
The shots caused damage to the front door of the house and a sitting room window but none of the occupants, which included two adults and six children, was injured.
A small car, believed to be silver, was seen speeding from the scene. Gardaí were last night examining a car burnt out near Rathpeacon.
Anyone with any information is asked to contact gardaí in Mayfield on 021-455 8510.