1. FG and FF to discuss minority government
The parties' negotiating teams are set to commence formal talks later today with a view to agreeing the shape of a minority government that could run for 2½ years. The talks come after the parties agreed over the weekend that a minority arrangement was the only show in town. Fianna Fáil leader Micheál Martin has called for 'cool heads' ahead of the talks after saying his party was "committed" to taking a responsible role to ensure a minority government would have the support needed in the Dáil.
2. Tories warn of Brexit border controls
Leading Conservatives on both sides of Britain's referendum debate have warned that border controls with the North could be introduced if the UK votes to leave the European Union. Former chancellor Nigel Lawson, who is chairman of the Vote Leave campaign, said that border checks would be needed along the 310-mile Irish Border to prevent illegal immigration. Meanwhile, in a development that bodes ill for anti-Brexit camp, the Netherlands became the latest country to hold a referendum on EU-related matters last week. Wednesday's vote on a trade pact between the European Union and Ukraine took place four months after Denmark held a referendum on whether to opt in to certain EU justice laws. The decisive rejection of both referendums by voters is a wake-up call for the EU.
3. CCTV images of illegal dumpers posted on Dublin city wall
Illegal dumpers who throw their household rubbish on the street have for the the first time been publicly shamed by Dublin City Council. The council has erected a poster in one of the city's worst litter blackspots in the north inner city, showing 12 pictures of people who were caught on CCTV dumping rubbish on the street. The Council says that within day of poster going up last week, street was clear.
4. Willett prevails as Spieth capitulates in drama filled finish
Bobby Jones may have discovered an old orchard and transformed it into a golfing paradise. And Jordan Spieth may have felt he'd made it his own. But that old cliché about the Masters only coming alive on the back nine of the final round proved unerringly accurate; and Danny Willett – the son of a preacher man – produced a master-class of his own to win this 80th edition of the tournament. Of course, Bernhard Langer's exploits in this 80th edition of the US Masters - the German's 33rd appearance in the tournament - were remarkable, for a number of reasons.
5. Two shipwrecks discovered along Connemara coastline
Two shipwrecks dating to the 18th and 19th centuries have been found in Connemara bays that were renowned for smuggling activity. The older of the two wrecks was located by currach fisherman John Bhaba Jeaic Ó Conghaíle in Cuan Chaisín in Ceantar na nOileáin. The vessel, believed to date to the 18th century, has been virtually stripped of its timbers.
