High Court approves appointment of inspectors to INM

The High Court has approved the appointment of two inspectors to investigate the affairs of Independent News and Media.

The country’s corporate watchdog, the Office of the Director of Corporate Enforcement (ODCE), had made the application after raising concerns about certain matters within the company.

Independent News and Media (INM) had argued against the appointments – saying it could have negative consequences on the company.

Mr Justice Peter Kelly took over an hour and a half to read out sections of his 76 page judgement this afternoon.

Fianna Fáil rejects Taoiseach’s call for talks on confidence and supply extension

The Fianna Fáil leader has rejected the Taoiseach's call for talks on an extension to the confidence and supply agreement.

In a letter to Leo Varadkar this afternoon, Micheál Martin insisted that Fianna Fáil will not discuss an extension until after the Budget is agreed and announced.

It comes after Mr Varadkar wrote to his Fianna Fáil counterpart last Friday - calling for the arrangement to be extended and for a 2020 date to be set for the next election.

He also warned that a government “cannot function properly if it does not know if it will last from week to week” or if it “does not know what will happen the day after the Budget.”

New Garda chief Drew Harris doesn’t view himself as an outsider

The new Garda Commissioner has said he does not view himself as an outsider.

Drew Harris has given his first press conference, where he discussed issues such as Garda resources, the Hutch Kinahan feud and the threat of republicanism.

The former deputy chief constable of the PSNI is the first external candidate to become head of An Garda Síochana

Today, he said he views himself as one of the team.

He observed: "I'm Irish, and I'm not sure how much of an outsider I am really.

Majority of UK citizens opposed to 'Chequers' plan on Brexit

A new poll has found that the majority of UK citizens do not approve of the Brexit policy being pursued by Downing Street.

According to the poll carried out by Sky, some 52% disapprove of the plan - agreed by the British Cabinet at Prime Minister Theresa May’s Chequers country estate in July.

According to the data, most Britons would prefer a closer relationship with the EU than the one being put forward by Mrs May.

Just 18% said they approve of the deal - while 30% said they do not know.

Protesters plan to fly Trump 'angry baby' balloon for Irish visit

A giant balloon depicting US President Donald Trump as an angry baby is set for Irish shores.

Organisers say they want to join planned protests against Mr Trump's visit here.

The White House and the Irish Government confirmed the visit in November on Friday.

The White House said the US president is visiting "to renew the deep and historic ties between our two nations".