SF voters 'angry that FF not sitting down for talks', McDonald tells Martin

Mary Lou McDonald has spoken to Micheál Martin by phone, as both Sinn Féin and Fianna Fáil continue to consider their government formation options.

The Fianna Fáil parliamentary party ruled out entering a coalition with Sinn Féin on Thursday, meaning Mr Martin would have to seek an arrangement with Fine Gael.

However, Ms McDonald says a 'grand coalition' would be "precisely what [people] voted against" in last week's election.

Prince William, Kate Middleton to visit Dublin and Galway

Britain's Prince William and his wife Kate Middleton are set to visit Dublin and Galway next month.

The royal couple will spend three days here from Tuesday March 3rd.

Exact details of the trip have not yet been disclosed.

Mother and Baby Homes Commission requests additional time

A commission set up to investigate Mother and Baby Homes has been granted an extension.

Outgoing Children's Minister Katherine Zappone has received a sixth interim report from the commission.

She says although it is a short report it "nonetheless raises complex issues related to the completion of the commission's programme of work."

Coronavirus patient attended London conference with 250 people

One of the people diagnosed with coronavirus in the UK attended a conference in London last week, along with about 250 other delegates.

Those attending included two UK Labour Party MPs.

The patient, who has not been named, attended the UK Bus Summit at the Queen Elizabeth II Centre in the British capital on February 6th.

Dolly Parton's Imagination Library hits milestone in Ireland

Children in south Dublin are taking up a free book-gifting scheme, from US superstar Dolly Parton.

The singer and actress launched the Imagination Library back in 1995, which offers free, high-quality books to children from birth until they begin school - no matter their family's income.

More than 5,300 children in Tallaght have signed up the programme.