Trump says Iran “standing down”
Donald Trump says Iran appears to be 'standing down' - confirming that no Americans were injured in a series of airstrikes last night.
However, the US President also announced that the US will be imposing "additional punishing economic sanctions" on the Iranian regime.
It comes after two air bases in Iraq were targeted by Iran in several airstrikes.
American troops were based at the facilities, with the strikes carried out in retaliation for the US killing of top Iranian general Qasem Soleimani on Friday.
Hospital overcrowding remains “severe”
The number of patients on trolleys at hospitals nationwide has dropped today - but the Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation (INMO) says the overcrowding situation remains "severe".
For the second day in a row, there were 760 people without a bed in Irish hospitals on Tuesday - more than the total bed capacity of any hospital in the State.
Today, 621 people are waiting for beds.
University Hospital Limerick remains the worst affected facility with 63 people on trolleys, followed by 46 at University Hospital Galway and and 43 at Cork University Hospital.
Sinn Féin labels Varadkar RIC comments “disingenuous”
The Taoiseach has said the backlash against the Government’s plan to commemorate the RIC marks a set-back on the road towards a united Ireland.
Speaking this afternoon, Leo Varadkar said yesterday’s decision to postpone the event was the right one.
Plans for the commemoration faced growing public opposition in recent days due to the RICs role in enforcing British rule in Ireland and the police force’s association with the Black and Tans and the Auxiliaries during the War of Independence.
Mr Varadkar said he believes a united Ireland is possible within his lifetime but claimed the response to the planned commemoration had pushed the prospect further back.
Bus hijacked at Dublin Airport
Two men have been arrested as part of an investigation after a mini bus was stolen at Dublin Airport.
They are also been held on suspected false imprisonment of three passengers, who were onboard the bus.
The alarm was raised shortly before 1.00am on Wednesday.
It is understood two men boarded the bus and drove in the direction of the M1.
Man due in court charged with attempted abduction
A man arrested in connection with the assault and attempted abduction of a woman near Phoenix Park on Monday is due in court tomorrow morning.
The woman, aged in her 60s, escaped after a man approached her and attempted to force her into the boot of a car in the Martin’s Grove/Blackhorse Avenue area on Monday morning.
She managed to flee the scene and the car drove away via Blackhorse Avenue towards Dublin city centre.
A 20-year-old man arrested in connection with the investigation yesterday is due in court tomorrow.
