Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil are inching towards a deal on the formation of a minority Government which could see Enda Kenny re-elected Taoiseach in the coming days.

The two parties broke the deadlock over water charges last night and will meet again today to try and conclude a deal that could see charges vanish for two years.

Meanwhile, there will be statements on water charges in the Dáil this afternoon - but no vote to scrap or suspend them.

***

The Department of Finance is warning that Ireland is threatened by major uncertainty in the world economy, despite positive new growth figures.

A report sent to EU commission says the economy here will grow by nearly 5% this year - half a percentage point better than projected in the budget last October.

However, the report warns that global economic uncertainty is higher than at any stage since the height of the financial crisis.

***

There have been big wins for Donald Trump and Hilary Clinton in primary elections in five states in the US.

Mr Trump won a clean sweep - and now says he considers himself the presumptive Republican nominee for the Presidency.

Hilary Clinton is projected to win four of the states, and her rival Bernie Sanders one.

***

Victims of the Hillsborough disaster will be commemorated in Liverpool city centre later - after an inquest jury concluded they were unlawfully killed.

The names and ages of each of the 96 people who died will be read aloud outside St George's Hall.

There are now calls for senior police officers to face criminal proceedings.

***

Many flights to and from Germany are being hit by a strike today.

Public sector workers in baggage handling and airport security are holding half day strikes at a number of airports.

Aer Lingus has cancelled today's scheduled flights to and from Berlin and Munich.