Irish Independent (Dublin, Republic of Ireland) back issues from December 2008:
A PIANIST was hired to play at a reception in Mary Harney's luxury suite at a Cape Town hotel because it was "conducive to an atmosphere that would get results" from assembled business people.
Dec 01, 2008 ... Hotel pianist strikes bum note for Harney A PIANIST was hired to play at a reception in Mary Harney's luxury suite at a Cape Town hotel because it was "conducive to an atmosphere that would get results" from assembled business people. The musician played in the ...
THE state broadcaster will make history this week with its first show aimed specifically at Ireland's gay community.
Dec 01, 2008 ... New RTE gay show 'history in making' THE state broadcaster will make history this week with its first show aimed specifically at Ireland's gay community. Named after the signature vodka cocktail made famous by the hit sitcom 'Sex and The City', 'The Cosmopolitan', ...
OCTOGENARIANS typically have plenty of tales to tell, but few could compete with the Gate Theatre which officially celebrated its 80th birthday last night.
Dec 01, 2008 ... Theatre world celebrates 80 years OCTOGENARIANS typically have plenty of tales to tell, but few could compete with the Gate Theatre which officially celebrated its 80th birthday last night. Just before the curtain lifted, the jammed foyer was like a "who's who" of ...
ARCHBISHOP Desmond Tutu gave Niall Mellon and his volunteers a warm welcome as they embarked on a Building Blitz under the South African sun.
Dec 01, 2008 ... Building hope as Ballsbridge Baron does hard labour under African sun ARCHBISHOP Desmond Tutu gave Niall Mellon and his volunteers a warm welcome as they embarked on a Building Blitz under the South African sun. The religious leader embraced the founder of the Niall ...
JACK Frost is expected to deliver another picture postcard coating to the countryside this morning, but motorists have been urged to avoid unnecessary journeys.
Dec 01, 2008 ... Swan lake on ice after big freeze JACK Frost is expected to deliver another picture postcard coating to the countryside this morning, but motorists have been urged to avoid unnecessary journeys. The Christmas-like white dusting on the trees and fields created ...
ARCHBISHOP Desmond Tutu gave Niall Mellon and his volunteers a warm welcome as they embarked on a Building Blitz under the South African sun.
Dec 01, 2008 ... Building hope as Ballsbridge Baron does hard labour ARCHBISHOP Desmond Tutu gave Niall Mellon and his volunteers a warm welcome as they embarked on a Building Blitz under the South African sun. The religious leader embraced the founder of the Niall Mellon Township ...
The State has paid out '83m so far this year in costs for the accommodation of asylum seekers.
Dec 01, 2008 ... Centres now host 7,000 asylum seekers The State has paid out '83m so far this year in costs for the accommodation of asylum seekers. The massive bill covers a total of almost 7,000 asylum seekers located in 59 centres spread across 22 counties. The accommodation is ...
JACK Frost is expected to deliver another picture postcard coating to the countryside this morning but motorists have been urged to avoid unnecessary journeys.
Dec 01, 2008 ... Swan lake on ice after big freeze JACK Frost is expected to deliver another picture postcard coating to the countryside this morning but motorists have been urged to avoid unnecessary journeys. The Christmas-like white dusting on the trees and fields created problems ...
THE number of road deaths is heading for a sharp fall this year if drivers continue to be vigilant on the roads, according to the Road Safety Authority.
Dec 01, 2008 ... drivers take care THE number of road deaths is heading for a sharp fall this year if drivers continue to be vigilant on the roads, according to the Road Safety Authority. Better enforcement and adherence to road safety laws appear to be behind the reduction in road ...
A trade union member of the FAS board has insisted it does not "have to answer" to the Labour Party leader, after Eamon Gilmore called on its members to resign.
Dec 01, 2008 ... Member rejects Gilmore's resignation call A trade union member of the FAS board has insisted it does not "have to answer" to the Labour Party leader, after Eamon Gilmore called on its members to resign. General secretary of the Technical, Engineering and Electrical ...
The State has paid out '83m so far this year in costs for the accommodation of asylum seekers.
Dec 01, 2008 ... 7,000 asylum seekers are housed at 59 centres this year The State has paid out '83m so far this year in costs for the accommodation of asylum seekers. The massive bill covers a total of almost 7,000 asylum seekers located in 59 centres spread across 22 counties. The ...
Delivering a set entirely comprising covers is hardly the most auspicious way for any act to make an impression.
Dec 01, 2008 ... Post-punk classics provide good cover Delivering a set entirely comprising covers is hardly the most auspicious way for any act to make an impression. It's usually a ploy used by fledgling bands to get used to playing live. The Paris-based Nouvelle Vague don't have ...
A trade union member of the FAS board has insisted it does not "have to answer" to the Labour Party leader, after Eamon Gilmore called on its members to resign.
Dec 01, 2008 ... Member rejects Gilmore's resignation call A trade union member of the FAS board has insisted it does not "have to answer" to the Labour Party leader, after Eamon Gilmore called on its members to resign. General secretary of the Technical, Engineering and Electrical ...
MINISTERIAL staff in private offices and their constituency organisations are costing the taxpayer '10m a year, new figures show, writes Senan Molony.
Dec 01, 2008 ... Ministers' staff costs taxpayer '10m MINISTERIAL staff in private offices and their constituency organisations are costing the taxpayer '10m a year, new figures show, writes Senan Molony. Cabinet and junior ministers now have 200 staff working for their personal and ...
ATTEMPTS have begun to form a new political party to fill the gap left by the Progressive Democrats.
Dec 01, 2008 ... Tom Morrissey: in discussions with business interests ATTEMPTS have begun to form a new political party to fill the gap left by the Progressive Democrats. Former PD councillor Tom Morrissey has told the Irish Independent he is in discussions with business interests to ...
A PIANIST was hired to play at a reception in Mary Harney's luxury suite at a top Cape Town hotel because the music would be "conducive to an atmosphere that would get results".
Dec 01, 2008 ... Pianist hired for Harney suite 'set tone for business' A PIANIST was hired to play at a reception in Mary Harney's luxury suite at a top Cape Town hotel because the music would be "conducive to an atmosphere that would get results". A spokesman rejected criticism of ...
EAMON GILMORE will be deployed as Labour's key vote-winning asset in the run-up to the local and European elections after a major conference speech that positioned him as an Obama-style agent of change.(Conference news)
Dec 01, 2008 ... Together we can beat the recession, says Gilmore EAMON GILMORE will be deployed as Labour's key vote-winning asset in the run-up to the local and European elections after a major conference speech that positioned him as an Obama-style agent of change. Overtones of the ...
MINISTERIAL staff in private offices and their constituency organisations are costing the taxpayer '10m a year, new figures show, writes Senan Molony.
Dec 01, 2008 ... Ministers' personal staff cost the taxpayer '10m MINISTERIAL staff in private offices and their constituency organisations are costing the taxpayer '10m a year, new figures show, writes Senan Molony. Cabinet and junior ministers now have 200 staff working for their ...
ATTEMPTS have begun to form a new political party to fill the gap left by the Progressive Democrats.
Dec 01, 2008 ... Reform Party would target support from business ATTEMPTS have begun to form a new political party to fill the gap left by the Progressive Democrats. Former PD councillor Tom Morrissey has told the Irish Independent he is in discussions with business interests to ...
A PIANIST was hired play at a reception in Mary Harney's luxury suite at a top Cape Town hotel because the music would be "conducive to an atmosphere that would get results".
Dec 01, 2008 ... Concert musician played in '2,600 rooms A PIANIST was hired play at a reception in Mary Harney's luxury suite at a top Cape Town hotel because the music would be "conducive to an atmosphere that would get results". A spokesman rejected criticism of Ms Harney's stay in ...
EAMON GILMORE will be deployed as Labour's key vote-winning asset in the run up to the local and European elections in a little over six months' time after a major conference speech that positioned him as an Obama-style agent of change.(Conference news)
Dec 01, 2008 ... We can tackle recession, vows go-it-alone Gilmore EAMON GILMORE will be deployed as Labour's key vote-winning asset in the run up to the local and European elections in a little over six months' time after a major conference speech that positioned him as an Obama-style agent of ...
A massive public stimulus package is all that stands between the nation and economic calamity, Labour party Finance spokeswoman Joan Burton told the conference -- "but Brian Cowen still doesn't get it".(Conference news)
Dec 01, 2008 ... Burton calls for stimulus package to reflate economy A massive public stimulus package is all that stands between the nation and economic calamity, Labour party Finance spokeswoman Joan Burton told the conference -- "but Brian Cowen still doesn't get it". The ...
A massive public stimulus package is all that stands between the nation and economic calamity, Labour party Finance spokeswoman Joan Burton told the conference -- "but Brian Cowen still doesn't get it".(Conference news)
Dec 01, 2008 ... Burton calls for public stimulus package A massive public stimulus package is all that stands between the nation and economic calamity, Labour party Finance spokeswoman Joan Burton told the conference -- "but Brian Cowen still doesn't get it". The Taoiseach was ...
Delivering a set entirely comprising covers is hardly the most auspicious way for any act to make an impression.
Dec 01, 2008 ... Post-punk classics provide good cover for chic reinventors Delivering a set entirely comprising covers is hardly the most auspicious way for any act to make an impression. It's usually a ploy used by fledgling bands to get used to playing live. The Paris-based ...
Clontarf emphasised their Division One title credentials with an emphatic 26-8 win over fellow challengers Blackrock at a freezing Castle Avenue on Saturday.
Dec 01, 2008 ... DIVISION ONE Clontarf emphasised their Division One title credentials with an emphatic 26-8 win over fellow challengers Blackrock at a freezing Castle Avenue on Saturday. It makes it five wins from five for Andy Wood's men and pushes them five points clear of the ...
AFTER drawing the host nation in the last two World Cups, Ireland will be hoping for a kinder draw when the pools for the 2011 tournament are decided in London this afternoon, WRITES HUGH FARRELLY.
Dec 01, 2008 ... face World Cup AFTER drawing the host nation in the last two World Cups, Ireland will be hoping for a kinder draw when the pools for the 2011 tournament are decided in London this afternoon, WRITES HUGH FARRELLY. Ireland were pooled with Australia in 2003 and France ...
LEINSTER have swapped roles with Munster this season in that their Magners League priorities have been sacrificed in the name of European expansion and Saturday's meeting with the Dragons at a heaving RDS was all about building confidence ahead of next weekend's Heineken Cup meeting with Castres.
Dec 01, 2008 ... Openside smoking hot as back-ups make strong case LEINSTER have swapped roles with Munster this season in that their Magners League priorities have been sacrificed in the name of European expansion and Saturday's meeting with the Dragons at a heaving RDS was all about building ...
An interesting cameo in the old viewing platform in the RDS, as a gaggle of tape recorders go whirr and Michael Cheika and Chris Whitaker go brrr.
Dec 01, 2008 ... Dragon slayers sharpen focus with European double date looming large An interesting cameo in the old viewing platform in the RDS, as a gaggle of tape recorders go whirr and Michael Cheika and Chris Whitaker go brrr. The younger, wirier Australian is completing his ...
Cooley sheep farmers John Elmore and Brendan Rafferty have decided to lodge an appeal to the Supreme Court after losing a High Court action against the Department of Agriculture over the level of compensation paid for livestock culled during the Foot and Mouth outbreak in 2001.
Dec 02, 2008 ... Cooley farmers appeal to Supreme Court Cooley sheep farmers John Elmore and Brendan Rafferty have decided to lodge an appeal to the Supreme Court after losing a High Court action against the Department of Agriculture over the level of compensation paid for livestock culled ...
The WTO wheels have begun to turn again over the past month.
Dec 02, 2008 ... Beef sector on alert as WTO revived The WTO wheels have begun to turn again over the past month. There are suggestions of a last-ditch effort being made to convene the various parties late next week, with a view to nailing down the framework of a deal ahead of the ...
ROADS have had a big impact on many farms around the country. There is no doubt the level of compensation can look small beside the damage done to a farm entity.
Dec 02, 2008 ... RAC report reveals the benefits of developing new highways ROADS have had a big impact on many farms around the country. There is no doubt the level of compensation can look small beside the damage done to a farm entity. It is OK for people like me to say how much ...
The IFA has vowed to intensify its campaign to secure a ewe maintenance payment for sheep farmers.
Dec 02, 2008 ... IFA intensify ewe payment protest The IFA has vowed to intensify its campaign to secure a ewe maintenance payment for sheep farmers. Lamb producers have been protesting outside the Department's headquarters in Dublin since last week and the association has insisted ...
RYANAIR chief Michael O'Leary will press ahead with plans to take over Aer Lingus but will need to increase his offer significantly if it is to be considered by the Government.
Dec 02, 2008 ... Ryanair boss will meet ministers as board rebuffs '750m takeover RYANAIR chief Michael O'Leary will press ahead with plans to take over Aer Lingus but will need to increase his offer significantly if it is to be considered by the Government. Last night Mr O'Leary ...
PUBLICANS have been warned they will need to cut their prices if they are going to keep customers.
Dec 02, 2008 ... Price freeze fails to cheer drinkers PUBLICANS have been warned they will need to cut their prices if they are going to keep customers. Consumer representatives said pubs will have to go further than the price freeze they announced for the next year. ...
RYANAIR chief Michael O'Leary will press ahead with plans to take over Aer Lingus despite the decision of the board to shoot down his second bid for the airline.
Dec 02, 2008 ... Ryanair boss will meet ministers as board rebuffs '750m takeover RYANAIR chief Michael O'Leary will press ahead with plans to take over Aer Lingus despite the decision of the board to shoot down his second bid for the airline. Last night Mr O'Leary said he would ...
GARDAI are carrying out an intensive search of a Dublin park following a tip-off that a body may be buried there.
Dec 02, 2008 ... Search for body in park after tip-off GARDAI are carrying out an intensive search of a Dublin park following a tip-off that a body may be buried there. Officers sealed off a section of St Anne's Park in Raheny yesterday morning and sent in a search team, backed up by ...
GARDAI investigating the murder of a Dublin drug dealer last week have widened their inquiries, writes Tom Brady.
Dec 02, 2008 ... Detectives widen hunt for killer GARDAI investigating the murder of a Dublin drug dealer last week have widened their inquiries, writes Tom Brady. Officers initially believed that victim Sean Cloherty (27) was shot dead by a crime gang because of his extensive ...
GARDAI investigating the murder of a Dublin drug dealer last week have widened their inquiries, writes Tom Brady.
Dec 02, 2008 ... Detectives widen killer manhunt GARDAI investigating the murder of a Dublin drug dealer last week have widened their inquiries, writes Tom Brady. Officers initially believed that victim Sean Cloherty (27) was shot dead by a crime gang because of his extensive ...
GARDAI fear that a missing Romanian teenage girl has been murdered because she refused to become a prostitute.
Dec 02, 2008 ... Gardai believe criminal posing as a Good Samaritan shot Roma girl GARDAI fear that a missing Romanian teenage girl has been murdered because she refused to become a prostitute. They suspect that 19-year-old Marioara Rostas was shot dead by a Dublin criminal, who had ...
DUBLIN City Council should make car parking free for shoppers on Saturdays to encourage people to spend their money in the city centre, the Dublin Chamber of Commerce said yesterday.
Dec 02, 2008 ... Retailers make plea for free Saturday parking DUBLIN City Council should make car parking free for shoppers on Saturdays to encourage people to spend their money in the city centre, the Dublin Chamber of Commerce said yesterday. Responding to a 20 cent hike in the ...
THE motor industry last night called for a scrappage scheme for older cars as new figures show a 55pc plunge in new-car registrations last month.
Dec 02, 2008 ... scheme THE motor industry last night called for a scrappage scheme for older cars as new figures show a 55pc plunge in new-car registrations last month. Registrations for the first 11 months to the end of November are now trailing the equivalent period in 2007 by ...
PUBLICANS have been warned they will need to cut their prices if they are going to keep customers.
Dec 02, 2008 ... Drinks price freeze won't save you, publicans told PUBLICANS have been warned they will need to cut their prices if they are going to keep customers. Consumer representatives said pubs will have to go further than the price freeze announced for the next year. ...
THE motor industry last night called for a scrappage scheme for older cars as new figures show a 55pc plunge in new-car registrations last month.
Dec 02, 2008 ... 'Scrap scheme' call as car sales fall by 55pc THE motor industry last night called for a scrappage scheme for older cars as new figures show a 55pc plunge in new-car registrations last month. Registrations for the first 11 months to the end of November are now ...
DUBLIN City Council should make car parking free for shoppers on Saturdays to encourage people to spend their money in the city centre, the Dublin Chamber of Commerce said yesterday.
Dec 02, 2008 ... Retailers want free Saturday parking as charges rise DUBLIN City Council should make car parking free for shoppers on Saturdays to encourage people to spend their money in the city centre, the Dublin Chamber of Commerce said yesterday. Responding to a 20 cent hike in ...
ONE of America's leading civil rights lawyers has called for rendition of terror suspects to be suspended immediately.
Dec 02, 2008 ... Top lawyer calls for rendition flight ban ONE of America's leading civil rights lawyers has called for rendition of terror suspects to be suspended immediately. Steve Shapiro, legal director of the American Civil Liberties Union, which has waged hundreds of strategic ...
THE Public Accounts Committee (PAC) is facing a stand-off with a potential whistleblower on the vast waste of taxpayers' money within FAS.
Dec 02, 2008 ... Probe hits snag as insider suspended THE Public Accounts Committee (PAC) is facing a stand-off with a potential whistleblower on the vast waste of taxpayers' money within FAS. Former director of corporate affairs Greg Craig received a letter yesterday formally ...
THE Public Accounts Committee (PAC) is facing a stand-off with a potential whistleblower on the vast waste of taxpayers' money within FAS.
Dec 02, 2008 ... whistleblower's evidence THE Public Accounts Committee (PAC) is facing a stand-off with a potential whistleblower on the vast waste of taxpayers' money within FAS. Former director of corporate affairs Greg Craig received a letter yesterday formally suspending him ...
Ryanair may need Aer Lingus more than it did two years ago. Mr O'Leary's tone was much less hostile about management and staff.
Dec 02, 2008 ... Ryanair offer could make it this time Ryanair may need Aer Lingus more than it did two years ago. Mr O'Leary's tone was much less hostile about management and staff IT is only two years since Ryanair first swooped on Aer Lingus. But it might be a big ...
UNIONS last night warned that anyone who sees Michael O'Leary as "some sort of modern day Robin Hood" needs a "reality check".
Dec 02, 2008 ... Deep suspicion of O'Leary methods, and his motives UNIONS last night warned that anyone who sees Michael O'Leary as "some sort of modern day Robin Hood" needs a "reality check". SIPTU and Impact warned against the dangers of an airline that was "not noted for its ...
Ryanair may need Aer Lingus more than it did two years ago.
Dec 02, 2008 ... Two years on, Ryanair offer has a better chance Ryanair may need Aer Lingus more than it did two years ago. IT is only two years since Ryanair first swooped on Aer Lingus. But it might be a big mistake to regard this as just a re-run of that battle, which ...
Cancer survival rates have improved but patients treated in private hospitals have a better chance of recovery, a new report revealed yesterday.
Dec 02, 2008 ... Private patients have a better chance of beating breast cancer Cancer survival rates have improved but patients treated in private hospitals have a better chance of recovery, a new report revealed yesterday. Breast cancer survival in the eight public hospitals ...
Health Minister Mary Harney had to run the gauntlet of up to 50 placard-wielding protesters yesterday, demonstrating against the decision to remove breast cancer services from Sligo.
Dec 02, 2008 ... gauntlet of Health Minister Mary Harney had to run the gauntlet of up to 50 placard-wielding protesters yesterday, demonstrating against the decision to remove breast cancer services from Sligo. The group had travelled from as far as Donegal to picket at the Four ...
Cancer survival rates have improved, but patients treated in private hospitals have a better chance of recovery, a new report revealed yesterday.
Dec 02, 2008 ... Patients in private care 10pc more likely to beat cancer Cancer survival rates have improved, but patients treated in private hospitals have a better chance of recovery, a new report revealed yesterday. Breast cancer survival in the eight public hospitals designated ...
PENSION funds are suffering huge losses as stock markets around the world have been pounded. This has raised fears that some funds are set to collapse. Here we explain what the crisis in pension funds means for you.
Dec 02, 2008 ... All the vital answers you need on funds PENSION funds are suffering huge losses as stock markets around the world have been pounded. This has raised fears that some funds are set to collapse. Here we explain what the crisis in pension funds means for you. What is a ...
PENSION funds had another nightmare month in November, with the average Irish fund recording a negative return of 4pc. This was the seventh monthly negative result in a row.
Dec 02, 2008 ... Pensions are down another 4pc PENSION funds had another nightmare month in November, with the average Irish fund recording a negative return of 4pc. This was the seventh monthly negative result in a row. Consulting group Hewitt Associates said losses for last month ...
THE first of an estimated 250 stranded Irish tourists started making the long trek home from Thailand yesterday after being stuck at Bangkok's international airports for up to a week.
Dec 02, 2008 ... start to make THE first of an estimated 250 stranded Irish tourists started making the long trek home from Thailand yesterday after being stuck at Bangkok's international airports for up to a week. Several managed to board flights out of smaller regional airports ...
ACTRESS Amy Huberman has written her first book, a romantic novel set in Dublin.
Dec 02, 2008 ... 'The Clinic' star Amy pens a new chapter in her career ACTRESS Amy Huberman has written her first book, a romantic novel set in Dublin. But instead of featuring a brawny rugby-type called Brian as a hero, the girl in the novel has a best friend called Dermot . . . and ...
ACTRESS Amy Huberman has written her first book, a romantic novel set in Dublin.
Dec 02, 2008 ... Amy adds a new chapter to her career ACTRESS Amy Huberman has written her first book, a romantic novel set in Dublin. But instead of featuring a brawny rugby-type called Brian as a hero, the girl in the novel has a best friend called Dermot -- and Dermot is her pet ...
PAUL Devlin, the Ballinderry selector who recently used a rule-book loophole to have an 18-month suspension lifted, was not in their dug-out for last Sunday's Ulster final and is unlikely to be involved either for next Sunday's replay against Crossmaglen.
Dec 02, 2008 ... Devlin excluded for Ulster final PAUL Devlin, the Ballinderry selector who recently used a rule-book loophole to have an 18-month suspension lifted, was not in their dug-out for last Sunday's Ulster final and is unlikely to be involved either for next Sunday's replay against ...
DUBLIN County Secretary John Costello has lashed RTE'S Sunday Game pundits, accusing the national broadcaster's GAA flagship of "bias" against the Dubs, WRITES CLIONA FOLEY.
Dec 02, 2008 ... at 'bias' shown DUBLIN County Secretary John Costello has lashed RTE'S Sunday Game pundits, accusing the national broadcaster's GAA flagship of "bias" against the Dubs, WRITES CLIONA FOLEY. Costello returns to the programme's treatment of Colin Moran last year in his ...
HENRIK STENSON is always game for a laugh. So he couldn't resist when a local journalist at the Omega Mission Hills World Cup in China last week enquired how a country as cold as Sweden and covered by snow for much of the year has produced so many world class golfers.
Dec 02, 2008 ... fitness regimes have long been a part of life on tour, and players are reaping the benefits HENRIK STENSON is always game for a laugh. So he couldn't resist when a local journalist at the Omega Mission Hills World Cup in China last week enquired how a country as cold as Sweden ...
camogie: After experimenting with a single-group format this season, the Gala All-Ireland senior camogie championships will revert back to a round-robin format next year, WRITES CLIONA FOLEY.
Dec 02, 2008 ... tough Cork test camogie: After experimenting with a single-group format this season, the Gala All-Ireland senior camogie championships will revert back to a round-robin format next year, WRITES CLIONA FOLEY Efforts to make the championship more competitive saw all the ...
WHATEVER about the draw, the preamble was a ball-breaking.
Dec 02, 2008 ... After avoiding tough task Kidney must use lengthy build-up to learn from past mistakes WHATEVER about the draw, the preamble was a ball-breaking. After being beguiled by a vast array of savoury delicacies -- including a wonderful black olive, hummus and coriander ...
We dare not tempt fate by suggesting we have at last got the rub of the World Cup green but the initial feeling is one of being dealt a kind hand despite the presence of twice winners Australia in our pool.
Dec 02, 2008 ... Irish coach's luck holds with favourable draw We dare not tempt fate by suggesting we have at last got the rub of the World Cup green but the initial feeling is one of being dealt a kind hand despite the presence of twice winners Australia in our pool. Argentina would ...
ITALY coach Nick Mallett has called for an Italian side to be included in the Magners League as he seeks to build a national team to challenge at the 2011 World Cup.
Dec 02, 2008 ... Magners a must for Italy, insists Mallett ITALY coach Nick Mallett has called for an Italian side to be included in the Magners League as he seeks to build a national team to challenge at the 2011 World Cup. The Italians have been drawn in Pool C, alongside Australia ...