EVERY MORNING, TheJournal.ie brings you the nine things you need to know as you start your day.
1. #STATE ASSETS: Etihad’s interest in Aer Lingus has been well documented in recent months and confirmation came today that it had acquired a 2.9 per cent stake in the group’s share capital. The Arab airline, however, said it does not intend to increase this holding by buying any or all of the State’s 25 per cent share until talks about code-share opportunities are complete.
2. #PRESIDENTIAL: Michael D Higgins continues his first official trip to the US today with a busy day of engagements, including a breakfast with young Irish professionals on Wall Street and a visit to September 11 and Famine memorials. Last night, the President said that Irish people feel “righteous anger” over the betrayal of their trust by various institutions and individuals, reports the Irish Times.
3. #DEVICE: An army bomb disposal team has been deployed to the Phoenix Park to investigate a suspicious device discovered in the Quarry Lake area. AA Roadwatch has told drivers there is no access to the park via Castleknock, Knockmaroon and Whites gates.
4. #NORTHERN IRELAND: Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness has questioned whether there is a need for the “diminishing” position of British Secretary of State in Northern Ireland. He said he agreed with Ian Paisley who has previously said “we do not need these direct-rule ministers coming over here, telling us what to do”.
5. #PRISONS: New plans for the Irish Prison Service will see up to 1,200 inmates released back into the community early but Justice Minister Alan Shatter said they will pose no risk to the public.
6. #APPLE: The UK’s advertising regulator has widened its investigation into Apple’s marketing of the latest iPad, BBC News reports today. The inquiry centres on the company’s dubious claims about the tablet’s 4G capabilities as the UK doesn’t have widespread 4G coverage – and even when it does the iPad will not be compatible with it.
7. #ALZHEIMER’S: Scientists at the University of Limerick have received €5.4 million from the European Union to lead a pioneering research project to develop an early-screening device for Alzheimer’s Disease. The money will be used to create a prototype that researchers say would improve the lives of those suffering with dementia, reports the Irish Examiner.
8. #WEATHER: Today marks the first official day of summer in the Irish calendar (not that you’d know it if you’re in the south or east of the country). Met Éireann is expecting rain to continue over Leinster and Munster for the day with thunder showers forecast over the southeast and south. Those in the west shouldn’t put away the brollies for too long though as Connacht is to get the brunt of the heavy showers at the weekend.
9. #MONEYMAKER: The Central Bank is looking for a moneymaker. Literally. The bank’s currency production division has a job vacancy for a machine and general assistant to work the printing press, creating up to 8,000 sheets of money every hour.
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