EVERY MORNING, TheJournal.ie brings you nine things you need to know with your first cup of coffee…
1. #EUROZONE: Enda Kenny has called for Ireland’s billions in bank debt to be shared across the EU, telling the Irish Times: “If the eurozone is saying there has to be a shared liability, the problem is in this country that didn’t apply.” The Taoiseach spoke before travelling to an EU summit today.
2. #QUEEN: Martin McGuinness will today shake hands with Queen Elizabeth II, marking a historic milestone in the peace process. However, there is still no decision on whether a photo of the handshake will be released.
3. #ASSAULT: The father of a woman who was seriously assaulted in central Dublin at the weekend has described how part of her nose was chewed off, saying the attacker “bit it through”. The woman was seriously injured and is due to undergo surgery this morning.
4. #ULSTER BANK: Under-fire lender Ulster Bank has pledged that its systems will return to normal by the beginning of next week as it continues to struggle to fix a software glitch. Reports have emerged that the devastating glitch affecting thousands of customers was caused by one inexperienced technician.
5. #INSOLVENCY: The major banks have been briefed on new insolvency legislation which it’s hoped could help resolve Ireland’s economic crisis. The public will not learn the details until Friday – but Government representatives met with the lenders last night, RTÉ reports.
6. #DISABILITY: There has been disappointment after it emerged that grants to convert taxis for wheelchair accessibility have gone unclaimed. More than €25,000 in funding still remains despite only five per cent of taxis being accessible to wheelchair users.
7. #NAMA: That apartment block that was due to be demolished on a Longford ghost estate? It’s staying up for now – because several families of house martins have been discovered nesting in the building. The Irish Independent reports that officials are now investigating whether the nests can be moved.
8. #RIP: Legendary screenwriter and director Nora Ephron has died aged 71. Ephron wrote hit romantic comedies When Harry Met Sally and Sleepless In Seattle, as well as 2009′s Julie & Julia.
9. #MAGICAL MYSTERY TOUR: As Beatles memorabilia goes, John Lennon’s former private island is up with the best. And Dorinish Island in Mayo’s Clew Bay – purchased by the musician in 1967 as a getaway – is now up for sale. The island is going for the bargain price of €300,000, the Irish Daily Mail reports.
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