Every afternoon, TheJournal.ie brings you 5 things you really need to know by 5pm.
1. #GENERAL ELECTION: The Green Party announced today that it will stay in government for the budget next month, but wants a general election to be called in January. Party leader John Gormley said the “Irish people need political certainty”, adding that it’s “time to fix a date for a general election in the second half of January 2011″.
However, Independent TDs Michael Lowry and Jackie Healy-Rae said today the government could no longer rely on their support, suggesting an election could be called even earlier than late January.
2. #FIANNA FÁIL: A group of about 100 protestors forced their way through the gates of government buildings this afternoon following a protest against the government’s handling of the economy. A BBC News video of the incident shows Sinn Féin TD Aegnus Ó Snodaigh confronting gardaí outside the Dáil.
3. #BAILOUT: Banking analysts say Ireland’s two biggest banks – AIB and Bank of Ireland – will require €5bn in extra capital almost immediately. The analysts’ views come on foot of the government’s confirmation it has sought emergency funding from the IMF and EU. Meanwhile, a potential multi-notch ratings downgrade by Moody’s could put further pressure on Irish banks. The ratings agency is currently reviewing Ireland’s credit rating.
4. #EURO: European stock and the euro dropped in value today as investors expressed doubt over the Irish bailout’s ability to bolster the euro. Market analysts have also been expressing concerns over Portugal’s ability to stave off a bailout, with the Royal Bank of Canada saying it expects Portugal to “require assistance” by February.
5. #CATHERINE NEVIN: Catherine Nevin has lost her murder conviction appeal. Nevin, who was jailed 10 years ago for murdering her husband at the couple’s pub in 1996, had sought for the conviction to be declared a miscarriage of justice.
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