EVERY MORNING, TheJournal.ie brings you the nine things you need to know as you kick off your day.

1. #COLLISION A male cyclist in his 60s died in a fatal road traffic collision at Kilcummin Cross on the Tralee to Killarney road at 9.45pm last night. Gardaí say he was struck by a mini bus, which was occupied by one person, and was pronounced dead at the scene.

2. #SEAN DUNNE Irish property developer Sean Dunne says he could be debt-free within six months in the US, the Irish Times reports today. Dunne filed for bankruptcy in the country on Friday, and told the paper that when he emerges from bankruptcy he hopes to rebuild his business.

3. #ALERT Police in Northern Ireland are investigating a security alert on the Crumlin Road, North Belfast, following the discovery of a suspicious object in the area. The road has been closed and an army bomb squad has been sent to the scene. Diversions are in place.

4. #NELSON MANDELA Nelson Mandela’s health has been described as “improving” and he continues to receive treatment in hospital for a recurrence of pneumonia. The 94-year-old had a restful day yesterday and spent a fifth night in hospital. It is unclear how long he will remain in hospital for.

5. #CROKE PARK The Croke Park extension talks are likely to be on the agenda today as teachers’ unions the Irish National Teachers’ Organisation and the Association of Secondary Teachers Ireland meet for their annual congresses. Education Minister Ruairí Quinn will address both unions tomorrow during their conferences.

6. #GARDAÍ It is being reported that two gardaí are being investigated on suspicion of raping women. The Daily Mail and Irish Times report that both of the gardaí have been suspended from duty and the DPP is to decide whether one of the men is to be charged over the allegation.

7. #NEW PARTY Businessman Declan Ganley, founder of Libertas, has said the need for a new political party is ‘obvious’. He told TheJournal.ie there is an appetite for a new party, adding: “If this is to be done, it needs to be done methodically, it needs to be done from the bottom up and it’s not something to be rushed into.”

8. #SCHOOLS Fears have been raised that more than 1,000 small schools could face closure if the Government adopts recommendations in a new report. The Daily Mail reports that the unpublished value for money report “raises questions” over the future of small schools with less than 80 pupils.

9. #YOURNAL.IE TheJournal.ie‘s commenters make the site what it is – so we want you to help read, share and shape the news on a whole new level. Help make the site #IRELAND’S BIGGEST NEWSROOM by being part of the Yournal.ie community, where you can submit stories, photos, and more. Here’s the lowdown on our new initiative.