Nine things to know this morning, including: Mixed messages on burning the bondholders, Ericsson creates 100 new jobs in Athlone, and is today really the ‘happiest’ day of 2011?
The government of Bahrain intends to sue the British newspaper over its alleged “defamatory and premeditated media campaign” against both it and Saudi Arabia.
Details about the injuries sustained by Ali Abdullah Saleh in last week’s attack have begun to emerge as the government rejected attempts by the opposition to discuss a peaceful transition.
In your bank holiday Sunday Fix: Aer Lingus talks back on tonight; the source of the E. coli outbreak is found; Berlusconi’s ‘bunga bunga’ goes on; and did you miss the shuffle of honour for the Queen last month?
Saudi authorities have accused Manal al-Sherif of violating public order after she launched an online campaign to encourage other women to defy convention and get behind the wheel.
Investigating officers believe the shooting was motivated by anger over Saudi Arabia’s decision to send troops to Bahrain to quell anti-government protests there.
Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa had been invited to the wedding of Prince William and Kate Middleton amid concerns about the treatment of pro-democracy protesters in Bahrain recently.
As the struggle in Bahrain continues, the Sunni monarchy uses everything at its disposal to retain power – while Shias are hoping their overwhelming population advantage will bring the leadership to its knees.
Nine things you need to know: radiation levels outside Japanese plant reach dangerous levels; Enda Kenny facing first Taoiseach’s questions today; and apparently it takes $7.5m to really feel wealthy.
Nine things you need to know by 9am: A second explosion occurs at the Fukushima nuclear plant, Irish seen as the ‘bad boys’ of Europe, and Burger King boss upsets his British customers.
Egypt, Tunisia and other countries across the Arab world have been electrified by waves of protest recently as furious crowds demand an end to poverty and repression: read about the unrest that has broken out to date.
The fallout out from Tunisia’s Jasmine revolution continues: protesters have taken to the streets across Tunisia, Egypt and Lebanon in calls for political reform.
THERE ARE A lot of positive noises coming from Government for the potential of a normal summer.
Tánaiste Leo Varadkar has said indoor and outdoor dining could return and there is advance planning for a reopening in May, June and July.
He said: “It is increasingly evident that outdoor dining is much safer than indoor.
“But we would hope to get to the point where both will be possible.”
Travel outside of the country will likely still be a difficulty but it could see a boom for the Irish hospitality trade as stay at home adventures become a viable option.
Tourism Minister Catherine Martin has said she is working on plans that could allow the tourism industry to re-open this summer for Irish holidaymakers.
Minister Martin said she is cautiously optimistic for the summer.
“I think if we look at where we are right now, for the first time this year there are less than 200 people in hospital, there are less than 50 in ICU. Cases are falling and the R rate is below one,” she said.
Today we’re asking: Are you planning a domestic summer holiday?
Turning cloudy
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Mostly cloudy with a couple of showers
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