The Irish Times, Irish News Online, International, Sports & Business News

Vincent Grace (13) yesterday met Primo, a six-foot robot who will be present at the Esat BT Young Scientist and Technology Exhibition in the RDS in January

Government freezes work on 400 schools
Building work on almost 400 primary schools has been frozen because of Government spending cuts. Seán Flynn , Education Editor, reports.

McDowell warns against common tax rates in EU
The European Union's long-term interests would be "fatally undermined" by the creation of common corporation tax rates, the Minister for Justice, Mr McDowell, said yesterday, report Mark Hennessy and Denis Staunton
Heavy security in place as Bogota trial resumes
Heavily armed members of the Colombian security forces with riot-shields, tear gas and a water-cannon were on duty at the courthouse in Bogota yesterday for the resumption of the trial of three Irishmen accused of training the country's FARC rebels in explosives techniques. From Deaglán de Bréadún , Foreign Affairs Correspondent, in Colombia

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Aer Rianta report clears Brennan's name
An inquiry by Aer Rianta into allegations that the Minister for Transport, Mr Brennan, never paid for €5,000 worth of drink and cigars has found no documents to back up the allegation. p
Bill to reform law on criminal insanity
The long-awaited Bill reforming the law on criminal insanity is expected to be brought to the Cabinet today. p
Electoral performer who was outspoken and hard-working
An outspoken and industrious politician, Mr Jim Mitchell (56) had a distinguished career as a Dublin TD for 25 years. He had a reputation for being unselfish, in particular by allowing other Fine Gael candidates into his constituency, writes Joe Humphreys. p
Gardai seek to halt inquiry into conduct
Two gardaí against whom complaints have been made in connection with the controversial policing of an anti-globalisation rally in Dublin last May have taken High Court proceedings aimed at stopping the Garda Síochána Complaints Board from taking any further steps against them. p
€150,000 bail set in human traffic case
A Ukranian woman accused of human trafficking had bail set at €150,000 by the High Court yesterday. p
Heath too unwell to give Bloody Sunday evidence
Sir Edward Heath, who was the British Prime Minister at the time of Bloody Sunday in January 1972, when paratroopers shot dead 13 unarmed civilians in Derry's Bogside and wounded 13 others, will now not take the witness stand in Central Hall, Westminster, tomorrow afternoon. p
TCD centre for study of global trade opens
A new centre named after businessman and former EU commissioner Dr Peter Sutherland has been set up in Trinity College to facilitate the study of global trade and international integration p
Postmasters' dispute is settled
An Post expects rural mail deliveries will be back to normal before the end of the week, following a settlement of the dispute with postmasters yesterday. p
Appeal by men jailed for life rejected
Two Co Sligo men jailed for life for the murder of a community activist and father of three outside his home had their appeals against conviction dismissed yesterday, by the Court of Criminal Appeal. p
Back in her cage after a walk on the wild side
A cheetah is safely back in her enclosure in Dublin Zoo this morning after a night on the prowl. The cheetah, which was born in Fota Wildlife Park in Cork, was found wandering the African plains of Dublin Zoo shortly before 8 a.m yesterday when staff arrived for work. p

Finance

Arnotts subject of possible €205m offer
Retailing group Arnotts is the subject of a possible takeover bid worth €205 million. The possible bid is being led by corporate financier Mr Peter O'Grady Walshe, former Arnotts trading manager Mr Mark Delaney and financial house Lehman Brothers. p
Australia a trip too far for credit unions
The board of the Irish League of Credit Unions (ILCU) has projected spending €135,000 to send a delegation to a five-day conference in Australia next year. p
On the money trail to see if it leads anywhere
ANALYSIS : FG's fundraising may be examined as the Moriarty Tribunal resumes, writes Colm Keena p

World

British release dossier of alleged Iraqi tortures
BRITAIN/IRAQ: A chilling account of alleged human rights violations in Iraq - listing Saddam Hussein's preferred means of torture - has been published by the British Government. p
Firefighters call off second strike
BRITAIN: Britain's Fire Brigades Union has called off a second eight-day strike due to begin at 9 a.m. tomorrow. The surprise decision followed the intervention of the conciliation service, Acas. p
Sangatte refugee camp to be closed this month
FRANCE: The French Interior Minister, Mr Nicolas Sarkozy, and his British counterpart, Mr David Blunkett, yesterday announced that the refugee centre at Sangatte, near Calais, will close on December 30th, three months earlier than expected. p

Sport

FAI deny approach made to Troussier
The FAI has denied making an approach to former South Africa and Japan manager Philippe Troussier to succeed Mick McCarthy as manager of the Republic of Ireland soccer team. The Frenchman, who resigned from the Japan job after the recent World Cup, told the BBC yesterday: "I have been approached by five or six national teams and Ireland is one of them," writes Emmet Malone. p