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Ms Agnes McConville, a daughter of Mrs Jean McConville, with gardai on Shellig Hill beach in Co Louth yesterday. A woman's body was found on the ebach yesterday. Mrs Jean McConville has been missing since the IRA abducted her 31 years ago.

Blair under pressure over Iraqi weapons dossier role
The British Prime Minister, Mr Tony Blair, will come under pressure this morning at the Hutton Inquiry to clarify his role in the controversy over the Iraqi weapons dossier and the events which culminated in the tragic death of the scientist, Dr David Kelly, writes Deaglán de Bréadún , Foreign Affairs Correspondent, in London

McConville family hope remains are those of mother
The family of Mrs Jean McConville, the missing Belfast woman, said last night they hoped that the remains of a woman's body discovered on a beach in Co Louth yesterday were those of their mother.
Garda to get greater powers under McDowell proposals
The Government is to extend the maximum period of time gardaí can detain crime suspects under new legislation to be published today. The Criminal Justice Bill, 2003, will allow for a range of measures to strengthen Garda powers, including those to compel suspects to provide DNA samples during investigations.

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Ireland

Jackson Way faces freezing of assets
The controversial property company Jackson Way is facing seizure by the Criminal Assets Bureau of a multi-million-euro compensation award due shortly for its land in Carrickmines, Co Dublin, writes Paul Cullen . p
Medical Council to overhaul embryo guidelines
The Medical Council is to overhaul its ethical guidelines that currently ban embryo experiments. The new rules, which will affect medical research into stem cells and gene therapy in Ireland, are expected to be presented to the IMO general council within the next six weeks, The Irish Times has learned. p
Flynn gets calls from 'lots of publishers' to write memoirs
Former EU Commissioner Mr Pádraig Flynn has received a number of offers from publishers to write his political memoirs. Mr Flynn, who dismissed newspaper reports that he was considering a return to local politics by standing for the council seat his TD daughter, Ms Beverley Flynn, will relinquish, said last night he had received calls from "lots of publishers". p
300 immigrants challenge moves to deport them
Some 300 immigrant parents of Irish citizen children hoping to avoid deportation attended a crowded information meeting in Dublin yesterday.There was some confusion when half of the crowd was obliged to wait outside Liberty Hall for an hour, due to an unexpectedly high turnout. p
Doctors concerned at jockeys' methods to keep down weight
The medical profession has expressed concern at the health implications for jockeys who are going to extreme lengths to maintain their light weights, writes Alison Healy p
Eurovision show expects 5,000 entrants
Eurovision is the musical equivalent of the Grand National, says Phil Coulter, judge for the second series of You're a Star , auditions for which begin next month. p

Finance

IMF cuts international growth forecast
The US will remain the main engine of growth for the global economy, but it has no clear plan for controlling its swelling budget deficit, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) has warned. p
FBD sees profits soar to €53.3m in first half
Pre-tax profits at FBD Holdings almost quadrupled in the first half of 2003, interim results for the insurance group show. p

World

7 killed in Chicago workplace shooting
US: A gunman described as a disgruntled employee of an auto parts supply warehouse shot six people to death yesterday before he was killed either by police or his own hand, authorities said. p
Police hunt thieves of da Vinci painting
BRITAIN: Police were last night hunting thieves who, posing as visitors, stole a Leonardo da Vinci painting from the estate of one of Scotland's richest land-owners. p

Sport

Bravery the key to gold for El Guerrouj
ATHLETICS WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS: They came it seemed from the four corners of France to witness another great moment in their athletics history, but on the night they had to bow once again to the enduring reign of Hicham El Guerrouj, still, and for a fourth time, the world 1,500 metres champion, Ian O'Riordan reports from Paris p
Hayes out of Italy clash Rugby News round-up
Ireland's injury woes, and especially at tight-head prop, continue to unhinge their World Cup preparations. John Hayes, who has only played half a game for Munster since the Ireland-England Grand Slam decider at the end of March due to a groin injury, has been forced to withdraw from Saturday's match against Italy at Thomond Park because of a torn calf. p
Newcastle crash out
CHAMPIONS LEAGUE QUALIFIER: Newcastle 0 - Partizan Belgrade 1 (1-1 on Aggregate, Partizan win 4-3 on penalties) Milivoje Cirkovic was Partizan's hero as the Serbian champions ripped Newcastle's Champions League dream apart in a dramatic penalty shoot-out last night. p