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

Former AIB chief executive benefited from offshore deal
Former AIB chief executive Mr Gerry Scanlan and the outgoing chairman of Irish Life & Permanent, Mr Roy Douglas, were two of the beneficiaries of an offshore investment scheme which involved a breach of tax law.
Doctor linked to controversial cancer clinic withdraws
An Irish-registered doctor involved in a controversial centre in the midwest providing alternative light therapy treatment for cancer patients has undertaken to withdraw from the enterprise.
Explain citizen poll, says Dr Martin
The Archbishop of Dublin, Dr Diarmuid Martin, has said it should be "clearly and fully explained" why a constitutional amendment was the only solution to "the high risk of \ women being used and exploited" by being sent here to have their babies.

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Finance

Regulator's study shows bank margins rising despite lower rates
Banks and building societies have been raising their margins on a wide range of everyday banking products over the past few years, even though interest rates have been falling, a new study from the financial services regulator is expected to show. p
Aer Rianta break-up may push fees up
Another report has suggested that passenger charges at Dublin Airport may need to rise to €9.50 as a result of the proposed Aer Rianta break-up, writes Emmet Oliver. p
Banks may buy their way out of inquiries under IFSRA review
Financial institutions suspected of breaching State regulations will be able to strike deals with the new financial regulator rather than face full official inquiries, it has emerged. Mark Hennessy , Political Correspondent, reports. p

Ireland

Consumers' association calls on publicans to delay 15c pint rise
The Consumers Association of Ireland has called on publicans to hold off on the introduction of a 15 cent rise in the price of a pint, after it emerged that more than 800 pubs in Ireland had sales in excess of €950,000. p
€475m docks scheme will include arts centre
The Dublin Docklands Development Authority (DDDA) yesterday announced plans for a €475 million scheme to redevelop a pivotal site in the Grand Canal Docks, including an "iconic" 2,000-seat performing arts centre. p
Rise in HIV among non-nationals highlighted
More than half the new cases of HIV diagnosed in Ireland are to people born in sub-Saharan Africa, an AIDS conference has been told. p
Doctor asks Government to assist with Iraqi torture survivors
A request for the Government to allow torture survivors from Iraq to come to the State for medical help and support was made yesterday by the founder of the Irish Rehabilitation Centre for Torture Survivors. p
Dublin's Ryan and Royston show
The notepad is a stroke of genius. "Your Note to Vote" goes the line across each little Post-it style notelet, each with the Royston slogan, "A fresh start in Europe". They are all destined to lie around desks, cars and bags for weeks. p
'Food poverty' on the rise, says report
A growing number of people in the State, including children, do not have enough to eat because they cannot afford a healthy diet, a new report on so-called "food poverty" has shown. p

World

EU halts EUR100m aid to Armenia in nuclear row
ARMENIA: Alarmed at the potential for another Chernobyl-type nuclear accident, the European Union has frozen €100 million of grant aid to this small state in the Caucasus following the refusal of the government here to agree to a date for closure of an ageing Russian-built nuclear power plant sited in one of the world's most active seismic zones. p
'Outsider' who helped CIA will be new Iraq PM
Dr Iyad Allawi, a former member of Saddam Hussein's Baath party who then worked with the CIA to topple him, was chosen yesterday as prime minister of Iraq. p
Chavez facing new challenge to presidency
VENEZEULA: Opponents of Venezuela's President hope their campaign will take a decisive turn this weekend, reports Michael McCaughan in Caracas p
Democratic Party pollsters worried as stubborn Nader refuses to quit
CONOR O'CLERY/AMERICA : The foreign policy experts gathered in a wood-panelled room in upper Manhattan listened respectfully as Ralph Nader made his pitch. p
Taoiseach meets Uribe on 'Colombia Three'
MEXICO: The Taoiseach, Mr Ahern, has asked the Colombian president, Mr Alvaro Uribe, to seek the return of the "Colombia Three" to Ireland pending the outcome of an appeal in their case. p

Sport

Valley Unity event not so green
Unity Cup Rep of Ireland v Nigeria The Valley, kick-off 3.0: Bravely, London was coming out on top yesterday in its battle to elude the grip of Unity Cup fever. The build-up, in fact, threatened to rewrite the definition of low key when it comes to a sporting event in the English capital. p
Rose eases into two-shot lead
GOLF: A rose in bloom suggests a quintessentially English image and was therefore apposite at Wentworth yesterday when Justin Rose eased his way to the top of the leaderboard after the second round of the Volvo PGA Championship. p
Dark days but not All Black
Interview/Jonah Lomu: Keith Duggan meets the man who became an instant legend during the 1995 rugby World Cup and now waits for a life-changing kidney transplant p