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Swimming against a current in a pool off Grafton Street, in Dublin, Team Ireland's Kevin Stacey takes part in a 44km swim, the equivalent of swimming the length of the M50, for Children in Need.

Photograph: Brenda Fitzsimons

Confusion over impact of rules on provisional licences
There was confusion last night about the likely impact of the new regulations on drivers with provisional licences, with the Minister for Transport, Noel Dempsey, appearing to be at odds with the Garda over the implementation of the system. Stephen Collins , Conor Lally and David Labanyi report.
Known debts of two solicitors top €100m
The total known bank debts owed by the two Dublin-based solicitors at the centre of several High Court actions have passed the €100 million mark. Simon Carswell , Finance Correspondent, reports.
Garda may recruit from east Europe police forces
The Government and Garda management are considering radical measures to attract foreign nationals to the Garda, including direct recruitment from eastern European police forces and granting Irish citizenship to successful applicants, writes Conor Lally , Crime Correspondent.

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Ireland

Union agrees deal for 200 workers at ESB plant
The threat of industrial action at the State's largest power station, Moneypoint in Co Clare, has receded following a deal reached last night at the Labour Relations Commission (LRC) between a trade union, ESB management and two contractors. Martin Wall , Industry Correspondent, reports. p
US judge refuses to extradite Unitarian minister
A West Virginia judge has denied Ireland's request to extradite George Exoo, a Unitarian minister charged with assisting the suicide of Rosemary Toole in Dublin five years ago. p
30th Cork Jazz Festival to top busy weekend
A busy events schedule is expected to contribute to heavy travel by road, rail and air this bank holiday weekend. AA Roadwatch anticipates Cork and Galway cities will top the list of destinations. p
Notice of industrial action at Beaumont
Non-consultant doctors (NCHDs) at Beaumont Hospital in Dublin have served two weeks' notice of industrial action in a row over unrostered overtime payments and locum cover. Martin Wall, Industry Correspondent, reports. p
Dempsey clarifies new rules for learner drivers
Minister for Transport Noel Dempsey was yesterday forced to clarify how new regulations for provisional drivers would be enforced. David Labanyi reports. p
Telethon hopes to top €5m in donations
The jingling of coins was heard around the State yesterday as events were held and collections were made for the RTÉ People in Need Telethon. p
Sam Maguire visits England for police GAA event
The Sam Maguire Cup added another unusual destination to its already varied itinerary this week when it was guest of honour at New Scotland Yard. p
11,000 on marks for marathon
Some 11,000 athletes are on their marks and getting set for the Adidas Dublin Marathon which takes place on the city streets this Bank Holiday Monday. Steven Carroll reports. p
Week-old baby saved in Derry house fire
A week-old baby girl was rescued from a fire that destroyed the first floor of her family home in Carnhill, Derry, on Thursday evening. Seannan Ryan was brought to safety by her parents Stephen and Charlene Ryan after the fire broke out in a first floor bedroom. p

Finance

Live Nation may buy majority stake in MCD
Concert promoter Denis Desmond is in talks to sell a majority stake in his Irish company, MCD, to US entertainment giant Live Nation, his partner in their British music business, writes Simon Carswell , Finance Correspondent p
Desmond to underwrite €150 million bond issue
Financier Dermot Desmond has agreed to underwrite a €150 million convertible bond issue by International Securities Trading Corporation (ISTC), the Dublin firm which raises debt finance on the capital markets and lends it on to banks. p
Stamp duty regime 'a tax on hope'
The Government's stamp duty regime is blocking young families from buying bigger homes, according to a leading figure in the auctioneering business. Barry O'Halloran reports. p
Aer Lingus to raise fuel surcharge
Aer Lingus Group is raising its fuel surcharge on long-haul flights by as much as 38 per cent from Thursday next, as crude oil rises to record highs. p

World

Putin stirs the ghosts of cold war
EU/Russia Summit : Vladimir Putin, the Russian president, stirred the ghosts of the cold war yesterday by comparing the Pentagon's plan to site elements of its missile shield in Europe to the Cuban missile crisis of 1962, when the US and the Soviet Union went to the brink of nuclear war. p
Californians return home as fires die down
United States: Thousands of Californians returned to their homes yesterday as firefighters reported progress in battling wildfires near San Diego, but a fire in Orange County, which is believed to have been started deliberately, remained out of control. p
Helicopters and fighter jets pound Kurdish positions
Turkey: Turkish helicopters and fighter jets pounded Kurdish rebel positions yesterday as diplomatic efforts got off to a rocky start in Ankara to avert a major offensive against the guerrillas based in northern Iraq. p

Sport

Job would suit O'Leary - Keane
Soccer: With characteristic candour, Roy Keane yesterday expressed qualified sympathy for Steve Staunton in the wake of his dismissal by the FAI along with measured support for the idea of Dave O'Leary succeeding him as the Republic of Ireland manager. p
Ulster salvage half the spoils
Rugby/ Ulster 16 Leinster 16: For the second season in succession Ulster and Leinster fought out a draw. p
Ramos on verge of completing Spurs move
English Premier League: Juande Ramos was on the verge of completing his managerial move to Tottenham last night, after Primera Liga club Sevilla announced his resignation as coach on their website. p