A round-up of the other news stories in brief
O'Dea critical of Green Party but says he will run again for Limerick seat
Former minister for defence Willie ODea TD said last night he will stand again for re-election, despite controversially resigning from his ministerial position last February, writes Stephen Mangan.
Speaking on RTÉs The Late Late Show, Mr ODea said he had "taught long and hard" over the decision to stand for re-election but "on mature reflection" he had decided to seek the mandate of people in his Limerick constituency. Commenting on his resignation from cabinet, Mr ODea criticised the Green Partys handling of affairs as "shabby" following the vote of confidence that preceded his resignation.
Gilmore welcomes presidency contest
The Labour Party will not decide for some time on who it will run in next year’s presidential election, party leader Eamon Gilmore said yesterday. Mr Gilmore welcomed the fact that there would be a contest between Galway West TD Michael D Higgins and former party adviser Fergus Finlay and possibly others for the party’s nomination for the election.
Alzheimer's unit to be scaled down
The HSE plans to reduce services at an acute unit for people with Alzheimer's disease and dementia at Cherry Orchard Hospital in Dublin,
writes Stephen Mangan.Cllr Bríd Smith, of People Before Profit, condemned the decision to proceed with the cuts.
Man extradited from UK charged with rape of two young girls
A man was brought before a special sitting of Killarney District Court last night after being extradited from the UK, writes Anne Lucey.
The allegations against the man involve six charges of rape, four of sexual assault and one of attempted rape on two young girls, all in a house in Killarney.
The charges relate to a period from December 1st, 2001, to January 31st, 2002.
Judge James O'Connor remanded the man in custody with consent to bail on his own bond of €10,000 and two independent sureties of €10,000 each to appear at Tralee District Court on Wednesday.