Daily updated Irish National News from http://www.build.ie http://www.4ni.co.uk/news.asp 09/02/2010 : 08:03:40 George Lee Leaves Fine GaelFormer broadcaster and journalist George Lee has announced his resignation from Fine Gael and Dáil Éireann with immediate effect. The former RTÉ economics editor was elected to the Dáil in the Dublin South byelection last June. In a brief statement this morning, Mr Lee said that, despite his best efforts, he has had "virtually no influence or input" in shaping Fine Gae..... http://www.build.ie/national_news.asp?newsid=106483 08/02/2010 : 08:03:40 http://www.build.ie/national_news.asp?newsid=106483 The Catholic church has applied for reimbursement of their legal costs incurred during the Ryan Report investigation, it has emerged. A range of religious orders were criticised in the shocking Ryan report, which detailed a long history of child abuse by clerics in Catholic run institutions. However, it has been revealed today that the church is now demanding tens of millions of euro in legal ..... http://www.build.ie/national_news.asp?newsid=106473 08/02/2010 : 08:03:40 http://www.build.ie/national_news.asp?newsid=106473 The Minister for Foreign Affairs, Micheál Martin, has jumped to the defence of a decision to refurbish the Ottawa residence of the Irish ambassador to Canada at a cost of €4.4 million.Fine Gael revealed today that the taxpayer had paid more than €4.4m to revamp the embassy, calling the venture "outrageous".Fine Gael Foreign Affairs Spokesperson, Billy Timmins said this morning he had uncovered..... http://www.build.ie/national_news.asp?newsid=106463 08/02/2010 : 08:03:40 http://www.build.ie/national_news.asp?newsid=106463 A top republican politician has welcomed news of the disarmament of a violent republican group.The Irish National Liberation Army (Arm Saoirse Náisiúnta na hÉireann) or INLA was formed in December 1974. A spokesman for the republican terror group, Martin McMonagle, made the announcement of arms being disposed off at a press conference in Belfast on Monday morning.He said: "We can also confir..... http://www.build.ie/national_news.asp?newsid=106457 08/02/2010 : 08:03:40 http://www.build.ie/national_news.asp?newsid=106457 An investigation has been launched into a fire that could have destroyed one of Ireland's most prized heritage sites. The 18th-century State-owned property, Russborough House, in Blessington - which has an extensive art collection, is undergoing an extensive clean up operation today after a fire broke out on the site last night. Gardaí in Co Wicklow have begun an investigation into the inciden..... http://www.build.ie/national_news.asp?newsid=106452 08/02/2010 : 08:03:40 http://www.build.ie/national_news.asp?newsid=106452 A leading academic who is credited with writing the definitive history of the Gaelic Athletic Association (GAA) has been honoured by the Irish President.Dr David Hassan, from the University of Ulster's Sport and Exercise Sciences Research Institute (SESRI), was the guest of President Mary McAleese at her home Áras an Uachtaráin in Dublin today.President McAleese hosted the reception in honour ..... http://www.build.ie/national_news.asp?newsid=106462 08/02/2010 : 08:03:40 http://www.build.ie/national_news.asp?newsid=106462 A major European watchdog has said Ireland has made "substantial" improvements in road safety.In the latest report from the OECD, Ireland is now ranked 10th safest country out of 27 OECD countries world wide.The report looked at the road safety performance of 27 countries around the world, participating in its International Traffic Safety Data and Analysis Group (IRTAD), for the year 2008 and ..... http://www.build.ie/national_news.asp?newsid=106447 08/02/2010 : 08:03:40 http://www.build.ie/national_news.asp?newsid=106447 The leading opposition party has accused the Government of planning to revoke senior civil servant pay cuts. Fine Gael's finance spokesman Richard Bruton said the Government was preparing to "force a vote in the Daíl" into accepting a reduction in the pay cuts for top civil servants.Mr Bruton said his Party would be using its Private Members' Time to call for senior civil servants to be treate..... http://www.build.ie/national_news.asp?newsid=106442 08/02/2010 : 08:03:40 http://www.build.ie/national_news.asp?newsid=106442 An elderly man is recovering in hospital after being beaten during a raid on a rural pub in Sligo. Gardaí in the area are investigating the armed raid which took place at Quigley"s pub in Collooney owned by two elderly brothers. A technical examination of the scene is being carried out this morning.The property comprises a pub, petrol pumps and grocery store and is owned by the two brothers ..... http://www.build.ie/national_news.asp?newsid=106456 08/02/2010 : 08:03:40 http://www.build.ie/national_news.asp?newsid=106456 The Taoiseach, Brian Cowen, has welcomed Margaret Ritchie as the new leader of the SDLP.Yesterday, Ms Ritchie made history by becoming the first woman elected to lead the Social Democratic and Labour Party.The long serving MLA was the Stormont Executive's Social Development Minister and replaces the outgoing Foyle MP Mark Durkan at the helm of the nationalist party.Speaking today, Mr Cowen p..... http://www.build.ie/national_news.asp?newsid=106435 08/02/2010 : 08:03:40 http://www.build.ie/national_news.asp?newsid=106435