Morning Ireland

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Banks' shares suffering in downturn

Ray Kinsella, UCD banking lecturer, says the banks need to explain that they need recapitalisation

Richard Bruton, FG Deputy Leader & finance spokesperson, says the situation has gone beyond assessing loan books

Jill Kirby, Sunday Times personal finance columnist, says the fall in bank shares is hitting ordinary people hard

Iraq discusses new military pact with US

Tina Sussman, Baghdad bureau chief of the Los Angeles Times, says the proposed agreement will be debated tomorrow

Water safety heroes recognised

Eleanor Burnhill met some of the people involved in episodes to be recognised at a ceremony tonight

Applied Leaving Cert funding hit by cuts

Emma O Kelly, Education & Science Correspondent, reports that funding has been withdrawn even from schools with formal disadvantaged status

Somali pirates seize fully-laden oil tanker

Roger Middleton of the Royal Institute of International Affairs says an international anti-piracy force is being strengthened

Northern Ireland Executive stand-off near an end

Tommie Gorman, Northern Editor, says the row between the DUP and Sinn Féin is being resolved

Mickey Mouse is 80 today

Paul Cummins, CEO of Emmy-winning animation production company, says the character is one of the most successful brands ever

Deer targetted for commercial reasons

Liam Nolan says illegal hunting reflects the increasing popularity of venison

Munster v All Blacks inaugurate Thomond Park

Lock forward Brendan Foley recalls the historic 1978 match with his son Anthony, now a coach with Munster