UNREST COULD PUSH OIL TO $120 MARK - Oil prices have continued to climb this morning, hitting their highest levels since October 2008 after Libya's leader Colonel Gaddafi refused to stand down.
There are concerns that the anti-government unrest there will disrupt global oil supplies, as Libya is the world's 12th-largest exporter of oil.
Brian Baskin, who is a news editor at Dow Jones Newswires in London, says Libya is very important to the European market, as its oil is of high quality and is difficult to replace.
Libya's State-run oil company produces most of its oil in partnership with international companies. Mr Baskin says that as unrest spreads, analysts are predicting oil prices of up to $120 a barrel.
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GROWING DEMAND FOR HORTICULTURE COURSES - Due to massive demand, Teagasc, which is the agriculture and food development authority, has had to put on extra horticulture courses this year to accommodate those interested in learning more about growing fruit and vegetables.
Teagasc's horticulture programme manager Jim O'Mahony said there were three reasons why people were looking at these courses. There were people who wanted to 'grow their own', people looking for work in the sector, and others looking for commercial opportunities. He said there were opportunities for export business, including products such as mushrooms.
Mr O'Mahony said Teagasc was offering a one-day introductions to horticulture on February 28 and March 1.
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CURRENCIES - The euro is trading at $1.37 and 84.6 pence sterling.
