EXPORTERS WARN ON WIDER PORK IMPACT - The pigmeat recall has come as a hammer blow to the food industry, with many food manufacturers and exporters already under huge pressure due to the strength of the euro against sterling.
The chief executive of the Irish Exporters' Association, John Whelan, said 63% of pork-related exports went to the UK.
He said the focus so far had been on the pork processors, but there was a wide range of other companies - such as pizza producers - which could be affected. Mr Whelan said it needed to be clear what the situation was with these products.
Mr Whelan said this time of the year was very bust for many artisan producers who exported products such as Christmas hampers, and if they lost out on the Christmas market, it could be 'catastrophic'.
He called for clarification for consumers and help with marketing issues for food exporters. Mr Whelan also said the State should give assistance to companies affected.
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NEWS AND CURRENCIES - Qantas has said a proposed merger with British Airways is not guaranteed and could be affected by BA's merger talks with Iberia.
Qantas chief executive Alan Joyce, who took on the position last month, said the Australian airline was still in negotiations with BA to create a global carrier.
But he said there were significant issues to resolve, against the backdrop of the financial crisis and plummeting passenger numbers.
The euro is currently worth $1.28 and 86.4p sterling.
