Ireland

ROUNDUP: Northern Ireland launches truth and reconciliation scheme

ROUNDUP: Northern Ireland launches truth and reconciliation scheme London  - Northern Ireland Wednesday embarked on the difficult path of settling its violent past with a reconciliation deal that would include a cash payment of 12,000 pounds (17,200 dollars) to relatives of the more than 3,000 victims of 30 years of violent strife between Catholics and Protestants in the province.

Try a lighthouse for that unusual weekend break

Try a lighthouse for that unusual weekend breakCork, Ireland  - Anyone keen on a mystical getaway should book now for what could turn out to be a genuinely spooky break in Wicklow Head lighthouse on Ireland's east coast, about an hour's drive south of Dublin.

The octagonal, stone tower is one of 15 properties across Ireland, restored by the Irish Landmark Trust, which are available to the public as self-catering holiday accommodation.

Guests should however expect a wait of about one year owing to the popularity of the offbeat vacation venue.

Shareholder rage after Anglo Irish Bank nationalized

Shareholder rage after Anglo Irish Bank nationalizedDublin  - Anger is rising in Ireland after the latest body blow to the economy with the panic nationalization of the scandal-hit Anglo Irish Bank, the country's third-largest bank.

Enraged Anglo Irish shareholders are demanding the resignation of the bank's directors and threatened legal action after it emerged that undisclosed loans to the bank's former chairman Sean Fitzpatrick totalled 129 million euros (171.5 dollars).

Irish premier says "business as usual" at Anglo Irish Bank

Irish premier says "business as usual" at Anglo Irish BankDublin - Irish Prime Minister Brian Cowen said Friday that it was "business as usual" at the nationalized Anglo Irish Bank as trading in its shares was suspended on the Dublin stock exchange, Irish national broadcaster RTE reported.

Finance Minister Brian Lenihan said late Thursday that the Irish government would take complete control of Anglo Irish after it deemed a plan to inject cash into Ireland's third-largest bank "not now the appropriate and effective means to secure its continued viability."

Ireland seeks stronger business, trade ties with Japan

Ireland seeks stronger business, trade ties with Japan Tokyo - Irish Prime Minister Brian Cowen on Wednesday urged Japan to make a stronger business and trade commitment to Ireland amid the global financial crisis, news reports said.

Cowen brought with him a trade mission of about 70 companies from Ireland to Tokyo for a six-day visit, along with Irish Trade and Commerce Minister John McGuinness.

"Ireland has a strong economic future beyond the present temporary difficulties by trying the right policies now," Cowen was quoted by Kyodo News Agency as saying at a press conference in Tokyo.

Waterford Wedgwood china producers call in administrator

Waterford-Wedgwood LogoDublin/London - Financially troubled prestige china and crystal firm Waterford Wedgwood announced Monday that parts of its business in Ireland and Britain had been placed into administration.

The Anglo-Irish group, with a history of 250 years, is best known for its Wedgwood pottery and Royal Doulton and Waterford crystal.

It said Monday receivers had been appointed to parts of its Irish business, based in Waterford, in the south of the Irish Republic, and in Stoke-on-Trent, in the county of Staffordshire in central England.

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