Other News In Brief

Tax Hike 'Last Resort' Says Dempsey

The Irish Transport Minister Noel Dempsey has said that he believes tax increases should only be introduced as a last resort in dealing with the current economic crisis. While most economic observers say tax rises are unavoidable and the Taoiseach has indicated that they are being considered to help plug the gap in the public finances, speaking in Dublin this morning, Mr Dempsey said the Government needed to be careful not to make current problem any worse by taking more money out of the economy.

Final Flag Furled

It was an historic day yesterday as the run-down to the two army bases in North Donegal that were earmarked for closure last year got underway. Members of the 28th Infantry Batallion A Company are leaving Lifford Barracks - an event that was officially marked when the Irish tricolour was ceremoniously lowered and furled, followed by a military parade to Lifford Community Centre. A similar ceremony takes place at Rockhill in Letterkenny today.

Intel Stays Put

The Chairman of Intel says the company has no immediate plans to cut jobs or investment in Ireland. Craig Barrett said that Intel can be competitive in a high-cost environment like Ireland or the USA as the company is more sensitive to capital costs than labour costs, which he said had been an issue for computer manufacturer Dell. He said the company had recently announced a programme of job cuts at a number of plants, but that no jobs were to go in Ireland.

Cross Border Ferry Defended

A cross border campaign has been launched to ensure the continuation of the Lough Foyle Ferry Service linking Greencastle and Magilligan. The contract for the service is due to conclude this summer and it is understood that the present contractor may not seek a renewal if a 200,000 euro subsidy is not included in the contract. Donegal North East TD Joe McHugh has joined with East Derry MLA John Dallat, with both planning to take the campaign for support to the Dail and Assembly respectively. Deputy McHugh said the ferry has already proved itself as a vital tourism link, and that will be more important this year than ever before.

Heaney Casts Cold Eye Over Yeats Anniversary

The Derry-born Noble Prize winner Seamus Heaney is in Sligo today for the 70th anniversary commemerations of the death of Sligo Poet WB Yeats. A number of events are organised to celebrate the poet including the launch of the Yeats trail by Mr Heaney. The evening finishes with a dinner in Cromloch Lodge where the Noble Prize winner will recite some of the works of Yeates.

(BMcC/JM)