``The gloves are off and we are going to do everything we can to benefit the plants workers''. This was the promise from Joe O'Flynn, SIPTU regional secretary, after the Ipsat International steel company rejected the trade union rescue package for the Cobh steel plant. Free article

As many as 2,000 people gathered in bright sunshine in West Belfast on Sunday 24 June for the unveiling of one of the finest monuments ever erected to the republican dead. Free article

The Tar Isteach Bog Trotters started a new season after the long break imposed by the Foot and Mouth disease crisis. Free article

During last week, when Bertie Ahern made his belated visit to Scotland to unveil a monument to the dead of An Gorta Mór, he was met by members of the Release the Castlerea Five Campaign. Free article

Speaking in the Dáil last week in support of a motion opposing the privatisation of Aer Lingus, Sinn Féin TD Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin said the national airline should remain in state ownership. Free article

A report by Davy's Stockbrokers on the National Development Plan sounds ``ominous signals for western development'' according to Sinn Féin's Mayo representative, Vincent Wood. The report indicated that spending levels would have to increase by 24% to meet even the targets in the Dublin Government's original plan. Free article

EU Commission President Romano Prodi was not the only EU bureaucrat strutting around Dublin last week. European Central Bank (ECB) President Wim Duisenburg was also here speaking at the Irish Central Bank's euro changeover conference. Free article