George Lee Leaves Fine Gael

Former broadcaster and journalist George Lee has announced his resignation from Fine Gael and Dáil Éireann with immediate effect. The former RTÉ economics editor was elected to the Dáil in the Dublin South byelection last June. In a brief statement this morning, Mr Lee said that, despite his best efforts, he has had "virtually no influence or input" in shaping Fine Gael's economic policies during a period of enormous economic upheaval. He said: "When I entered politics last May I made it clear that I was doing so because I wanted to try to play a new role contributing to economic policy formulation."

HSE Seeks Admissions Cut

The HSE has said it hopes to reduce the number of emergency admissions by 30,000 this year. The move was announced as part of the HSE's 2010 service plan. Announcing the plan, HSE Chief Executive Professor Brendan Drumm said about 30% of patients coming into hospital stay there for less than 48 hours, which suggests the HSE is inconveniencing patients by not being able to make decisions about their care or carry out diagnostic tests such as X-rays without bringing them into hospital. Prof Drumm said plan will demand significant change in how HSE staff work, but the executive was investing its money in providing some of this care on a day case basis and in community facilities.

Man Arrested After Post Office Raid

Gardaí in Limerick have arrested a man in connection with a post office raid on Friday morning. A lone raider entered the post office in Fedamore and threatened staff at around 10.30am. He then fled the scene with an amount of cash. Gardaí have arrested a man in his 20s in connection with the incident.

Fishing Vessel Rescued Off Cork Coast

The Ballycotton RNLI lifeboat was launched to rescue a fishing vessel that got into trouble off the Cork coast on Thursday night. Five people were on board the 22-metre Irish registered vessel. They raised the alarm after they lost steering. The vessel was towed to safety.

Labour Select Donegal By-Election Candidate

Labour has formally selected its candidate for the Donegal South West by-election. Only one candidate has been nominated - Councillor Frank McBrearty. The by-election has been made necessary by Fianna Fáil's Pat 'the Cope' Gallagher's election to the European Parliament last year.

(DW/BMcc)