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24/09/2010
Economic Woes Grow For Cowen
The Irish economy has shrunk by an unexpected amount - 1.2% - official figures revealed on Thursday.
The bad news comes as Brian Cowen continued to tough out calls for his resignation - citing the need to concentrate on economic recovery - in the face of speculation over his political future.
Yesterday, data for the second quarter of the year showed a big contraction compared to the first three months of 2010.
This week the Taoiseach (pictured) continued to insist he has the full support of his party as the Irish Government faced a number of big economic decisions in the coming weeks and months.
Mr Cowen has been questioned over his leadership in recent days, following criticism of his performance in a radio interview with RTE last week.
He has denied allegations that he was hungover during the early morning interview on 14 September - and vows to remain in post - despite his former Chief Whip, Tom Kitt calling time on the country's leader.
However, his case won't be helped by this latest report that shows the value of goods and services, including foreign-owned companies, suffered a 1.2% decline in trade between April and June.
Home-grown businesses were also hit but not to the same extent, with their value down by 0.3% as the Republic's Central Statistics Office said the economy was hit by a fall in consumer spending - down 1.7% compared to the same period last year.
The national accounts showed exports continued to show strong growth, up 884m euro (£750m) on the same three months in 2009.
See: Cowen Won't Be Moved
(BMcC/KMcA)
The bad news comes as Brian Cowen continued to tough out calls for his resignation - citing the need to concentrate on economic recovery - in the face of speculation over his political future.
Yesterday, data for the second quarter of the year showed a big contraction compared to the first three months of 2010.
This week the Taoiseach (pictured) continued to insist he has the full support of his party as the Irish Government faced a number of big economic decisions in the coming weeks and months.
Mr Cowen has been questioned over his leadership in recent days, following criticism of his performance in a radio interview with RTE last week.
He has denied allegations that he was hungover during the early morning interview on 14 September - and vows to remain in post - despite his former Chief Whip, Tom Kitt calling time on the country's leader.
However, his case won't be helped by this latest report that shows the value of goods and services, including foreign-owned companies, suffered a 1.2% decline in trade between April and June.
Home-grown businesses were also hit but not to the same extent, with their value down by 0.3% as the Republic's Central Statistics Office said the economy was hit by a fall in consumer spending - down 1.7% compared to the same period last year.
The national accounts showed exports continued to show strong growth, up 884m euro (£750m) on the same three months in 2009.
See: Cowen Won't Be Moved
(BMcC/KMcA)
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A delegation of Irish ministers met in Dublin this week to discuss further cross-border cooperation on infrastructural projects. Stormont Roads Minister Conor Murphy, along with NI Enterprise Minister Arlene Foster, held talks with the Republic's counterpart Tánaiste Mary Coughlan at Dublin Castle on Wednesday.
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A delegation of Irish ministers met in Dublin this week to discuss further cross-border cooperation on infrastructural projects. Stormont Roads Minister Conor Murphy, along with NI Enterprise Minister Arlene Foster, held talks with the Republic's counterpart Tánaiste Mary Coughlan at Dublin Castle on Wednesday.
25 June 2009
Belfast 'Village' Boosts Economy
The newly-built Social Economy Village in west Belfast can help to stimulate economic growth in the local area. That was the message from NI Enterprise Minister, Arlene Foster, as she welcomed the official opening of the new 13,200 square foot development in west Belfast, today.
Belfast 'Village' Boosts Economy
The newly-built Social Economy Village in west Belfast can help to stimulate economic growth in the local area. That was the message from NI Enterprise Minister, Arlene Foster, as she welcomed the official opening of the new 13,200 square foot development in west Belfast, today.
18 June 2009
Area Development Delays Will Not Affect Planning
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Planners will continue to deal with major economic investment proposals speedily and effectively - despite delays in bringing forward new area development plans - NI Environment Minister Sammy Wilson has said.
31 March 2009
Armagh 'Woolies' Site Lease Agreed
Best Property services have confirmed that the site of the former Woolworths, Armagh has been agreed for lease this month to discount retail giant Around a Pound. Woolworth in Armagh was one of 19 stores to close in January when the administrators were brought in amid mounting debts of £385m.
Armagh 'Woolies' Site Lease Agreed
Best Property services have confirmed that the site of the former Woolworths, Armagh has been agreed for lease this month to discount retail giant Around a Pound. Woolworth in Armagh was one of 19 stores to close in January when the administrators were brought in amid mounting debts of £385m.
25 February 2009
Downpatrick Masterplan Consultants Appointed
Consultants have been appointed to develop the masterplan for Downpatrick town centre, the Regeneration Minister has revealed. Margaret Ritchie said the consultants will advise on transportation, access and parking changes for the town. They will also identify key town centre sites and make recommendations on their development.
Downpatrick Masterplan Consultants Appointed
Consultants have been appointed to develop the masterplan for Downpatrick town centre, the Regeneration Minister has revealed. Margaret Ritchie said the consultants will advise on transportation, access and parking changes for the town. They will also identify key town centre sites and make recommendations on their development.
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Northern Ireland WeatherThis Evening and Tonight:Rain clearing away east by early evening with some clear spells but a few showers likely to affect the North coast and other areas towards dawn, remaining breezy and mild overnight. Minimum temperature 9 °C.
