Politics

Bertie's backbenchers have softened their attitude to Michael McDowell since his elevation, but some are not convinced that he will be able to 'behave properly' in his new position. By Frank Connolly

At the Green Party's think-in, Trevor Sargent was forced to say that a strong anti-Fianna Fáil line was his personal position, and not that of the Green Party. By Eoin Ó Murchú

Minister for Health Mary Harney is to meet with representatives of Crumlin hospital to discuss a report into the proposed site for a new national paediatric hospital at the Mater in Dublin. The report is expected to raise serious questions about the suitability of the site. By Frank Connolly

Fianna Fáil is set to spend €10m on election 2007, with Fine Gael spending less than half that. More than ever, money rules politics. By Frank Connolly, Emma Browne and Justine McCarthy

At the parliamentary party conference in Westport, the Fianna Fáil leadership was unable to explain the government's low ratings, and there was nervousness among backbenchers about the damage being done by Mary Harney to the party's re-election chances. Eoin Ó Murchú reports

'We will go before the people on the basis of our record in delivering the strongest economy in Europe."

RTÉ broadcast a false report about Beverley Flynn on 19 June 1998. Nevertheless, she lost a libel action taken against the station and is now on the verge of being declared bankrupt because RTÉ is pursuing her for its legal costs in the case.

Even Fianna Fáil can't explain the curious connections between the Taoiseach and Louis Moriarty, who has been convicted for illegal dumping. However, in 2002 Bertie refused assistance to him. By Frank Connolly

Unauthorised Israeli air force plans have come through Shannon and aircraft carrying munitions for Israel have also gone through the airport. By Colin Murphy

Documents released under the Freedom of Information Act reveal the government is going ahead with plans to decentralise Irish Aid to Limerick in the face of consistent opposition from the government-appointed advisory board to Irish Aid.

Allegations that Bertie Ahern received illicit payments in relation to the controversial Quarryvale development in west Dublin between 1989 and 1992 will almost certainly not be examined at public hearings of the Mahon tribunal before next year's general election.