A roundup of today's other news in brief
Debate on grand coalition of left set for new year
Arguments will be presented on the possibilities for a grand coalition of the left as a new potential Irish government at a conference in Dublin.
The event, entitled New Political Possibilities in Ireland for all Left-Wing Parties in Partnership with Civil Society, will be held on January 31st in the Davenport Hotel, Dublin.
The organisers said the conference would give TDs and public representatives from Labour, Sinn Féin and the Left Alliance an opportunity to showcase their economic and social policies in advance of the general election.
The organisers said the conference would also explore how real democracy might be put in place in Ireland through establishing real networks and working arrangements between civil society and these political parties, alongside the trade union sector and progressive academics.
Waterford tall ship race details update
More details have been given in Waterford about the Tall Ships Races 2011, which starts six months from tomorrow.
It is expected to attract more than 500,000 visitors to the city's quays and the Suir estuary.
The event in the city, which will last for four days up to July 3rd, attracted half a million visitors when it was a host port in 2005.
Already almost 40 tall ships from 10 countries have registered their intention to be in Waterford.
Some 12 of these include the largest class A vessels in the world such the Christian Radich from Norway, Cisne Branco from Brazil, Mir from Russia and the British Pelican of London vessel.
Funeral of Dr David Nowlan
The funeral of Dr David Nowlan, former managing editor, medical correspondent and theatre critic of
The Irish Times, will take place this Friday, December 31st.
A service will be held at 2pm at Mount Jerome crematorium.
Dr Nowlan, who died on December 27th, is survived by his wife Nora, his daughters Deirdre, Siobhán and Emer, sisters Jennifer and Gill, brother Godfrey, his sons-in-law and grandchildren.