1. Recriminations as Fine Gael-Fianna Fáil talks collapse
Well that didn't last long. Its looking as if another election is a distinct possibility following a bitter breakdown in relations between the country's biggest parties yesterday over the shape of the next government. From Civil War politics to open war politics – and it's becoming more uncivil by the day. Fianna Fail TDs want to be allowed abstain in any vote for taoiseach as only a handful of TDs are in favour of Kenny's offer to form a partnership. Meanwhile, the talks between Independents and Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil have been characterised by some as a useless exercise designed to stall the inevitable moment when the two big parties sit down together. Of course, if you can't trust the politicians why not try your hand at it yourself with our interactive coalition builder.
2. Pope Francis makes defining statement on family
In a much-awaited 260-page treatise called Amoris Laetitia, (The Joy of Love), one of the most eagerly awaited pronouncements of his pontificate, pope Francis called for a Church that was less strict and more compassionate towards "imperfect" Catholics, such as those who divorced and remarried, saying "no one can be condemned forever". He said gay people should be respected but firmly re-stated the Church's position that there are "absolutely no grounds" to equate gay unions to heterosexual marriage.
3. At least 300 Irish companies have Panama links
There are 323 companies in the leaked Mossack Fonseca files associated with addresses in Ireland, mostly by way of the intermediaries that acted for the ultimate beneficial owners. However, the fact that the offshore companies are associated with an Irish address does not necessarily mean that the ultimate beneficial owners are Irish. Likewise, the number of Irish people who are the ultimate beneficial owners of offshore companies connected with Mossack is unclear because many Irish people use intermediaries in other jurisdictions, such as the Channel Islands.British prime minister David Cameron has finally admitted benefiting from an off-shore trust set up by his father. And, to re-cap, here are 14 things we have learned.
4. US backers call for Seán Quinn to condemn attacks on businesses
A number of US investment funds who bought bankrupt Seán Quinn's businesses in Cavan and Fermanagh have demanded the former billionaire speaks out against an "escalating" campaign of violence and intimidation. A series of attacks and vandalism on factories, homes and wind turbines has prompted investigations by gardai and the PSNI. Meanwhile, businessman Joey Smith, Sean Quinn's friend and a member of Concerned Irish Citizens, a pro-Quinn lobby group, has claimed the former tycoon is now "a prisoner" in the company he once owned. The businessman has been accused of trying to "drive a wedge" between the members of the management team now in charge of his former businesses in Cavan and Fermanagh.
5. President Higgins: Universities facing ‘intellectual crisis’
Universities are under increasing pressure to produce graduates solely for the labour market and face an "intellectual crisis" over their role in society, President Michael D Higgins has said. Speaking at the annual conference of the European Universities Association in NUI Galway, Mr Higgins said higher education has a crucial role to play in laying the foundations of a society that is more inclusive, participatory and equal. Meanwhile, the Student Media Awards took place last night and DIT won five awards and UCC won eight while TCD's Fionn Rogan won the Irish Times' Student Hub award.
