FORMER Labour party TD Michael Bell is facing a drink-driving charge following an arrest two weeks ago near his home in Drogheda. The TD was fined 400 and disqualified from driving for a year in 1991 for driving under the influence, a case which he successfully appealed. He will face this latest charge in Drogheda District Court this summer.

Public warned on fire in Mourne mountains

FIRE and Rescue Services in Co Down yesterday urged people to be extra vigilant after a fire broke out on the Mourne mountains. Seven fire engines and 36 people spent over four hours putting out the gorse fire which had spread across 40 hectares of gorse, heather and grass outside Annalong, near Newcastle.

Haughey back in hospital as health worsens

FORMER Taoiseach Charles Haughey was admitted to hospital again last week following a further deterioration in his health. Haughey was brought to the Mater hospital in Dublin suffering from difficulties with his breathing. He spent three days in the hospital. This latest health setback comes just a month after he was admitted for pneumonia and a lung clot.

Man arrested in Dublin after shotgun seizure

A 31-YEAR-OLDman was arrested in Dublin yesterday following a raid on a house in which two sawn-off shotguns were recovered. The raid on Blackhorse Avenue took place at around 3am following surveillance by garda drugs officers who have been investigating a row between two gangs.

Man charged with murder of Belfast pensioner

A 38-YEAR-OLDman was charged in Belfast yesterday with the murder of a pensioner who died after he was mugged in the city centre last Wednesday. Sixtyseven-year-old James Connor died after he was assaulted in a laneway off Ann Street. The accused man is to appear in court in Belfast tomorrow.

Investigations into Roscommon bus crash begin

GARDAI and Bus Eireann have launched separate investigations into Friday evening's accident involving a school bus in Co Roscommon. The bus was taking pupils home from schools in Strokestown when it collided with a wastedisposal lorry. Seven teenagers and the bus driver were taken to the nearby county hospital with minor injuries.

Dublin Gaelscoil students stage musical

IRISH history gets a modern beat this week when students at Colaiste Iosagain and Colaiste Eoin in Stillorgan, Co Dublin, combine forces to stage a contemporary musical version of Tain Bo Cuailnge. All the music and dance has been composed by Colm O Foghlu. Ultan O Conchubhair as Cu Chulainn and Sinead Ni Dhubhghlais Mhordha as Eimear head an enthusiastic cast. The show runs from Wednesday to Saturday in the new hall.