The Taoiseach has reacted angrily at the language used by an Independent TD who's criticised what she called the Government's "unprecedented slobbering" over the Obamas.

The G8 leaders are close to agreeing a statement on the conflict in Syria, despite deep divisions between Russian President Vladimir Putin and the rest of the world powers.

Diplomatic moves over Syria have taken centre stage at the G8 summit of world leaders in County Fermanagh.

The US President says the achievement of peace in Northern Ireland gives the whole world hope - but there is still much work to do.

A major security operation is in place ahead of the start of the G8 summit in Northern Ireland today.

Riot police in Turkey have evicted thousands of anti-government protesters from Istanbul's Taksim Square.

The north is on a heightened state of alert as more protests are expected against the G8 summit, which starts in Fermanagh tomorrow.

Around two-thousand people have been marching in Belfast this afternoon against the G8.

In Belfast, thousands of protesters are expected to attend an anti-capitalist rally later.

It's feared much needed repairs to Clare's water mains may be a long way off despite the planned introduction of Water Charges.