7 is the magic number. Catch up on all of today’s top news every night at 7pm on TheLiberal.ie
#1 Cronyism: Tanaiste Joan Burton “accepts” the apology issued by the Taoiseach in relation to the McNulty cronyism affair, but John McNulty’s name remains listed as a member of the board of IMMA on ballot papers for the Seanad election.
The Taoiseach himself will face further questioning about the personal appointment of Mr. McNulty to a state board, allegedly to boost his career credentials before a Seanad vote.
The whole affair has been deemed a “political stroke” even by members of Mr. Kenny’s own party.
#2 Bomb threat: Garda station evacuated after suspicious device spotted outside its premises.
It’s understood the device was discovered at the gate outside Ronanstown garda station in Clondalkin, Co Dublin at around 11.50am this morning.
According to sources, the device appeared to have “wires and batteries”, but had an “amateur” look about it. A Bomb Disposal Squad was nonetheless called to investigate.
#3 Stunt show deaths: Monster truck plows into crowd at a stunt show in the Netherlands, killing two. Eighteen others were reported injured, six of them seriously.
The accident happened when the large vehicle veered off the track after crushing a line of prop cars, crashed through a barricade, and slammed into the audience.
#4 Grocery wars: Aldi reported massive profit boost over the course of 2012 and 2013, its gains increasing by about 36% when compared with previous results. The announcement comes at a time when other big supermarket chains are actively targeting the discount retailer in their advertising campaigns.
A spokesman for the company reported that it had attracted 1,000,000 more shoppers to its stores in August last year than during the same month in 2012.
#5 Farming accident: 8-year-old girl tragically killed and 11-year-old left in critical condition in hospital after farming accident in Co. Cork yesterday.
The girls were accidentally crushed by the bucket of a tractor. The youngest girl was pronounced dead at the scene, and her friend was rushed by helicopter to Cork University Hospital.
#6 The Simpsons: After months of speculation about who might it be, it was finally revealed last night that Rabbi Hyman Krustofski (Krusty the Clown’s father) bid farewell to the long-running series.
A lot of buzz had circulated online as to the identity of the character who would depart the series. Last night, the mystery was over, and Rabbi Krustofski peacefully and painlessly passed away.
#7 Jobs: UK brand “Dealz” confirms the creation of about 300 retail jobs, as the discount chain announces the opening of 10 new stores in Ireland next year.
Dealz currently operates 45 stores here, and employs about 1000 people across the country.