US President Donald Trump has hailed the "brave men and women" of the US military in a speech at an Independence Day event in Washington DC.
Opponents accuse him of politicising the holiday ahead of a re-election campaign.
There was an explicit show of strength on display - with tanks and bombers taking part in the White House event.
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The Department of Foreign Affairs says US vice-president Mike Pence has indicated his wish to visit Ireland this year.
It says it has had contact with the US administration on the proposed visit, but that it remains unconfirmed.
It is reported dates in early September are being looked by Irish and US officials.
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A development that is creating 1,000 jobs in Longford will be officially complete today.
Center Parcs has spent €233m on a holiday village that will open to guests on July 29th.
Taoiseach Leo Varadkar is visiting Ballymahon for a ceremony to mark the occasion.
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Almost 5,000 mortgages valued at over €1.1bn were approved in May.
The latest figures from the Banking and Payments Federation of Ireland show that is up 20% on the previous month and 10% year-on-year.
First-time buyers accounted for half of all approvals, while mover purchasers accounted for just over one-quarter.
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A group is calling on the Government to increase core social welfare rates by €9 per week.
Social Justice Ireland is also proposing a €5 increase in the living alone allowance, an increase of €20.50 in the domiciliary care allowance, and an increase of €300 in the carer’s annual support grant.
It is part of their pre-budget submission being made at Dublin Castle.
