Gardai go ahead with protest actions today over the proposed cuts

Rank and file officers will refuse to carry out work using their own equipment, including personal cars, laptops and mobile phones

Last night a further two Garda divisions of Garda Representative Association members joined fellow Gardaí in votes of no confidence and support for the action.

Dublin Metropolitan West Region last night voted in favour of a vote of no confidence in Minister for Justice Alan Shatter, Commissioner Martin Callinan and Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform Brendan Howlin.

Just five counties - Galway, Kilkenny, Wexford, Carlow and Meath - have yet to ratify the proposals put forward by the GRA

Former Fine Gael Justice Minister Nora Owen says she is disappointed with the decision - and is urging Gardaí to return to the Croke Park extension talks:

 

Two men due in court for Roy Collins murder

Two Limerick men due to appear at the Special Criminal Court later this morning charged with the murder of Roy Collins

The father of two was shot at the Coin Castle amusement complex at the Roxboro shopping centre on April 9th, 2009.

These new charges come nearly 3 years after gunman James Dillon pleaded guilty to murdering Roy Collins.

It's believed the motive for the shooting could be traced back to 2004 when a member of the businessman's family reported a crime to Gardai, implicating a member of the Dundon-McCarthy gang who was subsequently jailed.

After years of threats Roy Collins's family moved abroad last year believing they had no other choice.

The two men due up in court today are currently serving sentences for other matters – one of the men is aged in his 30s. He is suspected of ordering the killing.

 

Oscar Pistorius is back in court this morning as he continues to fight to be freed on bail

The fifth day of the Oscar Pistorius bail hearing is getting underway in South Africa around now (08.00 GMT).

Prosecutors will make their final arguments.

Yesterday, the case attracted more controversy after the chief investigating police officer was replaced.

It emerged Hilton Botha is facing attempted murder charges himself - for a previous incident.

 

NAMA chairman denies engaging in speculative property development

Yesterday, Frank Daly, Chairman of The National Asset Management Agency (NAMA) announced a two billion euro investment programme which he says is in response to demand from foreign direct investors.

The programme includes significant commercial development in the Dublin Docklands, designed to attract foreign investment and expand the financial services sector. Frank Daly says the demand is there for the Docklands region.

"We hold security over a considerable number of properties and lands on both sides of the River Liffey and are currently assessing the commercial feasibility of a wide range of projects - not least those in the undeveloped part of North Wall Quay in the north Docklands" Chairman Frank Daly said.

Irish nanny Aisling McCarthy Brady is due back in court in the US today

The 34 year old from Co Cavan is accused of assaulting one year old baby girl Rehma Sabir who later died in hospital in Boston.

She's due to appear before Cambridge District Court later for a pre-trial hearing.

A spokesperson for the District Attorney's office has said they are still waiting on the results of the autopsy.