A round-up of other stories in brief.
Department official forced to quit North
A senior official from the Department of Foreign Affairs engaged in work to persuade loyalists away from paramilitarism and criminality was forced to leave Belfast because of threats from loyalist paramilitaries, it was learned last night, writes Gerry Moriarty.
The official was attached to the British-Irish Secretariat in Belfast and was working directly with Dr Martin McAleese, husband of President McAleese, in his outreach work with loyalists, predominantly with the UDA.
The woman had many direct dealings with senior UDA figures as part of Dr McAleese's work, which is supported by the Government, to help create the conditions where the UDA might follow the example of the IRA and decommission and end paramilitarism and criminality.
In August however the official received threats from what one source described as "dissident" UDA elements who oppose what are perceived as attempts by mainstream UDA leaders to move the organisation away from violence and criminality.
The PSNI advised the woman and the Secretariat that the threat should be taken seriously.
It was decided the official should return to the Department of Foreign Affairs in Dublin where she is continuing her work in relation to loyalism.
Strike averted at aircraft firm
A planned strike by the 800 workforce at aircraft maintenance company Shannon Aerospace today has been called off following talks between Siptu and management.
Workers had planned taking action after the union issued a strike notice a fortnight ago. The company reacted by placing staff on protective notices.
Siptu and the company are to continue discussions.
RTÉ man steps into Kiberd slot
RTÉ's Eamon Keane is to front NewsTalk's Lunchtime show when the station goes national on Monday, October 2nd.
Mr Keane signed a contract on Friday to front the show from 12.30pm-2pm. He will now go head-to-head with Seán O'Rourke on RTÉ's News at One. Mr Keane takes over from Damien Kiberd, the former editor of the Sunday Business Post.
Liffey dyed pink in festival stunt
The River Liffey was dyed pink yesterday as part of the Dublin Fringe Festival, writes Mark Rodden
Bemused tourists stopped to take in the spectacle as the hot pink Rodemine WTD liquid dye was released into the river yesterday afternoon.
The festival got permission for the stunt from Dublin City Council, Dublin Port and Harbourmaster Capt David Dignam. Rodemine does not contain any hazardous ingredients. The festival continues until September 24th.
Roche puts stress on waste policy
Minister for the Environment Dick Roche has said Ireland must not fall "out of step" with the rest of Europe when it comes to waste policy.
He was speaking before addressing the Energy from Waste in Ireland conference in Dublin yesterday.
"If we want to achieve the same levels of environmental progress as is being made in every other progressive and dynamic economy in Europe we have to have the fullest possible range of waste infrastructure," he said.
Mr Roche was addressing concerns raised by the Combined Residents Against Incineration, who protested outside the conference.
They are concerned by the traffic, health and environmental problems the incinerator at the Poolbeg Peninsula in Dublin Bay could cause.