A round-up of today's other stories in brief

Decision on 'Metro' due tomorrow

A High Court judge will rule tomorrow on a legal bid to prevent the Evening Herald from using the word "metro" in the title of a giveaway newspaper planned to rival a freesheet due to be launched shortly.

The publishers of the new Metro freesheet are seeking an interim injunction against Independent News & Media, the publisher of the Evening Herald.

Mr Justice Frank Clarke has heard submissions from lawyers for both parties over two days, and will give his decision tomorrow.

Higgs new chair of British bank

Sir Derek Higgs has been named as the new chairman of British bank Alliance & Leicester.

The author of the eponymous report on corporate governance will resign his non-executive role on the board of AIB. - (PA).

Smiths Detection creating 20 jobs

Smiths Detection, a provider of screening solutions for the global security market, said yesterday it is creating 20 new high technology jobs at its Ballincollig facility in Co Cork.

The creation of the positions, which will be primarily for graduates with degrees in electronical, mechanical and software engineering, follows Smiths' acquisition of Farran Technology earlier this year.

ISE sees 50% rise in share trading

More than €80 billion worth of shares were traded on the Irish Stock Exchange in the first nine months of the year, 50 per cent up on the year-earlier period.

Average daily turnover rose to €425 million from an average of €285 million last year, the exchange said yesterday.

In the period, the Iseq increased 10 per cent, outperforming other indices such as the FTSE, the Nasdaq and the Dow Jones.

Isme asks minister to mediate in row

Isme yesterday called on the Minister for Communications, Noel Dempsey, to intervene in the dispute between An Post and the unions.

The Communications Workers' Union said earlier this week it will ballot its members on strike action over An Post's failure to honour national pay agreements.

Mark Fielding, Isme's chief executive, said the minister needs to facilitate a roadmap to end the hostilities and, in the long run, produce an acceptable, efficient and competitive postal system.

Student enterprise awards launched

Enterprise Ireland and Invest Northern Ireland yesterday launched the Student Enterprise Awards 2006, a competition designed to develop and promote innovation and entrepreneurship amongst Ireland's third-level student population.

The competition, which is open to full-time students third-level educational institutions, has a prize fund of more than €27,000.

The closing date for entries is March 11th.