NEED TO CATCH up? TheJournal.ie brings you a round-up of today’s news.

IRELAND

President of Ireland Michael D Higgins with his wife Sabina and invited guests at Aras An Uachtarain turning on of the Christmas tree lights Sam Boal Sam Boal

• There are four separate weather warnings in place as temperatures of -5 degrees and 8 cm of snow is forecast.
• The Luas Cross City is fully operational for the first time, carrying passengers right across the city from north to south.
• A man in his early 40s has died following a house fire in Co Meath.
• Gardaí are appealing for witnesses after a man in his 30s died after his moped collided with a car in north inner city Dublin yesterday evening.
• Most people want Ireland’s abortion law changed, according to new poll.
• Activist Emma Murphy has criticised those who place blame on abuse victims, and encouraged more people to talk about domestic violence.
• The Master of the High Court has criticised the government for failing to deliver on structures it promised that would help keep people in their homes.
• A call has been made for eight Jadotville survivors and their commandant to receive bravery medals for what they faced during the 1961 siege.

INTERNATIONAL 

#UK: Writing in the Daily Telegraph, British Environment Secretary Michael Gove has said the next general election will allow voters in the UK to have their say on whatever Brexit deal is reached.

#US: US President Donald Trump taunts one of the women who accused Roy Moore of sexual misconduct.

#AUCTION: The East German village of Alwine has sold for €140,000 in an unusual auction.

PARTING SHOT

Elf on the Shelf is an elf that keeps tabs on children on Santa’s behalf, reporting back on the good and bad behaviour he witnesses.

However, a very large Elf on the Shelf is terrorising the locals of Malahide by popping up all over the village and even being chased down the main street after stealing a garda hat.

Malahide Christmas Elf Malahide Christmas Elf

The elf is trying to raise money for the Ross Nugent Foundation, a charity set up in the name of a young man who passed away from a rare form of cancer in 2010.

[TheDailyEgde.ie]