Every afternoon, TheJournal.ie brings you five things you really need to know at 5 o’clock.
1. #GE11: All of the major political parties have changed gear today, shifting their focus from the issues that have dominated speeches since the beginning of the election campaign.
Sinn Féin has switched emphasis to community safety and combating crime, while Labour is focusing on literacy; the Greens are rejecting any reduction to the social welfare rates under the public finance plan, Fianna Fáil is turning its attention to tourism, and Fine Gael is making the issue of emigration a priority.
2. #RIP: The family of the late cystic fibrosis campaigner Anita Slowey have paid tribute to her today, calling her a “true fighter”.
The 24-year-old was well-known across the country, particularly for her contributions to Joe Duffy’s Liveline programme in which she called for a dedicated CF unit to be built at St Vincent’s Hospital. She passed away shortly after Christmas.
3. #BAILOUT: The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has reported that Ireland has met the first targets of the joint bailout plan – but adds that there are still some significant challenges ahead.
The report also points to a modest export-led recovery within the country.
4. #MEN’S HEALTH: A new genetic test may identify which men suffering from prostate cancer require more aggressive treatments, according to new research.
The test could potentially help to ensure that those in need of the strongest treatments would receive them, while others would be spared unnecessary treatment and potential side effects.
5. #TWITTER TRACKER: Check out our Tweet-analysis tool – which helps you find out what social media users are really tweeting and talking about on the Election 2011 campaign trail.
(And, for those who are wondering, Enda Kenny’s head does not explode if he reaches 100 per cent…)
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