Today’s headlines: a stolen Audi that crashed after a Garda chase linked to 70 thefts; counties that are restricting — and not restricting — Airbnb rentals

Stolen high-powered Audi that crashed after Garda chase is linked to more than 70 break-ins

A stolen Audi SQ5 which crashed on Tuesday night after a Garda chase has been linked to more than 70 break-ins on both sides of the border since arriving from England early last month.

EU divided over ‘blackmail’ as Putin halts gas to Poland and Bulgaria

The EU was yesterday split over Russian ‘blackmail’ into paying for gas in rubles after the state-controlled energy giant in Moscow halted deliveries to two European countries.

Ex-councillor confirms allegations of intimidation and bullying against FG members

A Fine Gael councilor in West Cork was bullied and bullied by party members – and had no choice but to resign from her local authority seat, it has been alleged .

Tánaiste Leo Varadkar said he ‘committed no crime’ when asked about a criminal investigation surrounding him giving a confidential GP document to a friend three years ago.

Europe will have final say on any inadmissibility, says Micheál Martin

The European Commission will have the final say on the regulations that underpin the government’s plan to ban turf and could veto exemptions to support small rural communities.

Revealed: The counties that are cracking down on Airbnb rentals…and the ones that aren’t

Councils across the country are failing to clamp down on short-term rentals as the number of Airbnb-style rentals exceeds long-term rental properties.

The Indo Daily: From space exploration to Twitter takeover — Who is Elon Musk?

$4 billion deal for Irish plane lessor AMCK hit by US lawsuit

A $4 billion (3.8 billion euros) takeover of jet planes from Dublin-based lessor AMCK is at risk of being derailed by last-minute legal action by US carrier Frontier Airlines, the UK has learned. Irish Independent.

Donnelly at odds with senior official Watt over Dáil committee appearance

Stephen Donnelly is at odds with his top civil servant Robert Watt, who is refusing to appear before an Oireachtas committee investigating the botched secondment of the chief medical officer to Trinity College Dublin.

Conscientious objection by some doctors ‘prevents abortion services’

Staff who conscientiously oppose abortion are the main reason why some maternity hospitals still do not provide pregnancy termination services, according to a new study.

Munster work hard to secure Leamy and Prendergast as Graham Rowntree’s coaching staff take shape

Munster are working hard to finalize their coaching ticket for next season, with Denis Leamy set to become the province’s new defensive coach, while Mike Prendergast remains the favorite to take charge of attack.