The world economy could slump back into recession if state stimulus spending is wound up too early, the UN says.

Documents released to RTÉ under the Freedom of Information Act show that out of a shortlist of five candidates, AIB chose one of its own executives to take the top job.

The Taoiseach today faced questions in the Dáil about the Commission of Investigation into the banking system.

There has been widespread criticism of this afternoon's four-hour stoppage by air traffic controllers.

European stocks plunged this evening as jitters spread through the markets after some disappointing company results.

LONDON BRIEFING:When the dust settles on the latest in a long line of high-profile takeovers, 46,000 Cadbury workers will fret over proposed $675m cost savings, writesFIONA WALSH

Compiled bySUZANNE LYNCH

World oil prices weakened today as the easing cold snap in the northern hemisphere was expected to dampen demand for heating fuel.

US banking giant Wells Fargo reported strong profits for 2009 following its integration of smaller rival Wachovia.

Daft Media Group is expanding into the Polish online property market with the launch of Daft.pl.

Morgan Stanley posted a fourth-quarter 2009 net profit of $617m, chalking up annual income to $1.35 billion.

The New York Times plans to begin charging online readers of the newspaper at the beginning of next year.

Ryanair has said it’s planning the first fare increases in four years in order to sustain earnings growth as route expansion slows.

New US housing starts unexpectedly fell in December, pulled down by a drop in activity for single-family dwellings.

Bank of America said it had posted a loss of $194m in the fourth quarter of 2009 on repayments to the government.

Strike action that will ground more than 150 flights in and out of the country is set to escalate, aviation authorities have warned.

Unemployment is still on the increase in Northern Ireland despite an improvement in other parts of the UK.

British Airways cabin crew have decided not to strike over the Easter holiday period.

Former DCC chief Jim Flavin has said he is 'pleased' by the report of the High Court Inspector.

Xerox, the world's top supplier of office equipment, has bought Cork-based Irish Business Systems for €21m.