12/12 The Sunday Papers

The Front Pages

On the front page of The Sunday Times is ‘Fine Gael split over IMF vote.’ Fine Gael enterprise spokesman Richard Bruton suggested he would voted for the deal, saying, “We are critical of elements of it but we also had discussions with the IMF and EU, and pointed out the areas where we would be looking to develop new policies.

“There was an openness to that within certain parameters. Reform of the whole public service was one area and Fine Gael’s NewEra agenda of investment in infrastructure was another. There are problems with it but there is also scope and flexibility to work within it.”

Communications spokesman Leo Varadkar, on the other hand, said he was unlikely to vote for the deal. “I anticipate our decision will be what it was when we saw the details of the bailout,” he said. “That is, we don’t think it’s a good deal. The interest rate is too high, there’s nothing on jobs and growth, and the bank deal says nothing about sharing the cost with bondholders.”

The headline in the Sunday Independent, meanwhile, is ‘No probe into Ryan Cocaine suppliers.’ Last Friday’s inquest revealed that Gerry Ryan died of arrhythmia brought on by snorting cocaine and drinking alcohol. Gardai believe that Ryan received the drug from a personal contact operating second or third hand from the criminal gang and that the RTE DJ “would have paid over the odds and that may contributed to his debts”.

It is alleged that the cocaine originally from a gang controlled by Fat’ Freddie Thompson, a notorious criminal. No investigation will take place, however, as no traces of the drug were discovered when his body was found last April in his apartment in Leeson Street.

Tales from the Tabs

It was inevitable, wasn’t it? It was always going to happen. News of the World reveals that Parent’s lives are never going to be the same again as Jedward are looking to develop their own children’s television show. An insider (I wonder is it always the same bloke) told the newspaper, “Louis has been after this for months. Basically, everyone has been waiting for the twins’ star to burn out, but they are going from strength to strength.

“Bookings and money keep pouring in for them and Louis has the diary full until December. Several months ago he approached ITV about a potential Saturday morning show for the twins to present. Two weeks ago, after the sell-out UK and Ireland tour and their Nintendo DS commercial, they opened negotiations with Walsh.”

They would be part of a three person presenting team, as you obviously can’t possibly leave the two of them to their own device. Let’s hope that the other presenter isn’t Louis Walsh, though. That would be too much to take.

The Sports Pages

The main sports story this morning is that Carlos Tevez has handed in a transfer request, as the Argentinean is disillusioned with life at Eastlands and is upset that he was substituted in the final minute against Bolton.

An insider (him again) told the News of the World last night, “Carlos has handed in a transfer request, but he will continue to give 100 per cent to the club. He is honoured to play for the club and is proud to be captain, but he cannot work with the manager or many of the people behind the scenes at City. He has a fantastic respect for the fans and the owner.

“The transfer window is open in January and he would like to leave then. But the one thing that is absolutely certain is that Carlos will not be a City player next season.” Sky Sports News confirmed that the request was rejected by the Manchester City board.”