government had been trying to overthrow Nimeiri. Now Ethiopia appeared to be joining the Libyan effort. Border tensions between the two countries also increased after Ethiopia started supporting the SPLA.

After Nimeiri was overthrown in 1985, Sadiq al Mahdi's regime made it clear that it wanted to improve relations with Ethiopia and Libya. Supposedly, this was the first step in the resolution of Sudan's civil war. The change in regimes in Sudan also prompted a deterioration in United States-Sudanese relations, manifested by Khartoum's cancellation of the agreement calling for the participation of Sudanese troops in the Operation Bright Star exercises. Despite Sudan's estrangement from the United States and Mahdi's growing closeness to Libya after 1985, there was no substantive improvement in Ethiopian-Sudanese relations. The problem continued to center ononly take place on Monday night from 8.30pm til late!!”

Dublin City Council only granted a licence for three Brooks gigs, following complaints from local residents.

The singer then decided to cancel all his shows, rather than disappoint fans.

The ship containing the stage equipment had already docked in Netherlands prior to the cancellation.

The gigs were due to begin later this week.

Brooks will embark on a new world tour later this year - however there will now be no Irish dates following the fiasco.

Online Editors