The Socialists party MP and member of the PS national secretariat João Galamba said today in a feisty display that his party’s position on the economic figures and the reports put out by the ruling coalition is that they not as good as they are made out to be.

"Portugal emerged from a recession but the crisis continues. It seems that the Prime Minister and the Government have not yet understood the latest figures for the Portuguese economy," said João Galamba.

British consumers are falling out of love with several well-established household brand names, including Cadbury, Heinz and Marks & Spencer.

Cadbury could be suffering a backlash as its American owners have tampered with several of its chocolate formulas.

Government consider it ‘inappropriate’ to provide the opposition Socialist party executive with its detailed studies on the privatisation of national airline TAP.

In fact the government simply refused to share its studies and assessments that have been undertaken for the privatisation process, saying that they are confidential.

Portugal, remembered in human rights circles as the first country to abolish the death penalty, today was accepted as a member of the UN Human Rights Council.

Minister of Foreign Affairs Rui Machete recalled the "pioneering role of Portugal in the abolition of the death penalty" and said the number one enemy now is "the inhuman action" of the Islamic state, which "threatens our values and most fundamental principles."

Thanks to Nuno Sá’s photograph, Portugal was represented in first place in the annual Underwater Photographer of the Year contest this year. His picture has the added bonus of highlighting both the Algarve’s Ria Formosa as a natural haven and the also dangers facing the seahorse worldwide.

The photograph, '50 Tons of Me' depicts a Ria Formosa seahorse from the pioneering project involving the University of the Algarve called 'Project Seahorse' which breeds the creatures in captivity for later release.

"A young man with a degree has the world at his feet," according to Portugal’s Finance Minister, Maria Luís Albuquerque.

The minister was speaking at the presentation ceremony of a new publication on Tras-os-Montes and EU funds written by the MEP, José Manuel Fernandes.

One area of government revenue collection that is way above budget is the income from traffic fines, up an impressive 96% this January compared to last.

The nation’s motorists selflessly contributed €11.7 million in the first month of the year compared to just €6 million a year ago.

Britain is falling in love with electric-powered bikes.

The e-bike is not new, but modernising design has given it extra appeal, with some 25,000 now being sold in the UK every year.