11.   With their thermal sources and arid environs, desert springs have some of the highest temperatures, greatest salt concentrations and lowest oxygen contents of any fish habitat.

12.   The news came only two days after backers of the wolf reintroduction effort said they had given up hope that any of the pups born this spring had survived.

13.   Spring also had discussions with US Secretary of State Warren Christopher in Israel ahead of the start Sunday of vital Israeli-Palestinian negotiations.

14.   Spring also had talks last week with John Bruton, leader of the other main centre-right party Fine Gael, before deciding to stick with Fianna Fail.