1.   Burns noted that the situation in the country has improved vastly compared to the fighting last summer and dismissed recent claims that the fighting could start again this spring.

2.   Ireland goalkeeper Pat Bonner and midfielder Roy Keane dismissed claims from World Cup chief Alan Rothenberg that the heat and humidity in Orlando were not affecting matches there.

3.   Satisfied his men had beaten the West Indies fair and square Taylor dismissed claims there had been any excessive sledging in the final Test at Perth.

4.   Singapore on Monday dismissed claims by the Philippines that Filipina maid Flor Contemplacion, hanged here last month for a double murder, may have been innnocent.