DUBLIN, Aug 21 (Reuters) - These are some of the leading stories in Ireland's newspapers on Thursday. Reuters has not verified these stories and cannot vouch for their accuracy: THE IRISH TIMES - Economic gloom intensified yesterday as new figures showed that unemployment has soared to its highest rate since 1999, and a total of 500 jobs were lost in Co Cork and Co Offaly. - The government is being urged to publicly condemn Russia over its alleged use of cluster munitions against Georgian civilians last week. IRISH INDEPENDENT - Former Taoiseach Bertie Ahern yesterday told his successor Brian Cowen to "knuckle down" and get us out of the economic crisis.- The row over immigrants' language skills deepened last night after a Fine Gael senator called for a mandatory English test for all foreigners entering the country. - A government minister conceded last night that deep spending cuts in the wrong places could tip Ireland into recession. IRISH EXAMINER - Pay increases for Irish workers are running far ahead of those among the EU's wealthier nations. - Bertie Ahern last night rejected responsibility for the recession as he opened up about his post-power life of babysitting and sports presenting. Looking for more information from local sources? Reuters Business Briefing has five Irish sources including Irish Times. For details of the product please call your local help desk <PHONE/HELP>.
Russian troops dig trenches on the banks of river Rioni as they also position a mortar near a bridge that connects port city of Poti to inner Georgia August 20, 2008. ...
