Recent News in Northern Irish Politics

Paisley slams 'paramilitary evil'. BBC News
Northern Ireland must be rid of all remnants of paramilitarism, First Minister Ian Paisley has said.

Final symbolic changing of guard. BBC News
The final, official ending of Operation Banner, the longest continuous campaign in British Army history, took place on Friday night. So what now for the Army in Northern Ireland?

Abused GAA player gets Croke invitation. Belfast Telegraph
A Protestant Gaelic footballer who quit playing following sectarian abuse yesterday gave a guarded welcome to a show of solidarity from the head of the sport.

Brian Rowan: New world that may not be too far away. Belfast Telegraph
Security expert Brian Rowan asks what will become of the UDA in the next phase of peace process.

UDA 'lining their pockets'. Belfast Telegraph
One of the PSNI's most senior officers has accused the UDA of "lining their pockets" and making the lives of young people "miserable - through drugs".

Paisley backs PSNI's efforts to crack down on UDA. Belfast Telegraph
The North's first minister, Ian Paisley, says the chief constable has his full support in cracking down on the UDA.

UUP MLAs 'may quit'. Belfast News Letter
ULSTER Unionist MLAs yesterday voiced their interest in leaving Government to form an opposition to the power-sharing administration.

I wouldn't give UDA 50p, says Sir Hugh. Belfast News Letter
Chief Constable Sir Hugh Orde blamed the Ulster Defence Association yesterday for the violent rioting in Bangor and said the group should be stripped of £1.2 million Government cash.

Party 'must not abandon policy they went to the people on'. Belfast News Letter
THE DUP last night accused the UUP of gearing up to "once again" break an election pledge if it decides to form an opposition to the Stormont Executive.

Couple targeted in pipe-bomb attack. Belfast News Letter
A YOUNG couple and their child escaped injury in a pipe-bomb attack in Antrim in the early hours of yesterday morning.

Being on Kilcooley was like living in a war zone. Belfast News Letter
THE smell of burnt tyres lingered in the Bangor air yesterday morning in the aftermath of Wednesday night's rioting.

CRJ schemes announced for loyalist areas. UTV News
Four loyalist-based community restorative justice schemes have been cleared to seek funding after passing rigid suitability checks, it was announced today

Ministers condemn rioting. UTV News
Ministers have condemned the violent rioting which took place at Bangor's Kilcooley estate this week.

SF: Policing forums can be community bridge. Online.ie
Policing forums can be a vital bridge between communities and the gardaí in tackling drugs and anti-social behaviour, Sinn Féin claimed today.

Shots fired during town trouble. BBC News
Six people were struck with baton rounds after police came under fire during rioting in County Down.

UUP will discuss opposition move. BBC News
The Ulster Unionist assembly team is to hold a strategy session to discuss the possibility of going into opposition.

Peace talks after baton rounds fired during riots in Bangor. Belfast Telegraph
Peace talks were due to be held between police, UDA representatives and community workers today following a night of fierce rioting in Bangor.

GAA probe over Protestant player who says bigotry forced him to quit. Belfast Telegraph
The GAA is expected to launch an investigation today into claims that persistent sectarian abuse forced a Protestant player to quit.

First peace, now a breakthrough in gay rights. Belfast Telegraph
The streets of Londonderry's Bogside, the scene of so many often deadly confrontations during the Troubles, yesterday witnessed a sight few would have expected, even in a more tolerant Northern Ireland.

McGuinness's tribute to gay community at pink Free Derry wall. Belfast Telegraph
Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness has hit out at those responsible for "despicable" attacks on gay people as he launched a new Pride festival in Londonderry.

Crossmaglen crime crackdown. UTV News
One of Northern Ireland's most fiercely republican communities today challenged police to offer them greater protection from crime.

Shots fired at police during loyalist violence in Bangor. Online.ie
PSNI officers have come under fire from loyalist gunmen during serious disturbances in north Down overnight.

Player quits over sectarianism. BBC News
A County Fermanagh GAA player has said he is leaving the sport because of persistent sectarian abuse.

The rebirth of Glenbryn. Belfast Telegraph
Six years on from Holy Cross, the estate at the centre of the dispute gets new homes worth £3m.

Moves to end UDA feud with meeting. Belfast Telegraph
Details emerged today of the first face-to-face meeting designed to end the feud between the UDA leadership and its breakaway south east Antrim " brigade".

We're still as sectarian as ever, claims Paddy. Belfast Telegraph
Comedy king Paddy Kielty says Northern Ireland society is still entrenched in sectarianism - despite the Troubles coming to an end.

SF proposes all-Ireland approach to road safety. Belfast Telegraph
Sinn Fein is proposing that an all-Ireland approach be taken to the issue of road safety.

Sacrifice of bomb squad praised. Belfast News Letter
As Operation Banner came to an end last night, a special tribute was paid to members of the Army's bomb squad that served in the Province during the Troubles.

Dissident republicans told to call off parade. Belfast News Letter
The mayor of Ballymena last night called on the organisers of a republican parade planned for his town to "gather their senses".

No place for homophobia in NI says McGuinness. UTV News
There can be no place for discrimination, intimidation or violence against members of the homosexual community, Martin McGuinness insisted today.

DUP MLA slams army move. UTV News
The decision to site army bases far from the border is part of a policy of ethnic cleansing of unionists from republican strongholds, it was claimed today.

Freedom of information sought. UTV News
More and more people are seeking information about what goes on behind the closed doors of Stormont departments.

Hamill Inquiry to proceed 'at earliest opportunity'. UTV News
The Robert Hamill team have won a House of Lords ruling which could open the way for full hearings into the 1997 killing of Robert Hamill, 25, by a loyalist mob.

No fanfare for Operation Banner. BBC News
There will be no bugles at sunset this evening at the British army's remaining bases in Northern Ireland and no symbolic striking of the Union flag; nothing in short that smacks of withdrawal, or departure or re-redeployment.

In pictures: Operation Banner. BBC News
British soldiers were initially welcomed into nationalist communities when they arrived in 1969. (Picture courtesy of MoD).


Pack up your Troubles. Belfast Telegraph
Soldiers stationed in Northern Ireland will be handed arrest powers greater than in any other part of the UK tonight - even as their role here officially diminishes.


An emergency measure that lasted 38 years and brought a quarter of a million soldiers to Ulster. Belfast Telegraph
Two years after the Summer of Love, Northern Ireland made the case for hate. By August 1969, sectarian turmoil over the campaign for civil rights had spread to the extent that the RUC could not control Londonderry or parts of Belfast.


Viewpoint: How the army held the line in Ulster. Belfast Telegraph
From midnight, the Army's role in Northern Ireland has changed utterly - in place of Operation Banner, the longest in British military history, comes operation normality, when the 5,000 troops will be ready for deployment anywhere in the world.


Loyalists to oppose republican parade through Ballymena. Belfast Telegraph
Loyalists have pledged to oppose a republican band parade through a Co Antrim town next month.

New legal move on Hamill inquiry. BBC News
A legal move by ex-RUC officers who want anonymity when giving evidence at an inquiry into a Portadown man's death has been referred to the High Court.

Longest military campaign winds up. Belfast News Letter
THE British Army will officially return to a peace-time stance in Northern Ireland today. The move comes with the end of Operation Banner, the longest continuous campaign in British military history to date.

MLA in warning over unified policing plan. Belfast News Letter
ULSTER Unionist MLA Danny Kennedy has questioned proposals to create a unified border force to fight international terrorism.

Gardai move 'a blow to Omagh families' case'. Belfast News Letter
RELATIVES of victims of the Omagh bomb have said it would be a "devastating blow" if gardai who investigated the 1998 Omagh bombing were not allowed to testify in a civil compensation action being taken by victims' families.

British Army ends Operation Banner. Derry Journal
FROM TODAY, policing in Derry will be the same as in Brighton or Liverpool with the official ending of Army support for the PSNI.

Short shrift for graffiti. Derry Journal
The pink version of Free Derry Wall got a quick re-paint at the weekend after anti-gay graffiti was written on it.

Hamill Inquiry to proceed 'at earliest opportunity'. UTV News
An inquiry into police inaction in Northern Ireland will go ahead at the earliest opportunity, the panel said tonight.

Palestinian teens to meet Omagh relatives. UTV News
Teenagers from the war-torn West Bank are to meet with families of the Omagh Bomb victims this week as the anniversary of the atrocity approaches.

More delays as Lords refers Robert Hamill case. UTV News
A family campaigning for answers about alleged police inaction in Northern Ireland face months of added delay after a ruling in the House of Lords today.

Dermot Ahern welcomes NI army scale down. UTV News
Northern Ireland is taking another major step towards normality with the end of British Army's 38-year military operation in the north, Irish Foreign Minister Dermot Ahern said today.

Gregory Campbell apologises after censure. UTV News
A Northern Ireland MP has apologised after being censured by a watchdog for failing to register and declare other elected political positions.

Omagh bomb police 'won't testify'. BBC News
Gardai who investigated the Omagh bomb will not testify when the civil compensation case brought by some of the victims' relatives comes to court.

Attacks on police condemned, but probe sought after fracas. Belfast Telegraph
Sinn Fein last night called for "proper and accountable policing" in Londonderry following two separate incidents involving officers and local residents.

Gerry Kelly welcomes end of Operation Banner. UTV News
British soldiers subjected generations of Catholics in Northern Ireland to an Orwellian nightmare of oppression, a top republican claimed today.

Security alert in Co Armagh. UTV News
A security alert is under way in Co Armagh. Russell Street in Armagh city has been closed following a telephone warning claiming a suspicious device may have been left in the area.

Donaldson praises British Army as Operation Banner draws to a close. UTV News
The political progress that has been achieved in Northern Ireland would not have been occurred without the British Army, a senior unionist claimed today.

No step back from Omagh civil case - Conroy. RTE News
The Garda Commissioner Noel Conroy has indicated the force has not stepped back from supporting relatives of the Omagh Bomb victims and their efforts to bring a civil action against those who they believe were responsible for the atrocity.

Army operation ending in the North after 38 years. Online.ie
Policing in Belfast and in Derry will be the same as in Brighton or Liverpool with the ending of British Army support for the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) at midnight tomorrow.

Shots fired as man flees from car. BBC News
"Police trying to make an arrest in connection with the recent murders of two men in Belfast have fired a number of shots at a suspect."

Devolution deal is 'within reach'. BBC News
"The government believes a deal to restore devolution to Northern Ireland is within reach, Sinn Fein leader Gerry Adams has said."

Four-year term for IRA membership. BBC News
"A chef found with almost 100,000 euro in a washing powder box has been jailed for four years for IRA membership."

Paisley silenced after Commons blast. Belfast Telegraph
"Ian Paisley had his House of Commons microphone switched off today as he insisted the Government must come up with an economic package to secure devolution."

Priest appeals for calm amid fear of reprisals. Belfast Telegraph
"Fears of reprisals following the brutal murders of two Belfast men sparked appeals for calm today after the killings were linked to feuding dissident republicans."

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Dissident 'backdrop' to killings. BBC News
"Police investigating the killings of two men in Belfast, now say their murders are linked."

Calm call after interface trouble. BBC News
"Police have appealed for people "with influence" in north Belfast to work to ensure calm in the area."

Children arrested over violence. BBC News
"Children as young as 10 were among six juveniles arrested during disturbances in Londonderry, police have said."

Paisley says good progress made. BBC News
"DUP leader Ian Paisley has said good progress is being made on a number of fronts in his talks with the government over the return of devolution."

Tensions rise in Ardoyne after two murders. Belfast Telegraph
"Tensions were heightened in north Belfast today following a night of disturbances in the wake of two murders in the city."

Arrest of pair on polling day was an abuse of the electoral process, counsel tells hearing. Belfast Telegraph
"An Assembly election candidate has appeared in court charged with attempting to murder a man more than 25 years ago."

DUP in vow to fight new law on Irish language. Belfast Telegraph
"Proposed legislation to develop the Irish language was due to be published by the Government today as newly-elected Assembly members met for the first time."

Plea to end feuding. Belfast News Letter
"Pleas was made today for an end to the feuding which has resulted in the murders of two people in recent days. The Rev Aidan Troy called for calm after Joe Jones was found bludgeoned to death in Ardoyne and father-of-five Edward Burns was shot dead at a GAA club in west Belfast. Both were aged in their 30s."

JUST LIKE THE BAD OLD DAYS. Belfast News Letter
"TWO separate murder investigations reminiscent of "the bad old days" have been launched following the discovery of two bodies in Belfast yesterday."

SDLP not in meltdown - insists Durkan. Derry Journal
"SDLP LEADER Mark Durkan has dismissed suggestions that his party is in "meltdown" following its disappointing showing in the Assembly elections."

Dissidents linked to Belfast murders. UTV News
"Detectives have revealed that the murders of two men in Belfast are linked to tensions within dissident republicanism."

Paisley positive after talks with Hain. UTV News
"Progress is being made towards the restoration of devolution in Northern Ireland, Ian Paisley has said."

Assembly members meet again. UTV News
"There was a positive air as Northern Ireland's newly elected assembly members met for the first time since the polls."

Peter Mandelson reveals he differed with PM over NI peace process. UTV News
"Former Northern Ireland Secretary Peter Mandelson spoke out about his differences with the Prime Minister over the Ulster peace process."

Guns found in dissident murders probe. RTE News
"Guns have been found as part of an inquiry into two murders linked to a fall-out among dissident republicans in Belfast, it was revealed tonight."

Restorative justice rules set out. BBC News
"New guidlelines on how community-based restorative justice schemes must operate if they are to qualify for funding have been published."

Ahern and Hain in deadline threat. BBC News
"Northern Ireland must have devolution by the end of March or its assembly will be dissolved, the British and Irish governments have warned."

Govts issue ultimatum to DUP and SF. RTE News
"The Irish and British governments have warned that it is devolution or dissolution for the Stormont Assembly."

Unionist woes 'will help enemies'. BBC News
"The DUP leader Ian Paisley says public divisions amongst unionists can only provide succour to his party's enemies."

Mortar bomber jailed for 14 years. BBC News
"A 38-year-old man has been jailed for 14 years for his part in a failed mortar attack on Newry police station in July 1998."

Fresh criticism of Omagh evidence. BBC News
"There has been fresh criticism of forensic evidence at the Omagh trial."

Police warn Kelly of death threat. BBC News
"The police have warned Sinn Fein's Gerry Kelly that dissident republicans plan to attack him in the near future."

Murmurs of 'betrayal' over power-sharing. BBC News
"They're used to talk of betrayal in Carleton Street Orange Hall, Portadown."

No agreement at policing meeting. BBC News
"Politicians have failed to reach agreement on policing and justice in the first meeting of a new Stormont sub-committee on the issue."

Belfast schools crisis revealed. Belfast Telegraph
"The scale of an education crisis among Protestant working class children in Belfast was today exposed by a powerful Parliamentary body."

Paisley hits back at 'joke' attack by McCartney. Belfast Telegraph
"DUP leader Ian Paisley today branded as a "joke" a stinging attack on him and his wife by Robert McCartney."

16 minutes before police called over Stone attack. Belfast Telegraph
"Police were at Stormont five minutes after they were called about Michael Stone's attack on Parliament Buildings, the Criminal Justice Minister has revealed."

£300,000 for blank screens. Belfast Telegraph
"Taxpayers have been shelling out thousands of pounds per month for television coverage of an empty Northern Ireland Assembly, the Belfast Telegraph can reveal today."

No agreement between DUP and Sinn Fein made at meeting. Belfast Telegraph
"The DUP has told Sinn Fein to deliver on policing and said no agreement was reached at today's subcommittee meeting at Stormont."

Meet to break Stormont deadlock. UTV News
"A new six-member sub group will meet at Stormont to try and break the deadlock over policing in Northern Ireland by the new year."

DUP claim SF could ruin justice. UTV News
"Sinn Fein could contaminate policing and justice if the party gets control over it in a devolved government, a hardline Democratic Unionist has said."

>Sinn Fein slam development as "nonsensical". UTV News
"An Irish court has cleared the way for the trial of Maze prison escapee Brendan "Bik" McFarlane on charges connected with the 1983 kidnapping of supermarket boss Don Tidey."

DUP to get free vote on gay rights. UTV News
"DUP Assembly members will make their own judgment on how they will vote during a controversial debate at Stormont next week on gay rights, a senior party member has said."

Three held over Strabane bomb find. UTV News
"Police have arrested three men for questioning about terrorist activity by dissident republicans opposed to the peace process in Northern Ireland."

Loyalist was involved in murder. BBC News
"A leading member of the Loyalist Volunteer Force has been convicted of involvement in the murder of Portadown grandmother Elizabeth O'Neill."

Bail refused to McIlveen accused. BBC News
"One of the teenagers accused of murdering a schoolboy has been refused bail after the High Court was told that he may have struck the fatal blow."

Threatened diplomat back at work. BBC News
"An Irish government official forced to move from Belfast to Dublin four months ago after a loyalist death threat is back working in Northern Ireland."

Stone artwork on sale for £10,000. BBC News
"A painting by prominent loyalist Michael Stone has gone on sale with an asking price of almost £10,000."

Devices search near PSNI station. BBC News
"Police are investigating reports of a number of suspicious devices near Lurgan police station."

Commissioner granted extra months. BBC News
"Interim victims' commissioner Bertha McDougall, whose appointment has been challenged in the High Court, has been granted two extra months in her post."

Blair urged to reveal identity of SF 'human bomb mastermind'. Belfast Telegraph
"A senior Sinn Fein politician was the mastermind behind a horrifying IRA 'human bomb' attack 16 years ago, it was claimed in Parliament today."

DUP describe talks with Prime Minister as 'useful'. Belfast Telegraph
"A delegation of DUP politicians has held a "very useful" meeting with Tony Blair at Downing Street."

Mitchell to be US ambassador?. Belfast Telegraph
"Former US Senator George Mitchell, one of the chief architects of the Good Friday Agreement, could be the next American ambassador to the UN."

Garden bomb 'could have killed'. BBC News
"A blast bomb has been found in the garden of a house in County Tyrone, the police have said."

Road still closed in bomb alert. BBC News
"A security operation is continuing in County Tyrone due to a bomb alert."

DUP delegation to meet Tony Blair. BBC News
"A DUP delegation led by party leader Ian Paisley is due to meet Prime Minister Tony Blair in Downing Street."

Murdered criminal's assets seized. BBC News
"About £200,000 has been recovered from the estate of criminal Paul Patrick Daly who was murdered in May 2001."

Senior QC set to investigate NIO cover-up allegations. Belfast Telegraph
"The senior lawyer conducting the NIO cover-up inquiry is part of the MI5 watchdog that has never upheld a complaint against the secret agency."

Dissidents blamed for mortar attack. Belfast Telegraph
"Dissidents Republicans are thought to be behind yesterday's failed mortar attack on a Co Armagh police station, according to a leading PSNI officer."

Water charges to go ahead despite lack of Assembly. Belfast Telegraph
"Water charges won't be put on hold until they can be handled by local ministers, Secretary of State Peter Hain has told a Stormont committee."

Confusion over burnt Wright files. Belfast Telegraph
"A public inquiry into the murder of LVF leader Billy Wright has received yet more conflicting evidence on the destruction of files on hundreds of terrorist prisoners held at the Maze."

Committee must resolved policing dispute. Belfast Telegraph
"A Stormont committee will have four weeks to resolve the dispute between the DUP leader Ian Paisley and Sinn Fein president Gerry Adams over the transfer of policing and justice powers from Westminster, it has emerged."

DUP has one voice on policing, says Dodds. RTE News
"The DUP Chief Whip, Nigel Dodds, has said his party is speaking with one voice on the issue of Sinn Féin's acceptance of policing."

Dissidents blamed as bomb is defused in Tyrone. Online.ie
"British army experts have defused a blast bomb that sparked a major overnight security alert in Co Tyrone."

Hain 'interference' to be debated. BBC News
"The NI Assembly is to debate how proceedings on 24 November were handled by Secretary of State Peter Hain."

Bomb experts deal with two alerts. BBC News
"Army explosives experts have been called out to deal with two separate security alerts in Armagh and Tyrone."

NIO to tell court why job was extended. Belfast Telegraph
"Peter Hain had more explaining to do today about the behaviour of his department in handling the Victims Commissioner's appointment - conduct that is already due to be the subject of a cover-up inquiry."

Children forced to stay home after device found. Belfast Telegraph
"A primary school was closed today following the discovery of a suspect device in the area."

Blair and Ahern to meet for talks. UTV News
"Irish premier Bertie Ahern is due to meet Prime Minister Tony Blair in London to discuss efforts to see the full implementation of the St Andrews Agreement."

Empey: 'Election deadlock threat'. UTV News
"The British Government may be forced to pull the plug in the New Year on plans for an Assembly election in Northern Ireland because of the deadlock over policing, ministers have been warned."

DUP 'not bothered over deadlines'. BBC News
"The DUP is not bothered about any power sharing deadline or dates for devolving policing, Ian Paisley Jr has said."

Adams angry at lost voters. UTV News
"Over 80,000 people wiped off Northern Ireland's annual electoral register have been urged to demand their votes back in time for the next Assembly election."

Empey: 'Hain must stop meddling'. UTV News
"Northern Ireland Secretary Peter Hain has been accused of trying to dictate how the Northern Ireland Assembly conducts its business."

SF slam SDLP's 'unholy alliance'. UTV News
"Mark Durkan's SDLP has been accused of forming an unholy alliance with unionists in opposing plans for seven super councils in Northern Ireland under local government reform plans."

Neighbourhood justice 'could lead to law of the jungle'. Online.ie
"British government plans for neighbourhood justice schemes in the North could condemn nationalist communities to rough justice and one sided political policing, it was claimed today."

Split in DUP is evident - Empey. BBC News
"A split within the DUP over the St Andrews Agreement is not in the wider interests of unionism, Ulster Unionist leader Sir Reg Empey has said."

Whiskey brings echo of civil war. BBC News
"A new whiskey named after the iconic republican Michael Collins has raised echos of the Irish civil war."

'UUP pleasure from DUP pain'. BBC News
"The Germans have a word for it. "Schadenfreude" is 'pleasure taken from someone else's misfortune', and that has to be an emotion coursing through the veins of many an Ulster Unionist as they witness the recent travails of the DUP."

We've have been through too much for quick fix, says Eames. Belfast Telegraph
"Church of Ireland Primate Robin Eames has warned against any "quick fix" approach over policing and devolution."

Lundy parade in Derry." UTV News
"Organisers hope the event, which is the last in the loyal orders` calender, will pass off without incident. The Apprentice Boys are commemorating the start of the Siege of Derry in 1688 and the march will culminate in the burning of an effigy of Colonel Robert Lundy, who is regarded as a traitor by loyalists."

New register drops 82,000 voters. BBC News
"The new electoral register for Northern Ireland reveals a drop of about 82,000 voters in comparison with last year's lists."

DUP meeting to ensure party unity. BBC News
"The DUP leadership is to hold a top-level strategy meeting following discontent in the ranks about aspects of the St Andrews Agreement."

Equal support for PSNI Ombudsman. BBC News
"An independent survey has suggested Protestants and Catholics are equally supportive of the Police Ombudsman."

DUP to hold strategy meeting. UTV News
"The Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) is due to hold a private strategy meeting in a bid to allay concerns about the party's involvement in efforts to revive power sharing at Stormont."

FF in strongest poll position since last general election. Online.ie
"Fianna Fáil is at its strongest position since the last general election, according to a new opinion poll out this morning."

Omagh trial charges move rejected. BBC News
"The judge in the Omagh bomb trial has rejected an application to dismiss some of the charges facing Sean Hoey."

MP demands inquiry into bomb find. BBC News
"Coleraine courthouse has re-opened after a "a viable device," was found nearby in the early hours of Thursday."

Loyalist's acquittal appealed. BBC News
"The decision to acquit prominent loyalist William "Mo" Courtney is to be taken to the Court of Appeal."

Policing issues 'can be resolved'. BBC News
"Sinn Fein's outstanding difficulties with policing can be resolved, the party's president Gerry Adams has said."

Paisley appeal over Disappeared. BBC News
"DUP leader Ian Paisley has appealed for anyone with information about the so-called Disappeared to come to him."

I'm ready: Orde. Belfast Telegraph
"Northern Ireland's most senior police officer, Hugh Orde, today said he was ready for face-to-face talks with Sinn Fein as that party moves ever closer to participation in policing."

Courthouse bomb may have been overlooked. Belfast Telegraph
"Concern was mounting today that a bomb discovered outside Coleraine Courthouse may have been missed during a previous search of the area."

Brian Rowan: Sinn Fein ready to meet Orde as party edges closer to policing. Belfast Telegraph
"Gerry Adams is preparing the republican movement for another major decision. Security writer Brian Rowan reports."

Sinn Fein to end its Assembly sessions boycott. Belfast Telegraph
"Sinn Fein is set to drop its boycott of Assembly sessions, it emerged last night, clearing the way to a return of full debates at Stormont."

Support network founded in tribute to MLA. Belfast Telegraph
"A new cancer support network is being established in west Belfast to honour the memory of Sinn Fein politician Michael Ferguson who died from the disease earlier this year."

Wilson: DUP not using 11-plus as bargaining chip. Belfast Telegraph
"Democratic Unionists' education spokesman rejects claims of Queen's University professor."

Irish Govt committee report finds British collusion. UTV News
"British security forces colluded in acts of international terrorism in the 1970s, a committee of the Irish parliament has said in a hard-hitting report."

Miami Showband families hold meeting with Taoiseach. UTV News
"A report from the Oireachtas Justice Committee, published yesterday, said that British security forces colluded with loyalist terrorists in the 1975 massacre when three members of the band were shot dead by a UVF gang at a checkpoint outside Newry."

DUP claim SF are 'dodging' first move on policing. UTV News
"Democratic Unionist Policing Board member Ian Paisley Jnr accused the Sinn Fein president of trying to dodge the requirement on his party to move first under the St Andrews plan for power sharing by publicly supporting the Police Service of Northern Ireland."

Adams sets out position on policing. RTE News
"The Sinn Féin President, Gerry Adams, has set out his position on policing in an article published in An Phoblacht this morning."

IRA-membership accused denies having anything worth destroying. Online.ie
"A father of 10 accused of IRA membership denied under oath having any items in his house worth destroying when gardaí conducted a search of the house, the Special Criminal Court heard today."

Miami Showband relatives encouraged by meeting with Taoiseach. Online.ie
"Relatives of those that died in the 1975 Miami Showband massacre said this afternoon they were greatly encouraged by the intentions of Taoiseach Bertie Ahern on their case."

Youth escapes injury in shooting. BBC News
"A gunman has fired a shot at youth in Coleraine, County Londonderry."

Ombudsman probes lorry shooting. BBC News
"A Police Ombudsman investigation into a police shooting in west Belfast is set to continue."

DUP members 'contact McCartney'. BBC News
"UK Unionist leader Robert McCartney claims he has been contacted by numerous disaffected members of the DUP unhappy with the St Andrews Agreement."

DUP is facing difficult decisions. BBC News
"Former DUP councillor Walter Millar who rounded on his former party over the St Andrews Agreement may have neatly summed up - without realising it - how far the party has moved - and why there's probably no going back."

Shots fired on Falls Road as lorry fails to stop. Belfast Telegraph
"Police in west Belfast opened fire on a lorry which failed to stop and collided with two vehicles. It happened near St James' Park on the Falls Road at about 3pm yesterday - as hundreds of children made their way home from school."

Youth survives jammed gun attack. UTV News
"A youth has survived a gun attack when the weapon jammed, according to police."

Adams: Peace process must continue with or without DUP. Online.ie
"Sinn Féin today called on the Irish and British governments to forge ahead without the DUP if the unionists refuse to sign up to the St Andrews Accord."

Police open fire on lorry in city. BBC News
"Police have opened fire on a lorry which refused to stop in west Belfast, police have said."

Nuisance money claim 'ludicrous'. BBC News
"It "beggars belief" that the CBI can claim a multi-billion pound package for NI is little more than a "nuisance payment", a Welsh academic has said."

Man faces shop fire attack charge. BBC News
"A 39-year-old man has appeared in court charged in connection with firebomb attacks at two shopping centres in Newtownards and south Belfast."

Police evidence can be anonymous. BBC News
"Ex-RUC officers can ask for anonymity when they testify at an inquiry into the death of a Portadown man."

The 'pain' of changes to policing: Sir Ronnie. Belfast Telegraph"The man who oversaw the transition of the RUC into the PSNI five years ago today has recalled the enormous "pain" caused by historical changes in Ulster policing."

Delay fears for Sinn Fein special police conference. Belfast Telegraph
"Uncertainty over a timetable for the devolution of police and justice powers could lead to Sinn Fein delaying its special conference on policing, it emerged today."

'Unveil any side deals to ensure the public's confidence'. Belfast Telegraph
"The SDLP has demanded the Government disclose any side deals with the parties at the St Andrews talks."

SDLP calls for change over MI5 watchdog. Belfast Telegraph
"The watchdog that looks after complaints about MI5 has never upheld a grievance against the security agency, according to the most recent Government figures."

MLAs pensions boosted by £5m of taxpayers' money. Belfast Telegraph
"Almost £5m of public money has been pumped into the pension fund for Northern Ireland Assembly members in six years, it can be revealed today."

Education of kids 'is important to UVF leadership'. Belfast Telegraph
"Last month, the Belfast Telegraph revealed the devastating impact of the loyalist conflict on the lives of schoolchildren in the Shankill. Today, former loyalist inmate Tom Roberts from ex-prisoners' organisation EPIC explains the UVF's view to Education Correspondent Kathryn Torney."

Stone: I planned to kill Mayor. Belfast Telegraph
"Notorious hit-man Michael Stone has revealed that he planned to kill Ken Livingstone because he was being blackmailed by another loyalist."

The force of change. Belfast Telegraph
"Crime Correspondent Jonathan McCambridge considers how policing in Northern Ireland has changed in the five years since the birth of the PSNI"

Paisley: Sinn Fein not up to speed. Belfast News Letter
"SINN Fein's total lack of movement on policing was last night threatening to derail the St Andrews Agreement timeframe for devolution."

Store shuts up shop after bomb attacks. Belfast News Letter
"One of the stores damaged in Wednesday's spate of firebomb attacks in Belfast is not expected to reopen."

Shankill paints over past. Belfast News Letter
"THE blighting of the reputation of the lower Shankill by "one nefarious character" is over, according to the vice-chair of the Lower Shankill Residents Association."

DUP questions 'unrealistic' deadline date. Belfast News Letter
"DUP warnings that the St Andrews timescale is not going to be met were last night vexing London and Dublin."

Claudy report could embarrass Church - claims source. Derry Journal
"AN EAGERLY-awaited report into claims that there was a high-level cover-up of a Catholic priest's alleged involvement in the 1972 Claudy bombings will be published later this month, it's been revealed."

Durkan calls for referendum on St Andrews deal. UTV News
"Social, Democratic and Labour Party (SDLP) leader Mark Durkan has come out in favour of a referendum on the St Andrews Agreement, saying it would enable the British and Irish governments to put it up to the Democratic Unionist Party (DUP)."

Policing Board vice chairman says whole community must support policing. UTV News
"A senior member of Northern Ireland's Policing Board has expressed hope that Sinn Fein would be able to join with other parties soon in endorsing policing."

Police issue appeal on firebombs. BBC News
"Detectives investigating the firebomb attack which destroyed a Homebase store in south Belfast have issued a new appeal for information."

Brown offer a 'nuisance payment'. BBC News
"The financial package proposed by Chancellor Gordon Brown is little more than a "nuisance payment", the CBI in Northern Ireland has said."

Ahern says next two weeks crucial. BBC News
"The next two weeks are critical for the political process in NI, Irish Prime Minister Bertie Ahern has said."

So, what's it really worth Gordon?. Belfast Telegraph
"A £50bn funding "package" announced by Chancellor Gordon Brown contains little in the way of new Government money, it was becoming clear today."

Hain hits back in IRA fugitives row. Belfast Telegraph
"Peter Hain has proposed that the on-the-runs issue may eventually "need to be considered as part of a much broader range of issues dealing with the legacy of the past"."

Businesses defiant after latest firebomb attacks. Belfast Telegraph
"Belfast's traders last night insisted they would not go back to the bad old days as they prepared for the possibility of more attacks by dissident republicans determined to wreck a cross-party political deal."

'New Colin Farrell' to star in Good Friday Agreement movie. Belfast Telegraph
"A new Irish hunk is about to take Hollywood by storm - by starring in a major movie about the Good Friday Agreement."

PSNI urged to name and shame racist groups. UTV News
"Police chiefs in Northern Ireland should name and shame paramilitaries involved in racist attacks."

Adams tells Brown to address legacy of colonialism and partition. An Phoblacht
"This Wednesday saw a meeting between British Chancellor of the Exchequer Gordon Brown and representatives of all the political parties in the Six Counties in relation to a peace dividend."

South Armagh Volunteer dies in road crash. An Phoblacht
"Gerald Fearon, from Dromintee in South Armagh, who died in a road crash on Friday night 27Gerard Fearon October, was an IRA Volunteer."