Sinn Féin dominates Northern Ireland politics, pushing a united Ireland while expanding influence in the Republic. Current leadership and electoral strategy shape border politics and security talks.
Andy Burnham has consolidated support after Makerfield by-election and is positioned to lead Labour. Polls show rising backing, but MPs warn against an early general election. He faces the task of forming a new government and defining a policy agenda, with a potential reshuffle and cabinet choices pending.
Police have launched a murder investigation after three members of a single family were found dead at a house on the Cullybackey Road. Post-mortems will determine cause of death, and police say the public is not at risk. A vigil is planned for tonight as investigators work at the scene.
Kenya faces rising political violence as youth goon squads stalk public events ahead of elections. Reports describe shootings, property damage and arrests linked to clashes in Kisumu and Nyahururu, with security forces promising firm action. Dozens of suspects have been detained as authorities warn violence will not go unpunished.
Growing pressure surrounds North Sea developments as Labour’s Burnham weighs policy changes. Rosebank and Jackdaw face regulatory reviews and environmental scrutiny, while the EPL windfall tax looms over investment. Officials caution against early approvals as consultations wrap up, with debates centring on energy security, jobs, and climate impacts.
The new Labour government is taking office as Northern Ireland faces a looming Stormont budget shortfall and ongoing talks with local parties. Benn says the onus is on the executive to seal a budget, while Sinn Féin and other parties call for early engagement and reform. Public services are operating under contingency measures as the budget stalemate continues.
Gardaí have charged a woman in her 20s after a vehicle containing a suspected advanced explosive was intercepted near Carrickmacross. The device is described as highly significant, with investigations focusing on dissident republican activity. A separate man in his 40s remains in custody as more details surface from the operation taxied by the Garda Special Detective Unit.