The Church of England has been accused of “dumbing down” the baptism service, one of the cornerstones of the faith, by changing its wording so parents and godparents no longer have to “repent sins” and “reject the devil”.

The British and Irish Governments must match republican efforts to enhance the Good Friday Agreement by delivering more on police reform, demilitarisation, justice and equality issues, Sinn Fein claimed tonight.

Ulster Unionist leader David Trimble was warned tonight that his sanctions against Sinn Fein were undermining attempts to resolve the issue of paramilitary disarmament.