Gerry Adams is a shrewd political bargainer who. for many, must be kept on side, writes Michael McHugh

Almost two-thirds of UK voters think Gordon Brown should concede defeat in the general election and clear the way for a new prime minister, according to a poll published today.

In the sprawling Northern Ireland constituency of Strangford tales of expenses and affairs have livened up a traditionally predictable contest.

THE coffee shop opposite Hillsborough castle is called Humble Pie – but for once, Sinn Féin and the DUP did not try to force each other to eat such a dish during their marathon negotiations.

British Prime Minister Gordon Brown announced today that he will seek parliamentary approval for a referendum to ditch the first-past-the-post voting system for Westminster elections.

The British Government's Northern Secretary Shaun Woodward has agreed to meet relatives of the Bloody Sunday victims to discuss the latest delay in the final report from the Saville Inquiry.

Nationalist politicians in the North have expressed concern that a loyalist parade is due to pass Belfast City Hall tonight while the Westminster election count is continuing inside.

Harry McGee, Political Editor

The nationalist SDLP is still on course to retain at least two of its Westminster seats despite further slippage in its vote, its European Parliament candidate Martin Morgan claimed tonight.

With over 100 councillors elected in the North, the trend seems to be following the Westminster election pattern with gains for the DUP and Sinn Fein.

Ulster Unionist deputy leader John Taylor today announced that he will not contest the next General Election due to a heavy workload.