The IRA was expected to confirm a significant disarmament act today, part of a series of choreographed moves to boost the Northern Ireland peace process.

Northern Ireland’s Equality Commission was today urged to probe claims that a British government department squandered almost £55m (€77m) in European Union funds for disadvantaged communities affected by the Troubles.

Northern Ireland’s Police Ombudsman was today called in to investigate an incident in which a police officer fired a shot at a car.

Northern Ireland’s Assembly was today heading towards suspension after crisis talks between the Irish and British governments.

The leader of Northern Ireland’s Alliance Party was holding telephone talks today with the British and Irish Governments and other pro-Agreement parties before the deadline for saving the North's political institutions.

Taoiseach Bertie Ahern reported ‘‘no progress so far’’ in efforts to resolve the Northern Ireland peace process impasse when he broke off from discussions in Britain to attend court proceedings in Dublin today.

A decision by Northern Ireland’s Alliance Party to pull out of the North Down constituency in favour of David Trimble’s Ulster Unionist Party was one of the toughest decisions it has had to make, leader Sean Neeson said tonight.