DISMISSED until now as the political wing of the Irish Mafia, Sinn Féin are positioning themselves to become Ireland’s political wave of the future.

Justice Minister Michael McDowell has launched a blistering attack on the Labour Party following its comments about the Progressive Democrats' role in drafting aviation policy.

Activists campaigning against the deportation of asylum seekers have mounted a protest outside the Progressive Democrats' headquarters in Dublin.

HUNDREDS of armed troops were in position in Leinster House acting under orders to shoot and kill if necessary during violent protests by republicans in 1972, it emerged yesterday.

Sinn Féin could be part of a future coalition government if it clearly severs its links with terror, the party was told tonight.

The Progressive Democrats' spokesman on transport has called for an increase in penalty points for motorists caught speeding in accident black spots.

JUSTICE Minister Michael McDowell warned Sinn Féin local election candidates yesterday that they will have no say in the future policing of the State as long as they still support the IRA.

THE Department of Agriculture chief, singled out for criticism over his role in the Punchestown affair, may have his contract extended next month.

The Labour Party has vowed to publish legislation later this year capping the price of building land in an effort to bring spiralling house prices under control.

The Taoiseach has declared this evening that the Government wants to provide equal access to education.

WHAT do Enda Kenny, Mary Harney, Pat Rabbitte and Joe Higgins have in common? In any other week this question might sound like a riddle. This week the answer is more obvious — they are all opposed to the re-introduction of third-level fees.

Sixty-two percent of Irish voters are dissatisfied with the Government's performance, according to a new MRBI opinion poll.

WHEN he announced this week in the Dáil that he was contemplating a referendum to cap the price of housing land, it seemed that our revered Taoiseach had finally qualified for a grant to retire to a home for the bewildered.

The Progressive Democrats' Liz O'Donnell has defended comments she made yesterday which appeared to support the stance of the Ulster Unionist Party regarding Sinn Fein.

The Labour Party has accused the Government of showing indifference towards Ireland's rising crime rates.

Progressive Democrats' TD Liz O’Donnell has revealed that she is unable to take on ministerial duties in the incoming Government.

The Tanaiste, Mary Harney, has called for the privatisation of Ireland’s airports, a move she said will lead to lower prices.