Sinn Féin tonight called for urgent talks with the Democratic Unionists to resolve the political crisis that has engulfed the North's powersharing institutions.

Outgoing Taoiseach Bertie Ahern was today praised as being the most skillful politician of his era by opponents and allies as they marked his last full day in the Dáil.

THE referendum on the Lisbon Treaty has been pushed back another week, with the poll now to take place in the second week of June.

Labour Party TD Eamon Gilmore tonight emerged as the clear favourite to succeed Pat Rabbitte who suddenly resigned as leader.

Taoiseach Bertie Ahern today led tributes to outgoing Labour leader Pat Rabbitte, praising him as an able and talented political opponent.

The Health Service Executive is to hold an emergency meeting on Thursday to discuss the faulty health service payroll system which has already cost the taxpayer more than €100m.

The Government must move to ensure every child in the country is given a year’s free pre-schooling following a major new study on childcare, it was warned today.

Sinn Féin TD Caoimhghin O’Caolain has declared it a “disgrace” that the Government and the media have accepted the word of the PSNI chief constable that the IRA was behind the massive bank robbery in Belfast.

A senior doctor at Cavan General Hospital today denied that the surgical unit was in a dysfunctional state.

The Oireachtas Justice Committee is due to examine the Barron Report into the Dublin and Monaghan bombings in the coming weeks to decide if a public inquiry is warranted.

Sinn Féin has called for a new alliance of left-wing parties in the Dáil to form an opposition to the policies of Fianna Fáil, the Progressive Democrats and Fine Gael.

SINN FÉIN president Gerry Adams yesterday called for British Prime Minister Tony Blair to reconsider the postponement of Northern Assembly elections, saying there was no reason they couldn’t be held as soon as next month.

NO to Nice parties reiterated yesterday that voters should not be bullied into voting for the Treaty.

Sinn Fein has tabled a motion in the Dail calling on the Government to strongly oppose US President George W Bush’s plans to start a new war against Iraq.

Sinn Fein has announced portfolios for its five TDs following its gains in the recent general election.

Fine Gael’s Olivia Mitchell has called on the Government to clarify its intentions with regard to Monaghan General Hospital.

Sinn Fein TD Caoimhghin O’Caolain has called for a special Dail debate on the 1974 Dublin and Monaghan bombings after reports at the weekend suggested British attempts to cover up collusion in the attacks.

Sinn Féin has promised to house 70% of those on local housing waiting lists within two years if it is elected to Government.