Latest: Sinn Féin leader Gerry Adams has hit out at the deal between the DUP and the Conservatives - saying it’s a "blank cheque for a Tory Brexit".

If Joe Schmidt and Eddie Jones have every reason to feel good about themselves after a very productive Autumn series for Ireland and England respectively then Lions coach, Warren Gatland, will be equally encouraged after some stellar performances from a host of contenders battling for inclusion in his 2017 selection.

IT isn’t often that a nationalist southern newspaper is in agreement with a lofty, unionist member of Britain’s House of Lords, but it is hard to argue with the logic of Ulster Unionist, Peer Lord Empey, regarding the Taoiseach’s contradictory remarks over Brexit.

Good afternoon. Here’s all the news you need to know this lunchtime.

Boris Johnson insisted Brexit will not see the UK "abandon its leading role" in Europe as the UK's new Foreign Secretary made his debut on the international stage.

David Cameron will tell the leaders of Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland that it is time to concentrate on best using the powers they have rather than debating what more could be devolved.

Fresh talks to break the deadlock in the North's peace process are to be launched, the Irish and British governments have signalled.

Scots go to the polls today to make what is, perhaps, the most momentous decision of their lives: whether to stay within a 300 year union with England or go it alone.

British Prime Minister David Cameron’s promise of an in/out referendum on Britain’s membership of the European Union sparked a furious political row in Westminster today.

British Prime Minister David Cameron has ordered an investigation into whether the North Wales child abuse inquiry "properly did its job" following allegations that a senior Conservative Party figure was involved.

Environmental officers are today working to safely remove 40,000 litres of fuel from a stricken cargo ship which ran aground in rough seas off the coast of Wales, sparking the rescue of seven crew members.

The ferry link between Cork and Swansea is to end, with the loss of 78 jobs.

The Taoiseach Enda Kenny is travelling to London today for a meeting of the British-Irish Council in Lancaster House where economic co-operation is expected to top the agenda.

The North faces £128m (€148m) spending cuts following today’s UK emergency budget.

German manufacturer Bosch today confirmed it is pressing ahead with plans to close a car parts factory in Britain that employs 900 people.

Welsh environment minister Carwyn Jones today dismissed a threat of legal action in a planning dispute threatening Llanelli Scarlets.

More than 200 people gathered outside a farm today to protest against plans to plant genetically modified crops on the land.

The target of slaughtering infected animals within 24 hours of foot-and-mouth being reported is being achieved in Wales, the Welsh rural affairs minister says.

Some 40,000 healthy sheep are to be slaughtered in a bid to halt the spread of foot-and-mouth disease in Anglesey.