A total of 1,375 applicants have applied for 80 recruit vacancies in the Naval Service, showing a career on the ocean waves is becoming a popular choice for young people.

Republicans were tonight preparing to mark the 25th anniversary of the death of IRA hunger striker Bobby Sands with a number of events throughout Ireland.

Sinn Féin MP Martin McGuinness was today warned he faced accusations of having something to hide if he continued to refuse to answer questions.

Despite the mounting pressure being applied by his younger rivals, David Seaman is still England's number one.