William Whitelaw, former British deputy prime minister and the first Northern Ireland secretary, believed power-sharing in the region could lead to a united Ireland, newly declassified State papers reveal.

DENIS THATCHER, husband of Margaret Thatcher and her faithful consort throughout her premiership, died yesterday in the Lister Hospital, London. He was 88.

Former British Tory party grandee Lord Whitelaw may have been involved in a conspiracy to pervert the course of justice while Northern Ireland Secretary more than 30 years ago, it was claimed tonight.