The power-sharing administration in Belfast is facing a major crisis after a vital Assembly debate on implementing welfare reforms began without a last minute political deal.

Stunned neighbours of a man shot dead in the North have spoken of their horror at the killing.

Education minister Caitriona Ruane has been asked to explain why she failed to appear in the Stormont chamber today to deliver a scheduled statement.

Former Northern Ireland First Minister Ian Paisley will not seek re-election in the forthcoming general election, it was revealed today.

The Gaelic Athletic Association today pledged to co-operate with a review of the North's government funding to clubs named after dead paramilitaries.

Funding at GAA clubs in the North could be withdrawn if they adopt the names of dead paramilitaries, it emerged today.

Teaching unions in the North today made an impassioned plea for politicians to broker a deal to end the confusion over the future of education.

The DUP should widen the education debate to reflect the feelings of most schools who are glad to see the end of academic selection, a leading school principal claimed today.

An ill-fated assessment method for schoolchildren in the North was today branded an expensive failure which should never have been introduced.

A Sinn Féin minister in the Stormont Executive was tonight facing a probe into whether he breached his ministerial code by consulting with the IRA over the murder of a Northern Ireland man.

A man in his 30s remains in police custody tonight after the murder of a father-of-two outside a Co Antrim bar.

The bill for compensation paid out by schools in the North has hit a five-year high.

The only private sector proposal on the table for a controversial visitors centre at the Giant’s Causeway still has a number of issues which need to be addressed, Stormont Environment Minister Arlene Foster said today.

Northern Ireland pupils aged seven or under have been suspended from school for disruptive behaviour, it emerged today.

A jubilant Ian Paisley punched the air after again topping the poll in North Antrim and immediately declared: "We beat the Shinners."

Politicians opposed to the seven new super councils planned for the North were accused today of being more concerned about their own careers than what is best for local government.

Republicans have been blamed after an Orange Hall was destroyed by fire today.

The loyal marching orders today held a groundbreaking first ever joint meeting with the head of the Catholic Church in Ireland.

Soldiers today defused two bombs planted at a Sinn Féin member’s home in Northern Ireland.

With all 108 seats filled in the Northern Ireland Assembly the party shares are: