A row between Ulster Unionists and Northern Secretary Peter Hain over plans for a Stormont justice minister escalated tonight as the party published the British government’s proposal on the internet.

NORTHERN Secretary Peter Hain last night bluntly warned squabbling Unionist and Republican leaders to cut a deal before Tony Blair loses power.

NORTHERN Secretary Peter Hain yesterday challenged unionists and republicans yesterday to put direct rule ministers out of work during 2006.

Northern Secretary Peter Hain has defended PSNI chief constable Hugh Orde's criticism of the Orange Order in the wake of this weekend's loyalist riots in Belfast.

NORTHERN Secretary Peter Hain said yesterday he plans to announce a form of commission for victims, similar to that set up in South Africa, in the autumn.

NORTHERN Secretary Peter Hain was at the centre of his first political storm in his new role last night after he was accused of rewriting British government policy in the province.

NORTHERN Secretary Peter Hain will be making a grave mistake if he fails to put pressure on republicans to disband the IRA, David Trimble warned yesterday.

AT least 23 people from the Nordic countries were killed and 600 more are missing following the deadly earthquake-driven tidal waves that swept southern Asia on Monday.

Belfast High Court is due to hear legal argument today about Northern Secretary Paul Murphy's decision to re-imprison loyalist paramilitary Johnny Adair for breaching the terms of his early release.

Northern Secretary Paul Murphy is due in Dublin today for a British-Irish intergovernmental conference at Farmleigh House.

At least 14 police officers have been injured during rioting in North Belfast.

Northern Secretary Dr John Reid has dampened hopes of a breakthrough

The crisis meeting of the Northern Ministers has ended with David Trimble saying contingency plans had now been drawn up in case of the worst possible scenario in the foot-and-mouth scare.

A media blitz was launched today to persuade the public to "count themselves in" for Northern Ireland’s Census 2001.

Movement restrictions on farm animals in Northern Ireland have been eased on animal welfare grounds.

Northern First Minister David Trimble is appealing for information after a Catholic man was shot dead in Lurgan last night.

Northern First Minister David Trimble has discussed investment in Northern Ireland with French President Jacques Chirac and French business leaders in Paris.