The US government plans to expand protections greatly for the US banking system out of deep concern for the economy, an industry official said after banking executives and top federal officials met to revamp the largest bail-out plan in the nation’s history. President George is to announce the expansion later today.

Washington DC was shrouded in a cloak of steel tonight as the United States prepared to celebrate President George Bush’s inauguration amid unprecedented levels of security.

Hardline Islamic rule will return to Afghanistan once US military forces are driven from the country, according to a statement purported to have been written by Taliban leader Mullah Mohammed Omar.

Northern Ireland’s politicians must not allow intemperate remarks to derail the progress made in the peace process and devolution, SDLP leader Mark Durkan said today.