Though it is more than 170 years since our Great Famine — an Gorta Mór — began its evisceration, it persists as a powerful presence in our consciousness.

Former US president George W. Bush has denounced bigotry in Trump-era American politics, warning that the rise of "nativism", isolationism and conspiracy theories have clouded the nation's true identity.

Donald Trump has lashed out at members of his own party as his controversial response to white supremacist violence threatens to engulf his presidency.

A US Senate resolution authorising President Barack Obama to use military force against Syria would bar American ground troops fro combat operations and set a deadline for any action.

A US military response to alleged chemical weapons attacks in Syria appeared more likely yesterday after Washington dismissed the Syrian government’s offer to allow UN inspection of the sites as “too late to be credible”.