The Sinn Fein President, Gerry Adams, is defending the £50-a-week pension he receives for his time as a member of the Northern Ireland Assembly.

Approval was today given for a by-election in Belfast West after Sinn Féin president Gerry Adams stepped down to join the Dáil.

Early figures for voter turnout for the European Parliament election have confirmed fears of a huge drop in the numbers voting.

Sinn Féin leader Gerry Adams has held on comfortably to his seat in Belfast West.