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Neil Hamilton lined up as Ukip MEP
The controversial former Tory MP Neil Hamilton is being lined up to head Ukip’s list of candidates for the June 2014 European elections, party sources have claimed.
Northern Ireland peace agreement flawed and elitist, says historian
The Good Friday Agreement is "flawed and elitist" but will not be derailed by the forthcoming 1916 commemorations or the threat from dissidents, according to historian Professor Paul Bew.
I’ll step aside to fight rape claims, says leading Tory Nigel Evans
House of Commons Deputy Speaker Nigel Evans will give up chairing MPs' debates temporarily as he fights allegations of rape and sexual assault relating to two men.
PM David Cameron urged to take on Ukip with Euro poll
David Cameron is under growing pressure to defy his Liberal Democrat coalition partners and stage a referendum on Europe before the next General Election.
Labour enjoy comfortable victory over Ukip in South Shields by-election
Labour coasted to a comfortable victory in the South Shields by-election, with the UK Independence Party finishing in a strong second place.
New count centre will avoid results delay: electoral chief
An extra count centre is to be introduced in Northern Ireland to avoid a repeat of the chaos which followed a marathon wait for results in 2011.
New-look council boundaries for Northern Ireland: how 26 will go into 11 in carve-up
Changes to Belfast City Council boundaries are likely to make the City Hall nationalist-controlled, unionists say.
DUP abandons proposal for Union flag at Belfast City Hall Cenotaph
The DUP has quit its campaign to have the Union flag flown at the Cenotaph in the grounds of Belfast City Hall.
Ditched: Stormont's long-delayed plan to create a shared future
Peter Robinson and Martin McGuinness are preparing to ditch their long-delayed strategy for tackling sectarianism in the near future, according to senior Stormont sources.
Stalled UDR ceremony go-ahead sparks row
A dedication ceremony at Belfast City Hall for former UDR officers will finally go ahead — five years after it was originally proposed.
Health Minister Edwin Poots told to quit if he can’t fix A&E unit crisis
Health Minister Edwin Poots has come under strong attack in the Assembly over the ongoing crisis at Antrim Area Hospital’s accident and emergency unit.
Bid to legalise same-sex marriage in Northern Ireland fails
A bid to legalise same-sex marriage in Northern Ireland has failed.
Extra cash to help economy possible
Additional funds may be made available to boost Northern Ireland's economy, Theresa Villiers revealed.
Sinn Fein welcomes surprise PUP peace overture
The political wing of the paramilitary Ulster Volunteer Force (UVF) has made a surprising offer to explore reconciliation with republicans.
MPs to debate tax allowance change
MPs are to debate changes to pensioners' tax allowances, which experts have warned could hit those in Northern Ireland the hardest.
Ken Clarke calls Ukip 'a collection of clowns' and claims some of the party's supporters are racist
Some potential voters for the UK Independence Party were denounced as racists by a senior Tory minister today as relations between the two parties plumbed new depths of acrimony.
Anger over OAP benefit comments
Iain Duncan Smith suffered a backlash from cabinet colleagues yesterday after he suggested that wealthy pensioners should voluntarily hand back their universal benefit payments.
David Ford ‘treated harshly for backing gay marriage’
Alliance Party leader David Ford has been “treated harshly” by his church over his political support for gay marriage, his predecessor Lord Alderdice has said.
MPs raise doubts over Chancellor George Osborne's £310bn infrastructure plan
The credibility of George Osborne’s £310bn plan to boost economic growth by building roads, railways, airports and power stations is thrown into doubt today by MPs.
I'm not a Thatcherite, says David Cameron
David Cameron has denied being a Thatcherite - despite arguing in an interview that "we are all Thatcherites now".
Madeleine McCann: New suspects identified by UK police
North West 200: Live pictures plus race schedule
In Pictures: Balmoral Show
Nice-but-dull Kate's annoying baby bump pose
FHM's sexiest women - Kunis knocks Tulisa off her perch
Latest News
Governor warning on housing package new
The outgoing governor of the Bank of England has warned that George Osborne's plan to boost the housing market is "too close for comfort" to a general state guarantee for mortgages.
Cameron 'losing control' of party new
Former foreign secretary Lord Geoffrey Howe has claimed David Cameron is losing control of his party as the Conservatives' "long, nervous breakdown" over Europe continues.
Stately home badly damaged in fire new
One of Northern Ireland's grandest stately homes has been badly damaged in a fire.
Latest Sport
Doyle downs hat-trick in Carlow success new
Substitute Craig Doyle came off the bench to fire in a spectacular hat-trick as Carlow powered to a 4-17 to 2-13 victory over London in the Leinster SHC at Dr Cullen Park.
Jones to pay for damaging Whelan's car new
Stoke striker Kenwyne Jones has apologised to team-mate Glenn Whelan after smashing his car windscreen in a mistaken act of retribution for a training-ground prank which went wrong.
Tuscan triumph Wexford new
There could be better to come from Tuscan Light judged on her manner of victory in the Irish Stallion Farms European Breeders Fund Median Auction Fillies Maiden at Wexford.
Latest Showbiz
Corrie dominates at Soap Awards new
Coronation Street has dominated the British Soap Awards, scooping eight out of 16 awards including Best Soap.
Veteran actor takes Doctor Who role new
John Hurt has been unveiled as an incarnation of The Doctor as the latest series of Doctor Who reached its climax.
Kate Winslet speaks up for homeless new
A-lister Kate Winslet has ramped up the glitz and glam to address the "heartbreaking" situation of youngsters living rough.
