Author: Angela Nurse

Northern Ireland Secretary Theresa Villiers has rejected suggestions that UK withdrawal from the EU would require border checks to be reinstated with the Republic. Ms Villiers, who is campaigning for Brexit, said there was “every reason to suggest” that the UK and Ireland could maintain free movement under the kind of common travel area arrangement… Continue reading Brexit 'would not mean UK-Ireland border checks', says Villiers

Around two million voters have cast their ballots in one of the most uncertain general elections in Ireland’s recent political history. As polling stations closed at 10pm political parties were estimating around two-thirds of the 3.3 million-strong electorate had voted.

More than 100 gardai have launched a wave of dawn raids across Dublin’s north inner city in an operation linked to the capital’s deadly gangland feud. Eleven properties – mainly homes – were targeted in the early morning searches coordinated from 7am onwards.

Taoiseach Enda Kenny and Tanaiste Joan Burton have called on voters to put the coalition government back in office. On the eve of the election the Fine Gael and Labour leaders came together to make a last-ditch plea in the hope of securing an extra few seats that might swing the poll in their favour.

Maureen O’Sullivan first came to Inishfree in 1963 to live with her late husband. The widow returned to the “magical” Donegal island where she had many happy years to vote.

The outgoing coalition Government is hoping the best employment figures for seven years will win them renewed support ahead of Friday’s election. According to the Central Statistics Office, the number of people in work increased by 2.3% – or 44,100 – last year, bringing the total in work to more than 1.98 million.

Micheal Martin has ruled out a power-sharing premiership with arch-rival Enda Kenny just days before Irish voters are expected to return a hung parliament. The Fianna Fail chief dismissed as impractical any deal to share the Taoiseach’s office with the Fine Gael leader over the lifetime of the next government in a so-called grand coalition… Continue reading Micheal Martin rules out power-sharing premiership with arch-rival Enda Kenny

A convicted sex offender, originally from Dublin, who attacked two women in their homes in front of their children has been jailed for life. Trevor Lawlor, 32, raped one of his victims in view of her toddler son and was only prevented from raping the other complainant when her boyfriend unexpectedly returned to the house.

More than 130 families, including hundreds of children, became homeless last month, figures show. Charities working with those seeking emergency accommodation have described the record jump in homelessness – almost 150% – as shocking.

Ireland is facing a “state of paralysis” where power could be handed to civil servants for months because of a schism among voters, Tanaiste Joan Burton has claimed. Opinion polls showing scores of Independents could be returned to the next Dail could herald the country being plunged into a Greek-style crisis with main parties unable… Continue reading Joan Burton voices fears over 'state of paralysis'