SDLP leader John Hume has stepped down from the Northern Ireland Assembly. Speaker Lord Alderdice confirmed he had received a letter from the Nobel peace laureate announcing his decision.

The IRA was under intense pressure tonight to end all paramilitary activity as Northern Ireland's Assembly and power ... regret at having to suspend the political institutions to save the Agreement.

The Irish premier has cancelled a visit to meet political leaders in Northern Ireland on Thursday ... to Parliament Buildings where he was to be greeted by the Speaker of the Assembly, Edwin Poots, ...

The Irish premier has cancelled a visit to meet political leaders in Northern Ireland on Thursday ... he was to be greeted by the Speaker of the Assembly, Edwin Poots, which would have been ...