Two suspects in Skripal case believed to be Russian intelligence officers, Theresa May says

The British Prime Minister says the two men believed to be responsible for the Salisbury nerve agent attack are Russian military intelligence officers.

The Crown Prosecution Service confirmed this morning that two Russian nationals had been charged, naming the suspects believed to behind the Salisbury attack as Alexander Petrov and Ruslan Boshirov.

This afternoon, the UK foreign office summoned the head of the Russian embassy to answer questions on the attack.

Meanwhile, the UK has requested a meeting of the UN Security Council tomorrow to discuss the allegations.

Donohoe warns confidence and supply extension 'absolutely crucial'

The Minister for Finance has warned that it is 'absolutely crucial' that we have a stable Government in place as Brexit talks enter their final phase.

Paschal Donohoe began negotiations with Fianna Fáil on the upcoming budget this afternoon.

On his way into the talks he warned that an extension of the confidence and supply arrangement will be ‘absolutely crucial’ over the coming months.

It comes after the Fianna Fáil leader Micheál Martin rejected the Taoiseach’s call for talks on an extension and an agreed 2020 date for the next election.

Referendum on 'woman's place in the home' will not take place next month

A referendum on the place of women in the home will not now take place next month.

There had been speculation it would be held on the same date as the presidential election, October 26th - along with a vote on the removal of Irish blasphemy laws.

However, an Oireachtas Committee has now agreed to engage in more detailed discussions on the planned referendum on the women's place in the home.

Fianna Fáil has labelled the delay a ‘failure of Government’ – while Sinn Féin has backed calls for the clause to be replaced with a gender-neutral provision.  

Irish Ryanair pilots vote to accept collective agreement

Ryanair pilots who are members of IALPA have voted to accept a collective agreement.

The union says its members voted unanimously in favour of the proposals - which cover issues such as base transfers, commend upgrades and related seniority principles.

IALPA say: "Today's results show that 100% of pilots believe this proposal to be the first step towards providing transparency and fairness for Ryanair pilots while also assisting Ryanair in recruiting and retaining pilots in the future."

In a statement, Ryanair welcomed the “overwhelming vote in favour” of the agreement.

France and UK reach agreement to bring 'scallop wars' to a close

France and the UK have come to an agreement to bring the so-called ‘scallops wars’ in the English Channel to a close.

Footage emerged last week of violent clashes between fishermen from both nations – with rocks and smoke bombs reportedly thrown.

The clashes saw around 35 French boats chasing five British vessels out of the waters of the Baie de Seine, around 20km off the coast of Normandy.

The dispute has been simmering for over ten years – however last week’s clashes brought it out into the open.