More than 60 hostages have been freed after security forces launched an assault on a hotel in Burkina Faso which was attacked by suspected Islamist militants.

At least 20 people are reported to have been killed after gunmen stormed the Splendid Hotel in the capital Ouagadougou.

A government minister said at least 10 bodies were found inside a cafe near the hotel.

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The leader of Fianna Fáil says he's aiming to win the general election - by getting more votes than any other party.

Micheál Martin is insisting Fianna Fáil will over a real choice to voters, and tell them that a Fine Gael government is not inevitable.

The party's holding an Ard Fheis in Dublin today, its last major gathering before the election campaign.

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At least one million people are cut-off from aid in Syria as the humanitarian crisis continues.

Today a demonstration is being held in Dublin in solidarity with the people of Syria.

Madaya is one of the places under siege. Hundreds of people have starved to death there while many thousands have died from malnutrition-related illnesses.

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Disability campaigners are calling for a full cabinet minister to deal with the sector.

With the election now just weeks away, all political parties are being asked to publish their plans for services for people with disabilities.

The Disability Federation of Ireland says it wants to see clear policies from all election manifestos.

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More than 300 people are expected to attend a major feminist conference in Dublin later, debating ways to boost women's equality in Ireland.

Among the issues to be discussed are pay and working conditions for women, childcare and repealing the Eighth Amendment.