UK prime minister Keir Starmer has called for increased cooperation between the UK and Ireland in an “age of dramatic uncertainty”. The prime minister said both governments were focused on “turning the page on the turbulent Brexit years”. They accused Starmer and Martin of being complicit in genocide in Gaza and criticised Cork City Council for flying the Union flag over Cork City Hall. Mounted Garda outside of Cork city hall ahead of UK prime minister Keir Starmer's arrival. Photograph: Chris Maddaloni/The Irish TimesEarlier in Northern Ireland, Starmer said addressing soaring energy bills is “absolutely on my radar”.

As an island nation, Ireland’s geography has historically dictated an exceptionally open economy. For centuries, the country’s prosperity has relied upon its ability to navigate international waters and seek out trading opportunities in distant markets. External trade is not merely a component of the economy; it is its cornerstone. This outward-looking model has evolved significantly over time. Sign in Unlimited access starts here.

Sir Keir Starmer was greeted by Taoiseach Micheal Martin at Fota House ahead of a series of meetings involving ministers from both governments. Earlier, the two leaders visited the Tyndall National Institute, an electronics research centre at University College Cork. Sir Keir Starmer and Micheal Martin visit a laboratory at the Tyndall National Institute in Cork (Cathal McNaughton/PA)As the high cost of fuel and energy is expected to dominate discussions at the Cork summit, energy links between Britain and Ireland will also be emphasised. The Prime Minister is joined by Energy Secretary Ed Miliband, Environment Secretary Emma Reynolds, and Business Secretary Peter Kyle. Sir Keir and Northern Ireland Secretary Hilary Benn met the region’s political parties on Thursday.

Concerns over 'men in balaclavas' putting up flags in Cheltenham'The intimidating sight of men in balaclavas hoisting flags fills many people with fear and disgust'View 3 Images Men wearing balaclavas were reportedly seen attaching flags to lampposts in Cheltenham this week. (Image: Submitted/Getty)There are concerns men in balaclavas were reportedly seen attaching flags to lampposts in Cheltenham this week. ‌A mix of Union Flags and St George's Cross were put up near the Evesham Road and Wellington Road junction earlier this week. ‌Councillor Julian Tooke (LD, Pittville and St Paul's) who represents that part of the spa town at Gloucestershire County Council said he was contacted by a concerned resident. ‌He said she witnessed men get out of a van and use a lift to attach flags high up on the lampposts.

Adam Olaniyan shrugs off Moses Itauma fight but welcomes future rivalryOlaniyan is widely regarded as a future heavyweight world champion and makes his professional debut in Dublin on Saturday nightView Image Adam Olaniyan speaks outAdam Olaniyan is yet to make his professional debut, but has already been tipped to achieve boxing supremacy. ‌After penning a lucrative deal with Frank Warren's Queensberry Promotions, Olaniyan is fully aware that the hard work begins now. While Olaniyan is only just getting started, many are drawing similarities between the two power punchers and are sensing a future rivalry. "Look, God willing, it's going to be a really big fight in the future, no doubt. But right now, I'm doing my apprenticeship, I'm learning, I'm still getting used to the pro style of boxing and I'm still adapting.

Man dies on North Staffordshire railway linePolice and paramedics were called to the sceneView Image Train tracks (stock image) (Image: PA)Police are not treating the death of a man as suspicious. Police and paramedics discovered the man's body after being called to a railway line between Stoke-on-Trent and Stafford. ‌A British Transport Police spokesman said: "We were called to an area of the line in Stone following reports of a casualty on the tracks. The incident is not being treated as suspicious and a file will be prepared for the coroner." Get even more North Staffordshire exclusives - and it is free

Myrtle Beach, S.C.,formerly of NewellEvelyn Marie Murray Curcio, a/k/a Cookie, Mother, Momma, Mom, Ma, Lovey, Grandma Curcio, GC, Grandma Cookie, Great-Grandma and Great-Great-Grandma, passed into eternal life, Wednesday, February 25, 2026. Evelyn was predeceased by her husband, Milio “Bones” in 1994 and sons, William Randall “Randy” and Milio “Buddy” Curcio; parents, Leland and Marie Bartman Murray; her mother and father-in-law, Milio and Mary Frijt Curcio; grandson, Rick Chalfant; great-grandson, Vincent Curcio; brothers: Leland, Harold and Edward Murray; and sister, Ruth Murray Gnoze. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, March 14, at the St. Sebastian Catholic Church, Belle Vernon. Calvery Cemetery, Coal Center, where Evelyn will be joined with family and the love of her life, her beloved husband, Milio. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to the American Heart Association, The American Cancer Society, St. Michael Catholic Church or St. Sebastian Catholic Church.

Honda CEO Toshihiro Mibe at the recent Tokyo auto show with the 0 Series of EVs, which have now been cancelled. Honda has made the shock announcement that it’s cancelling its much-hyped 0-Series electric car models — which would have been an impressively sleek shovel-nosed saloon, and a cool-looking mid-size SUV — as it says that not enough people are buying EVs. Honda’s woes aren’t only down to the US government’s decision to rescind EV incentives. The Japanese company has said that it will retrench its efforts, focusing on its core hybrid models, and putting its efforts into the US and European markets. It’s part of a general strategy at VW to start giving its EV models names rather than numbers, hence the new compact ID.

Work is good for our health, physical and mental. From camaraderie and social interaction, to intellectual challenge and a sense of accomplishment, work is good for our heads as well as our bodies. The Ministry of Justice does not do too well, either, but all other government departments record single-figures, including the Scotland Office on around seven days. There are many good people in Scotland’s civil service; at the top, and peppered throughout. We created an option, for those who wished to take it, that welfare is the default status and work is optional.

Secret river under Caernarfon that's been hidden for generationsRiver network under the historic town was explored by a drone as part of flood work'Hidden' River Cadnant under CaernarfonA network of river tunnels underneath Caernarfon have been seen for the first time in generations. ‌“We have installed a new screen that prevents rubbish and debris from entering the river Cadnant channel. ‌Key points:The river Cadnant disappears underground near the roundabout between Ffordd Llanberis, Ffordd Bethel and Tanrallt. View 5 Images Tunnels that carry the river Cadnant under Caernarfon‌In 1868, the river Cadnant was channelled into a ditch at Victoria Dock by the Caernarfon Harbour Trust. View 5 Images River Cadnant under Caernarfon‌“The video taken as part of the engineering work is extremely interesting and I'm sure people will be interested to learn about the river.

Strange structures appear on popular North Wales beach'Danger Keep Out' signs describe them as a 'pipeline welding highway'View 4 Images The steel stands disappear into the distance (Image: Vicki Smith)A huge array of steel supports has appeared on a classic beach on the Flintshire coast. ‌Visitors and residents have been left bemused by the works on Talacre beach, with some describing them as a “right eyesore”. However a new “conduit” is needed between the terminal and platform – this will carry a combined electric and fibre-optic cable. “Following this, a cable-laying vessel will be used to connect the cable from the beach area to the New Douglas Offshore CCS Platform. On the beach, the conduit will be covered by sand, and any remaining equipment will be retrieved.

Wednesday win as Athlone lotto player scoops prize of €250,000A lotto player in Westmeath had a night to remember on Wednesday after winning the top prize of €250,000 in the Lotto Plus 2 draw. The winning ticket was purchased on Tuesday of this week, March 10, at Circle K on the Dublin Road in Athlone. The National Lottery has also confirmed that €1 million is guaranteed to be won in a special Lotto Plus Raffle event on Saturday night. The Lotto Plus Raffle typically sees between 60 and 120 winners of €500 in every draw but, for this Saturday’s draw, the National Lottery is adding a guaranteed-to-be won €1 million to the Lotto Plus Raffle prize fund. Each of the tickets with the winning Lotto Plus Raffle number drawn in Saturday night’s draw will be entered into a once-off draw, where one ticket will be selected to win an additional prize of €1 million, as well as the usual €500 Raffle prize.

This saw the Wales Air Ambulance called in the incident on August 2 2023. ‌Air Ambulance critical care practitioners Ben Seabourne and Steffan Simpson, were dispatched from Cardiff Heliport to the scene in Mold. Ayse remained in a lot of pain and was given strong pain relief by the Wales Air Ambulance. ‌Ayse said: “I was simply getting up and heading to work like any normal day and listening to Taylor Swift. A witness called the ambulance service, and while I was unconscious, the air ambulance team came to my rescue.

Originally from Enniskillen, Co Fermanagh, creative director Caoilfhionn Rose moved to the Egyptian capital in 2024There was something about the city’s energy that felt both electric and grounding at the same time. It awakened a sense of calm curiosity in me, the kind of feeling that makes you want to stay and keep discovering. I’ve only experienced that sensation twice before, in Edinburgh and in New York, and both times I eventually moved there.

Ex-England, Arsenal and Chelsea footballer Amy Carr dies aged 35 after battle with brain tumourTributes have poured in for former England, Arsenal and Chelsea goalkeeper Amy Carr following her death from a brain tumourView 2 Images Amy Carr was battling with a brain tumour (Image: James Linsell Clark / SWNS)Former Chelsea and Arsenal women's footballer Amy Carr has died at the age of 35 after a long battle with a brain tumour. Brain Tumour Research has paid tribute, with a statement reading: "We are deeply saddened to hear that Amy Carr has died following her battle with a brain tumour, aged 35. View 2 Images Amy Carr after raising money for Brain Tumour Research (Image: @brain_tumour_research/Instagram)Another person commented: "Very sad to learn of this. Article continues belowCarr represented England 16 times at youth level, up to the Under‑19s and played for Arsenal, Chelsea and Reading. A JustGiving page for brain tumour research is still open for donations.