Vincent Kearney

Northern Editor

Taoiseach Simon Harris described the shooting of Donald Trump as 'shocking'

Trump shooting a 'heinous act', says Taoiseach

Taoiseach Simon Harris has described the shooting of Donald Trump as a heinous act of political violence and said politicians must "dial down the rhetoric" when it comes to demonising opponents.

Ireland • 14 Jul 24

Hilary Benn said he wants to be an honest broker who is 'a friend to all' but 'beholden to none'

NI Secretary among those at Fermanagh 12 July parade

Northern Ireland's Secretary of State Hilary Benn has attended a Twelfth of July parade for the first time as part of efforts to build relations "with all communities".

Ulster • 12 Jul 24

The Fianna Fáil leader and Hilary Benn discussed a range of issues

Tánaiste holds first official meeting with NI Secretary

Tánaiste Micheál Martin has had his first official meeting with the new Northern Ireland Secretary of State.

Politics • 11 Jul 24

Micheál Martin and Hilary Benn will discuss a range of issues including the UK's efforts to foster better relations with the EU (File photo)

Tánaiste to meet Northern Ireland Secretary tomorrow

Tánaiste Micheál Martin will have his first official meeting with the new Northern Ireland Secretary of State tomorrow.

Ulster • 10 Jul 24

(L-R) Northern Ireland Secretary Hilary Benn, First Minister Michelle O'Neill, deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly and Prime Minister Keir Starmer at Stormont Castle

UK will be 'honest broker' in any future border poll - PM

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer has rowed back from a commitment to campaign for the Union in any future border poll, saying he would be "an honest broker" on the issue.

Ulster • 08 Jul 24

The cost of the new stadium is estimated to be around £300m

NI Secretary vows Casement Park stadium will be built

Northern Ireland's new Secretary of State Hilary Benn has given a firm commitment that the GAA's new Casement Park stadium in west Belfast will be built, but he could not give a guarantee that it will be completed in time to host the Euro 2028 Football Championships.

Ulster • 07 Jul 24

Hilary Benn met with Michelle O'Neill and Emma Little-Pengelly

NI Secretary wants new relationship with Stormont parties

Northern Ireland Secretary Hilary Benn has said his priority is to establish a new relationship between the UK government and Stormont's power-sharing Executive.

Ulster • 06 Jul 24

Ian Paisley Jnr lost a seat held by his family for over five decades

Removal of thorns a silver lining for DUP amid losses

No political party likes to lose a seat, particularly one with iconic symbolism. But the loss of North Antrim comes with two significant strands of silver lining for the DUP, writes Vincent Kearney.

UK Elections • 06 Jul 24

Ian Paisley Jnr did not speak to the media as he left the count centre

DUP reeling after the Fall of the House of Paisley

The biggest story of the election in Northern Ireland is one that no one saw coming - the Fall of the House of Paisley.

Ulster • 06 Jul 24

Alliance leader Naomi Long, her husband Michael and their dog Daisy, leave after casting their votes in the 2024 General Election at St Colmcille's Church in east Belfast

Race for votes over as race to count them under way

By the time most people are having breakfast, the Northern Ireland results should be complete. Eighteen of the candidates will enjoy theirs more than the others, writes Vincent Kearney.

UK Elections • 04 Jul 24