Harry Manning

The Space Shuttle Atlantis approaches the runway 20 November at Kennedy Space Center in Florida

5 things we learned from the State Papers

It's day one of four of the annual State Papers releases, so here are five things we've learned so far.

US President Bill Clinton (R) shares a light-hearted moment with Sinn Fein leader Gerry Adams during a reception at Queen's University in Belfast on November 30, 1995. President Clinton is the first US President to visit Northern Ireland. (Photo by Luke F

White House averse to Clinton-Adams Belfast photograph

White House officials were reluctant for then US president Bill Clinton to be photographed shaking hands with Sinn Féin leader Gerry Adams during a key cross-party event in Belfast when he visited in winter 1995.

State Papers • 28 Dec 25

Fears around impact of UK ID cards on Irish citizens

Irish officials privately believed British government plans to introduce national ID cards in 2005 could lead to discrimination against Irish citizens in Northern Ireland and the UK.

State Papers • 28 Dec 25

UK officials believed Storey behind Northern Bank raid

Senior republican Bobby Storey has been named in newly released State Papers as being the man senior British officials believed was behind the December 2004 £26.5m Northern bank robbery.

State Papers • 28 Dec 25

NASA wanted to use Shannon as emergency landing zone

Shannon Airport has had many eye-catching visitors over the years. But the prospect of a NASA space shuttle hurtling towards it in a potential crash landing scenario understandably surprised even the most world-weary of officials.

State Papers • 28 Dec 25

Boyzone on stage at The Point during the Smash Hits concert, 27/11/1995 (Part of the Independent Newspapers Ireland/NLI Collection).. (Photo by Independent News and Media/Getty Images)

Pop, VIPs, abdication, unity - other State Paper stories

Some other stories from the State Papers include concerns over concert safety, Irish files about the abdication of King Edward VIII, VIP disruption at Dublin Airport, CSO relocation to Cork, a UN future for Northern Ireland, outsourcing cervical smear tests and British attitudes to Irish Unity

Ireland • 28 Dec 25

Raw revelations within royal family in 1995 State Papers

The now King of England Prince Charles's visit to Ireland in May 1995 was widely acknowledged to have been an important sign of the warming relations between Ireland and England during the peace process in Northern Ireland.

State Papers • 27 Dec 25

Christy Moore made a complaint about his treatment during a security stop at Holyhead Port in 2004

Christy Moore locked in room at Holyhead Port in 2004

Legendary Irish folk singer Christy Moore was at the centre of a previously unknown diplomatic incident in 2004 when he was locked in a room and questioned over why he was travelling to England by boat by UK officials.

State Papers • 28 Dec 25

First stage of single-use vape ban bill brought to Dáil

The first stage of a bill to ban the sale of single-use vapes has been introduced to the Dáil.

Politics • 17 Dec 25

Taoiseach aware of Gavin tenant issue before selection

Taoiseach Micheál Martin has said he was made aware of a potential issue between Jim Gavin and a former tenant, before Mr Gavin was selected as Fianna Fáil's presidential election candidate.

Politics • 17 Dec 25