NewsN. IrelandN. Ireland PoliticsStormont officials told how to spend without a budgetThe executive has failed to reach final agreement on the draft budget which was published in January.17 mins agoNorthern Ireland PoliticsAffordable childcare vital for workforce participation, MLAs toldThe Northern Ireland Executive plans to subsidise more than half of all childcare costs for working families by April 2032.2 days agoNorthern Ireland PoliticsDeputy mayor quits SDLP over Bobby Sands statue vote disputePaul Doherty quits the SDLP in a dispute over a council vote on a statue of IRA hunger striker Bobby Sands.6 days agoNorthern Ireland PoliticsUK union is 'cracking at the seams' - O'NeillThe Sinn Féin vice-president was speaking at the party's annual ard fheis (conference), which is being held in Belfast.6 days agoNorthern Ireland PoliticsNI to be first part of UK to offer free sign language classes for deaf childrenThe bill will put a duty on Stormont to provide free classes for deaf people under-25 and their close families, guardians, and carers.3 days agoNorthern IrelandBid to ban fox hunting begins again at StormontNorthern Ireland is the only part of the UK where fox hunting is still permitted.3 days agoNorthern Ireland PoliticsSinn Féin president calls for Michelle O'Neill's re-election as first ministerMary Lou McDonald calls on her party to ensure Michelle O'Neill is returned as first minister next year.6 days agoNorthern Ireland Politics£50m defence investment 'could have been better spent', says O'NeillThe Northern Ireland Defence Growth Deal, launched by the UK government, will see £50m invested in tech companies and start ups.DUP hit out at 'puerile' Sinn Féin over defence sector dealNo one from Sinn Féin attended the launch of the £50m Northern Ireland Defence Growth DealAlliance's Armstrong to step down from politics next yearStrangford MLA Kellie Armstrong says she is retiring from political life at next May's assembly election.'Substantial amendments' to be made to Troubles legacy lawHilary Benn said the government is bringing forward a "substantial package of amendments" to its Troubles legacy legislation.Sinn Féin Ard Fheis: Leader's speechSinn Féin leader Mary Lou McDonald addresses the annual ard fheis in Belfast.