I want to welcome Ian Paisley's commitment to take up the post of First Minister and to share power with Sinn Féin once outstanding issues are resolved, and if the electorate so decide. I do not underestimate the challenge this is for Sinn Féin and for many republicans and nationalists. Nor do I underestimate the challenge a power-sharing arrangement presents for Mr Paisley and the DUP. Free article

An Oireachtas report published on Wednesday evening points to British collusion with unionist paramilitary death squads involved in a series of bombings and murder in the 1970s. Free article

Sinn Féin has again called on the Irish Government to refuse the use of Irish airports and airspace to all planes associated with the United States' rendition programme. The call follows the publication of a report from a European Union Committee which exposed the 26 Counties as the third most culpable EU state having hosted 147 secret CIA flights. The 26 Counties is one of 11 EU states strongly criticised by the EU Parliament committee. Free article

Sinn Féin spokesperson on Justice issues Gerry Kelly said on Tuesday that he was satisfied that the British Government was now finally legislating to bring about an end to the Diplock Court system in the North. Kelly's comments came as he prepared to meet the Independent Reviewer of repressive legislation, in Stormont. Free article

The day had been billed as a significant if transitional milestone during which the two largest parties, the DUP and Sinn Féin would indicate their nomination of the First and Deputy First Minister. Free article

"Madness," said the banner headline of the Belfast Newsletter. The actions of a "lunatic" proclaimed PSNI Chief Constable Hugh Orde, " a sad publicity stunt by a very sad individual". A "farce" concluded the Irish News. A "Walter Mitty character," a narcissus "in love with himself as much as the limelight", said the Sunday Tribune. Free article