In his first interview with Al Jazeera's new English language news channel, British Primer minister Tony Blair has finally admitted, apparently without meaning to, that the situation in Iraq is "a disaster". Meanwhile US President George W Bush presented himself as ready to take advice on his administration's next move in relation to Iraq after recent US Mid-Term elections saw his Republican Party losing control of the US Congress and Senate. It may be a sign that the leaders of the so-called 'coalition of the willing' were getting the message, even if it is too late for the more than 50,000 civilians who have lost their lives as a consequence of war and occupation in Iraq. Free article

The Shell to Sea Solidarity Day scheduled for this Friday 24 November has been cancelled. In a statement released on Monday the campaign's national spokesperson Mark Garavan said: "Shell to Sea is calling off the Day of Solidarity planned for next Friday. It is doing so solely in order to protect the health and safety of participants. During the Day of Action on Friday, 10 November, Gardaí prevented a peaceful march taking place. Serious disruption was caused by Garda roadblocks to local people travelling to work and school. Subsequently, Gardaí employed an unacceptable level of aggression and force against people engaged in peaceful protest and minor civil disobedience. In these actions a number of people received serious injuries. Free article

Sinn Féin Dáil leader and Health spokesperson Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin TD was in County Donegal on Monday 13 November to meet local people involved in the healthcare sector, including Donegal Action for Cancer Care and the Irish Nurses Organisation (INO). During his visit to Donegal, Ó Caoláin addressed a public meeting in Letterkenny on 'Health in an Ireland of Equals'. He was joined on the platform by John Quinn and Noelle Duddy of Donegal Action for Cancer Care, IMPACT National Secretary Kevin Callanan and INO Regional Spokesperson Noel Treanor. The meeting was chaired by Councillor Pearse Doherty (Donegal South West) and was also addressed by Councillor Pádraig Mac Lochlainn (Donegal North East). Free article

A 10% rise in government spending, with a sizeable increase in road investment, a few good sound bites on education, employment rights protection and international aid, as well as a €14 billion spend on health and €750 million on Research and Development and that still leaves room for early Christmas gifts on budget day in the form of small tax cuts and weekly pension payments set to pass the symbolic €200 mark. Free article

A former DUP mayor has been jailed after being found guilty of election fraud and may face further charges for assault. 57-year-old Dessie Stewart had been a DUP councillor for 17 years and had held the office of mayor in 2003 when he was forced to resign following six charges of election fraud. Free article

Next week sees the welcome return of the republican magazine Iris. The magazine, once highly popular among republicans in Ireland and abroad, has not been published since 1993. Free article

Siptu makes links with Polish trade union, Mayo refuse collectors to strike and Unions demand wage increase for voluntary SECTOR staff Free article

Tribute to Minnie Lenahan Free article

Republicans from all parts of the country gathered in Bandon, County Cork last weekend for the annual Manchester Martyrs commemoration. Hosted by the local Charlie Hurley Cumann, Sinn Féin, the weekend was a great success with all events being well attended. Free article

In Briefs and Photocap Free article