Coming out of Downing Street on Monday, Gerry Adams and Alex Maskey spoke of their growing belief that British Prime Minister Tony Blair has been brought around to the republican view that the cancellation of Assembly elections was wrong and that a date should be set as soon as possible. Free article

A measure of optimism imbued media coverage of the continuing talks between the two governments and the UUP and Sinn Féin this week. Another possible deadline, 13 November, for an election came and went, but the mood remained determinedly upbeat. It now appears that whatever about a breakthrough in the round of talks, there will be Assembly elections. Free article

Sinn Féin activist Chris Heffernan, her daughter Karen and Brid Smith were sent to jail on Monday (13 October) - three determined people who are refusing to apologise to a judge for stopping selective bin collections. Free article

Commenting on the Hanly Report on medical staffing, released on Wednesday, Sinn Féin Health spokesperson Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin TD said it failed to challenge the way in which hospital consultants exploit the two-tier system and is a blueprint for centralisation and for loss of services at local hospitals. Free article

The latest attacks against nationalists in North Belfast are part of a renewed sectarian campaign by the UDA. Free article