Catherine Connolly sworn in as 10th president of Ireland
Catherine Connolly was sworn in as the 10th president of Ireland at Dublin Castle on 11 November 2025, succeeding Michael D Higgins after a landslide election victory.
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Politics
The latest politics reporting from The Belfast Herald.
Paul Givan survives no-confidence vote over Israel trip
Education Minister Paul Givan survives a no-confidence motion over his visit to Israel, which failed to secure cross-party backing despite support from Sinn Féin, Alliance and SDLP.
Israel confirms receipt of soldier Hadar Goldin's remains from Gaza
Israel confirmed receiving the remains of soldier Hadar Goldin, killed in 2014, two hours after a ceasefire. His family campaigned for 11 years to bring him home.
NI Health Executive Approves Pay Parity for Staff
Health Minister Mike Nesbitt confirmed the Stormont Executive approved pay parity for doctors, nurses and auxiliary staff in line with UK colleagues. The decision follows months of negotiations and industrial action threats.
U.S. federal government shutdown becomes the longest shutdown in American history following a failed 14th vote by the U.S.
The U.S. federal government shutdown becomes the longest shutdown in American history following a failed 14th vote by the U.S. Senate, surpassing the 2018–2019 shutdown that occurred during President Donald Trump's first term.
Sinn Féin and SDLP back no confidence motion against Education Minister Paul Givan
Sinn Féin and the Social Democratic and Labour Party have announced support for a motion of no confidence in Paul Givan, Stormont's Education Minister, following his participation in a six-day visit to Israel with other unionist politicians.
Stormont appoints first Irish and Ulster-Scots language commissioners
Pól Deeds and Lee Reynolds have been appointed as Northern Ireland's first Irish language and Ulster-Scots commissioners respectively. The appointments were made under the New Decade New Approach agreement and confirmed by the first and deputy first ministers.
Catherine Connolly wins Irish presidential election in landslide
Independent candidate Catherine Connolly is declared winner of the 2025 Irish presidential election after securing 63% of first preference votes, defeating Fine Gael's Heather Humphreys and Fianna Fáil's Jim Gavin.