‘I believe partition has failed all of us’

It is “very conceivable” that a referendum on Irish unity could take place by 2030, Michelle O’Neill has claimed.

The Sinn Fein vice president described unity as the “big idea” of her generation, adding she had “not given up” on the poll taking place by the end of the decade.

The republican party’s Ard Fheis will take place in Belfast this weekend with keynote addresses from Ms O’Neill on Friday and party leader Mary Lou McDonald on Saturday.

While the event will cover a number of areas, Ms O’Neill said Irish unity was the “big ticket conversation”.

In an interview with the Press Association, she said: “I think when we look at a lot of the challenges we are facing in today’s world, I think the answers to a lot of challenges that we face are actually in constitutional change.

“And we’re only two years out from the Good Friday Agreement anniversary of 30 years.

“I want to see the fulfilment of that, we were promised a unity referendum, and now we need to see that delivered upon.”

Ms O’Neill, Northern Ireland’s first nationalist First Minister, said while she was co-operating with other parties to make Stormont work, there were “limitations” in the Assembly and Executive arrangements.

She said: “We see a bigger, brighter future.

“We see something that’s more meaningful to people’s lives.

“If we could have constitutional change here, where we break up the link to policy choices in London that are showing a real disregard for people here, Brexit is the best example of all.

“Since that we have had a rolling door of British prime ministers, none of them have fixed the fundamentals around the funding model here.

“None of them have actually acted in the best interests of people here.”

Ms O’Neill added: “I think that shows why we need to take control of our own fortunes, why we need to control our own destiny going forward.

“I think the best answers to a lot of big challenges today is constitutional change.

“I believe partition has failed all of us. There’s so much to be achieved in the years ahead, and I’m certainly up for that. I think that’ll be the real focus of the Ard Fheis.”

Senior Sinn Fein figures have often called for a unity referendum to take place by the end of the decade.

However, unionists in Northern Ireland have claimed there has been no increase in support for Irish unity, while Taoiseach Micheal Martin has previously said he is not planning for a border poll by 2030.

Under the provisions of the Good Friday Agreement, a referendum would be held if the UK Secretary of State believes it is likely that a majority of people in Northern Ireland would vote for Irish unification.

Asked if the prospect of a unity poll by the end of the decade was diminishing, Ms O’Neill said: “No, I don’t give up on that, we have said it should be 2030.

“We’re going to fight two by-elections in the 26 counties over the course of the next number of months.

“We’re going to fight an Assembly election next year, we’re going to have a Westminster election, a Dail election.

“So yes, I still think it’s very conceivable we will have our unity referendum for 2030.

“I think all those elections will demonstrate that change is possible, will demonstrate that people endorse a better future, and we will use all those election opportunities to speak directly to the voters, to ask them to get behind the big idea of our generation.

“I believe the big idea of my generation is Irish unity, and I believe that there’s opportunity to rectify the wrongs of partition.”

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The quintuplets arrived at Croft Farm in Uffington in the early hours last Thursday – and incredibly, it’s not the first time it’s happened at the farm

A ewe has beaten odds of one-in-a-million by delivering a set of five healthy lambs at a family farm. The quintuplets were born at Croft Farm, in Uffington, Lincolnshire, in the early hours of April 9.

Remarkably, the very same occurrence took place at the farm — run by sisters Liz, Kate and Susan — 48 years ago in 1978. The sisters represent the third generation of the Genever family to manage the farm, which is home to approximately 300 sheep.

Susan Genever-Jones, 52, who also works for the National Association of Agricultural Contractors, said: “When the mother was scanned to check she was healthy five lambs showed up on the scan. We knew we had to feed her more as she was carrying more than most – and she was absolutely enormous during pregnancy.

“Two arrived at around 2am last Thursday and by 4am she had the others – it was a really lovely surprise. I did have a quick look at the odds, and it says one-in-a-million but I don’t think it even happens that often. We might get four to one sheep once a year so you might get that from one sheep out of around 500.

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“But to have five and for them all to live and be healthy is very rare indeed – plus mum did it all by herself. They are all doing really well. You can’t keep all five with mum, so two have stayed with her while two others have been bottle-fed and hand-reared.

“Another one has been taken on by an adoptive mother who lost her own lamb this year. So they are all still on the farm, albeit in different places. We had about 240 to lamb this season and we’ve got about 15 left. That has been over the last three weeks, which is okay considering the weather we had this winter.”

The likelihood becomes even more remarkable given that the lambs represent the second set of quintuplets to arrive at the farm, which was established by their grandfather, Albert, in the early 1950s.

Liz added: “Kate and I were very young back in 1978 so we don’t remember it. But to have lightning strike twice at the same farm almost 50 years apart I suppose makes it even rarer. Liz was born two years after that but I’m sure we’ll all remember this for a long time.”

The EU pet passport – which is still valid for EU residents – is issued by a vet, valid for the life of the animal, and contains details of a dog, cat or ferrets microchip or heath records (like rabies vaccinations). It also contains contact details for the owner and the vet who issued the passport.

Spud Boys Blackburn, based at the Aquamania car park off Higher Audley Street, shared the exchange publicly after receiving the comment on a review.

The customer had praised the food, describing it as “full of flavour” and “very decently priced”, but added they would not return after discovering the business is halal.

In response, Spud Boys said: “Thank you for your review, Cathy, and for your positive feedback. It is appreciated. However, we note your comment regarding not returning due to us being a halal establishment. We respectfully stand by our values and offerings, and as such, we kindly ask that you do not return in the future.”

The interaction between the reviewer and Spud Boys (Image: Google)

The business later added in a separate statement: “At Spud Boys, we proudly serve halal food and remain fully committed to continuing this across our menu.

“If this does not align with your preferences, unfortunately we are unable to offer an alternative.

“This reflects our dedication to quality, ethical sourcing, and inclusivity within our community. We appreciate your understanding.”

The response has drawn attention online, with many highlighting the business’s wider efforts to support the local community.

READ MORE: Finch Bakery hit back at ignorant trolls complaining about ‘halal friendly’ signs
READ MORE: ‘Free spuds for the homeless’ over Ramadan in Blackburn

In recent months, Spud Boys has run initiatives to help those in need, including providing free food to homeless people during Ramadan and over the Christmas period, regardless of background or faith.

They have also encouraged customers to donate essential items, which are then distributed to members of the homeless community across Blackburn.

The Lyrid meteor shower is a burst of meteor activity occurring around mid to late April, the  Royal Museums Greenwich explains.

It continues: “The Lyrid meteor shower is associated with long-period Comet C/1861 G1 Thatcher.

“It is the oldest recorded meteor shower still visible today, and was first recorded in 687 BCE.”

Waiting for the Perseids? Don’t skip the Lyrids 🌠

This is the most promising meteor shower until August, providing up to 18 meteors an hour under dark skies. The peak comes on April 22 at 19:40 GMT, though the best time to watch for most locations is after midnight through… pic.twitter.com/uj8erXMgQV

— Star Walk (@StarWalk) April 20, 2026

The best time to see the Lyrid meteor shower in the UK

The Lyrid meteor shower is active between April 16 and 25 in 2026, but is set to peak tonight (April 22), according to the Royal Museums Greenwich.

The experts add: “The best time to see the shower is generally in the early morning of the peak day.

“Wait until after midnight when the radiant point, in the constellation of Lyra, will have risen in the East.

“The later in the morning you wait, the higher the radiant will rise and the fewer meteors will be hidden below the horizon.

“But the closer you get to sunrise, the brighter the sky is going to become, so plan accordingly!”

The Royal Museums Greenwich continues: “In 2026 the Lyrid meteor shower reaches maximum on April 22, two days before the First Quarter Moon, meaning the Moon won’t cause too much light pollution. 

“The best time to look for meteors during the peak will be after the Moon has set, from 2am onwards.

“By this point the Earth will have spun towards the cloud of debris, and it will be easier to spot Lyrid meteors. Then simply fill your view with the sky and wait.”

Stargazers may also be able to catch a glimpse of the Eta Aquariids, which will overlap with the Lyrid meteor shower.

The Eta Aquariids meteor shower will be active from April 19, but won’t reach its peak until May 5.

Best spots in the UK to watch the Lyrid meteor shower

The Royal Museums Greenwich said the main thing when trying to catch a glimpse of any meteor shower is to find a dark site, with an unobstructed view of the sky.

The museum added: “The number of meteors you actually see will depend on all sorts of things, from the time of night to the level of background light.

“A bright sky will drown out the fainter meteors making them much more difficult to see.”

The experts added lying on the ground or using a reclining deckchair was a “great way” of seeing as much as possible.

For those looking for the best spots in the UK to watch the meteor shower, visit Go Stargazing.

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The website contains a map with all the top stargazing locations across the country.

Most of the locations on the map are classified as official dark-sky discovery sites.

Will you be heading out tonight to try and catch a glimpse of the Lyrid meteor shower? Let us know in the comments below.

North Yorkshire Police has been rated “good” in six areas in the latest independent PEEL assessment by His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services (HMICFRS), including leadership, safeguarding, crime prevention and fraud.

The force was judged “adequate” for responding to the public and investigating crime, and “requires improvement” in custody provision.

Police leaders welcomed progress, citing falling crime and faster call handling, while confirming action plans are in place to address identified weaknesses.

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David Skaith, Mayor of York and North Yorkshire, has welcomed the findings of the inspection, which highlights improvement since previous reviews, reflecting clearer leadership, increased collaboration and a strong focus on neighbourhood policing and public protection.

Mr Skaith said: “These inspection results reflect the hard work, professionalism and commitment of officers, and staff across North Yorkshire Police.

“Over recent years the force has taken real steps to improve how it keeps people safe in our region.

“The progress made is welcome but we must be clear – good is the minimum the public expect. The inspection is also clear that there is still work to do. The public have a right to feel safe wherever they live or work in our region and my expectation is that North Yorkshire Police must continue this progress towards becoming an outstanding police force.”

Jo Coles, deputy mayor for policing, fire and crime, who has delegated responsibility for police and fire, said it was encouraging to see the force’s progress since previous HMICFRS inspections identified clear areas for improvement.

“Working alongside Mayor David Skaith I will continue to hold the Chief Constable to account to monitor progress against the inspection recommendations, especially around custody and responding to the public to ensure the positive momentum of recent years is maintained.

“It’s also vital that we optimise the opportunities from devolution and the combined authority to support North Yorkshire Police on its journey to move from being a good to an outstanding police force.

“This inspection also reinforces the need for national policing reforms to be focused on delivery, strong local accountability and building public confidence.

“In York and North Yorkshire we will always want changes and reforms to be focused on what can best improve public safety and, as we’ve said previously, the Mayor and I are concerned any Yorkshire-wide police mergers would put this at risk.”

The Combined Authority remains committed to rebuilding trust and confidence in policing, supporting national efforts to halve violence against women and girls, and ensuring the public can see how their police service is held to account.

Residents are encouraged to engage with regular Online Public Meetings (the next one is on Thursday, May 21, where policing and fire services performance is scrutinised in public.

Pussycat Dolls star Ashley Roberts has been evicted from I’m A Celebrity… South Africa.

The American singer, a runner-up in the 2012 series, lasted 12 days in camp before being eliminated for being the slowest to complete a challenge puzzle.

Speaking to presenters Ant and Dec after being evicted she said: “I’m very gutted I didn’t see it til the end. In my head I was like, I know this is challenging and tough. I mean, y’all stepped it up a few notches.

Speaking about her fellow campmates, which included former Gogglebox star Scarlett Moffatt, actress Beverley Callard, and Olympian Sir Mo Farah, she said: “I loved them all. Everybody had their own magic.

“I feel really lucky being through this crazy experience with the group that I had.”

She said the all-star series was “really tough” compared with her first stint on the show in 2012.

She said: “The challenges and trials were really tough. It wasn’t just one eyeball, it wasn’t just one smoothie. I mean, Craig (Charles) did 30 something shots of blood and guts and brain.”

“I am proud of myself. I faced some of my fears.

“I am taking away friendships, memories and singing and dancing to Lovely Day on my birthday.”

The singer said she hopes Sir Mo will be crowned king during the highly anticipated finale on Friday.

I’m A Celebrity… South Africa airs on weeknights at 9pm on ITV1, STV, ITVX and STV Player.

THE early bird captures the best photo!

York Press Camera Club member James Holkam has snapped this stunning photo featuring two of the city’s iconic landmarks at sunrise.

The image was taken early in the morning and shows the tops of York Minster and Holgate Windmill.

Would you like to see your photographs in The Press and online?

More than 2,500 readers have joined The Press Camera Club, which launched in June 2017 and brings together talented photographers from across York and North and East Yorkshire to share their work, swap tips and take part in themed monthly prize competitions.

The theme for this month is ‘Spring in motion’.

To join the free club, simply search for ‘The Press Camera Club’ on Facebook – we’d love to see what our region looks like through your lens.

We will feature pictures from our camera club in The Press and online regularly.

If you like seeing photos of York, please follow us on Instagram too @york.press.

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Pentagon announced Wednesday that the Navy’s top civilian official, Secretary of the Navy John Phelan, is leaving his job.

In a statement posted to social media, Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell said Phelan was “departing the administration, effective immediately.”

Navy Undersecretary Hung Cao will become acting secretary of the Navy, Parnell said.

The sudden departure comes just a day after Phelan addressed a large crowd of sailors and industry professionals at the Navy’s annual conference in Washington, D.C., and spoke with reporters about his agenda.

Phelan’s departure also comes just weeks after Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth fired the Army’s top officer, Gen. Randy George. Hegseth also has fired several top generals, admirals and other defense leaders since taking office last year. As with many of those other firings, Pentagon officials did not offer a reason for Phelan’s departure.

Phelan is leaving just as the U.S. Navy has imposed a blockade of Iranian ports and is targeting ships linked to Tehran around the world during a tenuous ceasefire in the Iran war.

Phelan had not served in the military or had a civilian leadership role in the service before President Donald Trump nominated him for secretary in late 2024.

Phelan was a major donor to Trump’s campaign and founded the private investment firm Rugger Management LLC. According to his biography, Phelan’s primary exposure to the military came from an advisory position he held on the Spirit of America, a non-profit that supported the defense of Ukraine and the defense of Taiwan.

The Associated Press could not immediately reach Phelan’s office for comment.

Cao ran a failed U.S. Senate bid in Virginia to try to unseat Democratic Sen. Tim Kaine in 2024. He had Trump’s endorsement in the crowded Republican primary.

Cao is a 25-year Navy veteran who served in combat zones. His biography includes fleeing Vietnam with his family as a child in the 1970s. In a campaign video for his Senate bid, he compared Vietnam’s communist regime during the Cold War to the administration of President Joe Biden.

“We are losing our country,” Cao said in video during the campaign, which blamed Biden for the criminal cases against Trump and showed footage of border crossings and store lootings. “You know it. But you also know that you can’t say it. We’re forced to say that wrong is right. We’re forced to lie.”

The singer became the second star to quit the ITV series after Jimmy Bullard

I’m A Celebrity South Africa star Sinitta has slammed one of her campmates for ‘being in her ear’ over her shock exit from the ITV reality show.

It was a busy night in the jungle on Wednesday (April 22), with Pussycall Dolls singer Ashley Roberts the first star to be sent home. Ashley was the slowest in a challenge which some fans claimed used after footballer Jimmy Bullard quit the series earlier in the week.

Later in the show, the remaining celebrities were told that they’d be facing the next trial in pairs. Titled Dragged Through Hell, each celebrity pair were shackled together, back to back by the waist and ankles.

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A wall separated them from their partner but they were connected by a chain. In order to complete the trial they had to solve maths questions, solve codes and unlock the lockers to find a key that releases them from their shackles.

Mo and football legend Harry Redknapp, former Emmerdale actor Adam Thomas and Gogglebox’s Scarlett Moffatt, and Sinitta and Coronation Street icon Craig Charles formed the teams.

Just one day after Jimmy was seen quitting the series, Sinitta was unable to finish the first part of the challenge. With Craig standing by wondering what to do, Sinitta stopped the trial by saying ‘I’m A Celebrity Get Me Out of Here’.

Assuring Adam Thomas and Scarlett Moffatt, who won the trial, to send her home, Sinitta said: “Craig would have found it if I had such an amazing time, I’m not even sad.”

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However, Sinitta has now revealed that she ‘instantly regretted’ saying the words that stopped the challenge. According to the singer, Craig was the one who ‘gave up’.

She told ITV: “Yes, instantly. I quit because somebody else was telling me to do it. Even if we came last, I wouldn’t have quit. I’m not a quitter. I quit out of guilt and pressure, not because I’d run out of steam.

“It was taking me a long time, I admit. But what I had in my ear was, ‘Oh Sinitta, just throw it. I’m standing here like a lemon’. To me, he [Craig] gave up. I wish I’d fought for myself at the time.”

Sinitta added: “I got what I came here for, which was courage. This sense of being able to do whatever I believe. I feel rejuvenated. It was magical and so much fun. I laughed every day. I faced my fears.

“I understand now, after being terrified of everything most of my life, the way to overcome your fears is to face them. I feel like this fearless, robust person now, rather than a fragile person. It’s been like therapy.

“The second time in the jungle is a memory I will cherish forever. The first time, let’s just pretend that didn’t happen!”

Noting that she feels ‘more robust and resilient now’ than when she first took part on I’m A Celebrity in 2011, Sinitta said that she is a ‘strong woman’.

She explained: “I’m an older girl, I know I don’t like to admit it. This is better than any anti-aging cream or pill, just face your fears, have some fun, don’t let age hold you back. Be inspired and do stuff, don’t put things off because you’re scared, push through it, there’s nothing but dry on the other side.”