Sinn Fein lifts threat

A threat by Sinn Fein to block the replacement today of Ian Paisley as Northern Ireland First Minister with his former deputy, Peter Robinson, was lifted last night (David Sharrock writes). Both Sinn Fein and their government partners, the Democratic Unionists, will attend a meeting in London tomorrow to deal with the outstanding issue of devolution of police and justice powers. The power-sharing Executive should have taken control last month.

007 empties the shelves

London The new James Bond novel, Devil May Care, by Sebastian Faulks, has set a record for Penguin’s fastest hardback fiction sales. The book, which marks the centenary of 007’s creator Ian Fleming, sold 44,093 copies in its first four days.

Police caution for MP

The Labour MP for Wolverhampton South West has accepted a police caution for causing criminal damage to a van by climbing over its bonnet to board a bus in the city in March. Rob Marris, 53, dented the van, which had been parked at a bus stop, close to another vehicle. He has been ordered to apologise in writing to the van’s owner and pay a £346 repair bill.

Climbié worker wins

The social worker who was sacked after the death of Victoria Climbié, 8, the girl who died of malnutrition and injuries inflicted by her great-aunt and her partner, has been cleared to work in child protection again. Lisa Arthurworrey won her appeal against the social work regulator’s refusal to allow her on to its register of accredited social workers.It may appeal.

Expectations met

The well-worn desk and chair on which Charles Dickens wrote Great Expectations sold for £433,250 at Christie’s in London. The set, which had a pre-sale estimate of £50,000-£80,000, was bought by Tom Higgins, an Irish collector. The proceeds of the sale will go to Great Ormond Street Children’s Hospital, a cause that Dickens himself supported as a tireless fundraiser.

Lottery numbers

Last night’s winning lottery numbers were: Main draw - 19, 27, 35, 37, 39, 42, bonus 23; Thunderball - 2, 10, 12, 16, 34, Thunderball 11; Dream Number - 9, 6, 1, 5, 2, 1, 9.

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