allowing a new taoiseach to be elected after the easter break.are working again and ourtrading good friday agreement are working again and our trading agreement with the uk in the post brexiteer is settled and stable. the new taoiseach will have a full two months to prepare for local european elections and up to one year before the next general election. my reasons for stepping down both and political. i believe this government can be re—elected and that my party fine gael can gain seats in the next. mostly fine gael can gain seats in the mostly i believe the re—election of this three party government would be the right thing for the future of this country continue to take us forward, protecting all that has been achieved and building on it. after careful consideration, and some soul—searching i believe a new taoiseach and leader will be better placed than me to achieve that. to renew and strengthen the team, to focus message and policies and drive implementation and after seven years in office, i do not feel i am the best person for thatjob any

on a personal level, i have enjoyed being taoiseach, _ personal level, i have enjoyed being taoiseachinet member since march _ taoiseach, leader and cabinet member since march of 2011. i have learned so much _ since march of 2011. i have learned so much about so many things, met so many— so much about so many things, met so many people _ so much about so many things, met so many people who i would have never -ot many people who i would have never got to _ many people who i would have never got to meet, and been places to i would _ got to meet, and been places to i would never see both home and abroad and i am _ would never see both home and abroad and i am deeply grateful for it. despite — and i am deeply grateful for it. despite the challenges would wholeheartedly recommend a career in politics— wholeheartedly recommend a career in politics to _ wholeheartedly recommend a career in politics to anyone who is considering it. however, politicians are human — considering it. however, politicians are human beings and we have our limitations — are human beings and we have our limitations.

his appointment as taoiseach for the first time in 2017 was history—making.as the youngest ever irish prime minister, the first from an ethnic background and the first gay leader. his appointment personified a changing and more modern ireland. he championed referendums legalising same sex marriage and abortion. he championed referendums legalising same—sex marriage and abortion. but it was the brexit negotiations that saw him make his mark on the world stage, with other leaders describing him as a sharp shooter and straight talker. today, the prime minister, rishi sunak, thanked leo varadkar for his dedicated service. but political opponents who want their party to take the top job next called for an early election — today's resignation doesn't immediately trigger one. it's not a time for a rearranging of the deckchairs, and ultimately, it's for the people to decide who will be the taoiseach. so i think it's now over to the people. there should be an election. the republic of ireland is grappling with a cost of living crisis, issues around immigration and mas

kezfin minister and taoiseach. kevin sharkey in — minister and taoiseach.d taoiseach. kevin sharkey in belfast, thank - minister and taoiseach. kevin sharkey in belfast, thank you| minister and taoiseach. kevin - sharkey in belfast, thank you very much for the latest. to russia next — the country is observing a national day of mourning today, for the victims of friday's attack on a concert venue, just outside moscow. president putin lit a candle in a church at his residence outside moscow in memory of the victims. the authorities now say at least 137 people died in the attack on concertgoers in the crocus city hall. large numbers of russians have continued to lay flowers at a makeshift memorial at the concert venue — others have queued to donate blood for the many survivors. i want to take you now to some live pictures that we are getting from moscow. several of the suspects who were arrested on saturday were transferred to the investigative headquarters in moscow, and we understand that this, you can see lots of heavily armed security there, this is where

the irish prime minister leo varadkar has announced he is stepping down as taoiseach and leader of ofhich are both �*personal and political.�* speaking in dublin, he said that being taoiseach had been the most fulfilling time of his life, with ireland becoming a more equal and modern place. here's our ireland correspondent sara girvin. st patrick's day in washington, there was no sign of the shock resignation to come. my reasons for stepping down are both personal and political. i believe this government can be re—elected. but after careful consideration and some soul—searching, i believe that a new taoiseach and a new leader will be better placed than me to achieve that. leo varadkar�*s appointment as taoiseach for the first time in 2017 was history—making. the first from an ethnic background at 38, he was the youngest ever irish prime minister, his appointment personified a changing and more modern ireland. he championed referendums legalising same—sex marriage and abortion. but it was the brexit negotiations that saw him make his mark on the world stage, with other leaders describi

leo varadkar�*s appointment as taoiseach for the first time in 2017 was history—making.r, the first from an ethnic background and the first gay leader. his appointment personified a changing and more modern ireland. he championed referendums legalising same—sex marriage and abortion. but it was the brexit negotiations that saw him make his mark on the world stage, with other leaders describing him as a sharp shooter and straight talker. today, the prime minister, rishi sunak, thanked leo varadkarfor his dedicated service. but political opponents who want their party to take the top job next called for an early election — today's resignation doesn't immediately trigger one. it's not a time for a rearranging of the deckchairs, and ultimately, it's for the people to decide who will be the taoiseach. so i think it's now over to the people. there should be an election. the republic of ireland is grappling with a cost of living crisis, issues around immigration and massive problems around housing. that's led to a lot of frustration with the current government, particularly amo

we saw the taoiseach, leo varadkar bring up taoiseach, leo varadkar bring up the us position on israel have any influence? ~ ., , ., influence? without question there is more _ influence? without question there is more to _ influence? without question there is more to this - influence? without question there is more to this than i influence? without question i there is more to this than just there is more to this than just the toasts and the celebratory meals and whatnot. there is real engagement taking place and there has been deep engagement with members of business and members of the political system here in the united states at the highest levels between the taoiseach and the president but also over lunch today we introduce the president to ministers and deputy ministers and he will see them again later this week. building these relationships are talking about areas of cooperation and collaboration is important and that is what this week is for.— is important and that is what this week is for. you mentioned the speakers — this week is for. you mentioned the speakers lunch _ this we

his appointment as taoiseach for the first time in 2017 was history making.ment personified a changing and more modern ireland. he championed referendums legalising same sex marriage and abortion. but it was the brexit negotiations that saw him make his mark on the world stage, with other leaders describing him as a sharp shooter and straight talker. today, the prime minister, rishi sunak, thanked leo varadkar for his dedicated service. but political opponents who want their party to take the top job next called for an early election — today's resignation doesn't immediately trigger one. it's not a time for a rearranging of the deckchairs, and ultimately it's for the people to decide who will be the taoiseach. so i think it's now over to the people. there should be an election. the republic of ireland is grappling with a cost of living crisis, issues around immigration and massive problems around housing. that's led to a lot of frustration with the current government, particularly among young people. i feel like everyone in ireland is struggling at the moment

here in washington president biden met the irish prime minister taoiseach leo varadkar.e biden's handling of the israel—gaza war. although mr varadkar complimented the biden administration's efforts in trying to broker a truce between israel and hamas, he also pressed mr biden for a permanent ceasefire in gaza. joe biden is proud of his irish heritage and today's events marked st patrick's day, this sunday. mr varadkar invoked the saint in discussing the ongoing conflict. when i reflect on the catastrophe that is unfolding in the middle east, the savage attacks of october 7 on israel and the terrible violence and loss of human life in gaza which has followed and continues and we very much want that to end. these are global challenges that demand our courage, our empathy and our action. we pray for the wisdom of saint patrick in facing them. this year's annual visit of the irish taoiseach follows the recent restoration of power—sharing in northern ireland, after two years of political stalemate. last month sinn fein deputy leader michelle 0'neill became the first national

pressed for time, i maybe when you are taoiseach., you can come back and talk to us. ., . . , ., talk to us. i would certainly love that. talk to us. i would certainly love that- maybe _ talk to us. i would certainly love that. maybe an _ talk to us. i would certainly love that. maybe an exclusive i talk to us. i would certainly love that. maybe an exclusive there. | talk to us. i would certainly love| that. maybe an exclusive there. i don't know- _ that. maybe an exclusive there. i don't know. thank _ that. maybe an exclusive there. i don't know. thank you _ that. maybe an exclusive there. i don't know. thank you for i that. maybe an exclusive there. i | don't know. thank you for coming onto the programme. two more serious issues now. sudan is a country of 49 million people and nearly 18 million of them are facing acute food insecurity. since april last year two rival factions of the military government of sudan have been fighting each, the sudanese armed forces and the paramilitary rapid support forces. last night we reported from

and simon harris, as taoiseach, will now see out that term in office.eping the so—called triple—lock on pension increases in their election manifesto. under the current government system, state pensions rise every year in april, in line with whichever is highest out of inflation, average wage increases, or 2.5%. 0ur political correspondent iain watson has more. they say a week is a long time in politics. just five days ago, the chancellor suggested future increases in the state pension would be kept under review. now, he says, they'll be guaranteed. but will the triple—lock be in the tory manifesto this time round? well, i can confirm it will be, yes. so, why did he spell that out? well, pensioners�* groups had called for certainty and, of course, older people are more likely to vote than younger people. so perhaps an election year was a good time to remind them of the government's record. when we came to office in 2010, pensioners were more likely to be in poverty than other income groups. now, because of the triple—lock that we introduced, they are le

mr varadkar became ireland's youngest taoiseach in 2017 when he became leader of fine gael. i know this will come as a surprise to many people and a disappointment to some, and i hope at least you will understand my decision. i know that others will, how shall i put it, cope with the news just fine. that is the great thing about living in a democracy. there is never a right time to resign high office, however, this is as good a time as any. budget 2024 is done, negotiations have not yet commenced on the next one, the institutions of the good friday agreement are working again, and our trading relationship with the uk in the post—brexit era is settled and stable. the new taoiseach will have a full two months to prepare for the local and european elections and up to a year before the next general election. my reasons for stepping down are both personal and political. i believe this government can be re—elected and i believe my party, fine gael, can gain seats in the next dail. most of all, i believe the re—election of this three—party government will be the right thing for the

i'm planning for this government, should i be lucky enough to form one, and to become taoiseach.s government run full term, and that is intention as of now. let's speak to pat leahy, political editor of the irish times, who is in athlone where the announcement was made. how did simon harris�*s speech go down? it went down with raucous enthusiasm was how— it went down with raucous enthusiasm was how they greeted it, and a packed — was how they greeted it, and a packed hotel ballroom, 700 delegates here, and _ packed hotel ballroom, 700 delegates here, and of course the result was a foregone _ here, and of course the result was a foregone conclusion. everybody knew he was _ foregone conclusion. everybody knew he was the _ foregone conclusion. everybody knew he was the only candidate, but it was formally declared leader of fine gael today, and he gave a barnstorming speech touching on things— barnstorming speech touching on things that fine gael members love to hear— things that fine gael members love to hear about, he spoke about the importance — to hear about, he spoke about the i

mr varadkar became ireland's youngest taoiseach in 2017 when he became leader of fine gael.'s listen to him announcing his resignation from the steps of government buildings a short while ago. i know this will come as a surprise to any people and a disappointment to some, and i hope at least you will understand my decision. i know that others will, how shall i put it, cope with the news just fine. that is the great thing about living in a democracy. there is never a right time to resign high office, however, this is as good a time as any. are 2024 is done, negotiations have not yet commenced on the next one, the institutions of the good friday agreement are working again, and our trading relationship with the uk in the post—brexit era is settled and stable. the new taoiseach will have a full two months to prepare for the local and european elections, and up to a year before the next general election. my reasons for stepping down are both personal and political. i believe this government can be elected and i believe my party, fine gael, can gain seats in the next dail. most o

i'll go of my time as taoiseach.n my terms rather than the electorates , and i'll see what electorates, and i'll see what else is out and see if i else is out there and see if i can into a bigger can jump into a bigger international now. international job now. >> you raised >> very fascinating. you raised that a of a new that prospect of a of a new irish so in irish commissioner so often in the european union. it's when someone fails in their current job, they can just, you know, move on and get something bigger and something better. we're going to have to leave it there. but very much for your but thank you very much for your time and your expert. do time and your expert. what do they call it? >> a retirement for failed >> a retirement home for failed politicians ? >> a retirement home for failed polyes, ns ? >> a retirement home for failed polyes, normally the >> yes, normally that's the house perhaps it's house of lords, but perhaps it's grander european commission. but is interesting how >> but no, it is interest

in my time as taoiseach, we reduced consistent poverty and income inequality.n has more than doubled, with 500 people becoming home owners each week for the first time, the highest number in almost two decades. of course, there are areas in which we have been much less successful and some in which we have sadly gone backwards. but i hope you'll forgive me if i leave it to others to point them out on a day like this, they will receive plenty of airtime and column space. when i became party leader and taoiseach back in june 2017, i knew that one part of leadership is knowing when the time has come to pass on the baton to somebody else, and then having the courage to do it. that time is now. so i am resigning as president and leader of fine gael, effective today. and will resign as taoiseach as soon as my successor able to up successor is able to take up that office. i've asked our party general secretary and executive council to provide for the new leader to elected in the new leader to be elected in advance of the ardeche. on saturday, april 16th, thus allowing

, the prime minister, the country's youngest ever prime minister, or taoiseach.al and varadkar stepped down citing political and personal reasons. we will bring it to you when he speaks. well, simon harris is a senior member of the current irish government, and what is happening now is sequencing, if you will, towards him being eventually elected as the prime minister of ireland next month. later this afternoon he will be confirmed as the new leader of his own fine gael party, and that in itself is significant, because fine gael is currently part of a three—party coalition government in ireland, and fine gael currently holds the position of prime minister in that coalition government, so it basically has the pick for the next prime minister, and it will now go on to nominate simon harris at a meeting of the irish parliament, that won't happen until the 9th of april, a few weeks away yet, and when he is nominated he will be supported by the other members and parties in the coalition government, fianna fail and the green party, so he will be elected as the next pri

varadkar became ireland's youngest taoiseach in 2017 when he became leader of fine gael.ill come as a surprise to many people and a disappointment to some. and i hope at least you'll understand my decision. i know that others will, how should i put it? cope with the news just fine. that is the great thing about living in a democracy. there's never a right time to resign high office. however, this is as good a time as any. budget 2024 is done. negotiations have not yet commenced on the next one. the institutions of the good friday agreement are working again and our trading relationship with the uk in the post—brexit era is settled and stable. leo varadkar who has announced he is standing down as irish prime minister. tim davie, the director genral of the bbc, has appeared before the culture, media and sport committee to answer questions about the corporations impartiatlity. during the hearing, he was asked about social media posts by staff that appeared to suggest support for hamas. some of those tweets that we've seen are unacceptable and we have taken action and we will

and you can follow continuing coverage of the resignation of the irish taoiseach, live with bbc news begun at the clinic in london which treated the princess of wales over claims staff tried to access her private medical records. the daily mirror alleges at least one staff member at the london clinic in marylebone was involved. the chief executive of the london clinic says: "all appropriate investigatory, regulatory and disciplinary steps will be taken" when looking at alleged data breaches. here's our royal correspondent, jonny dymond. privacy and the princess — the mirror makes a splash with a story about an attempt to access private medical information regarding kate, the princess of wales. she was here two months ago for an abdominal operation. since then, she's been out of sight, but hardly out of mind. from the palace, silence. from the hospital, a statement. all of this, the hospital visit, the long recovery was supposed to be ordinary. a woman, wife and mother getting better after an operation. the palace has been flabbergasted by the response. the concern often that the prin

, once his aside as taoiseach, once his successor was appointed.e is appointed fine gael leader, mr harris would be expected to formally be elected in april and would be the country's youngest premier at the age of 37. thousands of women born in the 19505 thousands of women born in the 1950s may be eligible for compensation , after a report compensation, after a report found that the department for work and pensions failed to adequately inform them that state pension age was changing, the parliamentary and health service ombudsman looked at potential injustices resulting from the decision to raise women's retirement age, to bring it in line with men's back in 2010, the women against state pension inequality campaign, that's the waspi campaign is suggesting there should be £10,000 in compensation per individual, claiming that the women weren't properly warned about the changes and they couldn't plan for their financial futures . number 10 is financial futures. number 10 is said today. it's dealing with a migration emergency after a record number of

i'm planning for this government, should i be lucky enough to form one, and to become taoiseach. full term, and that is intention as of now. let's speak to paul cunningham — political correspondent for rte — who can tell us a little more about ireland's latest premier. so he is 37, but he has been in politics for more than 15 years, hasn't he?— politics for more than 15 years, hasn't he? , w ., , ., hasn't he? yes, he actually “oined the -a hasn't he? yes, he actually “oined the party when i hasn't he? yes, he actually “oined the party when he i hasn't he? yes, he actually “oined the party when he was h hasn't he? yes, he actually “oined the party when he was 14 h hasn't he? yes, he actually joined the party when he was 14 years i hasn't he? yes, he actually joined i the party when he was 14 years old, he has gone on to be a member of parliament, td, junior minister, minister and now he will be the macro team leader confirmed today and as you mentioned taoiseach, that will be coming on the 9th of april. he is a young, energetic man, he is a good communicator, but he faces a wealt

if chosen, it paves the way for him to become the youngest ever taoiseach at 37.om our belfast newsroom. good to see. talk through the timeline here. what can we expect? simon harris is a senior member of the current irish government, and what is happening now is sequencing, if you will, towards him being eventually elected as the prime minister of ireland next month. later this afternoon he will be confirmed as the new leader of his own party, and that in itself is significant, because fine gael is currently part of the three coalition government in ireland, and currently holds the position of prime minister and the government, so basically have the pick of the next prime minister, so it will go on to nominate simon harris in the nomination of the parliament, that won't happen until the 9th of april, a few weeks away yet, and when he is nominated he will be supported by the other members and parties of the government, so we will be elected as an extra minister of ireland next month, and as you say, when he is elected he will be the youngest ever foreign minister

you know, it's been taoiseach.t's been a number of people on twitter, including lord dodds , have said, including lord dodds, have said, you know, he is responsible more than anyone else. probably on the island of ireland, for actually bringing about the protocol and for really starting a wedge between northern ireland and the rest of the united kingdom. i'm sure he's got a nice job lined up somewhere at the european commission but his party is going to be, you know, they're already in, in a big mess because, as you know, there's a lot of issues there now about immigration, which of course, varadkar was very keen to see open almost. that to see open borders almost. that is now proving to be a big, big issue. we saw the referendum , he issue. we saw the referendum, he lost that and i think they're going to find it very difficult to off another to hold off having another a general election, which has to come sometime in the next year so we could end up with both the united kingdom and ireland having a general electio

and the taoiseach and i agree about the urgent increased humanitarian aid in gaza and the need to gete towards a two state solution which is the only path for lasting peace and security. the people of gaza desperately need food, medicine, and shelter, and most especially they need the bombs to stop. this has to stop on both sides, the hostages brought home and humanitarian relief allowed in. for more on the humanitarian situation in gaza, i spoke to adam ramadan. he's the deputy director of rebuilding alliance — an organizaation working to give aid to palestinians in war—torn neighborhoods. thank you forjoining us, i know many of your colleagues have been working in gaza, how would you describe the situation in the territory right now? the situation in gaza is really, really difficult to bear. when we talk to our partners on a daily basis, we are looking at them, we are hearing their stories, just from their physical presence we can see they are losing weight, they are losing half of their body weight because of a lack of humanitarian aid that is entering. currently, we are managing o

i am planning for this government, should i be lucky enough to form one and to become taoiseach. jasmin paris from scotland is the first woman to complete one of the world's most gruelling races — the barkley marathons in tennessee. 100 miles, up and down hills, through rugged terrain — she finished with just 99 seconds to spare before the 60 hour cut—off. jasmin has finally recovered her breath and spoke to the bbc. it wasn't until the last kilometre that i really sort of doubted that it was going to be possible. and at that point i was just so desperate to stop, to stop running and to walk. and i knew that i couldn't because i wouldn't make it. i think it was just the thought that if i didn't make it this time, it was going to be by seconds and then i would have to come back and do the whole thing again. because i would never have let it rest. i was so oxygen deficient when i reached the end and the last few hundred metres, i couldn't even really see anybody. cheering and applause i knew there were people kind of cheering me on and there was lots of noise and... but i wasjust a

i am planning for this government, should i be lucky enough to form one and to become taoiseach.ion, as of now. around the world and across the uk. this is bbc news. you're live with bbc news. with the war still raging in gaza there are calls from the far—right in israel forjewish settlers to return to gaza — where israel had settlements until 2005. the idea has support from ministers in israels hard—right government including the ministerfor public security itamar ben gvir. a prominent settler leader has told the bbc that she already has 500 families "signed up who are ready to move immediately". there are 700,000 jewish settlers in the israeli occupied west bank and east jerusalem.settlements are considered illegal under international law. israel disputes this. from the west bank, our senior international correspondent, orla guerin sent this report. the hills of the west bank, palestinian land eaten away for decades by illegal israeli settlements. they are an obstacle to peace, the un says. but now, many on israel's far right want to bring settlements back to gaza. like yehuda

i am planning for this government, should i be lucky enough to form one and to become taoiseach.and that's my intention, as of now. now to the story of a scottish runner. jasmin paris from scotland — the first woman to complete one of the world's most gruelling races — the barkley marathons in tennessee. it's160km up and down hills, through rugged terrain. she finished with just 99 seconds to spare. jasmin finally recovered her breath — and her voice — and spoke to the bbc. it was not until the last kilometre that i really thought i doubted that it was going to be possible and at that point i was so desperate to stop running and to walk and i knew that i could not because i could not make it. i think it was just the thought that if i did not make it it was going to be by settings and i would have to come back and do the whole thing again. i was so oxygen deficient when i reach the end and the last few hundred metres i could not even really see anybody. i knew there were people cheering me on and there was lots of noise, but i was just aiming for the gate and everything else was b

also this hour , irish taoiseach leo hour, irish taoiseach leo varadkar has announced that he will beand we'll be discussing what legacy he leaves behind. and will it spark a political revolution over the irish sea and could we see a drop in interest rates at long last? well, all eyes will be on the bank of england's announcement tomorrow after today's drop in inflation, with the rate falling to its lowest level in over two years, will we see a corresponding fall in interest rates? and that's all coming up in your next hour. rates? and that's all coming up in your next hour . welcome to in your next hour. welcome to the show. it's always an absolute pleasure to have your company have the lunatics taken over our asylum system. £1.2 billion is now the bill and rising of the large scale projects like scampton, like wethersfield. and it's costing even more than the £15 million a day. if you believe the labour party's figures that it costs for hotels and people simply aren't being listened to. and today somebody has been stabbed on a dinghy and illegal coming over has been stabbed by anoth

applause and the taoiseach and i agree about the urgent increased humanitarian aid in gaza and the needds a two state solution which is the only path for lasting peace and security. the only path for lasting peace and security-— and security. the people of gaza desperately _ and security. the people of gaza desperately need - and security. the people of. gaza desperately need food, medicine, and shelter, and most especially— medicine, and shelter, and most especially they need the bombs to stop — especially they need the bombs to stop. this has to stop on both— to stop. this has to stop on both sides, the hostages brought home and humanitarian relief_ brought home and humanitarian relief brought in. for more on the situation in the middle east, i spoke to the former chief spokesperson of the us central command, joe buccino. israeli prime minister benjamin netanyahu sang today he still plans to go ahead with the military offensive in rafah despite extreme pressure internationally from the us as well, what is your reaction to his comments today? i well, what is your reaction to his commen

and so there is enormous pressure on the taoiseach this year. it's a fun event. they have the white house fountains dyed green. there's this big lunch, as you mentioned, they exchange a bowl of crystals across so bowl of sham rocks. but this year, that is their overwhelming calls for the to ship, to boycott this visit. and from his constituents and also from a political leaders in ireland >> so how do you expect him to handle this and how do you expect president biden handle this as well because of course, biden is irish american, right? he embraces those ruth, he's visited ireland. this is something that's very personal to him and we know how his personality can come out in these kinds of settings. but potentially there's a difficult line to walk because it's so politically challenging for him here at home as well. >> yeah, that's absolutely right. and the taoiseach has made clear he is not canceling this visit, but he is going to make a very clear, enforceable call for an immediate ceasefire, for a peace process. and that's not that different from what biden re

. —— taoiseach.en't expecting it to happen right now. we have local and european elections coming up in less than three months' time, so it was expected that he would stay on, but nonetheless, there was an expectation that his party would perform badly then and question marks would arise about his leadership. so he's effectively preempted that and gone out before that can actually happen. in terms of him as the taoiseach of the country, he will remain in place for another three weeks until his successor is picked by his party and then he will hand over, and his coalition partners have indicated they are happy for this government to see out its term. is they are happy for this government to see out its term.— to see out its term. as you are talkin: , to see out its term. as you are talking. we — to see out its term. as you are talking, we see _ to see out its term. as you are talking, we see those - to see out its term. as you are talking, we see those pictures| to see out its term. as you are - talki

new indications at this hour new york attorney general lee taoiseach james may have taken the first stepards possible seizure of trump properties. the former president's leading president joe biden and 2 battleground states that could be crucial in november up by 3 points known now in carolina. after winning the state by 1 and 2020. the former president ahead by 4 in georgia in the same store -- survey. he won the state by less than a point. these are obviously vary tight races and vary important ones. look at this president president biden's support among black voters plummeting 35 points in georgia compared to 2020. dropping by 30 points and north carolina. great there, you see what's going on with these numbers. let's bring in kelly and conway. i want to get through a whole bunch of topics with you. i'm glad to have you both. let's firsgo quick a reaction to this move by the attorney general she may be in the process of starting to seize trump properties. >> it's part of why trump support is consolidated. people see this as political not legal. we almost a facts. the facts are you don

we heard from mary lou mcdonald, the woman who wants to be ireland's first female taoiseach .that early next year is too late to have an election and she wants one now. as for who will be the next, we don't expect to wait too long. we expect to hear about who that might be in the next few weeks. previously, he said he would retire from politics before the age of 50. today, he stepped down at the age of 45. >> now to the middle east and the u.s. secretary of state is visiting the region to bolster efforts to secure a cease-fire in gaza as the threat of famine looms. saudi arabia says it will donate to the palestinian refugees. he will also go to israel. mr. blinken's visit comes after he warned gaza's population is starving, saying its 2 million people are experiencing acute levels of food insecurity. today, the largest delivery of aid to gaza is being distributed by the world food program. four u.k. field hospitals are being set up in the territory. israel's prime minister says that preparations are underway for the invasion of rafah in the southern gaza strip. a spokesperson

he'll be formally appointed as prime minister, or taoiseach, when ireland's parliament reconvenes nextime ago. i want to thank you. i want every single person and every single community you come from across ireland. i want to thank you for your trust. and i want to promise and pledge to you today that i will repay that trust with hard work. with blood, sweat and tears, day in and day out. with responsibility, with humility, and with civility. let's go to a belfast newsroom in northern ireland. reporter kevin sharkeyjoins me now from our belfast newsroom. what has been talking in the last couple of hours?— what has been talking in the last couple of hours? ireland now has a new prime — couple of hours? ireland now has a new prime minister— couple of hours? ireland now has a new prime minister in _ couple of hours? ireland now has a new prime minister in waiting, - couple of hours? ireland now has a i new prime minister in waiting, simon harris, as you havejust new prime minister in waiting, simon harris, as you have just been hearing there. he has been speaking to his party, the fine ga

. stepping down as taoiseach.d then this fellow, come fellow, simon harris is to come in , this was of like in now, this was kind of like what party that what the tory party does that they a new leader, a new they elect a new leader, a new prime minister and don't consult the there's no the public. and there's been no election. and there's a fair amount of outcry about this. so simon harris was kind of the one man who actually wanted be man who actually wanted to be t shirt ruling fine shirt within the ruling fine gael party. and so he's coming along now. he's very much a fella who blows with the along now. he's very much a fella 'whatilows with the z —— — — along now. he's very much a fella 'what morewith the ’—— — — along now. he's very much a fella 'what more you the ’—— — — along now. he's very much a fella 'what more you can ’—— — — along now. he's very much a fella 'what more you can sayéa . . along now. he's very much a fella 'what more you can say about — — know what more you can say about that monumental

the irish taoiseach leo varadkar has announced that he will step down before the next general election decision, for "personal and political reasons", in an emotional statement. politicians are human beings, and we have our limitations. we give it everything until we can�*t any more, and then we have to move on. the family of a woman who died after a ceiling collapsed at a pontin�*s holiday park in somerset in 2019 has told the bbc they are still waiting for answers five years on. wendyjones was at the park in somerset, when she was crushed by structural ducting. pontin�*s owners, britannia hotels, said the collapse was an "unfortunate accident" and it didn�*t consider the company at fault. the business instead said that the collapse was due to a failure of internal fixings, that could not be checked. here�*s our special correspondent ed thomas. i spent my mum�*s last birthday in an intensive care unit, with her slipping in and out of consciousness. just gone, in an instant. screaming february 2019. there�*s chaos inside pontins brean sands. an air conditioning duct has fallen, crushin

mr varadkar became ireland's youngest taoiseach in 2017 when he became leader of fine gael.

irish government minister, simon harris, has thrown his hat into the ring to become ireland's next taoiseach, announcing he'll put forward to become put his name forward to become the next leader of fine gael first. it comes a day after leo varadkar's announcement that he was down and would step was standing down and would step aside as taoiseach, once his successor was appointed . if he's successor was appointed. if he's appointed fine gael leader, mr harris would expected to be formally elected in april and would become the country's youngest premier at the age of 37. the bank of england held the interest rate at 5.25% today, for the fifth time in a row, bank of england governor andrew bailey said the economy wasn't yet at the point where rates could be lowered, but said things were moving in the right direction. when inflation is expected to fall below 2% by the summer. but the bank of england said conflict in the middle said the conflict in the middle east and disruption to commercial in the red commercial shipping in the red sea further price surging sea risked further price surging . a