Claudia Savage

Grace McLaughlin, a 54-year-old mother of three from Bangor, completed the Irish swimming triple crown by crossing the North Channel from Islandmagee to Portpatrick in Scotland in 12 hours, 43 minutes and 57 seconds. Supported by Infinity Channel Swimming, she became the 199th overall and 84th female swimmer to complete the challenge, which requires three marathon swims under rules established by the Irish Long Distance Swimming Association. McLaughlin, who also holds two World Ice Swimming gold medals, celebrated by signing the Wall of Champions at Donaghadee’s Pier 36 pub.

Sinn Féin warned that the Democratic Unionist Party’s conduct could undermine Stormont powersharing, with Conor Murphy describing the institutions as precarious. DUP leader Gavin Robinson rejected the criticism and reaffirmed his party’s commitment to Northern Ireland’s institutions. Alliance and UUP representatives urged cooperation and responsible leadership, while Opposition leader Matthew O’Toole warned that another collapse might prevent Stormont from returning. The dispute arose during UK Secretary of State Chris Bryant’s first official visit, which also focused on Northern Ireland’s unresolved budget, public-service funding shortfalls, constitutional change and legacy issues.