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As the world-famous Notre-Dame cathedral burned in a devastating 2019 fire, Parisians watched on in tears.Now, after more than five years of frenetic reconstruction work, the world has been given a first glimpse inside the revived 12th-century landmark. Today, President Emmanuel Macron is visiting the site to see the restored interiors for himself before the Gothic cathedral reopens for its first worship next month.The televised visit is set to usher a series of events leading up to the reopening of the cathedral - the reconstruction of which has been hailed as a symbol of national unity and French can-do spirit. Image: Brigitte Macron (2R) greets Paris' archbishop Laurent Ulrich, (C) next to Paris' mayor Anne Hidalgo (L), Ile-de-France's Pres...

Violent protests have erupted in Georgia over its ruling party's decision to put talks on the country's longstanding bid to join the EU back until 2028. Police in riot gear used a water cannon, tear gas and pepper spray as they ordered crowds of protesters on the streets of Georgia's capital, Tbilisi, to disperse. Pictures show masked protesters clashing with police and being dragged away, while some of the demonstrators tossed fireworks at officers shouting "Russians" and "Slaves!".Three police officers were injured, the country's interior ministry said. It comes after tens of thousands protested last month against the results of parliamentary elections which they claimed had been rigged with the help of Russia. Image: Police try to push out ...

The election in Ireland offers a great opportunity for observers of elections, parties and public opinion.Members of the Irish Dail are selected using the Single Transferable Vote (STV). Invented in the mid-19th century it requires voters to make an ordered choice across candidates, marking 1 against the most preferred, 2 against the next, and so on.It is a voting system that actively avoids wasting votes and in the process offers amazing insight into voting choices and competition both within and between parties.Counting votes won't be quick but watching that process unfold might bring its own rewards. Image: Ballot papers in Cork in the 2020 election. Pic: Yui Mok/PA Wire Ireland, which votes on Friday to elect a new par...

Polling stations have opened across Ireland this morning after a three-week election campaign.Fine Gael's Simon Harris, Fianna Fail's Micheal Martin and Sinn Fein's Mary Lou McDonald are all battling it out to become Ireland's next taoiseach - though no party has put forward enough candidates for a majority, meaning a coalition will be inevitable. Fianna Fail and Fine Gael, both centre-right parties, have said they will not enter a coalition with the left-wing Sinn Fein.Sinn Fein has never been in government, despite winning the highest number of votes in 2020.Fianna Fail and Fine Gael - traditional rivals stemming from the aftermath of Ireland's civil war - have ruled together with the Green Party since 2020. There are 174 seats across 43 constituencies in this year's election, with more ...

Sweden has formally asked Beijing to help clarify what happened when two data cables were damaged in the Baltic Sea where a China-flagged vessel had been sighted.Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson said the request has been made as one of the cables, which connects Sweden and Lithuania, came back online after its operator Arelion said it had been repaired. The second cable runs from Finland to Germany and is expected to be working again in the next couple of days following repair work by its Finnish owner Cinia.Both cables were damaged in Swedish waters in less than 24 hours between 17 and 18 November. The China-flagged bulk carrier Yi Peng 3, which is currently moored in international waters between Sweden and Denmark, was seen in the area at the time the cables were damaged.Meanwhile,...