Ed McGuinness: Why the Conservatives should run in Northern Ireland – and why they can win

Ulster’s major parties are failing to adapt to a changing electoral landscape, creating an opportunity for a new, more practical politics.

Henry Hill: Johnson to spearhead pro-Union strategy with more visits to Scotland

Also: Spotlight on the literal handful of MPs providing Stormont’s entire opposition; and Scottish Tories offer a budget deal to the SNP.

Mark Francois: Johnson must keep his promises on Northern Ireland veterans – not sacrifice them to satisfy Sinn Fein

The Prime Minister pledged to defend those who defended us. I believe him.

Henry Hill: New decade, old story? Smith’s Stormont deal under fire from Tory MPs and Ulster parties

Also: Scottish Conservative leadership candidates set out how they’ll take the fight to the SNP; Jack says no referendum re-run in Sturgeon’s lifetime.

Smith’s plan for Northern Ireland undercuts the Government on veterans and Brexit

Setting aside the Ulster-specific sections, the proposals for reviving Stormont pledges frictionless trade with the mainland and a commitment on legacy prosecutions.

Stephen Booth: Step by painful step, both sides creep close to agreement over Northern Ireland

There might not be time, but it at least now appears that a UK-EU deal on Brexit is conceivable.

Henry Hill: Tories hope that ‘Boris bounce’ will save them in Brecon and Radnorshire

The Prime Minister’s tour of the United Kingdom sees him square off against nationalists from Sinn Fein, the SNP… and Welsh Labour.

Have Scottish Tory splitters found the blueprint for a lasting Conservative/DUP alliance?

Strengthening Ulster’s bonds with the mainland starts with ending the de facto exile of its unionist politics – if Johnson and Foster have the imagination and will to see it done.

Aine Lagan: Our next leader must have a plan For Northern Ireland

From Brexit to social issues, our Union is under growing pressure. Westminster must take a well-informed and pro-active approach to my Province.

Henry Hill: Mordaunt signals support for extending legal protection to Ulster veterans

Also: Davidson urges Tories to work harder for Euros; Bradley branded ‘unfit to govern’ by abuse victims; SNP turmoil deepens; and more!

Henry Hill: Caught between her activists and the voters, Sturgeon plays for time on independence

Also: Will Lyra McKee’s murder in Londonderry be enough to re-start the political process in Northern Ireland? It doesn’t seem likely.

Has May just delivered the coup de grâce to any imminent hope of reviving Stormont?

If she insists on a functioning Assembly before a no-deal Brexit, why on earth would Sinn Fein oblige her?

Ciaran Cadden: Could referendums offer a way out of Northern Ireland’s political deadlock?

Why not give the electorate the chance to pass judgement directly on Sinn Fein and the DUP’s ‘red lines’?

Henry Hill: Trimble raises over £10,000 for legal challenge to the backstop

Also: SNP insist on leading Holyrood inquiry into Sturgeon’s handling of Salmond allegations; and Ulster Unionists call for Direct Rule in the event of a no-deal Brexit.

Paul Bew: The Backstop would undermine the Good Friday Agreement – but there is a way out of this paralysis

Under international law, it can only be a temporary arrangement – and this must be put in explicit, legally binding, terms.