Ireland election: the cuddly winners b4v4c

Sinn Fein shed its terror-linked past to poll the most votes. Now it's in or near government on both sides of the Irish border. Also in this edition: Angela Merkel's hand-picked successor bows out; the Philippines moves towards ending its defence agreement with the US; Mike Bloomberg strengthens his electoral position - without even standing; and what the Oscars mean to South Korea. (Picture: Sinn Fein president Mary Lou McDonald greets one of her newly-elected of the Irish parliament. Credit: EPA) 3w6i1i