The SDLP's deputy leader was in hospital in London last night after fainting during a radio interview. Mr Seamus Mallon (59) was taking part in a Radio Ulster programme when he broke into a prolonged coughing fit, according to the Ulster Unionist Party deputy leader, Mr John Taylor, who was also participating in the show.
Mr Mallon, MP for Newry and Armagh, was taken from his London home to St Thomas's Hospital. A hospital spokesman confirmed the MP had been admitted and was being kept in overnight but stressed his condition was "not serious".