What the papers say: Friday's front pages

Government formation talks lead Friday's front pages, with reports that Fianna Fáil is demanding a longer spell for Micheál Martin as leader rather than a 50:50 rotating Taoiseach split.

The Irish Times and Irish Independent report that Fianna Fáil will attempt to use their stronger position, 48 TDs to Fine Gael's 38, to argue for a longer spell with Mr Martin as Taoiseach, possibly three years.

The Irish Examiner leads with a story on Michael Flatley securing an injunction restraining a receiver or his agents from taking steps in relation to the star’s Cork mansion Castelhyde.

The Echo leads with a story on the inquest into Ava Barry's death.

The Irish Sun, Irish Daily Mail and The Herald lead with stories on Nikita Hand being awarded costs in her civil action against Conor McGregor.

Today's front page of The Irish Sun pic.twitter.com/ahLDmYuZqT

— The Irish Sun (@IrishSunOnline) December 6, 2024

In friday's Mail pic.twitter.com/tusfeWhPRh

— The Irish Daily Mail (@irishdailymail) December 5, 2024

In the North, the Belfast Telegraph and The Irish News leads with stories on the funeral of Chloe Ferris, who died in a Belfast nightclub.

Today's #frontpage:
Labour has turned its back on Troubles victimes says widow pic.twitter.com/R7yIyImjxH

— The Irish News (@irish_news) December 6, 2024

Sir Keir Starmer’s latest attempts to reset his policies for the UK overnment, the ‘quad-demic’  expected to increase pressure on the NHS, and more feature on Britain’s front pages this Friday.

The Daily Mirror and The Guardian both say the NHS will face a “quad-demic” of winter emergencies in the coming months.

The Independent and the  i look to Sir Keir Starmer for their front pages, as the UK prime minister asks the public to wait to judge his government on how it improves UK living standards.

According to The Times, Mr Starmer blames “blockers and bureaucrats” for the British housing crisis.

The Daily Express used its headline to attack Mr Starmer as campaigners accuse the prime minister of “ignoring” immigration: which they say is the “biggest problem” facing the UK.

The Daily Mail has also taken aim at Mr Starmer, comparing his time as leader to the ‘box-office flops’ filmed at Pinewood film studios where he launched his ‘plan for change’.

The Metro reports on the continued manhunt for an armed assassin who gunned down UnitedHealthcare chief executive Brian Thompson in New York on Wednesday.

Financial Times splashes on British infrastructure financier Covalis bidding to invest in Thames Water as the embattled utilities firm prepares for sale to French company Suez.

The Daily Star reports that a popular festive season favourite might be making you bald.

The New York Times leads with the hunt for the gunman who killed UnitedHealth chief executive Brian Thompson in Manhattan.