What the papers say: Saturday's front pages
James Cox
Surging cocaine prices due to drug seizures, a Government plan to buy buildings for childcare centres, and Fianna Fáil MEP Billy Kelleher claiming he would have won the presidential election are among the stories that feature on Saturday's front pages.
Large cocaine seizures in recent years have led to a surge in the wholesale price of the drug, The Irish Times reports. A story from the State papers on musician Christy Moore being questioned under UK terror laws also makes the front page.
The front page of the Irish Examiner features an interview with Billy Kelleher, in which the Cork MEP claimed he would have won the presidential election if he was chosen as the Fianna Fáil nominee ahead of Jim Gavin.
The Government is planning to purchase buildings to convert into childcare centres, the Irish Independent reports.
Nine hundred calls were made to Childline during the festive period, The Echo reports.
The Irish Daily Mail leads with a story on teenagers using social media to buy heroin and cocaine.
The Irish Daily Star leads with a story on trainer Gordon Elliott's Leopardstown wins on St Stephen's Day.
The Irish Daily Mirror leads with a story on an eight-year-old girl who was stabbed to death by her father.
Brendan O'Carroll has denied rumours that he is in ill health, the Irish Sun reports.
The Herald leads with a story on attacks involving XL Bully dogs.
In the North, the Belfast Telegraph leads with a story on Sinn Féin attempts to blame the British government for problems in Northern Ireland.
The Irish News leads with a story on fatal road crashes over the Christmas period.
A range of stories feature on the UK front pages.
The i Paper leads with a story on the UK government introducing a military 'gap year'.
Saturday's i WEEKEND: Gap year soldiers will be trained to fight in war zones under new UK Army scheme#TomorrowsPapersToday pic.twitter.com/siDDUTMhoS
— Jack Surfleet (@jacksurfleet) December 26, 2025
The Daily Mail leads with a story on ghost plates.
Saturday's DAILY MAIL: 'Ghost' number plates scandal#TomorrowsPapersToday pic.twitter.com/FLpMQQR1Ua
— Jack Surfleet (@jacksurfleet) December 26, 2025
M&A (mergers and acquisitions) deals have topped $4.5 trillion, the Financial Times reports.
Saturday's FT WEEKEND: Megadeals propel M&A to $4.5tn#TomorrowsPapersToday pic.twitter.com/7iptDFLPXN
— Jack Surfleet (@jacksurfleet) December 26, 2025
The Daily Express leads with a story on early prison release for ciminals.
Saturday's DAILY EXPRESS: Criminals out for Christmas after early release#TomorrowsPapersToday pic.twitter.com/DwvGChaJyl
— Jack Surfleet (@jacksurfleet) December 26, 2025
A new injection to combat cancer is the main story in the Daily Star.
Saturday's DAILY STAR: 'Our jab will stop all cancers'#TomorrowsPapersToday pic.twitter.com/wPLk5eTGCM
— Jack Surfleet (@jacksurfleet) December 26, 2025
Britain's King Charles and Prince William are planning a visit to the United States as part of a 'charm offensive' to help the UK secure a new trade deal with Donald Trump's administration, The Times reports.
Saturday's TIMES: Royal trips to woo Trump#TomorrowsPapersToday pic.twitter.com/prgLnJ5HVS
— Jack Surfleet (@jacksurfleet) December 26, 2025
The NHS is heavily reliant on foreign doctors, the Daily Telegraph reports.
Saturday's DAILY TELEGRAPH: NHS twice as reliant on foreign doctors#TomorrowsPapersToday pic.twitter.com/qSoTZKQ7EM
— Jack Surfleet (@jacksurfleet) December 26, 2025
The New York Times leads with a story on US airstrikes in Nigeria.
