Doug Beattie: ‘I will ask part y if I should quit’ over offens ive tweets + Edwin Poots ‘not interested’ in Westminster seat

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In the news today:

* Around 3,000 people are expected at a rally to protest against the Northern Ireland Protocol in Markethill next month.

* Ulster Unionist leader Doug Beattie has said he will quit if his party believes he should, after a series of offensive historic tweets were brought to light.

* The DUP intends to run three Lagan Valley candidates in the NI Assembly election in May, Edwin Poots has confirmed.

* The DUP leader has warned the UK government he is not prepared to be “strung out for weeks” waiting for an assurance that it will act over the Northern Ireland Protocol.
Opinion:

* Ruth Dudley Edwards: Democrats should focus on the real extremists, not on the TUV.

* Morning View: Amid UK inaction on the Northern Ireland Protocol, the DUP is right to hold firm against it.
Sport:

* Jonathan Rea has been named the 2021 Adelaide Irish Motorcyclist of the Year for a record ninth time, surpassing eight-time winner and Ulster road racing legend Joey Dunlop.

* Paul Doolin - one of the most respected players in Portadown history - could be set for a return to Shamrock Park as manager.
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