Stormont may get around to discussing the McArdle affair by the time officials in the finance department report back on the procedures regarding special advisers' appointment.

BBC: Mary Travers killer controversy too recent for Stormont

The club would ideally like to have the situation cleared up by the time the players report back for pre-season training on 26 June.

BBC: SPORT | Football | My Club | Sunderland | Sunderland takeover talks ongoing

Blair was in the House of Commons to report back on the outcome of last week's European Union leaders' summit, but most of his time was devoted to Iraq.

CNN: Blair: Troops closing on Baghdad