SNP leader John Swinney is under fresh pressure after his party recorded its worst performance in European elections for over 16 years.

MSPs are said to be angered at his failure to capitalise on Labour's woes during last week's poll.

The party saw its support drop from 27 per cent in 1999 to just 19.6 per cent in Thursday's election.

Meanwhile in Northern Ireland the DUP and Sinn Fein made marked progress as David Trimble's Ulster Unionist Party put in what the Telegraph describes as a "dismal showing".

Sinn Fein had further cause to celebrate after securing its first ever European seat in the Republic of Ireland.