Ireland has always been tribal, it has never truly been one united people but is moving in that direction, despite efforts to foster division by successive southern establishment governments. Party politics, greed and power are bigger drivers than equality, fairness, humanity and compassion. In recent times, we have realised more that division on this […]
January, 2017
‘Uncovering the Truth about the British role in the north (PartII)’ by Joe McVeigh
On Monday 23 October 1972, Michael Naan (31) and his neighbour Andrew Murray (24) returned to the Naan farmyard a few miles outside Newtownbutler about 5.00pm on a tractor and trailer after delivering firewood to the Murray house about a mile away in the townland of Derrykenny. It was some time afterwards that they were […]
Some thoughts on boyish Brokenshire, vivid Michelle, weighty John and sure-footed Máirtin
I’m not sure that this offers sufficient substance for an entire blog, but I feel I must say it: wasn’t James Brokenshire a laughable figure on TV yesterday? Here we had this twinkly-eyed boyish figure, who wouldn’t have been born during the height of the Troubles, telling us that he’d decided to allow […]
THE PRICE OF THE ORANGE AND GREEN
“As sure as apples is apples and oranges is oranges” It is laughably ridiculous. Sammy Wilson of the DUP is on the radio now talking about anything but the real reason the Executive had to be closed down and why his party colleague Arlene Foster had to be made step down. Let’s make no bones […]
The three important items that should dominate the Sinn Féin manifesto
There are those who say James Brokenshire is a waste of space – I’ve even suggested it myself at times. But credit where credit is due. Over the weekend, Mr Brokenshire stayed in Hillsborough, instead of flying out to his English home. That’s how committed he is to working for our welfare. Admittedly he had […]
TWO REGINAS, ONE CROWN by Perkin Warbeck
One common feature which both islands of the UK Archipelago share is also one whch is rarely if ever commented upon. That is the uncommon or garden fact that both islands, Ireland and Brexitland, can boast not one but two queens both simulteneously and concurrently. In the case of Brexitland there is, first, the […]
‘Archbishop Dolan will bless Trump inaugural’ by John Patton
(John Patton blogs at phototilly.eu) It seems that few celebrities wish to be associated on Friday with Donald J at his inauguration. Garth Brooks, Aretha Franklin and Andrea Bocelli have already publicly declined, despite the offer of Ambassadorships; ‘B’ listers are scurrying to cover behind the ornate gowns of the Mormon Tabernacle Choir; the admirable […]
‘Arlene Foster: Sinn Fein’s electoral weapon or DUP’s weapon of electoral destruction?’ by Ciaran Mac
One of the most overused cliches is Harold Wilson’s utterance, “A week is a long time in politics.” Although overused, it’s a completely accurate and true reflection of political life that can be attributed very much, in particular, to the politics of Northern Ireland. But for First Minister and DUP Leader, Arlene Foster, never mind […]
Will the DUP do the right thing and produce two lists for match-up?
As I type this I’m listening to Marian Finucane on RTÉ Radio One. They’re discussing the northern crisis and Fianna Failer Martin Mansergh has typically managed to present the current crisis as being an age-old squabble between two parties who can’t agree. It suits Mr Mansergh to frame it like this, (i) because that’s the […]
Regina Doherty: the Snow Queen Melts?
No Sunday morning is ever complete without an extended browse through the (electronic) pages of my second-favourite Irish news organ, The Sindo. I always find something that encourages me to think further on a given topic; often (but not always) the pen of Eilis O’Hanlon or (more recently) Mairia Cahill will gently lead me towards […]