Author Jude Collins

Let me start by congratulating Donald J Trump. The guy’s a master of the deal and all things flim-flam. I watched him last night seamlessly insert himself into Shane Lowry’s golfing win with his repeated support for a united Ireland and his celebratory removal of the 10% tariff on Irish whiskey.  I had to make […]

by Joe McVeigh     After listening to Taoiseach Micheál Martin for some years now parroting on about the need for improved community relations in the north before there can be a border poll, it would seem he does not understand the situation in the north or the evil consequences of partition. Of course, it […]

Jim actually has a pulse that isn’t set to “perpetual coalition autopilot.”Micheál’s been leading Fianna Fáil since roughly the same era as the last ice age (okay, 2011). He’s the political equivalent of that reliable but slightly dusty family car that still starts every morning but makes a worrying noise on hills. Jim, the Senior […]

— Ireland should be downright mortified to host Donald Trump — not politely embarrassed, not diplomatically conflicted, but red‑faced, soul‑itching ashamed. Because rolling out the céad míle fáilte for Trump isn’t hospitality; it’s self‑sabotage dressed up as charm. This is a country that sells itself — proudly — as principled, peace‑driven, and allergic to authoritarian […]

For decades, Fine Gael—historically branded “The United Ireland Party”—has largely approached constitutional change with measured caution.However, as momentum for an eventual border poll builds, general principles are no longer sufficient.To remain credible, Fine Gael must deliver a truly practical, detailed blueprint that moves beyond standard rhetoric and addresses the tangible mechanics of Irish reunification. A […]

  Have you been watching the Republican convention in Texas?Check it out. Pat thinks they share their teeth and their sister (whatever can he mean?). Should we be worried about a Republican surge in time for the mid-term elections?   Jim O’Callaghan,Minister of Justice in the Three Green Fields has announced that immigrants will have […]

    The Catholic Voice is a right wing fundamentalist magazine which has an address in Knock, Co Mayo. You will find it in some churches throughout Ireland. It is not clear who is distributing this rag or who is funding the outfit which produces it. In the most recent edition the editor advocates a return […]

       Does the BBC and Talkback have reason to rejoice in the programme’s 40th birthday? Why were two great presenters of the programme in the early days not even mentioned? And why did so many Protestants leave the City side of Derry and move to the Waterside? Was intimidation involved? Was that what […]

  I’ve spent the last hour and more watching Talkback coming live from Belfast Central Library. The programme has been on the air for 40 years, so naturally the good things it’s done – allowing the voices of the public to be heard, interviewing journalists and politicians – were celebrated. But the gaps were nothing short of […]

    It’s like community Rip Van Winkle. Unionism and Orangeism awaken, rub their eyes amd declare “We must put Orange feet on Garvaghy Road!” Why has this 28-year-old madness reawakened? Two reasons:  distraction and We are the People. Distraction first. Anyone who can’t spot that Unionism wants us to take our eye off the […]