Author Jude Collins

The problem with Donald Trump’s posture on Iran is not just inconsistency—it’s the uneasy blend of bravado and retreat that leaves allies guessing and adversaries calculating. What some critics shorthand as “TACO” politics—tough talk followed by abrupt climbdowns—creates a pattern that erodes credibility faster than any single misstep. On Iran, the rhetoric has often arrived […]

    Should we laugh or cry? That Truth Social( who says the Donald doesn’t do irony?)  posting is less like a presidential annoucement and more like a very naughty child throwing a tantrum. That’s Trump abroad. When he’s sorted this Middle East matter, he’ll surely recover his popularity at home. Or maybe not. You […]

So is Good Friday your favourite day of the year? Or so depressing you can’t wait for Saturday? And is it good or bad that it’s now treated pretty much like any day? Donald Trump is critical of the many countries who refused to join him in his unilateral aerial bombardment of Iran. Is the […]

      It’s at times like these I think of my ancestors. My rhythm nation and my voicings. Who I choose to be, you see? Northern Europeans, Vikings Crossing the seas of wonder. Up and over and under Who you think I am If you merely reduce my label  To Brit.   Have you […]

There are two kinds of people in this debate: those who think recording ethnicity in crime data is a triumph of modern evidence-based policing, and those who hear it and immediately reach for the phrase “this will end well” in the tone usually reserved for sinking ships. On paper, it’s all very sensible. Gather more […]

I am one branc on one tree.Your roots and sap sustain me.I am one leaf on one branch.What were the chancesThat you would meet me?The seeds that I spinWill grow within the moss and the greenBetween the rock and stoneFor we all start alone.In the basket bellyOf our mother’s homeThat one true sound.From deep within […]

            It was brought to my attention, recently, by a man who knows more about the activities of the British in Ireland than I do, that each of the six counties has a representative of the King of England as well as office staff. These officials in each of the […]

  Twice a year we perform the same ritual: we collectively agree that time itself needs a minor adjustment. Not the weather, not our habits, not our stubborn attachment to darkness at breakfast — no, the clocks are clearly the problem. So we move them. Forward in spring, because optimism. Back in autumn, because reality. […]

My fellow citizens, Tonight, as Taoiseach, I stand before you at a moment of great national importance — not merely because several planeloads of foreign troops are politely stretching their legs at Shannon Airport as we speak, but because Ireland faces its greatest sporting test since that time we nearly beat a team we were […]

RSH. Star Spangled.By Randall Stephen Hall.14.3.26With barrels of oil.They rise to the task.Investors and chairmen.They all wear the mask.Big donners and tech brosThey scuttle aboutLike rats on a ship.They have lots of clout.But the iceberg is coming.It’s not far away.The waters are colderDeep waves pushin’ spray.The captain’s asleepAnd the crew’s in the barHe’s the star […]