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Child protection concerns remain 
Pro fide et patria 20/11/09As has been seen in too many recent cases, any failure in child protection procedures can have the most devastating consequences. The dreadful case of Baby Peter, abused, neglected and utterly failed by those supposed to be caring for him, highlighted a litany of mistakes in the response of social services.
Irish can be proud despite debacle
Pro fide et patria 20/11/09The cold reality arising from the Republic of Ireland’s agonising World Cup qualifier defeat in Paris is that the French should be prepared to offer an immediate replay but are highly unlikely to do so.
Council plans an issue of credibility
Pro fide et patria 19/11/09While the Northern Ireland Executive is entitled to point to the progress it has made in a range of sectors over recent years, its critics will also insist that it has gained an unfortunate reputation for regular internal disputes and confrontation.
OAP visits may deter burglars
Pro fide et patria 18/11/09IT IS only a matter of time before an elderly person is killed in the latest disgraceful wave of robberies and burglaries in which pensioners are being targeted by criminals. Today we report on one woman who suffered a heart attack after her house was burgled but who has, thankfully...
Apology overdue for deportations
Pro fide et patria 17/11/09There is a long history of deportation from these islands to Australia. From the 18th century onwards those convicted of a range of offences, from petty thieving to political rebellion, were punished by being sent to the far ends of the Earth, from which there would normally be no return.
Road safety is all our responsibility
Pro fide et patria 16/11/09MUCH has been done over the past few decades to cut the number of deaths caused by road traffic accidents. Statutory agencies have spent millions on improving roads to make them safer while at the same time...
P7s trapped in broken system
Pro fide et patria 14/11/09Future generations researching the 2009 Northern Ireland education system may wonder at how well-managed structures were swept aside and replaced with a process that required thousands of children to turn up on four successive weekends for unregulated tests.
Glasgow win good news for Brown
Pro fide et patria 14/11/09Gordon Brown will be buoyed by the margin of victory in the Glasgow North East by-election, admittedly in a seat regarded as solidly Labour.
No more delay on devolution
Pro fide et patria 13/11/09With just six weeks until Christmas, time is running out to resolve the policing and justice issue before next year and the looming Westminster election.
IFA needs fresh faces at the top
Pro fide et patria 13/11/09A report last night that the Irish Football Association (IFA) is to make a substantial compensation payment to its former chief executive, Howard Wells, capped a difficult few days for soccer administrators.
Use of Janes issue unjust
Pro fide et partia 12/11/09Some leaders are natural politician, equipped with all the charm, persuasive powers, confidence and cunning which are required to convince people they not only know what they are doing but they are the best person to do it.
Derry deserve a chance to rebuild
Pro fide et partia 12/11/09While the resignation of the chairman of Derry City FC and three fellow board members represented yet another dramatic twist during the club’s recent upheavals, it may provide a way out of the entire debacle.
Let’s be realistic about recovery
Pro fide et patria 11/11/09For those who like to look for the light at the end of the recession tunnel, the latest report on the state of the economy, north and south, will provide little to cheer about. There is no doubt the global financial downturn has proved severe and prolonged, with the main issue for...
School vandalism damages children
Pro fide et patria 11/11/09IN THIS time of economic constrictions every penny spent in the public service is vital. So it is sad to hear of another school being damaged in an apparent act of vandalism. St Peter’s Primary School in the Falls Road area of Belfast, like all such institutions...
Cracks led to seismic change
Pro fide et patria 10/11/09The first cracks in the Berlin wall occurred 20 years ago last night. Built in 1961 to keep East Germans from migrating westwards, the wall symbolised the denial of individual liberty which lay at the heart of communism.
TUV can’t end partnership
Pro fide et patria 09/11/09When Peter Robinson looks back over all the judgment calls he has made in recent years he is unlikely to regard his decision to recall Jim Allister to the front line of unionism with anything other than a shudder. Back in 2004 Mr Allister was effectively a forgotten...
