Why have unionists, and particularly the DUP, opposed every effort to ameliorate community relations here from equality legislation to discrimination legislation, human rights legislation, the role of the European Court of Human Rights? Why have they spurned the effort of the EU to grant an economic advantage to everyone in the north? Dr Patrick Anderson thinks he can provide at least part of the answer.
The cost of school uniforms is a familiar concern in Northern Ireland but this year the issue is being placed into even sharper focus as families struggle with soaring household bills.
Should we in the unionist community feel some sympathy for Michelle O’Neill who said, in an interview last week, that “at that time there was no alternative” to IRA members using violence?
There can only be considerable concern that Stormont ministers are continuing to select candidates for well paid posts with key semi-public organisations without an independent watchdog in place to oversee the recruitment process.
It was a pleasure to read Geraldine Brown’s letter – ‘Northern Ireland still has much to learn’ (July 28) – which on the whole was well balanced in response to my contribution, which I hope to make each July on the topic of events we classify as the Twelfth and separately, the Eleventh Night.
The recent BBC interview between Sinn Féin first minister in waiting Michelle O’Neill and Mark Carruthers was personal and fascinating, albeit a bit rose-tinted.
As it has already been well documented that Brexit proved to be a political and economic disaster for all sections of our divided society, it should not come as a surprise to learn that it has also had a hugely negative impact on community relations.
Micheál Martin, Leo Varadkar and the rag-tag group of meaningless individuals that constitute the incumbent Free State government should hang their heads in abject shame at the way in which they have allowed the Good Friday Agreement (GFA) to be scattered to the winds by the DUP and the British government.
Naomi Long has come close to admitting what has been evident for some time - Northern Ireland’s criminal justice system has effectively ground to a halt.
If, as the New Testament tells us, “Blessed are the peacemakers”, it appears reasonable to assume that one of the few Christians left in Ireland is Sabina Higgins, wife of President Michael D.
The latest forecast from the Bank of England paints an exceptionally bleak picture for the months ahead, offering scant hope that we could soon put the economic gloom behind us.