Irish Republican News: Archives

The US House of Representatives has backed a resolution outlining support for the Good Friday Agreement as US support for Ireland in the face of Brexit continues to grow.

Sectarian attacks in north Belfast linked to DUP

A spate of sectarian attacks have taken place against Catholics due to move into a new social housing development in north Belfast. Windows were smashed and a flag was hung from a drainpipe at a property in the loyalist Ballysillan area, one of three recent attacks.

CIRA claims Belfast attack

The Continuity IRA has claimed responsibility for a grenade attack on the PSNI in west Belfast last Wednesday.

Housing failure undermining government - FG TD

Eoghan Murphy has started a rot which is spreading through the government, according to one of his colleagues, after the Minister for Housing narrowly survived a motion of no confidence.

Dublin govt urged to support Irish citizenship rights

A Derry woman who is challenging restrictions on her right to legally identify as Irish has called for Dublin to support efforts to uphold the rights of nationalists under the Good Friday Agreement.

Republicans come together for unity

Thousands of people took to the streets of County Donegal and County Tyrone last weekend to demand a united Ireland.

By-election victory may mark turnaround for Sinn Féin

Sinn Féin’s candidate Mark Ward has been elected to the Dáil following a poll-topping result in the Dublin Mid-West by-election which could represent a change in fortunes for the party following the setback of the local elections in the 26 Counties.

Finucane rises above ‘gutter politics’

Representatives of the unionist paramilitary UDA have openly called for a vote for the DUP to ensure “no abstentionist MPs [Sinn Féin] are elected, nor their cohorts in the SDLP”.

Conviction overturned on faulty DNA evidence

A west Belfast man has won his appeal against a conviction on arms charges over flawed forensic evidence. Judges directed that Ballymurphy man Kevin McLaughlin should be freed immediately.

Review sought into Bloody Sunday prosecution decision

Lawyers representing the families of nine of those massacred by the British Army on Bloody Sunday have asked for a review of a decision not to prosecute nine soldiers in Derry in 1972.

Pre-Christmas talks expected at Stormont

Efforts to restore Stormont following the Westminster election on December 12 have accelerated despite election campaigning.

Sinister UDA figures behind hate banners

Unionist banners have been erected by the UDA targeting the family of Pat Finucane, the Belfast defence lawyer who in 1989 was assassinated by a UDA paramilitary death squad in collusion with British military intelligence.

Sinn Féin appeals for unity agenda at Ard Fheis

Sinn Féin leader Mary Lou McDonald has urged the Dublin government to convene a forum on Irish unity ahead of a border poll within the next five years.

March for Irish Unity

Tomorrow, Sunday November 24, a ‘March for Irish Unity’ is due to take place between Lifford in County Donegal and Strabane in County Tyrone.

Special Branch accused in civilian death

The mother of a County Down woman who died when an undercover British agent allegedly became involved in an IRA attack is taking a case against the PSNI police chief and the British Ministry of Defence.

Mixed outcome as PSNI allowed appeal to Supreme Court

The PSNI (formerly RUC) is to take a ruling that the police force lacks the independence to investigate a killing by the British Army to the Supreme Court in London.

Racism button pushed ahead of by-elections in South

Fine Gael has been branded a “safe house for right-wing politics” after a series of controversies over bigotry, including a by-election candidate who claimed asylum seekers need to be “deprogrammed” when they seek refuge in Ireland.

DUP hypocrisy amid poster war

Sinn Féin has accused the DUP of forming electoral alliances with active paramilitaries and demonising republicans and nationalists in an attempt to provide itself with cover.

Brexit distorts Westminster election campaign

The DUP has been accused of treating Brexit like an “embarrassing relative” by failing to make any mention of it in the party’s election broadcast for next month’s Westminster poll.

Johnson pledges war crimes amnesty

A Tory vow to amend British law to protect former British soldiers from prosecutions relating to their crimes in the north of Ireland has been condemned as an attempt to use the conflict in Ireland for electoral gain.

Westminster election could clear way for Stormont - SF

The Sinn Féin Ard Fheis has heard this weekend that the Stormont Assembly could be restored in the New Year.

Joseph McCrystal - ‘no one seems to care’

The family of a Catholic man shot dead by loyalists almost 50 years have vowed to continue their fight for justice following the publication of a report by Relatives for Justice. Joseph McCrystal was shot as he returned to his home in Newtownabbey on November 12, 1972. He died the following day.

McAllister ordered to report to airport

A former political prisoner who sought asylum in the US again hears he will be deported after being ordered to report to US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) at Newark Airport.

UDA threat alters election contest

A decision by the Ulster Unionist Party to stand aside in North Belfast following loyalist threats of violence has been condemned, despite the insistence of the party’s new leader Steve Aiken that the move was not connected to the threats.

One pact follows another as Remainers bid for change

An SDLP decision to stand aside in north Belfast as a result of the UUP’s pact with the DUP in the constituency has triggered a reciprocal arrangement with Sinn Féin which now also includes the Green Party.

PSNI bid to ‘steal Christmas’ from prisoners, families

The headquarters of Saoradh in Derry, Junior McDaid House, has been targeted in yet another PSNI raid on Thursday morning, this time in connection with a fundraising raffle.

Tributes to Dickie Glenholmes and Fr Des Wilson

Republicans have been paying tribute to IRA veteran Richard ‘Dickie’ Glenholmes, who died on Monday after a lengthy illness, as well as Fr Des Wilson, who passed away on Tuesday.

By-elections bring test for republican politics in South

Four by-elections in the 26 Counties are to go ahead on 29 November -- two in Dublin, one in Cork and one in Wexford. The by-elections follow the recent election of four TDs to the European Parliament, requiring them to relinquish their seats at Leinster House.

University fails to defend academic freedom for campaigner

Queen’s University Belfast is once again being accused of discriminating against nationalists after a Law Professor at the university revealed he had come under pressure to end his involvement in a public debate on Brexit and Irish reunification.

UDA’s election coercion for DUP

Loyalist paramilitaries have issued threats against the Ulster Unionist Party (UUP) in a bid to force it to withdraw from the Westminster election in north Belfast against Nigel Dodds, the Deputy leader of the Democratic Unionist Party (DUP).

Arsonist wrecks car of Sinn Féin justice spokesperson

The home of a Sinn Féin TD has come under firebomb attack after he defended the rights of immigrant asylum-seekers. Party leader Mary Lou McDonald condemned what she said was a “very deliberate and targeted attack” which she described as a “deeply serious and sinister development.”

Election provides opportunities, risks for SF

Sinn Féin is set to contest all 18 Westminster constituencies after its efforts to form a pact of parties opposed to Brexit failed to get a positive response from other party leaders.

Protest after dawn operation to arrest elderly woman

Sinn Féin has hit out after a 63-year-old woman was arrested by the PSNI police on Thursday following an early-morning operation in the Creggan area of Derry. Sadie Callan, an active Sinn Féin party member, was taken to Belfast for interrogation under new “terror” legislation.

PSNI accused of delaying reports on collusion killings

The Police Ombudsman in the north of Ireland has again delayed publication of three reports on loyalist murders after previously undisclosed files were uncovered. The material was found due to a recent computer upgrade, according to the PSNI.

Desperate scenes in Waterford hospital

Overcrowding at University Hospital Waterford has been described as unacceptable after photographs emerged this week of dire conditions in the psychiatric unit.

Westminster election confirmed for December 12

Legislation for an early British general election on Thursday, December 12 has been passed by the House of Commons. It brings down the curtain on a deeply divided parliament in which the hardline unionist DUP held the balance of power for almost two and a half years.

EU extends Brexit to January; election looks set for December

The deadline for Britain to leave the EU has been extended until January 31st, or earlier if the Westminster parliament passes legislation to implement the Withdrawal Agreement.

Loyalists beat the drum

The leaders of a number of loyalist paramilitary factions have held talks to discuss how to force the British government into a u-turn over a draft Brexit deal agreed this month between British Prime Minister Boris Johnson and the European Union.

Unionist demands for return of veto rejected

The issue of a unionist veto over political change has become central to politics in the north of Ireland after attempts were made by unionists to include it in the Brexit withdrawal agreement.

Brexit deadline set to be extended amid election call

A failure of Westminster MPs to support British Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s timetable for passing legislation on a Brexit deal has left the project in a new limbo, although one which is likely to be resolved this coming week.

New controls ‘a breach of fundamental rights’

There is growing concern about a draconian new registration procedure for former republican prisoners which requires those targeted to notify the Crown Forces of an extensive list of personal details, activities and movements.

McGuinness tape was spiked by MI6 - claim

British military intelligence withheld documentary footage from 1972 of the late Sinn Féin leader Martin McGuinness engaging in IRA activity, according to an investigation by the BBC Spotlight team.

New images of IRA martyr Bobby Sands

New photographs of hunger striker Bobby Sands have been discovered in an archive of French photojournalist Gérard Harlay. Taken at a rally in August 1976, they are believed to be the last photographs taken of him before his arrest and imprisonment at Long Kesh.

Theatrical walk-outs as Stormont resurrection fails

A bizarre publicity event organised by the hardline unionist DUP at the defunct Stormont Assembly ended quickly today when an attempt to revive its lawmaking powers failed.

Nationalists told they are British, not Irish

The British government has been accused of deliberately failing to implement the provisions of Good Friday Agreement in its domestic law following an appeals court ruling which found that an Irish woman from County Derry is legally British and not Irish.

Vindictive treatment of John Downey

The treatment by the PSNI of a Donegal pensioner has been widely condemned after he was seen to be dragged around in handcuffs following his extradition into British jurisdiction last week.

UVF ‘don’t want Catholics here’

Escalating anti-Catholic attacks in a ‘shared’ housing development in south Belfast have left a disabled man fearing for his life as well as the life of his four-year-old son.

How ‘King Rat’ targeted family members of republicans

The police in the north of Ireland provided unionist paramilitary kingpin Billy Wright with information to help his murder gang target Catholics, one of his former associates has admitted.

New INLA armed group claims attacks

Images have emerged of a show of strength by an apparent INLA unit amid increasing tension in the Derry area.

Unionists to debate abortion at ‘Zombie Stormont’

Unionists are to gather at the mothballed Stormont Assembly chamber in a symbolic attempt to revive the collapsed Six County institutions. They intend to discuss the implementation of Direct Rule legislation for abortion, due to become law on Monday.

DUP reject draft Brexit deal after talks with UDA/UVF

A draft agreement has been reached on Brexit between the European Union and the British government. However, following consultations with loyalist paramilitaries earlier this week, the DUP continue to reject the planned deal.

Ivor Bell cleared as Boston project is discredited

Ivor Bell, an 82-year-old veteran republican, has been found not guilty of involvement in the 1972 IRA execution of informer Jean McConville.

New IRA to target border infrastructure

The New IRA has said any border infrastructure developed as a result of Britain’s withdrawal of the north of Ireland from the EU will be considered a legitimate target for attack.

‘Open the path to freedom’

The British government and the European Union are being urged to seize the moment to prepare for peaceful Irish unification after Brexit negotiators shied away from a disastrous agenda to reinforce partition.

Frazer was gun-runner for DUP-linked group - BBC

Willie Frazer, a prominent loyalist who in recent years described himself as a ‘victims campaigner’, secretly helped funnel weapons to loyalist paramilitary groups in the early 1990s, according to a BBC television news investigation.

MI5 ‘deleted Finucane files’

British military intelligence removed and destroyed the files of a judge who was investigating Crown Force involvement in the 1989 murder of Belfast defence lawyer Patrick Finucane, according to a BBC documentary aired this week.

Truck driver describes MI5’s terror tactics

A County Tyrone man has recounted a “horrific” attempt by British MI5 intelligence to recruit him as an informer.

PSNI harassment at Saoradh commemoration

Members of a colour party in Saoradh’s National Hunger Strike Commemoration in Newry last weekend were stopped and searched by armed PSNI police.

26-County Budget delivers ‘less than nothing’

The Dublin government has been slammed for a “do less” Budget despite the crisis over growing social inequality and homelessness.

John Downey extradited

Donegal republican John Downey, who is being pursued in connection with an IRA action in 1972 in which two British soldiers died, handed himself in to Gardaí police earlier today, according to a report this evening by the Press Association.

Jingo Johnson’s mad Brexit

Preparations are underway for a crash Brexit after British Prime Minister Boris Johnson revealed a barely believable set of proposals for the border through Ireland which appeared designed to be instantly rejected by Dublin and the European Union.

British audience stunned by message of Irish independence

US author Bonnie Greer has been credited with a significant intervention in Britain’s Brexit debate by eloquently speaking out for Ireland and the peace process on a BBC news talk show.

Child-abusing priest was ‘protected by RUC’

Suspicions are mounting that a former priest was allowed to sexually abuse children in return for informing against republican families in the north of Ireland.

Breakthrough in battle to access collusion documents

Families suing over state collusion with a loyalist paramilitary gang behind dozens of sectarian murders have secured a major breakthrough in their battle to access documents.

British military close ranks

A former British soldier charged with the attempted murder of a special needs man shot dead in County Tyrone in 1974 attended a right-wing rally in London last week despite claiming that he was too ill to attend court hearings in Belfast.

New inquest too late for sister of rubber bullet victim

A preliminary hearing into the death of a Derry man hit by a rubber bullet has taken place in Belfast.

Chaos deepens as Fascist Tories incite Brexit violence

Warlike rhetoric and subtle threats of violence against MPs by British Prime Minister Boris Johnson drew a furious response and threatened to overwhelm the return of Westminster this week.

PSNI attempt to infiltrate border poll campaign

A political activist campaigning for a Six-County Border Poll on Irish unity has been approached by the PSNI police to become an informer.

Scottish parades disorder threat ‘linked to Brexit’

Four loyalist parades went ahead in Scotland last weekend after a ban was dropped in fear that loyalist marchers would react violently if they were not allowed to proceed.

Legal fight against British oppression

An Irish citizen is set to go to the Supreme Court over being forced to inform authorities about trips outside British jurisdiction.

Stardust justice campaign wins new inquests

The 26 County Attorney General has confirmed that fresh inquests will be held into 48 deaths at the 1981 Stardust fire in Dublin.

British govt challenged over inaction on Finucane case

The widow of murdered Belfast defence lawyer Pat Finucane has lodged High Court proceedings in a fresh bid to get a public inquiry into her husband’s killing.

Supreme Court ruling restores Westminster, Johnson under pressure

Political parties across Britain and Ireland have urged British Prime Minister Boris Johnson to resign following an unprecedented ruling today by the Supreme Court in London that his suspension of the Westminster parliament was unlawful.

First hearing in Bloody Sunday trial

After almost 48 years, the case of a British soldier accused of murder during the Bloody Sunday massacre, the first and only prosecution for the 1972 killing spree, finally began at Derry’s courthouse on Wednesday. However, proceedings were adjourned until December.

Vulnerable woman subjected to shocking PSNI harassment

The PSNI have been condemned after using draconian stop-and-search legislation against a woman with special needs in Newry.

Justice hope for Hooded Men after investigation ordered

The Court of Appeal in Belfast has ruled an investigation must be carried out into the treatment of fourteen republican internees who were tortured by the British Crown Forces in 1971.

Attempted rocket attack claimed as tensions increase

The New IRA have claimed responsibility for an attempted mortar rocket attack on a PSNI base in Tyrone earlier this month.

Movement at last in legacy inquests

A review of legacy inquests involving a number of British state killings and suspected collusion began at Belfast Coroner’s Court on Monday.

Lawyer takes action against PSNI intimidation

A Belfast lawyer has accused the PSNI of attempting to intimidate and harass him as the Police Ombudsman upheld three of his complaints against the force.

British politics in meltdown

There were extraordinary scenes in the London parliament this week as opposition MPs staged an angry protest against the suspension of Westminster and accused the British Prime Minister of lying to the English queen in order to secure the Crown’s authority for the shutdown.

DUP look to control border as Tories lose interest

After a meeting between the British Prime Minister and Taoiseach Leo Varadkar failed to make headway in resolving the dispute over the border, Sinn Féin is to oppose any attempt by the DUP to veto the backstop at the Stormont Assembly in Belfast.

Derry riot after PSNI force evacuation

Rioting erupted in the Creggan area of Derry this week as scores of PSNI carried out raids in the area. Petrol bombs were thrown at a line of police Landrovers on Monday in Creggan Heights.

Parties consider election pacts

Sinn Féin has signalled a willingness to co-operate with other anti-Brexit parties to challenge unionist candidates if and when a Westminster general election is called.

Secret papers sought in murder of IPLO Volunteer

Lawyers for the mother of Eoin Morley, an alleged victim of an IRA informer, are appealing a decision to deny them access to secret files in the possession of the Police Ombudsman.

Soldiers resist courtroom questioning

Soldiers of the British Army’s Parachute Regiment have been accused of putting up a “virtual wall of silence” against an inquest into the shooting of 10 people in Belfast.

Barbaric Brits threaten kids

The chief of the PSNI police is under pressure to resign after proposing one of the most inhumane public control strategies of any Crown Force leader in the past 50 years, the removal and detention of innocent nationalist children.

Westminster election on standby as opposition takes control

The political parties in the North have put themselves on a general election footing as continuing manoeuvres over Brexit at Westminster mean that a poll may not take place until the end of November.

CIRA claim bomb attacks

A Continuity IRA spokesman has claimed responsibility for recent bomb attacks in north Armagh and south Fermanagh, warning that more attacks are imminent as it has “regrouped and rearmed”.

Contest for post of Sinn Féin Deputy Leader

Former Stormont education minister and Upper Bann Assembly member John O’Dowd has said he is to run for the party’s deputy leader’s job. The post is currently held by Mid-Ulster Assembly member and former Six County Agricuture and Health Minister Michelle O’Neill.

Tories please DUP allies by rolling back equality measure

In a u-turn demanded by unionists, photos of the English queen have once again been hung on the walls of government offices in the north of Ireland, two years after being removed.

British 1972 memo called for poll to ‘escape’ from border

A secret memo written by a British Army general during the early years of the current conflict refers to Britain needing to find a way to “gradually escape” from its involvement in the north of Ireland.

Election looms as Tory MPs abandon Johnson

Amid continuing political turmoil at Westminster, Boris Johnson’s control of the Brexit agenda has slipped along with his parliamentary majority tonight.

Tories dispense with democracy

The far-right Brexit ‘war cabinet’ under unelected Prime Minister Boris Johnson has edged closer to outright fascism after it secured a royal order to shut down the Westminster parliament in London for over a month.

British police to be sent into Brexit front line

English and Scottish police could be sent into conflict situations in the north of Ireland after Brexit, it has emerged.

New revelations of large-scale child abuse

Two Fermanagh women have said they were abused by members of the anti-Catholic Orange Order when they were children and that the Order has covered it up. They say their abusers are “powerful men” and that the Orange Order has “protected them”.

British soldier in court over McAnespie killing

A former British soldier accused of killing Aidan McAnespie more than 30 years ago has appeared in court.

PSNI and courts seen defending loyalist paramilitaries

A man who removed a loyalist hate banner which paid tribute to a sectarian killer has been sent for trial on charges of theft.

No weighted advantage for unionists in poll - O’Neill

The notion that a weighted majority should be necessary to secure Irish unity in a border poll would “turn democracy on its head”, according to Sinn Féin’s deputy leader.

Border bomb is Brexit statement

A bomb which exploded less than a mile from the border on Monday has delivered an IRA message about Britain’s plans to reinforce partition as a result of Brexit. The blast was heard on both sides of the border.

PSNI attack home of grieving family

A PSNI raid on the grieving home of a former IRA Volunteer a day after his funeral has sparked considerable anger in west Belfast.

Irish unification will solve Brexit problems - France

The French President Emmanuel Macron has said Irish reunification and integration of the entire island in the EU “would solve all the problems” of Brexit, “but it is not up to France”.

Action against Drugs threatens criminals

A vigilante group said to have links to former IRA members has threatened criminals in what it says is an attempt to tackle an epidemic of drugs and anti-social activity in north Belfast.

Handshake meant Adams was ‘tied into peace process’ - papers

A famous public handshake by the late 26 County Taoiseach Albert Reynolds with the Sinn Féin president Gerry Adams and the SDLP leader John Hume in Dublin was designed “to tie Adams into a process from which he personally would not be able to escape”, according to previously classified British government files released this week in Belfast.

Public Services Card deemed illegal

The findings of a report by the 26 County Data Protection Commissioner into the government’s ‘Public Services Card’ has vindicated the concern of campaigners that it was geared towards a right-wing agenda of control and dehumanisation.

Derry parades crisis

There have been calls for sectarian parades to be banned from Derry after an inflammatory display by a loyalist flute band led to three nights of serious disorder this week.

Killing of young IRA Volunteer ‘unjustified’

Belfast Coroner’s Court has found that the fatal shooting of 19-years-old Seamus Bradley during Operation Motorman on July 31, 1972, was ‘unjustified’.

New Lodge clashes ‘a mistake’ - SF

Sinn Féin has said that the handling of a strongly opposed bonfire built by nationalist youths which led to a riot in the New Lodge area of Belfast last week was wrong and that ‘lessons needed to be learned’.

First child fatality of conflict recalled

A brother of the first child killed in the conflict fifty years ago has revealed how his dying father asked him to keep fighting for the truth.

Bonfire insults continue

Sinn Féin has called on the leaders of political unionism to condemn the ‘hatemongers’ who placed an image of the late Sinn Fein leader Martin McGuinness on a bonfire.

‘Safety’ threat in latest MI5 recruitment bid

A Derry republican has taken a video of a highly sinister attempt to recruit him as an informer by British ‘military intelligence’ agency, MI5.

Sinn Féin’s message of defiance to Johnson

At the annual hunger strike commemoration organised by Sinn Féin, party MEP Martina Anderson told the British Prime Minister Boris Johnson that his government’s “days in Ireland are numbered”.

Anti-internment protest to go ahead after parade ban

A decision to ban a march commemorating internment from reaching Belfast city centre is to be resisted, according to the republicans involved. They say they will hold a protest at Belfast City Hall at the time the march was due to be held.

‘Different state’ comment fuels debate on reunification models

A debate about the details of a united Ireland has begun after the 26-County Taoiseach Leo Varadkar said that a new Ireland must be a “different state” with a new constitution.

Plastic bullet campaigners vow to eliminate the weapon

The campaigning mother of the last person killed by a plastic bullet in the north has said she will continue her fight against their use in the north of Ireland as they once again appeared on the streets of north Belfast.

Abortion row within nationalism after Westminster move

Aontú has condemned what it says is the British imposition of “one of Europe’s most extreme abortion regimes” on the north of Ireland.

Death of Hooded Man Paddy Joe McClean

The oldest surviving member of the group of former internees known as the Hooded Men has died.

PSNI withdraw from New Lodge

Riot police have withdrawn from a republican area of north Belfast following clashes today over their efforts to prevent a bonfire constructed by local youths from being lit.

Riot as PSNI lay siege to bonfire in New Lodge

An attempt by hundreds of PSNI police to remove a bonfire in a deprived republican area of north Belfast has erupted in a riot this morning. Amid a standoff, one riot policeman has fallen to the ground after being struck by stone-throwing youths.

Tory ‘War Cabinet’ sets scene for violence

A so-called War Cabinet has been formed by the new British prime minister, Boris Johnson to aggressively force Ireland to accept a hardening and reinforcement of Britain’s century-old border across the island.

Campaign to replace wrecked memorial

A memorial to two IRA Volunteers killed by the SAS has been destroyed in a shocking large-scale attack in County Monaghan this week.

Retrial collapses over bogus DNA evidence

The juryless retrial of a man accused of IRA membership collapsed in farcical scenes this week after a PSNI policewoman did not recognise a vehicle licence plate from which she was supposed to have recovered DNA evidence.

Claim to impartiality ‘laughable’ as Tories pile on insults

The new British government under Boris Johnson has already displayed its contempt for the political process in Ireland by holding a private dinner with the DUP ahead of meeting the other political parties, while new Direct Ruler Julian Smith’s first message to the public was to express his joy at seeing a picture of the English queen on his desk.

Cancer victim beaten in PSNI raid

Saoradh has accused the PSNI of engaging in violent attacks and detentions of republicans across Belfast in an intensifying campaign of repression against their activists and their families.

Agreement seen on need for forum on Irish unity

A growing consensus is emerging that all-Ireland forum on Irish unity should be convened as a step towards planning for the reunification of Ireland.

New Direct Ruler arrives in Ireland

The new British Direct Ruler, Julian Smith, has received a mixed response from Sinn Féin ahead of his arrival in Belfast to take control of British government operations in the north of Ireland.

Bullets, British Army ID found in north Belfast

The Republican Network for Unity has urged people to be vigilant following a recent incident involving undercover Crown Force personnel operating in North Belfast.

Strong reaction to first days of ‘Tory clown’

Britain’s incoming Prime Minister, Boris Johnson, has been the subject of concerned editorials and heavy criticism in Ireland and Britain.

Irish golf victory triggers geography meltdown for sports media

A victory by Ireland’s Shane Lowry in a major golfing event in County Antrim has been hailed as a major triumph for Irish golf, but has exposed the dire knowledge of geography among some members of the British sports media.

SF councillor backs Craigavon 2 appeal

A senior Sinn Féin politician has raised concerns about the conviction of a men jailed for killing PSNI man Stephen Carroll a decade ago.

Young republican prisoner under duress at Maghaberry

Saoradh has criticised the continued refusal of the British administration and the Six-County prison service’s to transfer young republican Emmet McSheffrey to the republican wing at Maghaberry jail.

Johnson announces extreme-right Tory Cabinet

New British Prime Minister Boris Johnson has appointed an over-the-top cabinet of Brexiteer ultras and right-wing extremists. In the process, he has also replaced Karen Bradley as Direct Ruler in the north of Ireland with the former Tory Chief Whip, Julian Smith.

Johnson is new Tory leader, will become PM tomorrow

Boris Johnson has won a final Tory leadership runoff, defeating his opponent Foreign Secretary Jeremy Hunt with the support of more than two in three of the Conservative Party membership.

The face of ‘the Twelfth’

A savage sectarian attack in County Down has left a man fighting for his life.

PSNI/UVF links under the spotlight

The new chief of the PSNI, Simon Byrne, has said his force is “not in cahoots with the UVF” after details emerged of a series of meetings with well-known loyalist leaders over the handling of a bonfire in east Belfast.

Vulnerable woman targeted in ‘aggressive’ new PSNI approach

A north Belfast mother of two children has been subjected to “persistent and aggressive” attempts by the PSNI to recruit her as an informer.

PSNI building ‘register’ of Derry republicans

Five Derry men were forced to attend Strand Road PSNI base to sign a so-called “terror register” in what Saoradh believes will become a conveyer-belt approach to the imprisonment of their activists.

Fifty years a secret

The family of a Derry city man who died after he was attacked by police 50 years ago has renewed calls for files about his death to be released.

Pressure grows for a University of Derry

The failure to establish a university in Derry has been described as a “sectarian scandal” by Labour peer Andrew Adonis, who has raised the matter in the House of Lords.

Fate of Brexit and Westminster tied to Stormont

An amendment has been made to legislation at Westminster which prevents a crash Brexit coming about by the suspension of the London parliament unless Stormont is restored.

UVF's gun law at hate bonfires

The UVF’s reign of terror in east Belfast appears intact after it forced a humiliating climbdown by Belfast City Council over an illegal bonfire which had forced the closure of a leisure centre.

DUP rattled as Westminster wrings social change

Full Direct Rule from London is a step closer after the British goverment unexpectedly allowed moves at Westminster to bring same-sex marriage and abortion to the north of Ireland.

New conversation with Protestants about a ‘Union of Ireland’

The idea of a new ‘Irish Union’ has gained traction with unionists following comments by actor James Nesbitt.

Mini-riot ahead of triumphalist Twelfth parades

The main anti-Catholic parades of the year are currently taking place across the north of Ireland. Although there is relatively little trouble expected for the ‘Twelfth’ this year, petrol bombs were thrown at the PSNI in west Belfast on Thursday night and tension remains high going into the weekend.

Symbolic victory for farmers defending Irish beef

Fine Gael has been defeated in the Dublin parliament on a beef trade deal after furious Irish farmers made their presence known in a protest outside the Dáil.

Downey extradition for Supreme Court

A Donegal republican wanted in the Six Counties is to take his challenge against an attempted extradition to the Supreme Court.

PSNI fear UVF reaction over bonfire intervention

Amid a standoff over an illegal bonfire in east Belfast, the PSNI police have told Belfast City Council that they fear the unionist paramilitary UVF could open fire if they attempt to remove bonfire material.

Inquiry ordered into state collusion in murder campaign

Following a damning judgement at the Court of Appeal in Belfast earlier today [Friday], the PSNI has been forced into establishing an independent investigation into the British state’s role in a killing machine that left more than a hundred people dead.

New PSNI chief calls for more informers

The new PSNI chief Simon Byrne has had a controversial start to his period as head of policing in the north of Ireland as he oversaw the isolation of a nationalist community in east Belfast in order to facilitate a sectarian parade.

Council acts to protect ‘new Belfast’ estate from UVF

Loyalist flags which have again appeared in a middle class area of east Belfast have goaded Belfast City Council to pass a motion to bring legal action against the Six County government at Stormont.

Children attacked ahead of Orange Order parade

Three boys have been stabbed at one of the more controversial parades of the Orange Order’s marching season.

Informer’s role linked to rally killing

The family of Sean Downes, who was killed by a plastic bullet almost 35 years ago, has asked the Six County Attorney General John Larkin to hold an inquest. It comes after concerns were raised about the role of top Sinn Féin informer Denis Donaldson in events leading up to the August 1984 killing.

Tensions high at Maghaberry prison

A threat to Maghaberry prison warders warning them to “beware (the) IRA” has appeared on a wall in Derry. A target sign has also been painted beside the three names on the wall in the Bligh’s Lane area of Creggan.

SF pays tribute to PIRA ceasefire leader

Former Sinn Féin leader Gerry Adams delivered the graveside oration at the funeral of the former chief of staff of the Provisional IRA, Kevin McKenna, who passed away earlier in the week at the age of 74. In his address, Mr Adams hailed the pivotal figure as “a republican soldier who had the politics to know when to fight, and the political vision to know when to talk”.

Soldier evidence ‘not worthy of belief’

A former senior military figure who was a commander in the Parachute Regiment during the Ballymurphy massacre in West Belfast has told an inquest that he has no recollection of the regiment shooting ten people dead.

Loyalists flag up interface attacks

Sinn Féin has said unionist flags and banners are being used by loyalist paramilitaries to mark out territory as homes in east Belfast came under attack ahead of the anti-Catholic marching season.

Shameless Paisley further exposed as MP for hire

Attention has returned to the issue of corruption in the north of Ireland after it emerged that DUP veteran MP Ian Paisley could be suspended from Westminster for a second time over his lavish foreign-funded vacations.

Discrimination over IRA convictions is ‘transgenerational’

The children of some former IRA Volunteers are being barred from entering the United States because of their parents’ background.

Hope for proper investigation into attack on Kilcoo pub

A campaign to secure a new investigation into a gun attack by a loyalist paramilitary death squad on a village pub has received a boost after a judge included it in a group to be advanced through the courts.

Unite Ireland so we can have Brexit, say Tory members

There has been a welcome in Ireland for the result of a survey of Britain’s ruling Conservative Party which revealed that most of its members would be willing to see Irish reunification if it meant that England could leave the European Union. The poll puts the Tories completely at odds with their DUP allies in the London government.

Bloody Sunday soldier to be tried in Derry

As tensions rise over the case, it has been confirmed that the only British soldier to be charged with a crime in relation to Bloody Sunday will be summonsed to appear at Derry courthouse next month.

Talks in limbo after ‘summer drinks reception’ falls flat

Sinn Féin’s Michelle O’Neill has said British Direct Ruler Karen Bradley has “failed left, right and centre” after politicians in the five main parties were bizarrely invited to a “summer drinks reception” at Stormont. The invitation came as talks Bradley was chairing had stalled and now appear set to be suspended for the summer.

Bigoted council to sue granny over Irish placename sign

A council in the north of Ireland has threatened a pensioner with a conviction and fine for placing the Irish name for her estate on a sign beside the one with the English language version.

PSNI chief to face judicial review over McGurk’s Bar case

Despite new evidence that the massacre was the subject of disinformation by the British state, families of fifteen people killed in a Belfast bomb attack have begun a legal challenge against a decision not to order an independent investigation.

26-County soldiers sent on imperial mission to Africa

In a new blow to Irish neutrality, the Dublin government is planning to send 14 ‘special operations’ soldiers into an African war zone in support of a French post-colonial agenda.

Final journey for IRA legend

Thousands lined the streets of west Belfast today as republicans from across Ireland gathered to pay tribute to Provisional IRA founder Billy McKee, a man who dedicated most of his life to the cause of freedom and lead the defence of the nationalist people at a time of their greatest need.

‘Boris the Buffoon’ set to be next British PM

Boris Johnson is on the cusp of becoming the new British Prime Minister and Conservative Party leader following an initial ballot of the party’s MPs.

Time for truth as British run down the clock

Several thousand people took the streets of Belfast city centre last Saturday to call for action on dealing with the legacy of the past. Families bereaved by the actions of the British state told a rally that they deserve the right to truth and justice.

PSNI help erect Para banner in Armagh

The PSNI police were accused of helping to erect a banner in support of killer British soldiers of the Parachute regiment at a busy junction in Armagh this week.

Collusion precedent as British military pays out

A man who was shot after a British Army spy targeted him for murder is to receive £90,000 in damages. Eamon Heatley was shot up to five times by a death squad at his home in north Belfast in August 1988 in a state-planned assassination, but survived.

Elderly suffering most in trolley crisis

More than 4,000 people aged over 75 endured distressing waits of more than 24 hours in crowded hospital emergency departments in the first three months of this year alone, according to figures released by the 26 County Health Service Executive (HSE).

Billy McKee has died

A true legend of the Irish Republican Army, Billy McKee, has passed away at the age of 98.

Malicious agenda beaten

Two investigative journalists have accused the PSNI of “malicious intent” after a bogus case against them in relation to a documentary on collusion in the north of Ireland was finally dropped.

Plan for ‘agreed Ireland’ needed before poll - Adams

Former Sinn Féin leader Gerry Adams has called for greater planning and an accommodation with unionists ahead of a referendum on Irish unity which he says he is confident will take place.

Booby trap device claimed

The New IRA has claimed responsibility for an attack against a member of the PSNI last weekend in which a device was planted on the underside of a vehicle.

Prosecutors accused of oppression after charges dropped

County Tyrone Republican Brian Carron has had false charges against him dropped a week before his trial was to be scheduled, and after more than a year on very strict bail conditions.

Anti-Catholic marches defeated in Glasgow

A court has upheld a council decision to re-route Orange Order parades in Glasgow away from a Catholic church, leading to the parades being cancelled entirely by the Orange Order.

Rockall dispute rocks back

The Dublin government is being urged to defend Irish fishing vessels from a Scottish threat that it will take action against them in the area around Rockall, a rock which protrudes in the middle of the north Atlantic.

Bafflement in Ireland as Trump backs Brexit ‘wall’

Addressing a press conference at Shannon Airport today alongside the Taoiseach Leo Varadkar, US President Donald Trump told the Irish media the crisis over Britain’s withdrawal from the EU is “going to work out... with your wall, with your border”. He also said claimed to know most Irish-Americans personally, declaring: “We love the Irish”.

British general derided at massacre inquest

A claim that the British Army “don’t do conspiracies” by one its most infamous liars, General Mike Jackson, drew derision and frustration in equal measure at the inquest into the Ballymurphy massacre this week.

We wanted to protect UVF killers, police admit

The High Court in Belfast has ruled that warrants for the police raids which led to the arrest of two journalists last August were “inappropriate” and should be quashed, and that all material seized during raids on their homes and offices should be handed back.

Garda harassment at funeral of IRA figure

The death has taken place this week of Seamus McGrane, a leader of the breakaway IRA group known as Óglaigh na hÉireann (ONH). Mr McGrane died in captivity at Portaloise jail on Saturday last from a suspected heart attack.

Eileen Paisley foresees united Ireland

The former ‘first lady of the DUP’ has expressed support for a united Ireland in a groundbreaking statement from a figure who would have been seen as a staunch unionist.

Talks uncertainty as language issue raised

Sinn Féin has said it wants to focus attention on the rights of Irish language speakers at multi-party talks in Belfast which the two governments have said are due to intensify next week.

Tension in Lurgan after memorials attacked

A plea for calm has been made following a spate of attacks on republican murals and monuments in north Armagh. A memorial erected to commemorate the anniversary of the Easter Rising was also attacked.

Carthy returned in election count drama

Sinn Féin’s Matt Carthy has been elected to the European Parliament in the last count in Midlands/North/West (MNW) tonight, although the party faces a recount to hold on to Liadh Ní Riada’s seat in Ireland South.

Down to the wire in the European election

Counting has been suspended in Dublin amid a legal dispute over procedure and the technical order of victory of the successful candidates following the elimination of Sinn Féin’s Lynn Boylan.

Mixed fortunes for Sinn Féin as counting continues

Counting is taking place in elections in the North and South of Ireland today, with Martina Anderson’s performance in the Six Counties a highlight for Sinn Fein.

Talk of snap general election as votes are counted

There is growing speculation of a general election in the 26 Counties later this year after Fianna Fáil leader Micheál Martin appeared open to forming a coalition with the Green Party following Friday’s local elections.

Sinn Féin’s McDonald expects losses

Sinn Féin leader Mary Lou McDonald has conceded that her party will suffer some losses in the local elections, but she said: ‘Beidh lá eile againn’ [We will have another day].

INLA leader laid to rest

Several thousand people attended the west Belfast funeral of leading republican socialist ‘Marty Mac’ Martin McElkerney on Wednesday. A former PoW, Mr McElkerney was closely involved in the IRSP’s peace strategy after being released from Long Kesh prison in 2000 under the terms of the Good Friday Agreement.

May leaves behind a trail of failure

Sinn Féin leader Mary Lou McDonald has warned that the resignation of the British Prime Minister and the Tory leadership contest should not distract from the threats posed by Brexit or derail efforts to restore the Six County Assembly at Stormont.

Sinn Fein mayor greets royals after loyalist death threat

Belfast’s new Mayor John Finucane has been warned that loyalists are planning to attack him at his home after the Sinn Féin councillor received the chains of office on Tuesday.

PSNI retract murder admission

The family of a Catholic man shot dead by the RUC police has been re-traumatised after the force seemed to admit his killing was a murder -- and then changed their minds.

GAA man in fear over MI5 harassment

A well-known figure in Gaelic sports in the North says he fears for his life after MI5 pursued him to become an informer.

Security circus expected as Trump visit is confirmed

Donald Trump is expected to face unprecedented security and protests when he flies into Shannon Airport in the west of Ireland on June 5th. A state visit by the US President was finally confirmed this week.

Green Party set to make gains in 26 Counties - exit poll

An official RTE-TG4-Red C exit poll following today’s 26 County elections at 10pm tonight predicted Sinn Féin is in a battle to hold onto its three seats in the European Parliament, while the Green party is in surprise contention to win up to three seats.

Theresa May to quit

Theresa May will step down as leader of the British Conservative Party on 7 June and will remain in office as British Prime Minister until her successor is selected, she announced today.

Trouble as voting takes place in historic Euro election

Rioting took place in Derry on Thursday night as polls closed in the election to the European Parliament and as British Prime Minister Theresa May was said to be preparing to announce her resignation over the collapse of support for her party.

Sinn Féin’s John Finucane elected Mayor of Belfast

Sinn Féin’s John Finucane, son of assassinated defence lawyer Pat Finucance, has been elected as mayor of Belfast.

Euro election could make history

Sinn Féin’s European election candidate in the Six Counties, Martina Anderson, clashed with hardline unionist Jim Allister on live television as campaigning for the European elections to be held across Ireland reached a climax.

Paras praised for shooting ‘anything that moves’

A former member of the British Army’s Parachute Regiment has admitted that anyone on the streets of Ballymurphy in west Belfast during the introduction of internment was considered to be associated with the IRA and liable to be shot.

Rally calls for an end to the housing nightmare

Thousands of demonstrators gathered in Dublin city centre for a protest today [Saturday] as reports shows that homelessness has reached a new record, and that Irish rental housing and the cost of living are more expensive than ever.

1950s IRA veteran questioned as British plan amnesty

A former Official IRA Volunteer has been questioned about an attack on the British Crown Forces which took place almost 60 years ago after he wrote a historic account of the incident.

New cover-up as MI5’s plan for Special Branch withheld

An MI5 report on policing compiled at the height of the conflict in the early 1970s must remain secret, a British official has ruled.

Saoradh concern as ‘Press’ camera crew joins PSNI raid

Saoradh has raised a number of questions after members of the media appeared to pro-actively take part in a PSNI police raid on the homes of republicans in Derry last week.

Optimism urged for new talks process

Sinn Féin leader Mary Lou McDonald has said she believes an agreement can be reached after round-table five-party talks began in Belfast this week for the first time in more than a year.

Horrific details of Para depravity

A former British soldier, who has written about his experiences in the Parachute Regiment, has said the skull of one of their victims was used as an ashtray by members of the regiment after he was shot dead.

Para banners mock victims

The proliferation of loyalist banners supporting killer British Army soldiers has been denounced as a hate crime.

Saoradh leader ‘targeted by MI5’

The offices of political party Saoradh in Derry have once again been raided as MI5 are reportedly under orders to ‘bring down’ Thomas Ashe Mellon, a 43-year-old republican activist who is a leading figure in the party.

Family seek documents related to British murder weapon

The family of a County Donegal teenager murdered by loyalists in 1973 ago has started a legal action over suspected Crown Force collusion surrounding his killing.

Three-volley salute for IRA veteran

Former members of the Provisional IRA are understood to have fired a volley of shots in memory of their comrade Peter ‘Pepe’ Rooney, who was buried last Wednesday after a lengthy battle with cancer.

‘New progressive society emerging’ - SF

Counting has been completed in the local elections in the north, with Sinn Féin picking up last minute gains on Belfast City Council.

Unionist hardliners count the cost

A second day of counting in the local elections has confirmed that the traditional unionist vote is well down across the Six Counties, while the moderate Alliance Party are the main beneficiaries of the election.

‘Dirty War’ general seen behind McGurk’s Bar lie

Relatives of people killed in the McGurk’s Bar bomb have called for an infamous British Army general to be questioned by an independent police force after evidence was unearthed that he was in charge of the brigade which disseminated the lie that the attack was an IRA ‘own goal’.

Testimony describes soldiers shooting victims on the ground

A Belfast woman has described looking out of her bedroom window as a British soldier shot two people as they lay on the ground during the Ballymurphy Massacre.

Graffiti war in Derry as Saoradh challenges censorship

Saoradh has hit out at what it has described as unprecedented censorship and said the group and its members are being denied their civil rights.

CIRA in show of strength

Footage has emerged of a masked Continuity IRA member firing a gun salute at an Easter commemoration in County Tyrone.

Sectarianism hides behind unionism in Scotland

A Catholic church in the West End of Glasgow has been attacked in a series of anti-Catholic and anti-Irish incidents in the city.

Local elections - Voters seek out new political territory

A strong performance by the Alliance Party and the Greens is one of the major trends of the local elections in the Six Counties, according to first results this Friday. The overall unionist vote is down, thanks to a poor performance by fringe unionist groups, while on the nationalist side, independent republicans and newcomers Aontú have made a significant breakthrough.

Turnout holds up in local elections

Voting has closed in local elections in the Six Counties after a quiet campaign which was overshadowed by non-local issues, mainly the crisis over Brexit, the political stalemate, and recent rioting in Derry.

‘New IRA’ accepts blame for riot death

The ‘New IRA’ has admitted it was behind the gun attack on the PSNI that led to the death of journalist Lyra McKee during a riot in Derry last week.

Talks announced after funeral priest blasts politicians

Political leaders in the North and the Dublin and London governments have been publicly humiliated by an angry condemnation from the pulpit at the funeral of journalist Lyra McKee, who died during a riot in Derry last week.

Scotland ‘should have independence vote by 2021’

Scottish voters should be given the opportunity to vote again on independence before the next elections to the Edinburgh parliament in 2021, Scotland’s First Minister, Nicola Sturgeon, has said.

Reprieve seen for Malachy McAllister

The Trump administration has granted a six-month stay on the deportation of former political prisoner Malachy McAllister, who has been threatened with expulsion since seeking asylum in New York in 1996.

Commemoration for Topper Thompson

A commemoration to mark the 25th anniversary of the murder of a west Belfast man killed by loyalists took place today [Saturday] in very wet weather.

‘It looks bad’ - DUP candidate wears literal UDA t-shirt

A DUP council candidate has denied being a supporter of the loyalist paramilitary UDA, despite attending an event glorifying the paramilitary gang and wearing a t-shirt branded with the UDA logo.

‘Senseless’

There have been appeals for calm following the tragic death of a journalist during heavy rioting in a republican area of Derry on Thursday night.

Tributes to journalist killed in riot

Tributes have been paid to the young freelance journalist, Lyra McKee, who lost her life during rioting in Derry on Thursday night after she was struck by a bullet aimed at police vehicles.

Plastic bullet killings a ‘British national secret’

Files on the deaths of nationalist children at the hands of plastic bullets have been closed for a further 50 years for reasons the British government have refused to disclose.

US Congress members to act to defend 1998 deal

A US Congressional delegation visiting Ireland has vowed to use its influence to stop Brexit from undermining the Good Friday Agreement.

British soldier ‘to face charges’ over death of Derry boy

A former British soldier will be prosecuted for the murder of 15-year-old Daniel Hegarty, according to Crown prosecutors.

Landmark battle on the cards for European Parliament election

The election to the European Parliament in the North of Ireland on May 23 could be a historic one if two out of three seats are won by nationalists.

Journalist dies in Derry riot

A journalist has been killed amid heavy rioting in the Creggan area of Derry on Thursday night as Crown Force police raided the nationalist area of the city ahead of republican Easter commemorative events.

No restriction on armed PSNI crossing border

An extraordinary incident involving Garda Commissioner Drew Harris has forced the Dublin government to confirm that heavily armed members of the British Crown Forces are routinely making incursions into all areas of the 26 Counties without any checks or controls.

‘I was told to plant bullets on Paras’ victims’

A former British military medical assistant has told the inquest into the Ballymurphy Massacre that a senior figure in the British Army asked him to plant bullets on two innocent civilians he had treated. It is thought to be one of the first incidents of British Crown Forces in Ireland attempting to falsely portray civilians as combatants.

Condemnation of Bradley deepens after referendum comments

One of the pillars of the British establishment in Ireland, former Alliance Party leader John Alderdice, has joined growing criticism of British Direct Ruler Karen Bradley.

DUP boasts support of drug-dealing gangster

The DUP in north Belfast has won the competition for the most outrageous pre-election news story after it emerged that their candidates’ nomination papers have been signed by a convicted cocaine dealer, as well as another infamous loyalist convicted of driving at speed into a crowd of nationalists.

Still no red card for soccer fat-cats

Corruption in the world of Irish sport is in the spotlight after the former CEO of the Football Association of Ireland (FAI), John Delaney, refused to answer questions about the organisation’s finances or a mystery six figure payment he made to the soccer body, for what he said were legal reasons.

Report finds a billion euro blown on hospital ‘fiasco’

A devastating report has been published on the national children’s hospital that identified “significant failings” in planning and budgeting which is set to lead to a one billion euro cost overrun.

Brexit deadline pushed out to October 31

European Union leaders have agreed to a request by British Prime Minister Theresa May for an extension to the Brexit date. They have agreed to a ‘flexible’ extension to October 31, subject to certain conditions, including one which calls for elections to the European Parliament to take place in Britain and the north of Ireland next month.

Irish are ‘second class citizens’ in new GFA breach

The British government has provoked anger after it said Irish citizens born in the north of Ireland cannot vote in a unity border poll or any other referendum under British law, and cannot have the same rights as other EU citizens.

Britain will honour Brexit pact on border - Varadkar

With just days to go before the April 12 deadline for Britain’s departure from the European Union, the island of Ireland is bracing for the reinforcement of a land frontier through the island between EU and British jurisdictions.

Amnesty on the way for British soldiers - report

Plans to give former British soldiers immunity from historic prosecution have been described as “an affront to justice and an insult to grieving families”.

British military testify at Ballymurphy inquest

A former British soldier has told the Ballymurphy inquest he saw paratroopers shooting and killing civilians.

Inquest ordered into first shoot-to-kill victim

The North’s Attorney General has ordered a new inquest into the British state killing of Patsy Duffy, widely regarded to be the first example of a shoot-to-kill operation by the British Army in the North.

Tensions over PSNI’s public relations efforts

Sinn Féin and Saoradh have clashed over the cancellation of a police ‘youth engagement’ event in Derry following criticism by the hardline republican political party.

Standing up to the Fascists

The people of the border communities in Ireland are today demonstrating against the demands of the unionist far right as Britain moves closer to a crash exit from the European Union and a remilitarisation of the border area across Ireland from April 12.

Para rally plan faces strong opposition

A “mass rally” in support of the British Army’s Parachute Regiment in Belfast next month is set to be opposed by republicans.

UVF under pressure after victim’s daughter speaks out

The PSNI has been stung into action against the unionist paramilitary UVF following a public demonstration led by the daughter of UVF murder victim Ian Ogle.

Teenagers attacked with iron bars

Two separate sectarian attacks by loyalists last weekend saw a 15-year-old boy beaten with metal bars in north Belfast while another boy of the same age was clubbed, kicked and punched as he walked home in a separate attack in the same area.

Harassment of republicans directed at political activity

A member of Republican Network for Unity discovered a sophisticated GPS tracking and recording device hidden within his car earlier this week. The discovery triggered a violent early morning raid on his home by armed Garda police.

Ten people a day being made homeless

The 26 County Minister for Housing Eoghan Murphy is again being urged to resign after his own manipulated statistics show that there are now more than 10,000 people in Ireland officially living in emergency accommodation.

One million attend anti-Brexit march in London

A huge protest against Brexit in London today is thought to be one of the biggest in British history.

New York’s freedom banner is a sign of the times

A banner carried in the annual St Patrick’s Day parade in New York has become a battle line in the upcoming elections in Ireland.

Judge finds PSNI not impartial in RUC legacy cases

In an important breakthrough for collusion victims, the Court of Appeal in Belfast has accepted that the PSNI police is too biased to be in charge of an investigation into the drive-by shooting of a west Belfast woman by plain-clothed British soldiers in 1972.

Republicans to face a choice in council elections

Sinn Fein is to face competition from three republican political parties, Eirigi, Republican Sinn Fein and newcomer Aontu, in the local elections in May.

Direct Rule extended, Stormont salaries to continue

British Direct Ruler Karen Bradley has extended the shutdown of Stormont and creeping Direct Rule from London, already more than two years old, until August.

Dismay at trial of Catalan political prisoners

The trial of the 12 Catalan political prisoners is underway, with the state prosecutor asking for sentences of between 11 and 25 years. The body in charge of passing judgment is the supreme court, which will consider the accusations presented by the prosecutor’s office of rebellion, sedition and embezzlement. Their crime: having organised the 1 October 2017 referendum on Catalan independence.

Soldier F - A Bloody Sunday scapegoat

The British government is seeking to maintain a cover-up of the Bloody Sunday massacre after it was announced that only one soldier will be prosecuted for the killings.

Britain sees loyalist violence as option for Brexit breach

A return of loyalist violence in the north of Ireland could help Britain wriggle out of its international treaty obligations in regard to the border and the Good Friday Agreement, according to its Attorney General.

Bradley again defends killer soldiers

British Direct Ruler Karen Bradley is facing further criticism after she praised the “courage and distinction” of British soldiers following the Bloody Sunday decision to prosecute one of them for murder.

Step forward for Ludlow family

The family of a murdered County Louth man has won the right to challenge a decision not to prosecute British soldiers and loyalist paramilitaries identified as suspects.

MI5 attempt to recruit McGuinness family member

A brother-in-law of Martin McGuinness has said he was approached by MI5.

DUP: ‘Unionist homes for unionist people’

The DUP is facing criticism over its attitude towards housing after it issued an election leaflet calling for “local homes for local people”. Another of its political efforts sought to block the construction of housing near a Catholic area in north Belfast.

Bloody Sunday families told only one prosecution to go ahead

Families of the Bloody Sunday victims have been left angry and upset after Crown Prosecutors claimed today there is sufficient evidence to prosecute only one one the seventeen soldiers known to have been involved in the massacre.

Crash Brexit unlikely as May loses control at Westminster

In a day of dramatic developments, the Westminster parliament has rejected leaving the European Union without a deal under any circumstances. It is a heavy defeat for British Prime Minister Theresa May, just as her government sought to threaten Ireland and the EU with that very scenario.

Obscenity

Widespread revulsion has greeted a statement by the British Direct Ruler Karen Bradley that killings by members of the Crown Forces in the north of Ireland are “not crimes”.

Bloody Sunday families to hear prosecutions decision

A decision on Bloody Sunday prosecutions is due to be issued on Thursday, and the day will mark a key moment in a 47-year-old campaign for justice.

Trauma for families as shootings recalled

An eyewitness has told the Ballymurphy inquest how he heard the last words of mother-of-eight Joan Connolly after she was shot in the face.

Downey to appeal extradition over fabricated evidence

Donegal republican John Downey is to appeal against a decision to extradite him to the North of Ireland.

Protests planned against return of border checks

A group of residents have called for mass demonstrations along the Irish border the day after Brexit, when Britain leaves the European Union and takes the north of Ireland with it.

Institutionalised bigotry at Belfast hospital

A culture of anti-Catholic hate was rife among staff at Belfast City Hospital in recent years but senior health officials chose not to take action against the perpetrators, it has emerged.

‘We won’

The Supreme Court in London has unanimously backed the appeal by the family of Pat Finucane against the refusal of the British government to carry out a proper inquiry into his 1989 murder by state agents.

Targeted journalists resist bail censorship

Two Belfast-based journalists arrested after investigating collusion in the North have complained that the PSNI tried to censor them over what they can say about it.

Ballymurphy duo were shot as they aided the injured

A priest called the British Army to plead for help to protect Catholics in Ballymurphy from attacks from their Protestant neighbours, just half an hour before he was shot dead, the inquest into the Ballymurphy Massacre has heard.

UVF link to death of former paramilitary

A former loyalist paramilitary murdered last week died as a result of a power-struggle among loyalists associated with the UVF, according to reports which indicated he was killed with an illegal shotgun the UVF had previously taken from him.

Targets of threats ‘not Catholic’, but PSNI not interested

A County Antrim couple have been issued death threats after loyalists targeted them because they have “Catholic sounding names”. Graffiti was daubed outside their home with their names telling them they have “24 hours to get out”.

Labour activists show support for Irish reunification

More than 150 trade unionists have signed a declaration calling on the labour movement to advocate for a united Ireland and a new all-Ireland constitution with workers’ rights at the heart of it.

MI5’s plan to foment civil war

A film which exposes a horrific plot to massacre Catholic children and nuns at a school has premiered in Belfast. It also reveals the rationale behind MI5’s most shocking target.

Leading Saoradh figure ‘interned’

A member of the Saoradh executive is being held indefinitely on the back of an MI5-directed arrest operation, despite the existence of video and social media evidence which should have meant his immediate release.

Political row amid pressure for policing reform

A row has erupted over the future leadership of the PSNI (formerly RUC) following revelations last week that collusion-related documents in PSNI archives continue to be withheld from investigators.

Former RIRA figure warns of armed resistance to a hard border

A former republican prisoner has said there will be “massive recruitment” by republican armed groups in the event of a hard Brexit and a British remilitarisation of the border in Ireland.

Lack of protections for northern nationalists exposed

Letters from the North’s Electoral Office warning people who consider themselves Irish that they would not be allowed to cast their vote in forthcoming elections were ‘a mistake’, according to the chief electoral officer.

Éirígí amends name ahead of elections

Éirígí activists have voted to append ‘For A New Republic’ to the party name at the party’s recent annual conference. The amended name has been approved by the Office of the Registrar of Political Parties at the Dublin parliament, meaning that Éirígí For A New Republic” will appear on ballot papers in the 26 County local elections in May.

Hamilton - the face of collusion in 2019?

PSNI chief George Hamilton stands accused of subverting justice in regard to dozens of loyalist killings in the late 1980s and early 1990s after secret police documents relating to collusion unexpectedly came to light.

Lying, chaotic Tories ‘pretending to negotiate’

With time running out to avert a disastrous crash Brexit, there is a growing consensus in Ireland and Europe that British Prime Minister Theresa May is not sincere about negotiating a deal with the European Union, and probably cannot be trusted to honour one in any event.

SDLP moves closer to extinction

The SDLP, the second largest nationalist party in the north of Ireland led by Colum Eastwood, is at risk of rapid disintegration following a highly controversial decision to enter into “partnership” with the 26 County Fianna Fáil party, led by Micheal Martin.

Saoradh ‘will not be defeated’ by harassment

The Derry branch of republican party Saoradh have hit out at an intensive campaign of arrests and intimidation in the city which has seen the vice-chair of the party arrested twice in one week.

Finucane name ‘reverberates around the world’

Belfast human rights lawyer Pat Finucane was murdered to silence other lawyers, his son said in a moving event to mark the 30th anniversary of Mr Finucane’s murder.

Stormont talks dismissed as pointless

In some of its frankest criticism of the North’s political process in recent years, Sinn Féin has accused the British government of indulging in a “sham” and a “merry-go-round”.

‘Dial moving’ for a border poll

There are signs of a growing acceptance in London that a referendum on unity in the Six Counties will be required in the circumstances of Britain’s departure from the EU.

Minister under pressure over false statements

Pressure is mounting on the 26 County Minister for Health Simon Harris to resign after he stood accused of misleading parliament about when he was told about the ballooning cost of a new children’s hospital in Dublin.

Inquest ordered into murder of special needs man

Britain’s Attorney General for the Six Counties has directed that a fresh inquest be carried out into the killing of an unarmed Tyrone man who was shot in the back by the British Army in August 1974.

Incident 2 - a cold-blooded massacre

Paratroopers “just opened up” on a group of people standing near a church hall which had they taken over as a British Army base, the Ballymurphy Inquest has heard.

Irish-America wakens to Brexit crisis

A committee to protect the 1998 Good Friday Agreement has been established by a group of leading Irish Americans in the wake of what they describe as the erosion of the deal by Tories, “almost to the point of dismissing it as irrelevant even though it is a binding international peace agreement”.

Radioactive border dump plan

The town of Newry is being considered as a location to dispose of British nuclear waste in a move which is being met with incredulity in a border town already bracing for the impact of Brexit.

Help sought from America as Tories bin peace deal

US Congressmen could once again be called on to act in support of peace in Ireland after the British government openly reneged on a deal to prevent a hard border after Brexit.

UVF seen behind brutal killing of east Belfast man

Loyalist paramilitaries have been blamed for the murder of prominent east Belfast loyalist Ian Ogle, who was killed following a long vendetta with the east Belfast Ulster Volunteer Force.

‘Our fight goes on’ - bomb attack claimed

The new IRA has said it carried out a bomb attack on the courthouse in Derry last weekend. In a statement issued to the media, they said “the IRA won’t be going anywhere”.

Derry Four win compensation from the PSNI

Four Derry men wrongly accused of killing a British soldier have accepted an out-of-court settlement from the PSNI after four decades of fighting for the truth about police brutality, threats and a shocking conspiracy to pursue a miscarriage of justice.

Groups organise as Brexit looms

A ‘civic nationalism’ event has drawn an estimated audience of 1,500 to a conference in Belfast’s Waterfront Hall to discuss a response to Brexit.

‘End the delays - start the prosecutions’

A crowd of thousands took to the streets in this year’s annual Bloody Sunday march in Derry, supported by a range of republican and civil rights and justice groups.

Nurses strike over pay inequality

Some 40,000 nurses have gone on strike in the 26 Counties over salary scales that are believed to be the lowest among paid workers in Ireland with degree status.

A century of armed struggle

A spectacular bomb attack at Derry courthouse last weekend followed by a series of hoaxes appears designed to deliver a message about the continuing ability of the ‘new IRA’ to carry on its armed campaign.

Varadkar in u-turn on Brexit militarisation, Good Friday Agreement

The 26 County Taoiseach Leo Varadkar has admitted that British soldiers could return to the border through Ireland in the event of a crash Brexit in March. He also said that in such an event, Britain would have to reach a new deal with the 26 County state in order to honour its obligations under the 1998 Good Friday Agreement.

Dáil passes Bill to ban Israeli settlement products

A bill to outlaw trade in goods from Israeli settlements in Palestine has been passed by the lower house of the Dublin parliament, a major step on its journey into law.

Call for end to prosecution delays after massacre suspect dies

The family of one of those killed on Bloody Sunday has called for a final decision to be made about prosecutions after one of the British Army paratroopers who carried out the 1972 massacre died this week.

Prisoners fight for right to use Irish language

A republican prisoner who is appealing his conviction is also taking a legal action against the 26 County state in defense of his right to use the Irish language after the Special Criminal Court in Dublin refused to provide a transcript of proceedings in the Irish language.

Dan McGandy remembered

The first casualty of the Irish War of Independence on the IRA side was Volunteer Dan McGandy, who died 100 years ago this week.

Car bomb explodes in Derry; no injuries reported

Derry city courthouse has been apparently targeted tonight in a car bomb attack. The shock bombing in Bishop Street is being linked to the ‘new IRA’, its first such attack in years.

British military reinforcements for Brexit

Plans are in train to send British Army Reservists to the north of Ireland to deal with the consequences of a crash Brexit at the end of March.

New movement aiming for 100 cumainn after SF split

A new republican and pro-life political party being set up by former Sinn Fein politician Peadar Toibin is set to become a significant force in Irish politics after founding over 20 cumainn [branches] across Ireland, including six in the north.

Derry unites for justice despite hate campaign

Flags of the British Army’s infamous Parachute Regiment have once again been erected by loyalists in County Derry in an attempt to inflame tensions ahead of a march for justice on the anniversary of the Paras’ Bloody Sunday massacre.

Anti-eviction activist ‘is political prisoner’

One of the most prominent anti-eviction activists in Ireland, Ben Gilroy, has been given a three month jail term in Mountjoy prison.

Symbolic renaming of former RUC stronghold

The site of the former Andersonstown RUC barracks in west Belfast has been renamed Groves Reilly Corner, in honour of Clara Reilly and her late friend, plastic bullet victim Emma Groves.

Recruitment bid subject of official complaint

A 21-year-old republican man has lodged a complaint with the Police Ombudsman after Special Branch PSNI police tried to recruit him as an informer during a trip to England.

May clings to power, seeks compromise with opposition

With the continuing support of the DUP, Theresa May has defeated a vote of no confidence in her Tory government at Westminster by 325 votes to 306, less than 24 hours after she failed to win parliamentary approval for her Brexit deal by a historic margin.

Tories faces no confidence vote after MPs reject Brexit deal

British Prime Minister Theresa May has tonight lost a motion in the House of Commons on Britain’s deal on withdrawal from the European Union by a large margin of 432 votes to 202.

British PM admits hard Brexit would accelerate Irish unity

Britain’s departure from the European Union without a deal would make a united Ireland and the break-up of the United Kingdom more likely, Theresa May has told MPs.

Judge ‘protects his paymasters’

A coroner has somehow found no evidence of collusion in the notorious murder of a nationalist pensioner who was shot dead by loyalists as her home was being actively surveilled by the British Army.

Good Friday Agreement may not survive - SF

The 1998 Good Friday peace agreement could become unsalvageable, Sinn Fein has said, as Brexit and other unresolved issues continue to shutter the institutions which were set up under the agreement.

‘Dirty War’ general to face court action over torture

Former senior British Army General Frank Kitson is one of several high profile British establishment figures facing legal action brought by two members of the group known as the Hooded Men.

Unease as UDA group expands

The South East Antrim UDA have been holding families to ransom, it has emerged, as the growing loyalist paramilitary group continues to flex its muscles.

Council funding of loyalists continues despite scandal

Belfast City Council has agreed to set aside half a million pounds for a controversial bonfire scheme which will see funds again directed to groups with links to loyalist paramilitaries.

Race hate attacks on asylum centres

A suspected arson attack at a centre for asylum seekers is the second in six weeks and has provoked fears of a violent campaign by the extreme right in the 26 Counties.

MI5 ‘tampered with Enniskillen bomb’ - STATE PAPERS

British intelligence knew in advance about the Enniskillen bombing of 1987 and altered the timing to kill civilians and create a “massive backlash” against the IRA, according to an anonymous letter by an MI5 agent, written 30 years ago and declassified this week in Dublin.

Shoot-to-kill cover-up had tacit support of Dublin

The Dublin government secretly reassured the British in 1988 it would not take a case to the European Court of Human Rights over the SAS ambush and summary execution of three unarmed IRA Volunteers in Gibraltar.

PSNI prepare for a hard Brexit

A thousand additional police from England and Scotland are to be trained for conflict in Ireland as part of preparations for the remilitarisation of the border, it has emerged.

Varadkar defends vulture funds

The 26 County Taoiseach Leo Varadkar has backed vulture funds who have bought distressed mortgages and are pursuing evictions despite protests against the violent eviction of a Roscommon County family last month.

British reaction to Adams’s first visa to US was extreme

The significance of Bill Clinton’s decision to grant former Sinn Fein leader’s Gerry Adams a visa is laid bare in state papers which reveal that the British government was shaken by the move.

‘You are now entering Free Derry’ - Liam Hillen’s legacy

The safe arrival of a major civil rights march into Derry, after it had come under repeated attack by the B-Specials, inspired Liam Hillen to write one of the most famous slogans of the conflict. Liam passed away this week, almost 50 years to the day after those historic events.

The new Land War

A country farmhouse in County Roscommon became a battle zone last week after a brutal and illegal eviction of a farming family by hired loyalist mercenaries was dramatically overturned by a “flying column” of anti-eviction activists. The perpetrators were beaten or put to flight, and their vehicles torched.

Legal victories for republican accused

North Belfast woman Christine Connor has won an appeal against a 16-year prison sentence in one of a clutch of legal setbacks for the British occupation in the north of Ireland.

Eviction bank targeted by protestors, arsonists

Branches of KBC bank have been attacked amid increasingly angry protests over the role of bankers in the housing and evictions crises.

Light sentences for loyalist murder

Two loyalists have been sentenced to a total of just 13 years for the roles they played in the barbaric murder of Derry civil servant Paul McCauley.

Key ruling for Dublin/Monaghan campaigners

Victims of the worst single massacre of the conflict have secured an order for disclosure of secret state documents in a major legal action over British state collusion with a loyalist murder gang.

Christmas greetings enrage unionists

Unionist councillors in Country Antrim have generated a seasonal news absurdity by complaining over the use of Irish in the annual Mayor’s Christmas card.

‘The Irish should know their place’

Some British politicians have grown resentful of Ireland’s influence throughout Brexit talks, says the BBC, as fears mount that a deal that will prevent a remilitarisation of the border will not be agreed in time.

Former Para says Bloody Sunday massacre was justified

A former paratrooper being investigated for his part in the Bloody Sunday massacre has said he believes it was a “job well done”.

Death of former OIRA leader Sean Garland

There have been tributes to Sean Garland, a former IRA leader who helped to bring about the 1972 ceasefire by the Official IRA. He died on Thursday at his home in County Meath after a long illness.

‘Guilty’ of remembering fallen INLA Volunteers

In what is said to be is the first case of its kind, a Belfast court has found a member of the Irish Republican Socialist Party guilty of carrying an Irish National Liberation Army flag during an Easter Sunday commemoration.

Ballymurphy inquest continues amid disclosure concerns

The Ballymurphy massacre inquest has heard details of the murder of John McKerr, a 49-year-old joiner from nearby Andersonstown who had been working at Corpus Christi Church in west Belfast on August 11 1971 when he was shot.

Royal scandal over city hall knobs

Cork City Council has been humiliated after it emerged that it spent almost 6,000 euros on polishing door handles at city hall to prepare for a one-day stop by British royals Charles and his wife, Camilla.

May wins confidence vote as Brexit chaos continues

British Prime Minister Theresa May has tonight defeated a challenge to her leadership of the Tory Party, winning a confidence vote by 200 MPs to 117.

Fury as top Tory warns: ‘We can starve the Irish’

Anglo-Irish relations are at their worst in decades after a senior British Tory MP suggested using the possibility of food shortages in Ireland to coerce negotiators into dropping their opposition to the remilitarisation of the border area after Brexit.

‘I saw soldier spray crowd with bullets’

A witness to one of the killings of the 1971 Ballymurphy massacre, who has suffered from post-traumatic stress disorder since, has given his first-ever statement on the atrocity to the coroner of the current inquest.

Gem Bar was collusion target, papers indicate

It has emerged that the British Army raided the pub which was the original target of the McGurk’s Bar bombers, two nights before the massacre in which collusion is strongly suspected.

Foster admits making ‘wrong’ statements under oath

DUP leader Arlene Foster is under renewed pressure to quit politics after acknowledging that some of her sworn evidence to a public corruption inquiry is likely false.

Bloody Sunday commemoration to focus on military top brass

The 47th Bloody Sunday march has been launched with the focus returned to the issue to making those ultimately responsible for the slaughter of 13 innocent civilians accountable for their actions.

Unionist bid to steal Christmas from prisoners’ families

A row has broken out after council staff attempted to remove the names of political prisoners from a public Christmas tree in Strabane, County Tyrone.

Emotions run high as new group holds meetings

A debate on abortion legislation in the Dublin parliament has seen a bitter attack by Sinn Fein TDs against former comrades as a potentially damaging split in the party continues to grow.

Loughinisland at the heart of battle over policing

Families of those killed in a notorious loyalist/Crown force massacre have welcomed a judge’s decision to dismiss a legal challenge against the Police Ombudsman’s finding that the police colluded with the killers.

Loyalist violence ignored as gangs issue Brexit warning

Loyalist paramilitaries “have the run of the town” in County Antrim, according to the owner of a repair business in Carrickfergus whose cars have repeatedly been torched.

Breakthrough for equality of symbolism in Derry

Derry City and Strabane council is set to be the first council in the north of Ireland to allow staff members to honour Ireland’s war dead by wearing an Easter Lily, a symbol with its roots in the 1916 Easter Rising.

Early shoot-to-kill incidents recalled

Relatives for Justice have launched a report into the killings of Jim Bryson and Patrick Mulvenna amid outstanding questions about the shoot-to-kill policy of targeted state assassinations which was responsible for their deaths.

Thousands march over housing crisis

Campaigners have taken to the streets of Dublin this Saturday afternoon to voice their anger over the ongoing housing and homelessness crisis.

Tony Taylor freed, banned from political statements

Derry republican Tony Taylor, released as his internment by the British approached a significant one thousand days, was released this evening after a day of tense last-minute negotiations around the details of his release.

Tony Taylor to be released after almost 1,000 days

Republican political prisoner Tony Taylor is set to be freed tomorrow after spending 994 days interned at Maghaberry Jail without charge.

The Border ‘will be maintained by the gun’

Amid a hostile reaction by unionist politicians to a draft Brexit deal, one TUV politician has warned that the border through Ireland will be “maintained by the gun”.

Councillors join new Sinn Fein splinter party

A breakaway anti-abortion, nationalist/republican party being set up by former Sinn Fein TD Peadar Toibin is organising meetings across the country and has already recruited two councillors, Sinn Fein Kildare councillor Ide Cussen and former Sinn Fein Cork councillor Ger Keohane.

Inquests ‘a problem’, says Karen Bradley

Britain’s Direct Ruler in Ireland, Karen Bradley, has been widely condemned for comments that families of victims of British war crimes are part of ‘the problem’ for seeking coronial inquests, and that she was ‘outraged’ by the legal pursuit of the soldiers involved.

Recruitment target endangered by MI5 approach

Members of a British intelligence agency who tried to recruit a vulnerable teenager have “put him at risk”, according to his mother.

Red mist descends on British military memorial in Dublin

A protest action has seen a giant sculpture of a British soldier at the entrance to Dublin’s St Stephen’s Green daubed with red paint.

Call for all-Ireland soccer team

Sinn Fein deputy leader Pearse Doherty has called for a debate about the possibility of establishing an all-island soccer team, following the resignation of Martin O’Neill and Roy Keane as the Ireland management team.

DUP MPs told to ‘get over yourselves’

The DUP leadership is completely at odds with civic unionism after a draft Brexit deal won praise across the north of Ireland, particularly from farmers and business interests who see significant advantages in proposed arrangements to facilitate trade with both Britain and the EU.

Republican Sinn Fein name new party President

Republican Sinn Fein has named a new party President, Seosamh O Mhaoileoin, at its Ard Fheis [annual conference] last weekend, replacing Des Dalton without an election.

Heartbreak for Derry family of interned prisoner

The elderly father of a political prisoner who’s been in jail for almost 1,000 days without charge or trial has written a heartfelt letter to the British government pleading for his son’s release.

Indignation after new files back McGurk’s Bar families

A shocking British military archive discovered by a grandson of victims of the McGurk’s Bar Massacre of 1971 proves that the Royal Ulster Constabulary police originated and disseminated “a line” falsely stating that the atrocity was an IRA ‘own goal’, just over 4 hours after the bombing.

Ballymurphy horror relived at inquest

There were emotional scenes in a Belfast court this week as families of the Ballymurphy massacre victims described their grief and loss after British soldiers killed eleven civilians in 1971.

Debate takes place on unity referendum

A debate about an Irish unity referendum/border poll has brought together speakers representing Sinn Fein, the Irish Republican Socialist Party, the 1916 Societies and the Peadar O’Donnell Socialist Republican Forum.

May under pressure as DUP reject Brexit deal

Theresa May’s leadership of the Conservative Party is again under pressure as a series of Ministers resigned and the DUP rallied opposition to a negotiated Brexit deal.

Second Sinn Fein TD quits on abortion issue

Meath West TD Peadar Toibin has resigned from Sinn Fein, weeks after he was suspended from the party after voting against abortion legislation in the Dublin parliament.

The Irish protocol of the draft Brexit withdrawal agreement

The full text of the chapter of the Brexit agreement that relates to the Six Counties (pages 302 to 327) from the draft document which was released tonight.

Brexit deal ‘moves on’ after May wins cabinet support

Negotiations on Britain’s withdrawal from the European Union have reached a decisive moment as a draft agreement won the support of the Tory government in London.

Hope and determination as Ballymurphy Inquest opens

After almost 50 years, an inquest has opened into the deaths of eleven civilians killed by British soldiers in Ballymurphy in west Belfast. The inquest is expected to last up up to six months.

Save ‘Our Precious Union’ from Brexit - DUP

The paradox of the unstoppable force of Brexit and the DUP’s immovable intransigence may be resolved within days amid reports of a looming showdown between the British Prime Minister and the DUP.

No stone left unturned in Loughinisland cover-up

The arrest of two journalists for the ‘theft’ of ‘secret information’ used in a TV documentary about the Loughinisland massacre has descended into a pantomime public row, leaving the victims of the atrocity furious at the abuse of police resources.

Call for action over poppy-related racism

The annual media bullying campaign known as ‘poppy fascism’ has been blamed for an outbreak of anti-Irish racism in the world of sport.

Brazen loyalists involved in racist violence, rioting

A racist arson attack in east Belfast has followed days after loyalist paramilitaries in nearby Newtownards dressed up as in full Klu Klux Klan uniform and posed for photographs outside an Islamic centre.

Damning report on council slush fund

A report on the use of council funds in the North to make payments to loyalist paramilitaries and other politically connected groups is a major embarrassment for the main political parties.

Unification can prevent Brexit economic crash - report

The reunification of Ireland would lead to a massive economic windfall for the whole island, while Brexit will have disastrous consequences, a major new international research study has concluded.

‘Bad faith’ over extradition bid against John Downey

Prominent Donegal man and former republican prisoner John Downey is behind bars tonight as part of a surprise bid to extradite him to British jurisdiction to face IRA charges dating from 1972

‘Shitshows’ by Brexit Brits

British government ministers are treating the north of Ireland as a colonial outpost which must be visited, however briefly, in order to maintain the validity of their jurisdiction.

Investigators were kept in the dark, papers show

Fresh revelations in the murder of nationalist councillor Patsy Kelly have called into question all previous investigations into the killing.

PSNI notebook was source of loyalist threat

The son of a County Tyrone couple who were shot dead by the unionist paramilitary UVF is to take legal action after discovering a police notebook containing his personal details was in the hands of the same organisation who murdered his parents.

Toibin suspended by Sinn Fein for six months

Sinn Fein TD Peadar Toibin has been suspended from the party for six months in a move which could lead to him contesting his seat as an independent candidate in the next election.

Casey speculates over new right-wing campaign

Business figure and TV personality Peter Casey, who came from nowhere to secure the support of almost one in four voters in the Presidential election, is to try to build a new political movement on the back of apparent support for his right-wing populist comments.

Tragic week recalled

A 22-year-old IRA Volunteer who died after the device he was carrying exploded prematurely 25 years ago was remembered in a commemoration in Belfast last Sunday.

Presidential election - final results

Incumbent Michael D Higgins has been officially confirmed as the winner of the Irish Presidential Election with 822,566 votes (55.8%), exceeding the quota. Independent Peter Casey secured second place with 23.1% of the vote.

Higgins re-elected as President

Michael D Higgins will serve another seven year term as President of Ireland as tallies and early results in Friday’s Presidential election bore out the results of two exit polls which last night indicated he is set to be elected on the first count.

British Army in raid on Saoradh HQ

The British Army were involved in a dawn raid on the national headquarters of Saoradh in Derry as concerns increase over the increasing use of British military units in political oppression.

Bradley paves the way for a unionist Brexit

British Direct Ruler Karen Bradley has been accused of subverting democracy after postponing Stormont elections for up to ten months while prioritising the interests of unionists during Brexit.

Bizarre Fianna Fail rift over northern candidate

A potentially historic announcement of a first Fianna Fail candidate in the Six Counties has instead exposed a deep divide within the party over its stance in relation to northern elections.

DUP men subject unionist rival to anti-Catholic taunts

A former DUP minister who called Pope Francis “the anti-Christ” in a row over a Papal event in Ireland has been condemned by nationalists and is to be the subject of a formal complaint at Stormont.

Unanswered questions, 25 years on

Collusion continues to be suspected in the murders of Gerard and Rory Cairns, who were killed by a UVF murder squad 25 years ago this week.

Higgins set to be comfortably re-elected as President

Two exit polls have predicted that Michael D Higgins has been re-elected to the largely ceremonial post of President of Ireland with well over half of the vote.

Brexit tensions ratchet higher

Concerns are growing that a failure to negotiate a solution to the issue of the border after Brexit could spark a return of serious violence in the north of Ireland.

Burning tyre strikes loyalist terror

Loyalists placed a tyre at the front door of a Catholic family in Magherafelt and set it alight this week, forcing the four terrified occupants, including an infant girl, to flee the home.

Ni Riada would wear poppy for inauguration

A row has erupted after Sinn Fein candidate for President of Ireland, Liadh Ni Riada, said that if elected she would would wear a poppy symbol on the day of her inauguration.

Judges uphold coroner’s refusal to say how Pearse Jordan died

The mother of an IRA Volunteer shot dead by the RUC has failed in a new legal bid to have the inquest verdict quashed.

Derry man reveals years of harassment

A man has accused the PSNI of continual harassment because he has refused to work as an informer against republicans.

Sinn Fein MP claims deal with loyalists in 1993

An unusual dispute has arisen in east Tyrone after a former IRA leader denied a Sinn Fein man’s claims that loyalists and republicans reached “an understanding” in the area after a secret meeting in the early 1990s.

Scotland marches for freedom

Over 120,000 people joined a march for Scottish independence through Edinburgh last Saturday in the largest ever march about the issue.

Tribunal blasts Garda Chief’s ‘repulsive’ lies

Former Garda police Commissioner Martin Callinan led a whispering campaign of lies and defamation against police whistleblower Sergeant Maurice McCabe and then denied it under oath, according to the findings of a sworn tribunal of inquiry.

Effort to open Britain’s archive of secrets

The widow of a man shot dead by a British soldier in Belfast 47 years ago has begun a High Court bid to obtain access to documents stored in secret English vaults.

Prison warders accused of seeking confrontation

Maghaberry prisoners aligned to Republican Sinn Fein have condemned what it said were attempts to provoke tension at the jail by prison warders.

PSNI cooperation with investigations in doubt

Sinn Fein has condemned the Police Federation in the North (PFNI) after it warned that current and former members of the PSNI/RUC police would not cooperate with the proposed Historical Investigations Unit (HIU).

Varadkar reeling as Minister quits over €500m scandal

Ireland’s reputation as a centre of large-scale financial corruption has not been helped by a whirlwind of devastating revelations which brought a sudden end to the Ministerial career of Denis Naughten on Thursday.

Minister quits amid questions over 500m euro contract

The 26 County Minister for Communications Denis Naughten resigned suddenly this afternoon as a controversy escalated over his handling of a 500 million euro contract for the rollout of rural broadband.

Budget 2019 denounced as ‘a betrayal’

Fine Gael’s Finance Minister Paschal Donohoe has revealed the third and final annual 26 County budget agreed with Fianna Fail as part of their government pact.

Foster’s blood and thunder

DUP leader Arlene Foster has described her party’s opposition to a deal in Brexit negotiations that would result in new checks on goods moving across the Irish Sea as a “red line” that is “blood red”.

Historic civil rights march remembered

Events have been taking place in Derry to mark the 50th anniversary of the 1968 civil rights’ march, which some consider to have been the start of the recent conflict in Ireland.

Roof raised as marchers take Dublin

Up to 20,000 people, of all ages and from across the country, gathered at a rally outside the Dublin parliament on Wednesday demanding an end to the housing crisis.

Pat Finucane murder linked to MI5’s ‘licence to kill’

MI5 authorised its agents and informers to kill targets and commit other crimes under a secret policy which operated throughout the conflict in Ireland and continued until at least 2012, an investigative powers tribunal in London has heard.

New Lodge investigation ordered

A decision to order a new investigation into the killing of six men in north Belfast 45 years ago has been widely welcomed.

Not-so-covert spying operations

Aggressive house raids on republicans in North and West Belfast were followed by an open attempt to bug the family home and car of one of the victims, as British intelligence operations become increasingly public in the face of smart phone technology.

No compensation for Bloody Sunday

A damages payment to a survivor of the British Army’s Bloody Sunday massacre is being seen as a step towards the goal of achieving real justice for the victims, rather than compensation.

Brexit ‘a matter of life and death’

A British Labour MP has broken the silence of the mainstream media over the consequences of Brexit in terms of the remilitarisation of the border through Ireland.

Time for Truth brings campaign to Stormont

Victims and survivors of the recent conflict in the north of Ireland travelled to Stormont this week as part of the ‘Time for Truth’ campaign and submitted 6000 responses to the British government’s consultation on ‘Addressing the Legacy of the Past in the North’.

Loyalist attacks go unchecked in Antrim

Loyalists paramilitary organisations have been involved in brutal attacks in County Antrim amid violent wrangling over local control and the proceeds of crime.

DUP ‘accountable but not responsible’

Two unionist-controlled councils donated thousands of pounds to the DUP’s Ian Paisley in the latest financial scandal to hit the party and its already disgraced MP for North Antrim.

Murphy refuses to acknowledge housing disaster

Acts of civil disobedience are set to continue after rallies across Ireland and a motion of no confidence in the Dail failed to remove the Minister for Housing, Eoghan Murphy, over his failure to tackle an escalating housing crisis.

May heads for the cliff

An aggressive and staunchly unionist speech has increased fears that British Prime Minister Theresa May is prepared to ignore warnings and crash Britain out of the European Union early next year.

British military demand secrecy for Irish operations

The British Ministry of Defence (MoD) has sought to block a ruling ordering it to release information about its ongoing operations in the Six Counties.

Loyalist fires gun in the New Lodge

A loyalist drug dealer became embroiled in a row in the nationalist New Lodge area and attempted to shoot local youths, according to the Irish Republican Socialist Party, who have urged communities to “take the power back”.

PSNI ‘routinely’ abusing children in searches

The father of a 14-year-old boy has spoken out after the PSNI targeted his son under ‘terror’ legislation.

Further collusion suspected over missing notebook

There are renewed concerns over collusion after it emerged that a notebook containing details of republicans -- including their names, addresses and car number plates -- has been “lost” by the PSNI police in a UDA stronghold.

Day of action on housing

Housing activists are today [Saturday] holding a national day of action to highlight Ireland’s housing crisis amid increased repression by the 26 County police.

Recall petition fails to unseat Ian Paisley

At the end of six weeks of campaigning, an official petition of recall to remove DUP MP Ian Paisley over corruption allegations has fallen just short of the number required.

Gangsters

Over a thousand people marched in Dublin on Wednesday after the new Garda Commissioner colluded with hired thugs in an attempt to suppress opposition to the government’s housing policy.

A shocking exposition as Ballymurphy massacre inquest advances

An outpouring of emotion at the broadcast of a new documentary has inspired hope that justice is finally within reach for the victims of an infamous British Army killing spree.

ECHR fails to grasp ‘thorny issue’ of British torture

The ‘Hooded Men’ have vowed that their campaign for justice is not over after the European Court of Human Rights rejected an appeal against the court’s ruling that they were not tortured.

Say no to Israeli apartheid

Efforts by the Israeli state to reassert its international reputation in the wake of large-scale massacres of the Palestinian population are being opposed in Ireland through protests and boycotts.

Dail set for showdown over the housing crisis

Public wrangling over the housing crisis is to reach a climax later this month when Sinn Fein submit puts forward a motion of no confidence in Fine Gael’s Minister for Housing Eoghan Murphy.

Ni Riada and TV celebs bid to replace Higgins as President

Liadh Ni Riada MEP is set to be ratified as Sinn Fein Presidential election candidate this weekend, joining two reality television stars and a charity entrepreneur in the bid to oust the sitting Irish President, Michael D Higgins, from Aras an Uachtaran.

Ireland may miss out on protests as Trump visit in doubt

US President Donald Trump could reschedule an upcoming trip to Ireland after it emerged massive protests were being planned to greet him.

‘Ignorant’ Bradley blocks court-ordered election

After admitting to a parliamentary magazine that she hadn’t understood how the North of Ireland is divided politically, British Direct Ruler Karen Bradley has introduced legislation at Westminster to halt Six County Assembly elections until 2019.

Furious DUP rows over RHI payouts revealed

In nasty exchanges, former DUP first minister Arlene Foster ordered a party colleague to keep open a Stormont ‘free money’ energy scheme despite his concerns over the spiralling cost, an inquiry has heard.

PSNI bid to disguise its role in journalist arrests

Sinn Fein’s Gerry Adams has accused the British state of “a new and despicable twist” in its efforts to protect itself from the legal consequences of its collusion with loyalist paramilitaries during the conflict.PSNI bid to disguise its role in journalist arrests

A choice between reunification or disaster - SF

Sinn Fein’s National Chairperson Declan Kearney has warned that there is a risk that the peace process could be “squandered” by Brexit coming on top of the collapse of political institutions in the North.

Irish language signage ban overturned

A ban on Irish language street signs in Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council has been rescinded after a resident challenged the discrimination.

Grieving Donegal mother told to contact British Foreign Office

The mother of Donegal woman Danielle McLaughlin said she was disgusted to be refused a meeting with Taoiseach Leo Varadkar because his office claimed her daughter ‘was not an Irish citizen’ as she had a British passport.

Harris sworn in as Garda boss under cover of darkness

The former assistant chief of the RUC police, Drew Harris, has been controversially sworn in as Garda Commissioner in an extraordinary midnight ceremony at the force’s headquarters in Kevin Street, Dublin.

Journalists seized in PSNI’s war on truth

The PSNI stand accused of once again actively colluding in a loyalist massacre by directing the arrest of two award-winning investigative journalists who worked to expose the truth behind the 1994 Loughinisland killings.

Tories threaten partition, once again

The Tory Brexit campaign is sliding towards a “take it or leave it” showdown with the EU amid an increasingly bloody-minded approach by British officials.

Desecration of memorial to brave Volunteers

A memorial in County Tyrone dedicated to three IRA Volunteers shot dead by the SAS has been attacked on the 30th anniversary of their deaths.

Martin vows to revive Stormont with SDLP pact

A new alignment between political parties in the Six and 26 Counties looks set to go ahead after Fianna Fail leader Micheal Martin said the party is in talks with the SDLP. He said the parties plan to develop a “new political agenda” to “get the North working”.

Trump set to face Irish protests

Demonstrations are already being planned in Ireland after it was revealed that US President Donald Trump is set to visit in November. The White House has said he hopes to “renew the deep and historic ties between our two nations”.

Appeal to Bradley ‘as a mother to a mother’

A statement, addressed to British Direct Ruler Karen Bradley, was issued by Lorraine Taylor, wife of republican internee Tony Taylor. She was speaking after a rally at Free Derry Corner on Sunday to mark Mr Taylor’s 900th day in prison.

Oppression ‘backfiring’ on PSNI

With incidents of harassment by the PSNI rising significantly, a report for the Stormont administration has admitted that the abuse of stop and search powers is actually bolstering support for republican groups in Derry.

Pope addresses abuse issues on first day of visit

Pope Francis, beginning a historic visit to Ireland, has said the Catholic church’s failure to address clerical sexual abuse “remains a source of pain and shame”, while the 26 County Taoiseach Leo Varadkar called for “zero tolerance” for those who abuse innocent children.

Fianna Fáil and SDLP in merger talks

Fianna Fail is to take over the SDLP and contest elections in the Six Counties as part of a major political realignment for both parties, according to reports.

Setback in bid to block Harris appointment

Barring a last minute appeal, the appointment of a key collusion figure to the role of Garda Commissioner looks set to go ahead after a High Court judge in Dublin refused to allow a judicial review.

McAliskey’s anger as rights agenda is stymied

Former republican MP and civil rights leader Bernadette McAliskey has said the Stormont Assembly has failed to protect human rights and should be “bulldozed”.

Mortgage holders offered up for vulture fund evictions

A bank owned by the 26 County state has been accused of selling good mortgages on family homes to a vulture fund which could result in mass evictions.

Omagh’s appalling vista

There has been an outcry after former Police Ombudsman Nuala O’Loan hinted at a police cover-up and said she was certain the PSNI (then RUC) ‘could have prevented’ the 1998 Omagh bomb attack, in which 29 civilians died.

Court bid to stop collusion figure becoming Garda Commissioner

A relative of a victim of the McGurk’s Bar massacre has brought a High Court challenge aimed at blocking the appointment of a senior PSNI (formerly RUC) figure, Deputy Chief Drew Harris, as the next Garda police Commissioner in the 26 Counties.

Nationalists oppose sectarian parades

Saoradh have raised concerns regarding a weekend of loyalist parades in Newry as this year’s marching season draws to a close. The party’s Newry spokesperson Stephen Murney said the centre of Newry would be “overrun by over two thousand sectarian bigots”.

Foster snubs Pope as speculation surrounds visit

The DUP is not expected to send any representative to a civic reception for Pope Francis in Dublin Castle next weekend after Arlene Foster said she would not attend.

Peace vigil at Shannon Airport

Pressure is growing for the use of Shannon Airport by US military forces to end in light of the latest bombing campaigns in the US-backed war in Yemen.

Black and green civil rights

Fifty years ago the Civil Rights movement in the Six Counties began with a march from Coalisland to Dungannon, which is being re-enacted today by Sinn Fein. Brian Dooley describes how the original marchers drew inspiration from the campaign for civil rights in the United States.

Britain gears up for Brexit oppression

A new border zone is being set up by the British government in which military and customs officials would have additional powers to stop, search and interrogate members of the public within a mile-wide strip across Ireland.

We need space for a united Ireland debate - McDonald

Sinn Fein party leader Mary Lou McDonald has insisted that she is ready for a border poll and wants a debate on Irish reunification, including the possibility of rejoining the British Commonwealth.

Direct action on evictions and homelessness

Amid a national outcry over children being forced to sleep in police stations due to a lack of accommodation, housing activists have occupied a vacant home in Dublin.

Ignominy for Paisley as historic recall effort begins

The first recall votes in British or Irish history have been cast in a bid to force disgraced DUP MP Ian Paisley Jr from office.

Bonfire progress welcomed

Sinn Fein and the Irish Republican Socialist Party have hailed the absence of a nationalist bonfire in Belfast, the first August there was none lit in the city.

Large anti-internment march reaches City Hall

There was a major security operation in Belfast city centre on Saturday as well over a thousand republicans took part in a march and rally against internment, while a small number of loyalists held a counter-protest.

Sinn Fein wavers on border poll

Sinn Fein has denied media claims of internal disagreements after a significant shift in the party’s attitude on Irish reunification was unveiled by party leader Mary Lou McDonald on Monday but largely recanted less than 24 hours later.

Homes attacked as loyalists mark out territory

A Catholic woman whose son had recently died was ordered to leave her home by loyalist paramilitaries as she prepared to wake her son.

Talks process moribund - Foster still says no

DUP leader Arlene Foster has again ruled out a long-sought Irish Language Act in any new set of negotiations aimed at restoring the Six County Executive with Sinn Fein, and said she had no expectation that talks efforts will begin again after the summer break.

‘Hooded man’ Hannaway among victims of juryless injustice

There have been calls for the non-jury Special Criminal Court in Dublin to be shut down after five republicans were jailed on the basis of a 'farcical' statement by a police superintendent and surveillance evidence which had been deemed illegal.

Protests over prison assault

A flash protest took place outside Maghaberry prison on Thursday after warders attacked prisoners 48 hours earlier.

Church attacked as tensions continue

A Catholic church in Limavady, County Derry has been desecrated with loyalist paramilitary slogans as sectarian incidents have continued across the North this summer.

Protestants ‘must be protected’ in United Ireland

Former DUP leader Peter Robinson has said he believes reunification could happen because of Brexit and has called for a debate on “protections” for the unionist community.

Campaign grows to block Harris appointment

Donegal County Council has passed a motion calling on the Minister for Justice to cancel the appointment of a new head of the 26 County police because of his previous links to British intelligence agencies and his role in shutting down an investigation into state collusion with loyalist paramilitaries.

‘Political agendas’ protecting alleged mobile shop killers

A suspected British state agent and hitman identified as a triple sectarian killer was never prosecuted because of a cover-up in which the PSNI (then RUC) police simply did not send a file to prosecutors, it has emerged.

DUP must come clean on Paisley scandal - SF

The DUP has come under pressure from Sinn Fein after it appeared to rule out any further sanction against its MP Ian Paisley despite his unprecedented suspension from the Westminster parliament over holidays secretly funded by the Sri Lankan government.

Union backs miscarriage of justice campaign

One of Britain’s largest unions has passed a motion calling for the conviction of two County Armagh men known as the ‘Craigavon 2’ to be reviewed.

Mistreatment of two republican prisoners

The Irish Republican Prisoners Welfare Association has relayed serious cases of abuse of republican prisoners at Maghaberry and Hydebank jails.

UVF handed PSNI database

In a major incident of potential collusion, elements within the PSNI have passed on to loyalist paramilitaries the details and electronic data of hundreds of people who they have been spying on.

May disowns backstop deal

After a chaotic week of u-turns and narrow votes at the Westminster parliament, the British Prime Minister has denounced a previously agreed ‘backstop’ plan to ensure no border checks are introduced across the island of Ireland.

PSNI quiet as republicans bicker

The PSNI police have so far refused to say who they believe was responsible for a firework thrown at the home of Gerry Adams last weekend.

Special needs school wrecked

A Catholic-maintained school for special needs pupils has been badly damaged in a sectarian hate crime in east Belfast.

Disgraced Paisley faces recall push

A petition is set to be collected to recall north Antrim MP Ian Paisley following a finding by the Westminster parliament that he improperly accepted holidays from the government of Sri Lanka valued in excess of 100,000 pounds.

Sinn Fein to run for Aras

Sinn Fein is to challenge Michael D Higgins in the upcoming Irish presidential election but has yet to name a candidate for the vote, which is expected to take place in November.

PSNI raids follow peace rally

The homes of republican youths in Derry are currently the focus of a PSNI crackdown following several nights of clashes around a major sectarian parade through the city centre.

Adams urges attackers to step forward

There have been calls for calm after two devices were thrown at the homes of former Sinn Fein leader Gerry Adams and prominent republican Bobby Storey in Belfast overnight.

DUP met UVF over bonfires

A meeting which took place between the DUP and the unionist paramilitary UVF in the early hours of Wednesday failed to convince the loyalist armed group to lower a giant bonfire, it has emerged.

Glasgow set to act against sectarian parades

A hate attack on a Catholic priest by supporters of an Orange Order parade in Glasgow has caused a major backlash and a call for a blanket ban on the openly sectarian organisation in the city.

Random MI5 recruitment bid lands man in hospital

A County Tyrone man has described how he was hospitalised after MI5 and PSNI tried to recruit him as an informer.

Historic vote against Palestinian occupation

Irish senators on Wednesday passed a bill to ban the import of goods from Israeli settlements on occupied Palestinian land.

Plastic bullets fired as Derry riots escalate

A sectarian parade through the centre of Derry provoked heavy rioting in the city last night as youths threw petrol bombs and the PSNI responded with potentially lethal plastic bullets.

Wave of bonfire violence in UVF backlash

The north of Ireland saw some of the worse violence in recent years as unionist paramilitaries hit back at a first step by authorities against their towering and toxic ‘Eleventh Night’ bonfires.

Clashes continue in the Bogside

Disturbances involving nationalist youths in the Bogside area of Derry has seen another night of trouble as appeals from a wide spectrum of politicians fell on deaf ears.

May under threat as top Tories quit over Brexit

Boris Johnson has resigned as British Foreign Secretary, following the departure earlier today of Brexit Minister David Davis, amid a growing crisis within the Conservative Party over London’s Brexit strategy.

Savagery of bonfire thugs

A Catholic man was dragged from his car and severely beaten in broad daylight in a rabid attack by loyalist thugs enraged by the failure of their bonfire nearby. It is believed the victim was attacked randomly and was only identified as Catholic by the football jersey he was wearing.

Nationalists hemmed in for sectarian march

Steel barriers sealed off the nationalist Short Strand last Monday to facilitate the passage of a sectarian parade by the anti-Catholic Orange Order, infuriating local residents but without causing any of the violence seen in previous years.

Clashes in Derry as flags intimidation escalates

There was some trouble in Derry last weekend amid tension in the city ahead of major sectarian marches to be held on Thursday by the Orange Order.

McGurk’s Bar families have inquest denied

Calls for a fresh inquest into the McGurks Bar Bombing in Belfast have been rejected by the Six County Attorney General.

British Brexit spin questioned

Sinn Fein has cast doubt on claims that a newly agreed British cabinet positon on Brexit could prevent a hardening of the border and a diminution of the rights of the citizens in the north of Ireland.

Death of Sean Scott

Republicans have mourned the passing of veteran IRA figure Sean Scott, of Ballyforan, near Ballinasloe in County Galway, whose funeral took place on Wednesday.

Collusion monster is Garda Commissioner

Widespread shock at the appointment of a sinister RUC figure as 26 County Garda police commissioner has been followed by a row after Sinn Fein vowed to “hold him to account”.

Crown force oppression as marching tensions escalate

An elderly nationalist collapsed as he was arrested by PSNI police after he tried to remove provocative banners in praise of an infamous loyalist paramilitary in Moygashel, County Tyrone, on Thursday.

Gestures could signal Stormont turning point

A series of choreographed political gestures could be preparing the way for a return of the Stormont Assembly as both Sinn Fein and the DUP have said they are ready to restore the Six County political institutions.

Pressure grows on SCC over fast-track convictions

A conviction by the juryless ‘Special Criminal Court’ (SCC) in Dublin has been overturned on appeal, raising new questions over a court whose main purpose has always been to efficiently imprison Irish republicans.

Finucanes take justice quest to Supreme Court

The widow of murdered Belfast defence lawyer Pat Finucane has said she is optimistic that the Supreme Court in London will finally rule in favour of a full public inquiry into her husband’s death.

Census could be used as border poll test

Sinn Fein has said the public appetite for a border poll in the North should be tested with a question in 2021 census.

Notorious RUC figure to be made Garda Commissioner

Drew Harris, a current Deputy Chief Constable of the PSNI police in the Six Counties, is to become the new Garda police commissioner in the 26 Counties, it has been confirmed.

Collusion strategy published after 38 years

A secret MI5 report that resulted in the RUC (now PSNI) police protecting its agents and informers regardless of their role in the conflict has been made public after 38 years.

Sham prosecution falls apart

A judge in the non-jury trial of a prominent republican has admitted the prosecution was based entirely on allegations extracted by police threats and ordered him to be released, more than five and a half years after he was initially charged.

Secrecy bid over Miami Showband massacre

The British Crown Forces are refusing to release documents relating to top loyalist paramilitary Robin ‘The Jackal’ Jackson, a former British soldier linked to the Miami Showband massacre and other suspected acts of collusion.

Britain ‘playing a game of chicken’ with Brexit

Sinn Fein and Fine Gael have warned the British government against last-minute negotiations on the border ahead of a crucial June 28-29 summit to finalise a Brexit deal.

New Sinn Fein direction as McDonald defies critics

Sinn Fein wants to be part of an administration in Dublin after the next general election, party leader Mary Lou McDonald has confirmed, as she set out a change of strategy for her party.

Bonfires build as Foster criticises ‘anti-Orange’ prejudice

The unionist paramilitary UVF are being blamed for an ‘Eleventh Night’ bonfire being built close to a children’s play park in a built-up residential area of Belfast.

Anglo fraud kingpin jailed

There have been calls for greater efforts to tackle white-collar crime after former Anglo Irish Bank chief executive David ‘The Drummer’ Drumm received only a six year sentence for his central role in a 7.2 billion euro fraud which marked a low point in Ireland’s financial crisis.

British soldier to face prosecution

A British soldier who shot dead a man as he walked through a British Army checkpoint in the North of Ireland is to face prosecution.

Resignations follow SF conference votes on abortion

Sinn Fein’s internal difficulties have worsened following a combative display by the party leadership at a weekend conference saw the party adopt a hardline pro-abortion stance, including a ban on dissent on the issue by its elected representatives.

Royal visit denounced as one-sided, anti-republican

The latest visit by British royals to Ireland has once again sown division among nationalists and republicans.

Sinn Fein conference polarised by abortion stance

Sinn Fein faces difficult decisions today at the party’s annual conference as a row over the the party’s attitude to abortion threatens to overshadow the launch of its bid to enter government following the next 26 County general election.

Fascists on the march in Belfast

A rally by far-right unionists and neo-Nazis at Belfast City hall last weekend has raised concerns over the increased visibility of fringe loyalist groups ahead of the sectarian marching season.

Hooded men praise move to appeal European ruling

The Dublin government is to appeal the European Court of Human Right’s finding that 14 Irishmen were not tortured by the British Army in 1971.

Housing failures ‘could collapse government’

With the 26 County housing crisis threatening to spiral out of control, Sinn Fein have begun a new campaign against the man most hold responsible for the scandal, Fine Gael Housing Minister Eoghan Murphy.

GAA urged to ‘show solidarity with the oppressed’

Nationalists and republicans are being urged to unite to support the Palestinian cause amid signs that the Irish establishment is seeking to protect Israel from the fallout over recent atrocities.

Robinson backs ‘fixed’ border polls

Peter Robinson, the former leader of the hardline unionist DUP, has suggested agreement on a strategy for phased reunification could allow him to support a Six County referendum on unity.

Flags and banners ‘designed to spread fear’

Loyalists have begun hoisting flags and banners and painting kerbstones in locations across the North in advance of the summer sectarian parades by the Protestant marching organisations.

British injustice pursues dying republican to the grave

One of the oldest republican prisoners in Maghaberry Prison, Sean O’Neill, has passed away from cancer in Limerick this week while still being actively sought by the British authorities in the North for “breaching bail”.

‘Spycops’ inquiry reveals Irish political groups targeted

Sinn Fein and the Northern Ireland Civil Rights Association (NICRA) were infiltrated by an undercover British police unit which is currently the focus of a major inquiry in England.

Coalition rumours mount as Varadkar launches Feile

A rumoured alliance between Sinn Fein and Fine Gael appears closer this week after Fine Gael leader and Taoiseach Leo Varadkar launched the West Belfast festival, Feile an Phobail, on Friday.

US-based escapee seeks to overturn conviction

A former political prisoner, who fled to the United States after being part of the 1983 mass escape from the H-Blocks of Long Kesh 35 years ago, is making a new attempt to clear his name.

‘The North is next’

The issue of women’s rights and access to abortion are now being placed alongside calls for same-sex marriage as part of an equality agenda being opposed by unionists.

Exhaustion at Britain’s scattershot border ideas

Britain’s cartwheeling approach to Brexit and the north of Ireland has reached a critical point with a new plan to expand the Irish border into a ten-mile demilitarised ‘buffer’ zone.

Momentum seen behind Sinn Fein policy shift

Sinn Fein leader Mary Lou McDonald has said she expects her party will endorse the provision of abortion in the first 12 weeks of pregnancy following last Friday’s 26 County referendum to repeal the Eighth Amendment, which gave a pregnant woman only an equal right to life as her unborn child.

Bradley refuses to discuss Taylor case

The British Direct Ruler Karen Bradley has refused to meet Derry councillors to discuss the two-year internment of a republican political activist.

Hopes new inquest will answer questions

The younger brother of Derry plastic bullet victim, Stephen McConomy, says a new inquest into his death could provide his family with the “answers we deserve.”

Republicans remember George McBrearty and Charles Maguire

Dozens of republicans gathered with friends and family of the late IRA Volunteer, George McBrearty in Derry on Sunday to commemorate the 37th anniversary of his death at the hands of SAS alongside his comrade Charles ‘Pop’ Maguire in 1981.

‘New politics’ brings historic change

An overwhelming vote in favour of repealing the 8th amendment of the Irish constitution has opened the way for the liberalisation of Ireland’s abortion laws, with a final result of 66.4% to 33.6%.

Pressure grows to move beyond DUP vetoes

The leader of the British Labour Party, Jeremy Corbyn visited Belfast this week to mark 20 years since the Good Friday peace agreement and added his voice to efforts to circumvent unionist intransigence.

Boy hospitalised after vicious loyalist beating

A Catholic teenager has been hospitalised after being kicked in the head in a sectarian attack in Derry’s Waterside area.

Part of remains of British shooting victim withheld

The British government is to be asked to explain the disappearance of part of the body of Aidan McAnespie in 1988. The 23-year-old was shot dead by a British soldier close to a border checkpoint at Aughnacloy in County Tyrone as he made his way to a local Gaelic sports club.

Royals but no Saffrons on television

Sinn Fein has criticised the BBC’s lack of coverage of Gaelic games in a meeting with representatives of the GAA (Gaelic Athletics Association).

Families reject call to abandon prosecutions

Families who lost loved ones at the hands of unionist paramilitaries acting in collusion with the state have criticised comments made by a former Director of Public Prosecutions for an end to conflict-related prosecutions.

Exit poll predicts victory for pro-abortion campaign

Ireland looks set to legalise abortion after an exit poll showed a referendum to remove the constitutional protection for the unborn passing by an overwhelming 68% Yes to 32% No.

May runs away from border poll

Theresa May has privately ruled out a vote on Irish unity within the north of Ireland because it could produce a majority in favour, according to leaked reports from a secret Tory briefing.

Loyalist bludgeon gangs on the prowl

There is growing concern in the north of Ireland over threats and attacks by loyalist gangs ahead of the summer marching season.

Last week of campaigning, but no end to abortion debate

The hugely divisive referendum campaign on the Eighth Amendment draws to a close ahead of voting day next Friday with opinion polls showing support for the removal of Ireland’s constitutional protection for the unborn declining, but still likely to pass.

New IRA ‘won’t go away’

The ‘New IRA’ has responded to a call by former Sinn Fein leader Gerry Adams for rival republican groups to “go away”, with posters signed in the name of “The IRA” appearing in west and north Belfast.

Moves to bring charges against agent’s handlers

A legal intervention has forced Crown prosecutors to revise a decision not to bring criminal charges against two former RUC Special Branch members who are believed to have directed and shielded loyalist serial killer Gary Haggarty.

Minister vows to obtain Dublin/Monaghan documents

The victims of the worst day of the recent conflict in Ireland should be told the truth, a campaigner has said.

Protests across Ireland against Israeli massacre

Thousands protested in cities across the country this evening following a horrific mass murder by Israel of some 60 unarmed Palestinians in Gaza on Monday. It was the single deadliest day for Palestinians in several years.

More than 55 dead in new Israeli atrocity

Scores of Palestinians have been shot dead in Gaza as Israel’s declaration of independence was marked by a mass slaughter of protestors gathered at the border.

British soldiers gloat over massacre

Former members of the British Crown Forces have been sharing photographs of the assassinated IRA Volunteers of Loughgall and gloating about how they held “parties” in the van in which three of the martyrs were killed, it has emerged.

Loughgall documents point to war crime

Members of the IRA unit shot dead in a British Army ambush at Loughgall had been under surveillance for weeks, it was confirmed this week.

Cancer test victim says ‘government should go’

The resignation this week of the head of the 26 County Health Service Executive (HSE) has added to demands for full accountability in a scandal over cut-rate cancer testing and a subsequent cover-up which has claimed the lives of 17 women.

Theresa May makes it up

There has been a furious response to a statement by British Prime Minister Theresa May to her own parliament which deliberately misrepresented official figures on policing and claimed “the only people being investigated” are members of the Crown Forces.

Support for Tony Taylor after parole hearing is postponed

Unionists have lashed out at the 26 County Minister for Foreign Affairs after he raised the two-year internment of republican prisoner Tony Taylor in the Dublin parliament.

Unionists see red after team protests British anthem

The sectarian nature of the unionist-dominated Irish Football Association (IFA) has been highlighted by its playing of ‘God Save the Queen’ at the start of the association’s cup final.

Lives of Irish women sold out by the state

A dodgy deal for cut-price cancer tests and a subsequent cover-up wrecked the health of hundreds of Irish women over the past decade, with 17 deaths attributed to the scandal.

Bomb alerts in Derry as PSNI face reprisals over raids

Amid rapidly escalating tensions in Derry, three hoax bomb alerts have taken place, with two of them directed at the homes of members of the PSNI police and their parents.

UVF claim 1971 Ballymurphy murders

Claims that a deceased unionist paramilitary may have been responsible for the deaths of victims of the Ballymurphy Massacre have been treated with scepticism by the relatives of those who died.

Plastic bullet killing to remain classified until 2059

The mother of a teenager killed by a plastic bullet fired by the RUC (now PSNI) police 37 years ago has hit out at British state secrecy after it emerged that files on his murder are to remain under wraps for another 41 years.

Efforts to tackle unionist internet hate

An independent unionist councillor has drawn attention to the problem of unchecked hate speech by unionist politicians with an egregious and ridiculous attempt to insult Irish nationalists.

A new chapter for the Basque struggle

Former Sinn Fein leader Gerry Adams has spoken of “a historic moment” in the Basque peace process after the ETA armed group announced a definitive end to the organisation.

Sinn Fein win West Tyrone by-election

Sinn Fein has retained its Westminster seat for the West Tyrone constituency after 26-year-old solicitor Orfhlaith Begley polled over 16,000 votes for the party in Thursday’s by-election.

Sinn Fein accused of ‘political oppression’

The PSNI have taken to using saws and battering rams in raids on the homes of republican activists in Derry following appeals by Sinn Fein for “tangible action” against armed groups in the city.

McDonald ends Derry name campaign with one word

Sinn Fein leader Mary Lou McDonald has provoked outrage among republicans after she deliberately used the plantation name “Londonderry” for Derry at an event in the city on Wednesday.

Sinn Fein helps unionist to win Senate seat

Sinn Fein has helped a unionist farmer who opposes the party’s main Brexit policy get elected to the Dublin parliament’s upper chamber, the Seanad.

Token border visit mocked as Brexit ‘solution’ could be postponed

Britain’s ‘Brexit’ Minister was secretly parachuted in and out of Ireland for a photo-opportunity at the border this week in a humiliating exercise for the British Crown.

Inquest helps brings closure to family of Marian Brown

A seventeen-year-old girl was pointlessly shot dead by a British soldier while she hugged her boyfriend, a coroner has confirmed.

Church attacked as DUP reach out to West Tyrone voters

A bizarre graffiti attack at St Colmcille’s Church, Carrickmore, County Tyrone is being linked to next Thursday’s by-election to the Westminster parliament in the West Tyrone constituency.

Britain launches ‘Border Force’

A new ‘Border Force’ recruitment drive is being seen as the latest sign that the British government is planning to impose a hard border across Ireland after Brexit, and the manner of its implementation is in line with the extreme right-wing policies of the British government’s Home Office.

BBC show predicts Catholic majority for North by 2021

A claim that Catholics could soon outnumber Protestants in the Six Counties has been highlighted by nationalist parties to convince those with a unionist background to feel “at home” in a new, united Ireland.

Prison authorities target families

Prisoner support groups have accused the Maghaberry administration of again targeting the families of republican political prisoners.

GFA prisoners still facing discrimination

Twenty years after the signing of the Good Friday Agreement, republicans who were jailed for activities related to the conflict have said they are still facing barriers to employment and travel.

‘McGuinness Principles’ campaign launched

A new set of “principles” to commemorate the late Six County Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness have been advanced by Sinn Fein with the support of a prominent US politician.

Protests over Syria attacks

The use of international air bombardments in the war in Syria has provoked anger and protest in Ireland.

IRSP HQ raided

The headquarters of the Irish Republican Socialist Party were raided by the PSNI police on Friday in the latest show of strength by the Crown forces against republicans in Belfast and Derry.

PSNI arrest leading republican at press conference

Saoradh has vowed to resist the criminalisation of republicans following a heavy-handed police arrest operation at offices shared by the small political party on Monday.

SDLP in disarray over tribute to hunger striker

The nationalist SDLP has been condemned after it threatened to discipline its councillors in Newry who failed to support moves to rename a park in the town named for local hunger strike hero Raymond McCreesh.

Mayor of Dublin infuriates Israel by devious use of Irish

Sinn Fein’s Mayor of Dublin, Micheal Mac Donncha, has caused a furore over his attendance at a conference in Palestine after Israel failed to prevent him from attending and which the Israeli prime minister then denounced as anti-semitic.

Media tricked by bogus statements

Major media outlets and prominent politicians have been taken in by a bogus statement and photograph claiming to represent a new Irish republican armed group.

Foster attends ‘cash-for-ash’ inquiry

Low-level corruption and incompetence have emerged as the defining characteristics of the Six County Executive’s handling of the notorious RHI scandal as the inquiry into the affair began addressing the issue of political leadership this week.

PSNI oppression fails to halt Rising commemorations

A 76-year-old woman injured during a Crown Force operation to disrupt an Easter 1916 commemoration in Lurgan has come to symbolise the defiance of republicans against a new effort to disrupt republican Easter parade colour parties.

Murder gangs could hit South over Brexit, Trimble warns

A former leader of the Ulster Unionist Party has suggested loyalist paramilitaries could mount attacks against the Dublin government over its efforts to prevent a ‘hard border’ through Ireland.

DUP leader to emigrate if Ireland reunited

The leader of the DUP, Arlene Foster, has said she could not tolerate living in Ireland if the island were to be reunited.

Raid on UDA commander provokes ‘show of strength’

More than 40 members of the North Down UDA mounted a display of paramilitary power in Bangor, County Down following police searches of loyalist Dee Stitt’s home and two other properties.

Unionists seen leading anti-Islam sentiment

Senior unionist politicians have been accused of engaging in racist commentary amid a controversy over the distribution of fascistic leaflets against immigrants.

Derry moves to protect children from Crown Force recruitment

There has been a general welcome in Derry after councillors formally backed a call for schools to ban British Armed Forces from accessing children.

Clashes at Derry parade amid tension at Rising events

Confrontations at Easter 1916 events across the North erupted in a mini-riot in Derry today as the annual march by the 1916 Commemoration Committee, supported by Saoradh, gathered in the Creggan estate in the city.

Easter commemoration attacked by PSNI

The PSNI have this afternoon attacked an Easter commemoration in Lurgan, County Armagh, injuring a woman and dramatically raising tensions ahead of a weekend of commemorative events.

Gaza’s Bloody Friday

There has been an outcry in Ireland after more than sixteen Palestinians were killed in the Gaza Strip on Friday as Israel used snipers and other weaponry against tens of thousands of demonstrators who had gathered along the Gaza-Israel boundary.

Judge calls time on internment by remand

In a positive development in the campaign against internment by remand which has seen republicans jailed for years without charges being brought, Luke O’Neill has been granted bail.

Nationalist frustration on anniversary of Good Friday Agreement

On the twentieth anniversary of the Good Friday Agreement, a desultory media exercise by British Prime Minister Theresa May at a farm in County Down has added to the belief that political atrophy in London means there will be no revival of the Stormont powersharing institutions in the short term.

Trial of British soldiers to go ahead

Two former British soldiers are to stand trial charged with murdering an Official IRA man in Belfast 46 years ago, a judge has ordered.

Calls for protests as homeless numbers top five figures

The position of the 26 County Minister for Housing Eoghan Murphy is under increasing threat after a shock increase in the number of homeless people, particularly children, which has rocketed by almost 50 per cent in the last year.

Hand over inquest funds, court orders

In an emphatic ruling, a High Court judge has issued a “mandatory order” to civil servants in Belfast and London to provide long-denied funds for legacy inquests in the North of Ireland.

Mixed messages over tributes to SF leaders

Unionists have reacted with outrage following a proclamation by the mayor of New York last weekend naming March 17, 2018 as ‘Gerry Adams Day’.

IRSP concern over Tory legal dodge

The Irish Republican Socialist Party has said it believes that two of its members were killed as part of a wider campaign against the party by the British government and are now the target of a potential cover-up.

Battles over flags on St Patrick’s Day

At the St Patrick’s Day celebrations in Newry, the national flag was flown despite attempts by Newry, Mourne and Down Council to ban it.

Sinn Fein postpones abortion debate until after poll

Sinn Fein has suspended one of its TDs, Offaly TD Carol Nolan, after she voted against holding a referendum to remove a constitutional ban on abortion this week.

Labour appoints new shadow Direct Ruler in Brexit row

The spokesperson on Ireland for the British Labour Party, Owen Smith, was dramatically sacked by party leader Jeremy Corbyn on Friday night in a row over the party’s position on Britain’s departure from the European Union.

Hooded men, Amnesty stunned by ECHR dismissal of torture case

A decision by the European Court of Human Rights has been described as a bad day for justice after it refused to revise a judgement that the ‘Hooded Men’ did not suffer torture at the hands of their British military captors in 1971.

Taoiseach plays the gombeen for Trump

The 26 County Taoiseach Leo Varadkar is facing calls to resign after he bragged about how he subverted the state’s planning process on behalf of Donald Trump’s business interests during the traditional St Patrick’s Day lunch in Washington DC.

Gabriel Mackle released

Political prisoner Gabriel Mackle has been released following a period of internment lasting over four months, it has been confirmed. It is believed his release was made subject to legal conditions which have prevented him making a statement on the matter.

DUP negotiators can’t deliver - Sinn Fein

Sinn Fein has questioned the authority of the DUP negotiating team, headed up by party leader Arlene Foster, after the last round of talks to restore power-sharing in Belfast suddenly collapsed as a deal was imminent.

Trump set to visit ‘interesting’ border areas in Ireland

US President Donald Trump has said he will visit Ireland and will go to the border, according to reports from Washington DC.

Tory plans for Brexit include border travel ‘permit’

People crossing the British-imposed border through Ireland would have to register in advance for permission under a deranged plan for Brexit being considered by Tories.

Brother of shot escapee takes legal action

The brother of a County Tyrone man shot dead while trying to escape from Long Kesh internment camp almost 45 years ago has launched a legal action against the PSNI police and British Ministry of Defence.

DUP looks to London

Sinn Fein has warned that the DUP has “checked out” of any attempt to restore the powersharing institutions in Belfast as the Tory government in London introduced an effective Direct Rule budget for the North of Ireland.

Gibraltar Three remembered

Events have been taking place in west Belfast to commemorate three IRA Volunteers ambushed and executed by the British Army’s SAS in Gibraltar 30 years ago.

Foster’s block on inquests ‘unlawful’

A High Court judge has found that the leader of the Democratic Unionist Party, Arlene Foster, illegally blocked funding for inquests into killings in the north of Ireland.

Tony Taylor now interned for two years

Derry republican Tony Taylor has issued a statement from Maghaberry prison appealing for public support on the second anniversary of his internment.

O Caolain to stand down as public representative

Sinn Fein TD Caoimhghin O Caolain, the party’s longest-serving elected representative in the 26 Counties, has confirmed he will not stand in the next general election.

Soccer squabble over ‘Catholics’ playing for Ireland

Sinn Fein has called on the manager of the ‘Northern Ireland’ soccer squad to withdraw comments in which he complained that “Catholic” players from the Six Counties had been convinced to play for the Irish national team.

EU issues ultimatum to London over Irish border

The President of the European Council Donald Tusk has said issues relating to Ireland must be resolved before negotiations on Brexit can move ahead in other matters.

Time for truth

Thousands of people have taken part in a march for victims of the recent conflict in Belfast. They came together last weekend as they made their way to City Hall under the banner ‘Time for Truth’.

EU trade plan ‘could end the United Kingdom’ - May

The British Prime Minister has claimed an EU proposal for a ‘common regulatory area’ between the EU and the North of Ireland would “threaten the constitutional integrity of the UK”.

Irish media in receipt of government payola

The Fine Gael government in Dublin has been using public money for a marketing campaign that required Irish newspapers to make government propaganda look like news, it has emerged.

Judges blast prosecutor over untried murder of Daniel Hegarty

A prosecutor’s decision not to try the British soldier who shot dead a 15-year-old child in Derry in 1972 was “irredeemably flawed”, the High Court has ruled. Judges also ruled that the four-year delay by notorious former Crown Prosecutor Barra McGrory was “manifestly excessive, inexplicable, unjustified and unlawful”.

Secret court process could be used to challenge collusion

A former military intelligence whistle-blower in the British Army has offered to give evidence in secret court hearings about murders and collusion by the British Army.

Loyalist paramilitary ‘eviction force’ deployed in Dublin

A bank hired loyalist paramilitaries and ex-British army personnel to evict a family from their County Dublin home, according to anti-eviction activists.

Ireland endures overnight blizzard

Almost 24,000 homes and businesses across Ireland are without power amid one of the worst winter storms the country has experienced for decades. Much of the country heeded warnings to stay indoors amid extreme weather conditions overnight.

Stormont on hold as EU draft includes North in trade zone

The European Union has published its fallback plan to effectively keep the north of Ireland in the single market and customs union after Brexit, in a 120-page draft withdrawal agreement.

‘Action needed’ from British as DUP dump process

Details of a draft talks agreement on the restoration of powersharing between Sinn Fein and the DUP have exposed the opposition of powerful unionist hardliners to even the most moderate accommodation with nationalism.

US urged to defend Good Friday Agreement

A concerted attack by British ‘Brexiteers’ to end Ireland’s famous 1998 peace deal may have motivated a US decision to appoint a new envoy to the north of Ireland.

Spy device found at former home of IRA figure

There have been calls for an independent investigation after an elaborate listening device was found at the former home of a senior republican. The bug was discovered by a relative of Brian Keenan, who died from cancer in 2008.

Crown Force operations in Armagh, Belfast

Tensions are high in north Armagh following a three-day British Army and PSNI assault against the republican community in the area.

McAnespie family betrayed by Dublin government

On the 30th anniversary of his death, an announcement by the 26 County Minister for Justice that he will not release a report into the killing of a Sinn Fein election worker has hurt the family.

Anti-Irish racism in focus

The defacement of a bilingual road sign in Fermanagh has symptomised a new wave of anti-Gaelic and anti-Irish hate in the wake of the collapsed Stormont talks.

DUP can’t tolerate Irish

There is mounting concern that unionists in the north of Ireland are incapable of treating nationalists with respect after the DUP suddenly backed away from a deal which would have legislated for the rights for Irish language speakers.

Media accused of fanning anti-Gaelic hate

An element of sectarianism has surfaced in the mainstream media as extreme unionism rallied in opposition to the Irish language this week.

Judge backs Hegarty internment

A community association in Derry have called for the immediate release of republican Neil Hegarty, who was interned in Maghaberry prison in December just one day after he had been released after five years in prison.

McDonald promises new leadership, clamps down on dissent

The new Sinn Fein leader, Mary Lou McDonald, has been stamping her authority on the party in the wake of being selected as the successor to Gerry Adams, who quit the post last week.

MI5 tried to recruit Saoradh member in France

A former republican prisoner and political activist has said there was an attempt by British military agents to recruit him at an airport in France.

1916 Relatives battle developer over Moore St plans

Dublin city councillors have condemned a British property company’s efforts to have buildings around a national monument site opened for development.

Talks collapse as DUP block Irish Language Act

The current phase of political talks in Belfast has ended after unionist hardliners in the DUP rejected measures to increase recognition for the Irish language in the north of Ireland.

Mary Lou McDonald becomes new Sinn Fein President

Mary Lou McDonald today officially replaced Gerry Adams as Uachtaran Shinn Fein [President of Sinn Fein] at a special party conference in Dublin. The following is the full text of her acceptance speech.

Adams: ‘I did my best’

As he hands over the reins to Mary Lou McDonald, Sinn Fein president Gerry Adams has been giving interviews and facing a welter of last-minute criticism from his political opponents.

EU could rescue Six Counties from hard Brexit

With no sign of a British government solution to the issue of the Irish border, the European Union is reportedly preparing a draft of the British withdrawal treaty with the North of Ireland effectively having status within the EU.

Sharp improvement in Stormont talks outlook

The latest attempts to restore local power-sharing government in Belfast have made progress and should conclude next week, according to Sinn Fein.

Sinister agenda of prison authorities

Republican prisoners have condemned the authorities in Maghaberry prison over a new clampdown on educational and historical materials at the jail.

Gardai raid homes of republicans

In a series of early morning raids in Dublin this week, eight republicans and their families were subjected to armed police forcing entry to their homes.

Teacup storms continue

The political vacuum in the North continues to be filled by unionist anger at Sinn Fein over bizarre incidents and minor issues.

Haggarty to go free in brazen cover-up

There was widespread shock this week after it was confirmed that loyalist Special Branch double agent Gary Haggarty could be freed within weeks despite pleading guilty to five murders, five attempted murders and hundreds of other crimes.

Prisoners endorse ONH suspension of armed action

A group of republican prisoners at Maghaberry jail has said the suspension of armed actions by the breakaway IRA group known as Oglaigh na hEireann (ONH) last week will allow a “period of consolidation, expansion and preparation”.

Fight for civil rights continues

Fifty years on from the launch of the civil rights movement, nationalists are contining to battle for equality in the face of systematic and opportunistic discrimination.

Strong support urged for ‘March for Truth’

Victims of the conflict have announced plans for a mass march in Belfast to demand action on efforts to deal with the legacy of the conflict.

Varadkar blunders into abortion maelstrom

The Dublin government has paved the way for a referendum on abortion next May which has already provoked unanswered questions as to what is actually being proposed.

British Army schools promotion ‘endangered children’

A former republican prisoner has accused his daughters’ Catholic school of becoming a tool of oppression after British Army soldiers were allowed to make a presentation.

Scappaticci arrested

The man alleged to have been the British Army’s most high-ranking agent in the Provisional IRA has been arrested and is being questioned about allegations that he murdered dozens of people while working undercover in the IRA’s feared internal security unit.

ONH ceasefire welcomed

Oglaigh na hEireann (ONH) have confirmed no immediate plans to decommission their weapons following the breakaway IRA group’s announcement that it is to “suspend all armed actions against the British State”.

Judge steps down in key collusion case

In a dramatic day at Belfast’s High Court, a judge who sought to quash a report which found British state collusion in the Loughinisland massacre is to step aside from the case.

Provocative flags hoisted ahead of Bloody Sunday weekend

The sister of a man shot dead on Bloody Sunday has said the erection of flags for the British Army’s Parachute Regiment outside Derry is “blind sectarianism”.

Sinn Fein aims for ‘short sharp talks’

The new British Direct Ruler Karen Bradley has characterised the latest round of the talks process in Belfast as a final chance to salvage the devolved power-sharing institutions at Stormont.

Westminster edges closer towards unilateral amnesty

A British MP has warned that new recruits could be deterred from joining the British Army because of the possibility of prosecution for war crimes.

US deportations taking a toll

Concerns have been expressed at the accelerating rate at which undocumented Irish people living in the United States are being deported back to Ireland.

Statement from Oglaigh na hEireann (ONH)

The full text of today’s ceasefire statement by the breakaway IRA armed group, Oglaigh na hEireann. It was released at a press conference involving Fianna Fáil TD Eamon O Cuiv and senior trade union figures who have been in talks around the group’s future.

Oglaigh na hEireann announce ceasefire

The breakaway IRA group Oglaigh na hEireann has announced a suspension of its armed actions, saying the “environment is not right for armed conflict” at this time, according to news reports this morning.

McDonald confirmed as next leader of Sinn Fein

Mary Lou McDonald will succeed Gerry Adams as Sinn Fein leader, the party has confirmed, and will formally ascend to the leadership at a special Ard Fheis [conference] next month.

Tory/DUP bid to rig Six County elections

Sinn Fein has condemned new proposals to redraw the north’s electoral constituencies as a Tory/DUP gerrymander. A new revised plan is being prepared by the Boundary Commission which is a dramatic shift from previous plans.

Talks process set to resume in Belfast

A new phase of talks to restore the powersharing Stormont Assembly is to begin next Wednesday amid a difficult political climate.

Maghera family appeal for support on 20th anniversary

Two decades after the murder of Fergal ‘Ricky’ McCusker by the LVF, his family have said they and other victims across the area “deserve answers, truth and accountability”.

Bloody Sunday organisers shift focus from nationalist struggle

A row has broken out over this year’s Bloody Sunday march in Derry, with some republican organisations preparing to boycott the event due to the appearance of a British soldier and other contentious names on advertising material.

Adams bid to overturn convictions hears of bearded double

A court bid by Gerry Adams to overturn two 1975 convictions for attempting to escape from prison has heard that his initial detention was illegal.

Sinn Fein’s Barry McElduff stands down as MP

Sinn Fein’s Barry McElduff has resigned as West Tyrone MP following an outcry over an intended humourous video in which he used a loaf of bread as a prop.

‘Thanks for eternity’

Tributes have been paid to Rosaleen Sands, the mother of hunger striker and MP Bobby Sands, who passed away on Friday.

Humour turned to hate

A short internet video intended as humourous by Sinn Fein MP for West Tyrone Barry McElduff caused a wave of sectarian recrimination this week when a loaf of bread he perched on his head inside a petrol station carried the word ‘Kingsmill’.

Councillor caught up in wave of false arrests

Prominent Derry councillor Gary Donnelly has again been arrested and released by Gardai in County Donegal in connection with the execution of British agent and Sinn Fein informer, Denis Donaldson.

Inauspicious start for new British governor

Britain’s new Direct Ruler in Ireland Karen Bradley has visited the North where she was welcomed as a “good unionist” by DUP MP Ian Paisley.

Dublin refuses to release report on McAnespie killing

Ahead of the 30th anniversary of the killing, the Dublin government has refused to release a report into the British army killing of Aidan McAnespie as he made his way to a Gaelic sports pitch.

Britain First leader stirs it up

The deputy leader of a far-right unionist group in Britain is to go on trial on charges of hate speech in Belfast, it was confirmed in court on Tuesday.

Karen Bradley is the new British Direct Ruler

A 47-year-old English MP has been appointed as the new British Direct Ruler in the north of Ireland, taking over from the departing James Brokenshire. Karen Bradley has no known connection to Ireland.

British Direct Ruler quits

The head of British government in the north of Ireland, James Brokenshire, has quit the Tory cabinet ahead of a major reshuffle by Prime Minister Theresa May.

DUP ‘in denial’

The DUP has been accused of not facing reality after the hardline unionist party called for a return of full Direct Rule of the north of Ireland from London, and condemned comments by the 26 County Taoiseach that he supports a united Ireland.

Prison visit broken up by riot squad

A republican prisoner recently extradited into British jurisdiction was dragged away from a Christmas visit by prison warders before being subjected to a vicious strip search.

Massacre victim demands action after UVF letter revealed

Miami Showband massacre survivor Stephen Travers says the 26 County government should be ‘getting answers’ from London about revelations emerging from declassified state papers.

No reason for hospital delays, says Taoiseach

The number of patients waiting for a hospital bed on trolleys in the 26 Counties reached a record earlier this week as the Dublin government admitted it was baffled by its own failures.

Calls for investigation into 1972 Belturbet car bombing

There have been calls for the Dublin government to hold a proper investigation into the Belturbet car bombing which claimed two lives of two teenagers 45 years ago this week.

Housing Agency head keeps job despite outbursts against homeless

A notorious Irish civil servant who claims that homelessness is “normal” and that some of those seeking shelter are trying to “game the system” has been reappointed as head of the Dublin government’s Housing Agency.

Adams seen ready to end conflict in 1987

The Dublin government’s first intelligence on Sinn Fein’s peace initiative of 1987 claimed that Gerry Adams disapproved of some IRA actions and that the Sinn Fein leader saw the armed struggle as a “political liability”.

Haughey handbagged by Thatcher on extradition - state papers

State papers released in Dublin have revealed how the late Taoiseach Charlie Haughey faced an assassination threat from MI5 while he was being brow-beaten by Margaret Thatcher into handing over wanted Irish republicans.

DUP call for talks despite anger over Dublin proposal

Sinn Fein and the DUP do not agree on when a new attempt to restore powersharing in Belfast will be made, with claims by East Derry MP Gregory Campbell that negotiations are to resume “within the next 10 days” not shared by Sinn Fein.

Loughinisland ruling ignites legal tussle

Unionists are seeking to quash findings of collusion between the RUC police and unionist paramilitaries in up to six Police Ombudsman reports following a surprise court judgment before Christmas.

Painful Christmas anniversaries in Derry

The wife of a man killed in one of the worst loyalist massacres in Derry has called for the investigation into her husband’s death to be re-opened.

Tensions over new Saoradh office

Unionists have protested after republican party Saoradh opened a new office in the centre of a County Tyrone town of Dungannon.

Britain’s Brexit lies

There was outrage in Ireland this week as British negotiators backed away from commitments on the Irish border reached in a deal with the European Union on the terms of its departure.

Victims see Special Branch serial killer in court

A court in Belfast has heard two days of summing up of the 13-year murderous rampage of PSNI Special Branch agent Gary Haggarty, the names of his victims read out, and the cold and callous way they were targeted and killed.

Effort to energise ‘civic nationalism’

A letter to 26 County Taoiseach Leo Varadkar signed by more than 200 northern nationalists, urging him to protect the rights of citizens in the Six Counties, is a new attempt to bypass the North’s stalemated political process.

Megaphone injustice for Glenanne victims

Relatives of victims of the Glenanne Gang have insisted PSNI Chief George Hamilton has a duty to abide by a court ruling ordering him to complete an investigation into dozens of loyalist killings.

Betrayed Ludlow family hit with legal bill

The 26 County State is to to force the family of collusion murder victim Seamus Ludlow to pay costs after a legal challenge mounted as part of their justice campaign was rejected in the High Court in Dublin.

Joy for deaf community as signing gets official status

There were scenes of jubilation at the Dublin parliament this week when members of the deaf community celebrated the passage of a bill that officially recognises Irish Sign Language (ISL) as a language of the 26 County State.

Smokescreen hides Brexit border chasm

A tsunami of spin in regards to the Irish border has scraped the British government into a second round of negotiations with the European Union over its departure, but at the expense of any confidence in the negotiations process.

Fennell defeats charges over Easter speech

North Belfast republican Damien ‘Dee’ Fennell has finally beaten an attempt to jail him over a speech he gave at an Easter Rising commemoration in County Armagh in 2015.

‘Vindictive’ decision to intern released prisoner

Less than 36 hours after he was released at the end of his sentence, Derry republican Neil Hegarty has been seized by PSNI at his home in the Creggan area and returned to the high-security Maghaberry prison in County Antrim.

Homeless death toll mounts as Minister bemoans phone calls

Three homeless people have already died and more deaths are expected as an icy winter spell grips Ireland.

Hamill case against alleged RUC conspirator gets go ahead

A decision to halt the prosecution of a former RUC man and two other on charges linked to the loyalist mob killing of Catholic man Robert Hamill is to be quashed, High Court judges has ruled.

Irish constitution violated by EU military move

The Dublin government has rushed legislation through parliament to join an EU militarisation project, with the complicity of Fianna Fail, in an apparent quid-pro-quo for the EU supporting its stance on Brexit.

Pro-union Brexit deal set to inflame border concerns

As a draft deal on Britain’s withdrawal from the European Union was being parsed today, unionists appeared to have won dramatic changes, heavily eroding a previous commitment to no regulatory divergence along the Irish border and adding clear guarantees of no regulatory barriers between the north of Ireland and Britain.

Brexit deal reached between EU and London

The full text of a draft agreement released this morning (in reference to Ireland) in negotiations on Britain’s withdrawal from the EU.

Brexit deal collapses as DUP say no to soft border

Plans to seal a critical deal to advance negotiations on Britain’s departure from the EU ended in farce this afternoon when a last minute phone call from the DUP caused the British Prime Minister Theresa May to pull out at the last minute.

Brexidiots

The failure of the British body politic to understand the implications of reinforcing the border through Ireland has dominated news coverage at a critical juncture in the negotiations over Britain’s departure from the EU.

Senator resigns from Sinn Fein

Sinn Fein Senator Trevor O Clochartaigh has sensationally quit the party in the most serious fallout yet from an ongoing crisis within the organisation over internal management and controls.

MI5 linked to violent police raids in Belfast

Saoradh has accused MI5 of using a false flag ‘suspect device’ to justify raids on homes of republican families in north Belfast.

Stormont talks ruled out as policing concerns mount

The possibility that negotiations aimed at restoring government in the North would resume this week has faded after Sinn Fein said there was no basis for the talks process to start up again.

Questions asked over apparent impunity of killers

The family of Jim Loughrey, murdered by the Ulster Defence Association (UDA) in November 1976, have said they want to know how someone can be a suspect in four murders, but never be arrested or questioned by the police.

Tanaiste Coveney looms closer to weakened Varadkar

A near-death experience for the 26 County government has led to the appointment of the Foreign Affairs Minister, Simon Coveney, as as the new Tanaiste [Deputy Prime Minister], replacing the disgraced Frances Fitzgerald following her resignation this week.

Snap election averted as Minister resigns

The disgraced Irish Deputy Prime Minister, Tanaiste Frances Fitzgerald, has resigned, preventing a 26 County general election before Christmas.

Election likely as Varadkar defends disgraced Minister

The 26 County minority government could collapse on Tuesday after Fine Gael leader Leo Varadkar refused to back down over a motion of no confidence in the deputy prime minister, Tanaiste Frances Fitzgerald.

A new generation taking over at Sinn Fein

A historic Sinn Fein Ard Fheis has paved the way for a smooth transition of power after two senior Sinn Fein members ruled themselves out of a potential party leadership contest.

Relatives dying before seeing justice for victims

A coroner’s court has found the British Army had no justification for shooting dead 25-year-old Joseph Parker at a Christmas dance in north Belfast in 1971. His wife, who was pregnant with their second child at the time, died before she could hear his shooting declared “not justified”.

Britain to rewrite talks deal with amnesty for killer soldiers

Gerry Adams has described as “an act of bad faith” a move by the British government to add a new section about an amnesty for British crown forces onto a bill for the implementation of the 2014 Stormont House Agreement.

Saoradh activists targeted at party conference

A stop-and-search operation by the PSNI targeted dozens of republican activists attending the Saoradh Ard Fheis in Derry last weekend.

Taylor apologises for referring to Varadkar as ‘the Indian’

Former Ulster Unionist Party Deputy Leader John Taylor, now styling himself ‘Lord Kilclooney’, has been forced to issue an apology after referring to Taoiseach Leo Varadkar as “the Indian”.

Govt pact over as Fianna Fail say no confidence in Minister

The latest embarrassing revelation of attempts to silence a police corruption whistleblower has escalated dramatically tonight with apparent confirmation that a deal underpinning the minority 26 County government is at an end.

Upheaval for Sinn Fein as Adams announces retirement

It was an emotional night for Sinn Fein supporters in the RDS last night as Gerry Adams confirmed he was making his last Presidential Address after more than 30 years at the head of the organisation.

Gerry Adams to step down as Sinn Fein leader

Sinn Fein President Gerry Adams tonight confirmed he will stand aside as leader of the party next year, and gave credit to other members of the leadership who have stepped aside or are in the process of doing so.

45 years for the truth

Rulings that the murder of 11-year-old British Army victim Francis Rowntree was ‘not justified’ and that the rubber bullets fired at him were lethal have been widely welcomed, although 45 years late and following the recent death of his mother.

Sinn Fein clear way to enter Dublin govt as junior party

The prospect of a Sinn Fein Tanaiste serving under a Fine Gael or Fianna Fail Taoiseach is closer today after a controversial vote at Sinn Fein’s annual conference in Dublin this weekend.

Decision time for Tories on Irish border

Hard-right Tories and British tabloids have expressed fury after the EU and the Dublin government both insisted on a British commitment that there will be no ‘hard border’ -- physical installations or patrols -- following Britain’s departure from the EU.

Unexpected encounter provokes violent prison assault

Republican prisoners in the north of Ireland have hit out at the brutality they are routinely being subjected to, after three of their number at Maghaberry were assaulted by warders during a remand hearing.

‘Walter Mitty’ administration in denial about homeless crisis

Comments this week by the Taoiseach Leo Varadkar and others in the Dublin government have sparked outrage among homeless charities and housing campaigners.

Rock star rocked back by Sinn Fein Mayor

Former rock star and TV celebrity Bob Geldof has been accused of hypocrisy after returning his freedom of the city of Dublin in protest at disgraced Myanmar leader Aung San Suu Kyi holding the same honour, while he retains the title of Knight Commander of the Order of the British Empire.

Direct Rule budget passes through Westminster

Sinn Fein has said talks with unionists to restore the Six County Executive are over after it was confirmed today that the British government is pushing a ‘Northern Ireland’ budget bill through all stages of the Westminster parliament, a key step towards the return of full Direct Rule of the north of Ireland from London.

RSF figure ordered held without trial

A prominent Armagh republican, Gabriel Mackle, has been interned on the orders of the British Direct Ruler James Brokenshire.

Direct Rule budget ‘not the end’ for Stormont - May

The British Prime Minister has spoken separately to the Sinn Fein and DUP leaderships to insist that hope remains for a talks deal to retain the Stormont Assembly.

PSNI ‘compelled’ to produce collusion report

The PSNI is being ordered by a High Court judge to finalise and publish an all-encompassing report into suspected British state collusion with a loyalist unit behind more than 100 murders.

Intimidation rising, figures show

Hundreds of people are being forced from their homes every year by loyalist paramilitaries, according to figures released this week.

Call for new inquest into murder of John Copeland

Senior republican Eddie Copeland has asked for a new inquest into the death of his father.

The forgotten victim of Enniskillen

The 30th anniversary of the Enniskillen bombing was widely commemorated this week in Ireland and Britain, but Adam Lambert, a young Protestant killed instead of a Catholic in a reprisal attack, was largely forgotten.

An end to the Good Friday Agreement?

An attempt to inject urgency into the Stormont talks process this week failed to resolve a stand-off over the Democratic Unionist Party’s refusal to implement past agreements on equality and respect for nationalists, leading to speculation that the process has reached an endpoint.

‘Arm na Poblachta’ claims rocket attack

A newly announced IRA group has claimed responsibility for a rocket reportedly discovered in the Poleglass area of Belfast following a telephone warning.

Documentary finds RUC massacre conspiracy

A retired RUC police detective has admitted a colleague involved in the investigation into the massacre of six Catholic men in County Down in 1994 was more interested in setting up another murder than catching the killers.

Attempt to bypass the law as soldiers are questioned

Sinn Fein has strongly rejected the latest attempt to rule out prosecutions of British soldiers for war crimes committed during the conflict in Ireland.

It’s slums or the street as housing crisis deepens

The Dublin government is being urged to declare a national emergency following the identification of landlord-operated slums and another rise in homelessness in the face of a chronic shortage of accommodation.

Catalan cabinet ministers interned by Spain

Sinn Fein President Gerry Adams TD has strongly criticised the Spanish government after eight Catalan ministers were sent to jails in Madrid on charges of “rebellion” and “sedition” over a referendum on independence.

Saoradh leaders held in raids

Saoradh has protested against the detention of its chairperson, national organiser and two Belfast activists, after they were seized in early morning raids on Thursday.

Unionists struggling with equality - Adams

Gerry Adams has said efforts to rescue the political institutions in the north of Ireland are struggling because unionist leaders have not adapted to a rights-based society.

High Court recognises torture of Hooded Men

In a significant legal development, a High Court judge has admitted that a group of 14 Irish nationalist internees were tortured by British state forces in 1971.

Judge’s concern over ‘inhuman’ strip searches

A judge in Dublin has warned that a republican facing extradition to British jurisdiction could be subjected to inhuman and degrading conditions in Maghaberry Prison.

Campbell extradition hearing proceeds; Corry returns home

An Irishman facing prosecution for alleged IRA actions and gunrunning should not be surrendered to Lithuania because of concerns over whether he would receive a fair trial, the High Court has heard.

Dublin refuses to recognise Catalonia’s independence

The 26 County state has said it will not recognise Catalonia’s declaration of independence from Spain, according to the Department of Foreign Affairs in Dublin.

Catalonia declares independence

Catalonia has declared independence from Spain, ahead of an expected attempt by Madrid to invalidate its autonomous powers.

Britain ready for border conflict

The British government has said it is ready to send British soldiers into Irish border areas if Britain leaves the EU without a Brexit deal.

Varadkar casts doubt on unity clause in peace deal

Fine Gael leader and 26 County Taoiseach Leo Varadkar has suggested the north of Ireland should remain under British rule in the short term, even if there a majority in favour of unification with the south.

Spain interns Catalan leaders as crisis deepens

Leaders of two of the main pro-independence organisations in Catalonia have been sent to prison without bail on charges of “sedition” by the Spanish government as fears grow that Madrid is on a course to ignite civil war.

Documentary exposes Loughinisland cover-up

One of loyalism’s most notorious mass murderers has been protected by the British state, according to a new documentary, as the former British soldier was named for the first time.

PSNI double standards on display

The PSNI police has insisted that unionist paramilitary flags are “historic” and break no laws -- but that a sign reading “F**k the DUP” constitutes a hate crime.

Banks stole half a billion from mortgage customers

New investigations into the criminal actions of Irish bankers during the financial crisis have revealed that some of their customers committed suicide after being swindled out of their homes in a mortgage fraud.

Irishman freed by Egypt

An Irish political prisoner of the Egyptian government, Ibrahim Halawa, has been released following an internment of more than four years.

Historic storm batters Ireland

A woman in her 20s has been killed by a falling tree as hurricane force winds began hitting every county today in the worst storm Ireland has seen in fifty years.

UVF case abandoned

Another loyalist ‘supergrass’ case has collapsed with the news that not one of the loyalists or Special Branch police named in court by informer Gary Haggarty will face prosecution.

How the DUP bought UDA votes

New details of a corruption scandal have undermined efforts to restore the Stormont Assembly in Belfast, despite reports of progress in negotiations.

Judge ignored ‘not guilty’ statement

A republican jailed on IRA charges has launched a bid to overturn her conviction.

PSNI withhold report on Special Branch reform

The PSNI police in the north of Ireland has refused to release a report on policing reform in the 1970s written by a British intelligence officer with openly racist views.

Independence on hold for Catalonia

Members of the Catalan parliament have signed a declaration of independence from Spain but have agreed to suspend its implementation pending talks with the Madrid government.

‘Bonkers’ budget a media exercise

The Dublin government has set aside five million euro for a new public relations department but said it has no funds to pay thousands of pensions blocked by a rule described by the Minister for Finance himself as ‘bonkers and unbelievable’.

‘Long live Catalonia’

Irish nationalists have united in solidarity with Catalonia and in condemnation of the attempted suppression of this week’s independence poll.

Sinn Fein facing potential split

Sinn Fein could be facing a damaging split over its internal party management, according to reports. A number of rows and expulsions in recent months has seen some members already link up in a potential new national structure.

Hamilton admits UVF behind shared-space intimidation

The PSNI has been forced to admit unionist paramilitaries were behind threats which caused four Catholic families to flee their south Belfast homes.

Stormont talks approach ‘decision time’

With only weeks left until a British-imposed deadline for a deal on power-sharing talks, Sinn Fein’s Michelle O’Neill and the DUP leader Arlene Foster have clashed in an unusual public event.

Protests over PSNI harassment

A republican protest is set to take place against the PSNI after dozens of incidents of harassment in recent weeks.

Legal action over Ireland’s unwanted billions

The Dublin government is being taken to the European Court of Justice over its refusal to collect 13 billion euro in taxes from US tech giant Apple.

Independence voters attacked by Spanish riot police

Scores of polling station workers and voters alike have been injured in Catalonia as an official referendum on independence today was violently suppressed by the Spanish authorities in Madrid.

Catholics free ‘shared community’

Catholic families in a cross-community housing development in Belfast have been ordered to leave their homes in a sectarian threat from the unionist paramilitary UVF.

Adams recommits to Stormont at Ashe commemoration

Speaking at Sinn Fein’s main commemoration for hunger striker Thomas Ashe, who died as a result of force-feeding five days into a hunger strike in Mountjoy Jail in September 1917, Gerry Adams has said said his party is still committed to making a deal with the DUP to return to powersharing.

EU parliament to back special status for North

In a u-turn, the European Parliament is set to call for the North of Ireland to remain part of the EU single market and customs union.

Documents prove military lied about killings

Fresh inquests have been sought into the deaths of two IRA Volunteers in separate incidents in 1972 and 1973 after documents emerged which confirmed that the men were unlawfully killed by British soldiers.

Judicial review takes place into Hegarty decision

Self-defence claims raised by a British soldier who shot an innocent teenager at point-blank range in Derry 45 years ago have been stripped of all credibility, the High Court has heard.

‘Freedom for Catalonia’

A sudden and violent attempt to suppress the Catalan independence movement by the Madrid government has shocked those struggling for self-determination across the world.

Soldiers’ impunity bid challenged by victims’ families

A demonstration in support of killer British troops was dramatically opposed by relatives and supporters of their Irish victims.

Funeral of republican allowed use flags

There are hopes that a church ban on the use of Irish flags to honour republicans will be dropped after a priest fulfilled the dying wish of a lifelong republican and allowed his coffin to be draped in the Irish tricolour and Starry Plough.

Shell to hell as flames erupt from refinery

A fault at the controversial Corrib gas terminal operated by Shell in County Mayo has terrified local residents who do not believe a “burning off” process at the plant is safe.

Trump administration seen turning its back to Ireland

The US administration has been urged to reverse a decision to abolish the post of special envoy to the north of Ireland.

Unionists urged to “fill up” social housing

Unionists have expressed their support for a residents’ group which has called for a social housing development to be “filled up with people from the loyalist/unionist community”.

Injustice upon injustice in supergrass ‘trial’

There have been protests against the planned use of a paid informer in the non-jury trial of republican political activist Kevin Braney, the chairperson of Saoradh in Dublin.

Disbelief as RHC murder gang seeks respectability

Using a long-standing cover name, loyalist paramilitaries in the UVF have sought to be legalised in a plan which has brought anger and incredulity to its victims.

Border checkpoints ‘would be a provocation’

The president of Republican Sinn Fein, Des Dalton, has warned that that border checkpoints following Brexit could become a target for militant republicans amid a surge in interest in republican politics.

Loyalists planned to set fire to ‘every street corner’

Loyalists planned widespread disturbances across the Six Counties in response to council threats against their bonfires, it has been revealed.

Bereaved son wins recognition of investigation’s failings

A man whose parents were killed when loyalist paramilitaries colluded with British Crown forces has won High Court permission to challenge the refusal of the state to oversee and fund an effective investigation.

Fine Gael MEP indicates Irish neutrality on offer to EU

There are concerns that Irish neutrality could be the price paid by the Dublin government for the European Union to defend its interest in the Brexit negotiations with Britain.

Garda Commissioner Noirin O’Sullivan quits

The Garda police Commissioner in the 26 Counties, Noirin O’Sullivan, has announced that she is retiring after a litany of scandals and disgraces finally overwhelmed fierce resistance in government circles to her relinquishing the post.

Coalition closer as Adams to step back

Sinn Fein’s Gerry Adams has made the first step in his gradual withdrawal from front-line politics in a historic shift which he believes will help pave the way for a new generation of party leaders.

New financial scandal hits DUP

In the latest financial scandal to embroil the North’s largest unionist party, a newspaper has alleged that prominent DUP MP Ian Paisley Jr accepted holidays worth a hundred thousand pounds from a country he is now helping to secure a trade deal.

Joint authority ‘is out’ - Theresa May

A belligerent British government statement, apparently ruling out a role for the 26 County government in the running of the Six Counties, has cast a shadow over efforts to restart powersharing talks in Belfast.

Prison authorities up harassment of republicans

The mother of a two-year-old boy has told how they were refused entry to Maghaberry prison for a family visit because her son was wearing camouflage-patterned shoes.

‘Sinister’ MI5 effort targets RNU figure

A prisoner support organisation has said they have passed on a recording of a conservation in which a member of British military intelligence attempted to extract information about recently released remand prisoner Carl Reilly.

Six Counties made to disappear by Irish TV

The flagship chat show of Ireland’s state-run TV network sparked outrage when a map of Ireland showed the Six Counties of the north of Ireland cut off.

Glenanne plot ‘went to the top’

A former RUC police officer this week said he believed the British government was aware of the activities of the Glenanne Gang’s death squads at the very highest level.

Equality denied as Foster demands return to government

A decoy talks proposal by Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) leader Arlene Foster for a ‘parallel’ process alongside the Stormont Assembly has been dismissed by northern nationalists as an attempt to muddy the political waters.

Special Brexit deal likely as ‘nobody’ wants to do border checks

Sinn Fein has urged the Dublin government to block talks on future ties between Britain and the European Union as not enough progress has been made on agreeing the status of the border through Ireland once Britain exits the EU.

Derry museum occupied over memorial including British soldiers

Two women who lost loved ones in the conflict have occupied the Museum of Free Derry in the city’s Bogside, refusing to get out at closing time and sleeping overnight on the floor after a row over a notorious exhibition which equates Bloody Sunday victims with their killers.

Anger as ‘clueless’ Minister blames Sinn Fein for UVF attack

A junior Fine Gael Minister bizarrely sought to implicate Sinn Fein in the worst loyalist massacre of the conflict this week.

Insensitive Varadkar recalls princess as homeless die

Leo Varadkar’s minority government in Dublin has been accused of crassly ignoring the housing crisis amid a spate of deaths among homeless people.

Loyalist bid to ‘cleanse’ Derry’s Waterside

Five Catholic and mixed families have been forced out of their homes in Derry amid a pogrom by loyalist paramilitaries in the predominately Protestant Waterside area of the city.

Informer Sean O’Callaghan found dead

A self-confessed IRA informer has been found dead in a swimming pool in Jamaica.

Britain pressured Vatican to name new Cardinal

Secret links between the British government and the Catholic church have been revealed in classified government papers released this week.

Stormont’s future in doubt as talks offer is rebuffed

A prominent Sinn Fein figure has said that party members have become disillusioned with the Stormont Assembly even as Sinn Fein issued a call for new efforts to restore power-sharing in the Six Counties.

Fine Gael ‘sneaking in’ compulsory ID card

Sinn Fein Deputy Leader Mary Lou McDonald has described Fine Gael’s attempts to introduce a mandatory ID Card for the 26 Counties “by the back door” as a textbook example of a government that does not believe it is accountable to the people.

Inquest delay condemned

The family of a teenager believed to have been shot by a British soldier on the grounds of a Belfast hospital more than four decades ago have condemned a two-year delay to the inquest into his death.

Brexit blame game underway

Claims by the British government that they wish to impose no additional border reinforcements in Ireland following their departure from the European Union are being treated with scepticism.

Competing claims over Derry bonfire

A nationalist bonfire went ahead in Derry last weekend following an agreement to relocate the fire away from a main road.

Protest over sectarian parade in Rasharkin

Two nationalist residents groups held protests against a coat-trailing loyalist march through the mainly nationalist village of Rasharkin on Friday night, August 18.

Nationalists enduring arrest, trial over parades

Republican Sinn Fein has denounced an arrest operation in the Armagh and Tyrone areas which saw several members of the party seized over a 24 hour period. In one instance a member was taken ill in the process and needed an ambulance to take him to hospital.

Hostility to Sinn Fein unity effort emerges in Dublin

With the prospects of Irish reunification appearing to grow in the aftermath of the Brexit referendum, some elements within the 26 County establishment have become increasingly nervous.

Minister ‘looking to get handle’ on deepening homelessness crisis

The number of homeless people in Ireland could reach 10,000 by the middle of next year if the low level of government activity continues, charities have warned.

Youths riot over bonfire raids

A one-sided approach by council authorities to bonfires has been blamed for a riotous conflagration in nationalist areas of Belfast city centre this week which threatened to reignite conflict at sectarian interfaces in the city.

Sinn Fein leaders open door to left-right coalition

There is increasing speculation that Sinn Fein could become the junior partners in the next coalition government in the 26 Counties after the party leadership refused to rule it out.

Protest stops British Legion concert performance

A protest by a group called ‘Irish Socialist Republicans’ successfully disrupted a concert performance in honour of the British Army at a rural village in County Limerick this week.

Strong turnout for restricted anti-internment march

Over a thousand people took part in an anti-internment parade through Belfast which was banned from the city centre last weekend, while two tiny loyalist and fascist events were allowed to take place there.

DUP ‘cosying up to the UDA’

Sinn Fein’s Gerry Kelly has condemned the DUP for “cosying up to the UDA” while Sinn Fein was “standing up against armed groups from right across the community”.

‘Spycop’ infiltrated Troops Out Movement

Undercover police who spied on political groups have been identified by a judge-led public inquiry in England into illegal police operations.

Historic Dáil document on peaceful unification

An Irish parliamentary report on achieving Irish unity has placed the republican goal of a united Ireland in the context of 26 County constitutional parliamentary politics for the first time.

Varadkar makes waves in Belfast

The 26 County Taoiseach has made his first visit north of the border since becoming Fine Gael leader, and called for a “unique solution” to the status of the Six Counties after Brexit and attending a Gay Pride event.

PSNI ‘handed keys to every flat’

The PSNI police have been provided with the keys to every property in the tower blocks of republican north Belfast, it has emerged.

Portlaoise dispute reflects divisions for prisoners

A dispute which saw unaligned republican prisoner Donal Billings undertake a brief hunger protest after he was removed from the republican wing of Portlaoise jail has ended amicably with his return to the wing.

Tensions high as Belfast rallies against internment

Tensions remain high in the North following ‘the Twelfth’ marches by the Orange Order and sectarian bonfires earlier this month, and ahead of a confluence of nationalist, loyalist and far-right protests and counter-protests in Belfast on Sunday.

Talks on hold but Stormont rancour continues

Sinn Fein’s Gerry Adams has said he would “cancel his holidays now” to deal with outstanding issues and get Stormont’s Executive back up and running.

PSNI’s Glenanne cover-up fails

In a dramatic vindication for the grieving families, the High Court in Belfast has accepted that the PSNI wrecked an investigation into collusion by Britain in the notorious Glenanne Gang, which was responsible for killing 130 Catholics.

Finucane family granted appeal to Supreme Court

The widow of murdered defence lawyer Pat Finucane has been granted permission to take her bid for a public inquiry into his death to the highest court in England.

Orange disorders exposed

There is a growing media focus on the Orange Order in the north of Ireland after reports that the secretive anti-Catholic organisation has a violent initiation ritual known as ‘riding the goat’, and that its members were told not to use the phrase ‘Rest in Peace’ as it is too Catholic.

‘Defiant’ Varadkar will not advance new electronic border

There are indications that the Dublin government may be waking up to the risks involved in reinforcing the partition of Ireland after it rejected the prospect of a new economic border to impose Brexit.

Tories evasive as questions hang over new DUP role

The British government may be planning to supplant the power-sharing Executive at Stormont with the ‘consultative committee’ set up as part of the deal with the Democratic Unionists to prop up the Tory government at Westminster, it has been warned.

Loyalists seeking confrontation with marches

Loyalists marched through a mixed community in south Belfast on Friday night in a show of strength in tribute to notorious UDA paramilitaries linked to a string of sectarian atrocities.

Orange Order not shamed by hate fiesta

The Orange Order has refused to apologise after photographs emerged of supporters in Scotland wearing bizarre and shocking costumes expressing racist and sectarian hate.

Politics as usual as Irish unity seen in reach

Sinn Fein President Gerry Adams TD has said that Micheal Martin “needs to get serious about a United Ireland” following the Fianna Fail leader’s refusal to support the establishment of a parliamentary committee on Irish Unity.

Extraditions opposed

A third attempt to extradite Liam Campbell to Lithuania is being opposed over the nature of the prison conditions in the country.

Adams challenges internment-related convictions

Sinn Fein leader Gerry Adams has launched a legal bid to overturn two historical convictions for attempting to escape from Long Kesh internment camp.

Call for big turnout for Tony Taylor

Nationalist and republican groups are coming together this weekend to again demand freedom for imprisoned Irish activist Tony Taylor.

Fears for republican held with criminals

Protests are being organised on behalf of a republican prisoner who is being kept in isolation among the general criminal cohort at Maghaberry jail.

Sickening sectarianism

The Democratic Unionist Party has caused a furore by issuing conflicting statements about the burning of a coffin effigy of the late Sinn Fein leader Martin McGuinness on a loyalist bonfire in east Belfast on Tuesday.

No trouble at Twelfth parades

The height of the Protestant marching season passed more quietly than recent years as Orangemen and bandsmen largely respected the rulings of the Parades Commission, which adjudicates on the routes of contentious parades.

Varadkar opposes unity referendum

Sinn Fein President Gerry Adams has expressed his surprise at remarks made by Taoiseach Leo Varadkar, during an interview with Time Magazine, in which he says that he is ‘very much opposed’ to a referendum on Irish reunification.

Council erects UDA flags

Links between local councils and loyalist paramilitary groups continue to grow with the erection in north Down of banners carrying the motto of infamous UDA death squads.

Spooks seek informers in Tyrone

Saoradh, the new republican political party, has alleged that British military intelligence (MI5) has been targeting Irish republicans in County Tyrone, in attempts to recruit British agents and informers.

Legal challenge to Tory/DUP pact

An agreement between unionists and the Conservative Party at the Westminster parliament is set to be challenged in the courts.

Bonfire chaos reaches new level, says fire service

Last night saw an almost 50% increase in bonfire-related emergency callouts since last year as state-funded loyalist ‘Eleventh Night’ blazes damaged property and threatened lives across the North.

Culture of hate

Stung by criticism that it has conspired in loyalist paramilitary crime, Belfast city councillors have now attempted to limit the size of four ‘Eleventh Night’ bonfires, despite having previously funded and supported the infamously sectarian displays.

System fights back after jury’s ‘not guilty’ verdict

The outcome of the Jobstown trial is causing chaos for the political establishment in Dublin after an attempted frame-up failed to jail a sitting TD and other left-wing activists.

EU insists on Brexit border controls

There are concerns that the European Union is ready to sacrifice Ireland in its Brexit negotiations after EU Chief Negotiator Michel Barnier declared that a “frictionless” EU border across Ireland is not possible following Britain’s withdrawal from the EU.

Scottish clampdown on Orange sectarianism

A complete ban on Orange Order marches is being considered in Glasgow, Scotland after council officials examined footage showing a sectarian and racist song being chanted at a parade last weekend.

Taylor takes legal action as protests are held

Interned Derry republican Tony Taylor is to sue the British government for wrongful arrest and false imprisonment.

The Craigavon Two - Eight years of silence

Dublin City Council this week passed a motion calling for the release of Brendan McConville and John Paul Wootton, victims of a miscarriage of justice in March 2009. Gavin O’Reilly takes a fresh look at the case.

Tory/DUP pact blamed as Stormont talks end in failure

The collapse of talks to revive power-sharing has been described by Sinn Fein’s Michelle O’Neill as a “monumental failure” by British Prime Minister Theresa May who she said had “set back decades of work” in the peace process.

DUP triumphant as peace deal is shredded

A deal between the Tories and the Democratic Unionist Party could allow the unionist hardliners to control British policy in the north of Ireland for the lifetime of the current Westminster parliament.

Landmark trial boosts left-wing activists

The 26 County political establishment suffered a devastating blow on Thursday when a jury rejected an attempt to jail six political activists on accusations that they had ‘kidnapped’ former Taoiseach Joan Burton and her secretary.

Stormont talks slide through another deadline

Despite a sudden flurry of activity, the Stormont talks passed through another British-imposed deadline on Thursday, the fourth this year.

New SF outreach initiative dismissed by DUP

The DUP has immediately rejected a renewed Sinn Fein campaign to convince unionists of the merits of a united Ireland.

Ardoyne schoolkids targeted again

Loyalists have renewed sectarian intimidation at the Holy Cross Catholic Girls School in the Ardoyne district of Belfast by painting red, white and blue paint on kerbstones and the letters ‘LA’ at the entrance.

Saoradh suffers split; SF councillors feud with party

Saoradh, the Irish republican party formed last September, has experienced a serious split with the resignation of 23 members from its Belfast branch.

Jobstown accused found not guilty

Socialist Paul Murphy TD and five other men have been found not guilty of falsely imprisoning former Tanaiste Joan Burton and her adviser during a 2014 water charges protest.

DUP concludes government deal with Tories

The Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) and the Conservative party have completed a deal which will see the DUP prop up a minority Tory government.

‘Brexit to them gently’

English royals Elizabeth and Charles Windsor have delivered the legislative agenda of the presumptive minority government in London for the next two years which revolves around its uncertain plans to withdraw from the European Union.

Scepticism as state killer pleads guilty

Relatives of the victims of a notorious British state agent watched as Gary Haggarty answered guilty to a lengthy list of charges at Belfast Crown Court on Friday.

Stormont on hold while DUP closes in on Westminster power

Talks between the Democratic Unionist Party and the British Conservatives have continued in London on a ‘confidence and supply’ agreement for the DUP to prop up a minority Tory government at Westminster.

Anti-DUP march takes place in London

A march is taking place in London today [Saturday] in opposition to the DUP and its policies.

‘No fuss’ claim as UVF flags go up

There has been a public protest at the erection of loyalist paramilitary flags in South Belfast after the recently elected MP, Emma Little-Pengelly of the Democratic Unionists, claimed that she sees ‘no demand’ for their removal and that residents ‘do not want a fuss’.

Bizarre twist in bonfire storage scandal

The involvement and support of Belfast City Council for loyalist paramilitary bonfires reached farcical levels this week after 3,000 wooden pallets being stored by the council as fuel for the pyres ended up being stolen by persons unknown.

Peace warnings as May plays the Orange card

An attempt by British Prime Minister Theresa May to placate the North of Ireland parties over her plans to form a pact with hardline unionists saw Sinn Fein leader Gerry Adams tell her that her government is “in clear breach of the Good Friday Agreement”.

Saoradh offices raided

A raid on the headquarters of the republican party Saoradh in Belfast has been described as an act of oppression amid the political upheaval of recent weeks.

Orangeman found guilty over ‘ISIS style’ assault

An Orangeman accused of attacking nationalists in the manner of an Islamist terrorist attack has been found guilty of assault and causing grievous bodily harm.

Loyalists attack Irish bar in Liverpool

In one of a number of incidents related to parade tensions, loyalists marchers belonging to the Apprentice Boys of Derry staged a mob attack on an Irish bar in Liverpool last Saturday evening.

Parole decision fuels new campaign against internment

The wife of interned republican activist Tony Taylor is hoping public protest and legal action will bring his freedom after a parole panel refused his release earlier this month.

Kenny finally makes way as Varadkar becomes Taoiseach

The long goodbye of the outgoing 26 County Taoiseach has ended after he handed in his resignation to President Michael D Higgins, and his successor, Leo Varadkar, received his seal of office.

Parallel talks taking place in Belfast and London

There was a surreal air in Belfast on Monday as talks aimed at restoring power-sharing in the north of Ireland went ahead, even as the DUP were separately negotiating to enter a deal on government with the Tories in London.

The devil and the DUP

Sinn Fein has played down the impact of a deal between unionists and Conservatives as it emerged the Democratic Unionist Party will support a minority Tory government in London.

Talks in doubt as Tory/DUP alliance threatens peace deal

Stormont negotiations scheduled to recommence on Monday are unlikely to go ahead as the Democratic Unionists have turned their focus to London following the Westminster general election.

Sinn Fein winning the electoral battle

The political geography of the north of Ireland has been rewritten following the Westminster election as Sinn Fein and the Democratic Unionists entirely obliterated the smaller parties, with Sinn Fein emerging as the biggest winner with three extra seats.

Internee refused parole

A protest is being held in Derry on Sunday after interned republican activist Tony Taylor was again refused release from prison.

New Lodge Six ‘want truth to be known’

The families of six Catholic men all killed by the British army more than 44 years ago have asked the Six County attorney general for a new inquest.

Drug dealers in Belfast facing summary justice

The PSNI police has admitted it failed to disclose a murder bid in Belfast earlier this year as a behind-the-scenes vigilante battle against drug dealers was uncovered.

Tories look to agree deal with DUP after losing majority

A nightmarish final Westminster election result has given the DUP the opportunity to form a highly unstable coalition with the Conservatives.

Sinn Fein gains three seats as smaller parties wiped out

A surge in support for Sinn Fein has seen the party win seats in Foyle, South Down and Fermanagh/South Tyrone, wiping the rival nationalist SDLP off the Westminster political map.

Tories in trouble after snap election; SF, DUP gain

The Conservatives are failing to gain seats and their majority in the House of Commons could even be in doubt as early results come in from the British general election.

Brazen murder as UDA rewards DUP with election support

A brutal murder by the unionist paramilitary UDA of a feud rival and its subsequent election endorsement of the DUP has dramatically raised the issue of collusion between unionist politicians and loyalist murder gangs ahead of next week’s Westminster election.

SDLP backs border poll in pre-election play

In a move which has brought the two nationalist parties in the North closer than ever politically, the SDLP is backing calls for a border poll on Irish reunification.

Loyalist threat linked to murder of election candidate’s father

Sinn Fein North Belfast candidate John Finucane has received a chilling loyalist death threat as the election campaign entered its final week.

Anger over Derry’s tribute to its oppressors

A protest was held on Friday afternoon, June 2, over the inclusion of the names of British soldiers and RUC members killed during the conflict in an installation at the Museum of Free Derry.

Tory attack video filled with lies

A smear campaign against Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn by the British Conservative Party took a sinister turn this week after the party promoted a “fake news” attack video over his views on the conflict in Ireland.

Unwavering bravery recalled at unveiling of new mural

A former IRA Volunteer, John Crawley, delivered the main address at the unveiling of a new mural in honour of IRA martyr George McBrearty on the 36th anniversary of his death on Sunday.

Varadkar confirmed as new FG leader and next Taoiseach

Leo Varadkar is to become Ireland’s youngest and first openly gay Taoiseach. He defeated his rival for the Fine Gael leadership, Simon Coveney, in an internal party ballot today, replacing Enda Kenny who announced his retirement last month.

Rogue statelet

The collapse of the trial of notorious Irish bankster Sean FitzPatrick has increased suspicions that the 26 County state is deliberately facilitating white collar crime.

Brexit border could reignite conflict - Merkel

German Chancellor Angela Merkel has warned of a resurgence of conflict in Ireland as a possible consequence of Britain leaving the EU.

Attack and threats amid election tensions

A family including an 11-month-old baby have escaped injury after their house was paint-bombed and windows smashed in a sectarian attack.

Adams defends Corbyn as Tories grow desperate

British Labour Party leader Jeremy Corbyn was “on the right side of history” in his attitude to the IRA and Irish republicanism, Sinn Fein leader Gerry Adams has said.

Scores of videos document PSNI harassment campaign

Videos of PSNI police abuse and harassment of republicans and the people of Derry have received hundreds upon thousands of views, likes and shares on the internet.

British govt bid to suppress public documents

The family of a teenager killed by British soldiers 46 years ago have accused the British Ministry of Defence (MoD) of trying to obstruct a new investigation into her death.

Varadkar set to become next Taoiseach

The current Minister for Social Protection Leo Varadkar looks well placed to win the Fine Gael leadership contest and take over as head of the Dublin government.

‘Dark money’ behind DUP’s campaign efforts

The DUP is under intense pressure to reveal the source of a large donation received during the referendum on Britain’s EU membership last June.

Election campaign marred by slurs and bigotry

The Westminster election campaign in the North has been marred by a series of pejorative insults over the past week.

GAA bosses ‘let down’ family of murdered official

The Gaelic Athletics Association has been accused of ignoring the anniversary of the murder of one of their senior officials 20 years ago as they attempt to curry favour with the British establishment.

Paramilitary flags an attempt to intimidate

A loyalist bonfire group has said unionists will never remove any flag “at the behest of Sinn Fein/IRA” after the party complained about flags erected near Belfast City Airport.

Republican harassed on US trip by FBI

A Derry republican has described how FBI officers were taken off ISIS detail in the lead up to the world’s largest Thanksgiving parade in New York last November to question him about his political activism in Derry.

Enda Kenny quits as leader of Fine Gael

Enda Kenny has announced that he will step down as leader of the Fine Gael Party, effective at midnight, but will continue to fill the position of Taoiseach until June.

Peace messages and protest amid royal tour

A visit by British royals to Ireland has again polarised republicans, with protests organised as leading Sinn Fein figures greeted Charles Windsor and his wife Camilla.

Body of Seamus Ruddy recovered

Remains found near Rouen in northern France have been identified as those of republican socialist Seamus Ruddy, who disappeared in unexplained circumstances 32 years ago.

Activist’s suicide highlights police dysfunction

An activist journalist and blogger has become the human face of the policing crisis in the 26 Counties after she took her life following a public humiliation at the hands of the Gardai.

Good news for justice campaigns

In a surprise move, a date has finally been set for an inquest into the deaths of those shot in a bout of killing by British soldiers in Ballymurphy almost 50 years ago.

Rally to bring Irish language rights to heart of election

A major rally calling for the introduction of an Irish language act for the north is to be held in Belfast.

Death of Brendan Duddy

A Derry businessman who acted as a secret communication channel between British military intelligence and elements of the IRA leadership has died at the age of 82.

ONH denies ceasefire reports

The republican armed group known as Oglaigh na hEireann has denied reports that it is involved in talks with the British or 26 County governments or that it is on the verge of disbanding.

Finucane candidacy electrifies north Belfast election contest

In a significant political development, the youngest son of murdered defence lawyer Pat Finucane is to fight the North Belfast Westminster constituency for Sinn Fein.

‘Stop fighting a war that is over’ - O’Neill

Sinn Fein’s Michelle O’Neill caused a controversy by her participation in the party’s event to commemorate the deaths of eight IRA Volunteers in east Tyrone, during which she called for a complete end to armed actions.

New effort to release interned RNU activist

The Joint Committee on the Implementation of the Good Friday Agreement said they have concerns about the detention without trial of republican Tony Taylor in Maghaberry jail.

Historic ruling blocks PSNI payoff

A man targeted by the PSNI as a potential state informer has secured an unprecedented court ruling to prevent the Crown forces from paying money directly into his bank account.

Public appeal as search is made for remains of IRSP man

There is new hope that the remains of a republican socialist who was killed and secretly buried in mysterious circumstances in France will be found and his remains recovered.

EU backs united Ireland plan

An official statement by the European Union that it will accept a future united Ireland into the EU has been cautiously welcomed by republicans as bringing international diplomatic recognition for impending Irish unification.

Inquest vindicates truth campaign for Barney Watt

The widow of an unarmed Belfast civilian shot and killed by British soldiers in 1971 has lived to see a coroner clear his name after 46 years of disinformation and lies.

Parties fail to strike deals ahead of Westminster election

The first weeks of the Westminster general election campaign in the north of Ireland have been dominated by suggestions of strategic pacts and alliances, which so far have made little headway.

British establishment ‘rubbing our noses in it’

Relatives of people killed by the British army have reacted angrily after a Westminster committee recommended a halt to the investigation and prosecution of soldiers for war crimes committed during the conflict.

Second arson attack on St Patrick’s Church

A second arson attack on a Catholic church in Belfast city centre is being blamed on loyalists.

Jobstown political show trial opens in Dublin

The trial of water-charge protestors accused of ‘falsely imprisoning’ former Labour leader and Tanaiste Joan Burton began this week as hundreds of supporters gathered near the court.

Talks abandoned until after Westminster election

Crisis talks in the north of Ireland have been suspended until June following the decision of the British Prime Minister to call a snap general election, an unexpected move which angered politicians in Belfast and cast new uncertainty over the future of Stormont and its powersharing institutions.

Republicans reaffirm campaigns in Easter commemorations

Tens of thousands of republicans took to the streets of villages, towns and cities across Ireland last weekend to pay their respects to Ireland’s fallen heroes.

Deranged informer blamed for Garda murder

There have been calls for a public inquiry after a Louth man who shot and killed a Garda policeman and seriously injured his ex-girlfriend before killing himself was confirmed to have been a state informer who had been told to spy on IRA groups.

Divisons continue over Martin McGuinness’s legacy

Unionists have expressed outrage at a gravestone erected for former deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness as republicans gathered to remember him a month after his passing.

PSNI accused of withholding evidence on weapons

The family of a Catholic man killed by loyalists in collusion with state forces has called for the release of details of a recently found arms cache which they believe could finally secure a conviction for his murder.

Outcry as nuns set to be handed new maternity hospital

Over 80,000 people have signed a petition calling on Simon Harris, the 26 County health minister, to prevent a religious order from being handed ownership of a new maternity hospital.

Theresa May announces a general election

In a surprise development, the British Prime Minister Theresa May has announced a snap Westminster general election for June 8th.

‘Clear names of Scap’s victims’

Sinn Fein has been urged to exonerate those republicans and others who were executed as ‘informers’ on the orders of a British double agent operating inside the Provisional IRA.

Anger as killer soldiers hold protest

A demonstration by former British soldiers in Belfast city and a counter-demonstration by republican group Saoradh have both passed off peacefully on Good Friday.

‘Excess’ water charges seen as first step back

A deal between the two main right-wing parties on water charges in the 26 Counties has reignited the controversy, despite claims that the charges have been scrapped “for most people”.

Coroner brings closure for the Deery family

A decades-long justice campaign for a teenage boy shot dead by the British Army in Derry in 1972 has been fully vindicated after a coroner ruled this week that Manus Deery was ‘totally innocent’ and his murder ‘totally unjustified’.

Talks deadline postponed again

Talks between the Stormont political parties have been extended into May amid a deadlock which Sinn Fein has blamed on unionists’ refusal to back a rights-based society.

Partition ‘a grave injustice’ - Villiers

Former British Direct Ruler in the North of Ireland, Theresa Villiers, has become the subject of ridicule after she expressed support for freedom and unity for the divided island of... Cyprus.

Kenny’s Brexit breakdown

The Dublin government’s failure to secure any kind of veto for Ireland in the negotiations following Brexit has been strongly criticised as a dereliction of its duties.

Former British troops face Belfast opposition

Republicans and former British soldiers are set to stage opposing demonstrations in Belfast city centre on Good Friday.

PSNI use ‘carrot and stick’ tactic to recruit informers

Members of the PSNI Special Branch used a pair of shopping gift cards in an attempt to turn a Fermanagh activist into an informer, as spying activity appears to have increased ahead of next weekend’s republican commemorations.

Department admits community grants discrimination

A report for Stormont’s ‘Department for Communities’ has admitted that a scheme for funding community halls was biased in favour of the Protestant community.

Brokenshire urged to step down as talks chair

The British Direct Ruler James Brokenshire has been urged to give up the chairmanship of the talks at Stormont after the latest round of discussions failed to make any real progress.

ETA leaves arms ‘in the hands of the Basque people’

The Basque armed group ETA says it will disarm on Saturday, leaving down their weapons “so that Basques can continue taking steps to achieve peace and freedom for our country”.

Hope for Ireland as Brexit gets real

Despite the Brexit process, the north of Ireland could remain in the European Union pending a unity referendum, according to papers published this week by a European Parliament committee.

New IRA claim bomb attack

The organisation known as the new IRA has said it struck a PSNI armoured vehicle with an ‘explosively formed projectile’ (EFP) in County Tyrone last week.

Prisoner taken off republican wing in Maghaberry row

A prisoner in the republican wing of Maghaberry prison has been removed following a dispute with other prisoners in a row which has pitched two small republican political parties against each other.

Stormont talks set to continue

Sinn Fein has said it will be insisting on the implementation of previous peace deals in talks which are set to go on at Stormont after a deadline for agreement was extended by the British government.

Police Commissioner and Ministers defy critics as scandals mount

The 26 County Garda police commissioner Noirin O Sullivan remains in her post despite a barrage of shocking and incredible revelations about the depth of fraud and corruption in the police force she heads.

Minister ‘issued threat’ to financial investigators

The chairman of the Dublin parliament’s Public Accounts Committee has alleged that pressure was put on him by the Minister for Finance to limit its investigation into the notorious cut-price sale of state-owned properties in the Six Counties known as ‘Project Eagle’

Brexit triggered, negotiations to begin on Irish border

The European Union has confirmed that the Tory government in London has triggered article 50, beginning a two-year process that will see Britain, and possibly the north of Ireland, fall out of the European Union.

Talks given extra time as Brokenshire fudges deadline

The British government has called for further talks to restore the Stormont Executive after efforts so far fell well short of reaching today’s ‘deadline’ for forming a power-sharing administration in the Six Counties.

Sinn Fein pulls out of talks

Sinn Fein has withdrawn from all-party talks at Stormont on restoring the Six County Assembly after reporting no substantive progress in any of the issues under discussion. The talks involving the Democratic Unionist Party and the Dublin and London governments had a deadline of tomorrow afternoon.

‘Freedom fighter’

Grief turned to pride for Sinn Fein this week as tens of thousands paid their respects to a leader who came to symbolise peace in Ireland and the process through which the Provisional IRA gave birth to a political powerhouse.

British PM faces Brexit confrontation in Belfast

British Prime Minister Theresa May will receive a very clear message that the north of Ireland wants to stay in the European Union before she triggers Brexit on Wednesday, Sinn Fein has said.

DUP MP suggests ‘poodle’ Sinn Fein could back down in talks

A senior MP for the Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) has said there is “virtually no chance” of a deal being struck for the restoration of the Stormont Assembly in Belfast ahead of the looming deadline next Monday. Sammy Wilson described Sinn Fein’s position as “unworkable” and claimed the party are “overplaying their hand”.

Support for Bus Eireann workers over strike action

Drivers and other employees of Ireland’s state-run bus company have said they feel they have “nothing to lose” as a nationwide bus strike has focused attention on the crisis over wages in the public transport sector.

Kenny accused of hypocrisy over immigration

Taoiseach Enda Kenny has been urged to do more to help those coming to Ireland to escape global conflicts following his comments on immigration in the US last week, which received unprecedented international media attention.

Bill Clinton’s eulogy for Martin McGuinness

The full text of remarks made by former US President at the Requiem Mass for former Sinn Fein deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness.

Oration at the grave of Martin McGuinness

The graveside oration for Martin McGuinness delivered by Sinn Fein President Gerry Adams at his funeral today.

Large crowds attend funeral of Martin McGuinness

Senior political figures and officials from the Irish, British and US establishments have joined thousands of mourners from across Ireland to attend the funeral in Derry of Martin McGuinness.

Crowds gather to honour Martin McGuinness

Thousands of people have attended the removal of Martin McGuinness in advance of his funeral in his native Derry.

Tributes paid following death of Martin McGuinness

Sinn Fein is in mourning today and tributes have been paid across the Irish and British political establishment as news spread this morning that Martin McGuinness had succumbed to his serious illness.

Martin McGuinness has died

The death has been announced of Martin McGuinness, Sinn Fein’s chief negotiator in the peace process. He passed away early this morning at Altnagelvin Hospital in Derry.

National rights denied as Tories assert English rule

There has been an angry response in both Ireland and Scotland after British Prime Minister Theresa May said she would block referendums on Irish unity and Scottish independence following the Brexit vote to leave the European Union.

UDA feud erupts with cold-blooded murder

The failure of the authorities at Stormont and in London to challenge loyalist paramilitary violence has been highlighted after a UDA faction murdered a man in broad daylight this week.

Protests vowed as Trump gets St Patrick’s Day invite

There has been a broadly negative reaction to an invitation issued by Taoiseach Enda Kenny to US president Donald Trump to visit Ireland. Protests opposing his visit are already being planned by left-wing parties.

Information on state killings ‘can never go out’ - Tories

Some information about British state killings during the conflict can never be made public because it would “put lives at risk”, British Direct Ruler James Brokenshire has declared.

Legacy of scandals overshadows talks

Continuing allegations of unionist bigotry and corruption hang over power-sharing talks, which face a potential deadline next week when the British government could call another snap Assembly election or reimpose full direct rule from London.

Families made homeless for St Patrick’s Day

Families given emergency accommodation in hotel rooms are spending St Patrick’s weekend on the streets after they were pushed out to make room for tourists.

Scottish government to seek post-Brexit independence vote

Scotland’s first minister Nicola Sturgeon says she plans to trigger another independence referendum. She said the new poll should be held between autumn 2018 and spring 2019.

Referendum on voting rights for emigrants, northerners

In an announcement timed to coincide with the run-up to St Patrick’s Day, a referendum is to be held on whether to allow Irish citizens living abroad or in the North of Ireland to vote in Presidential elections.

Growing consensus that time has come for unity

There have been vocal and widespread calls for Irish reunification in the face of the British government’s determination to leave the European Union and a historic election result last week which has delivered unprecedented political strength for nationalism and Sinn Fein.

‘One-sided’ British governor warns of fresh elections

The British Direct Ruler James Brokenshire has threatened to rerun last week’s historic election after Sinn Fein walked out of a meeting with him over his government’s refusal to allow inquests into state killings to proceed.

Tuam mass grave inquiry may be expanded as Kenny blames mothers

A South African-style ‘truth and reconciliation commission’ is being considered to deal with the terrible legacy of Ireland’s homes for single mothers following the confirmation this week of the find of a mass grave at a shelter run by an order of nuns in the west of Ireland.

PSNI lacks independence needed for investigation - judge

In a very significant decision, a High Court judge has ruled that the family of a woman shot dead by the British Army in west Belfast 45 years ago has been let down for decades by the criminal investigation system.

Two jailed in ‘supergrass’ trial

There have been warnings that the 26 County government is once again operating a supergrass system against political activists after an alleged paid informer played a part in the conviction of two men in Dublin this week.

No charges, no evidence, no justice - Free Tony Taylor

The family of jailed republican Tony Taylor are to stage a protest this Saturday afternoon, 11 March, at Strand Road PSNI base in Derry to mark the first anniversary of his internment without trial. This petition explains the case and all republicans are urged to show their support.

Stormont talks deadlocked as Foster refuses to shift

Talks to revive the Stormont Executive have hit a stalemate after less than a day as DUP leader Arlene Foster resisted demands by Sinn Fein for her to step aside First Minister.

Election transformation

Thursday’s election has significantly altered the make-up of politics in the north of Ireland as a more focussed and energised Sinn Fein enticed republican voters back to the polls and historically ended the unionist majority at Stormont.

Tough negotiations expected after Stormont game-changer

Sinn Fein leader Gerry Adams has said this week’s Assembly election would have a historic significance that would “resonate for years”. However, political parties and leaders now “have a job of work” to negotiate an agreement that delivers on the outstanding elements of all of the previous agreements.

Derry anger as politicians ignore PSNI oppression

There were heavy PSNI raids lasting for over four hours against the homes of republican families in Creggan, Derry on Monday, February 28, 2017, just three days before the Stormont Assembly election.

Travellers acknowledged to be ethnic minority

Irish Travellers have been recognised as an indigenous ethnic minority in a historic declaration in the Dublin parliament.

Nightmare confirmed at Tuam home for single mothers

Human remains of a significant number of babies and infants up to three years of age have been found on the site of a former ‘mother and baby’ home in Tuam, County Galway, confirming horor reports of an effective holocaust against those children at the home run by the Bon Secours order of nuns.

‘Water charges are gone’, says FG Minister

Anti-water-charge campaigners have celebrated after Fine Gael’s Minister for Housing and leadership contender Simon Coveney finally stated that “water charges are gone”, although there are still concerns the party may try to reintroduce them in the future.

Calls for unity after record SF vote; UUP leader quits

Sinn Fein has attained its highest ever share of the vote in the North of Ireland and came within touching distance of outpolling all of the other parties as votes were tallied today.

Positive election results for Sinn Fein as others battle it out

The snap 2017 Assembly election has been a good one for Sinn Fein, with the party so far holding on to its seats in all constituencies and showing particular strength in the traditional republican heartlands.

Voting ends in Stormont election

The polls have closed in the Six County Assembly election with voter participation reported to have substantially recovered from the record low voter turnout in last year’s Assembly election.

DUP face day of reckoning

The north’s largest unionist party is increasingly fearful ahead of next month’s Stormont Assembly election amid predictions that it could fall below the thirty seats it needs to hold on to its veto over political change in the north of Ireland.

Taoiseach fails to advance case for special EU status for North

The embattled 26 County Taoiseach, Enda Kenny, has said that the eventual Brexit deal must allow access into the EU for the Six Counties of Ireland still under British rule in the event of Irish reunification.

Human rights activists attacked by Tories and DUP

British Prime Minister Theresa May has been condemned after she hit out at the families of those killed by British soldiers and their legal representatives during a debate at the Westminster parliament.

PSNI man targeted by under-car device

A PSNI policeman narrowly escaped a limpet mine attack in Derry City in the latest incident being attributed to the breakaway armed group known as the ‘new IRA’

Kenny to confirm plan to quit after White House event

Under intense pressure from within his own party to resign, the 26 County Taoiseach Enda Kenny has insisted he should be allowed to travel to Washington DC to meet Donald Trump on St Patrick’s Day, before making an announcement.

Loyalist ‘threatened Catholics’ before Shankill murder

A suspect in the sectarian loyalist shooting of a young Catholic father vowed to clear all “taigs” from the area, a lawyer told an inquest this week.

Kenny facing heave after ‘shambolic’ episode

The 26 County Taoiseach Enda Kenny is struggling to retain the leadership of his Fine Gael party after his ponderous and contradictory responses to allegations of a smear campaign against a Garda police whistleblower.

Torture of ‘Hooded Men’ is a war crime, court is told

One of 14 Irish nationalists tortured during internment was bitten by a British soldier’s dog and forced to drink from the animal’s dish, the High Court heard this week.

Appeal for information on Lisburn killing

The family of Paul Bradley, who was murdered by a sectarian mob just over 30 years ago, has made a heartfelt appeal for information.

Nesbitt grabs the campaign limelight

In a statement that has created upheaval within his own party, the leader of the Ulster Unionists has said that he will vote for the nationalist SDLP after his own party -- but ahead of other unionist candidates -- in the coming Stormont election.

Visitors to Maghaberry facing abuses

The Irish Republican Prisoners Welfare Association has warned of a systematic effort by the jail administration at Maghaberry to harass and intimidate the families of republican prisoners during visits.

Clonoe Martyrs remembered

Sinn Fein’s new northern leader has said there should be no hierarchy of victims as she spoke at a vigil in memory of four IRA Volunteers who were gunned down in an SAS ambush in a churchyard in Clonoe, County Tyrone.

Westminster vote undermines 1998 peace deal

In a potentially historic development, the London parliament has voted to allow the British government renege on the 1998 Good Friday peace agreement as part of its negotiations to leave the European Union.

Ministers, police chiefs implicated in sexual abuse smear

An admission by a government agency that it circulated false allegations of sexual abuse against a Garda police whistleblower has dramatically supported claims that the 26 County state engaged in a smear campaign against Sergeant Maurice McCabe with the support of successive police commissioners.

DUP accused of dehumanising Irish speakers

DUP leader Arlene Foster has been accused of using bigoted comments to win over unionist hardliners and distract from a corruption scandal which has threatened to topple her from her position as First Minister for the Six Counties.

British soldiers back away from planned march through Derry

Irish republican activists have claimed a victory after a planned protest march by former British soldiers that had been scheduled to take place through Derry next month has been cancelled.

Schools ‘used for British propaganda’

The Irish Republican Socialist Party has said that it has received complaints from parents expressing concern at the decision of a local primary school in west Belfast to permit the PSNI to “ingratiate themselves” with children during school hours.

Campaign to end colonial mindset on Cork’s streets

Activists in Cork have defaced street signs referencing British monarchs and have called instead for signs to honour Ireland’s heroes.

‘Frictionless’ border checks as Britain waives the rules

The British government appears to be planning a return of customs controls across the Six County border and may even be hoping to push all of Ireland out of the EU following hardline statements on its Brexit plans this week.

Brokenshire comments infuriate Bloody Sunday families

Crowds of local people joined a diverse range of activists and bands at the Bloody Sunday March for Justice on Sunday. Relatives of those killed and representatives from the wounded led the march, carrying 14 white crosses to symbolise those who lost their lives on Bloody Sunday.

Lynch concerned by torture but did not expose it - documents

Both the Dublin and London governments were fully aware that torture techniques such as waterboarding were being used against nationalists in the north of Ireland but remained silent, according to documents uncovered by the Pat Finucane centre.

DUP leader increasingly mired in RHI scandal

There are fresh doubts over the return of the Belfast powersharing Executive after the SDLP, the second largest nationalist party behind Sinn Fein, ruled out entering a new administration with DUP leader Arlene Foster amid mounting allegations over her role in a corruption scandal.

‘Illegal parades can go ahead’ despite court ruling - PSNI

PSNI police chief George Hamilton has responded defiantly after the Supreme Court in London finally confirmed that the PSNI were wrong in their decision not to stop intimidatory loyalist flag protest marches four years ago.

High Court bid to end Ludlow cover-up

The unexplained halting of an investigation into the murder of an Irish forestry worker is a scandal which goes to the highest levels of police and government, Dublin’s High Court has heard.

PSNI man shot as tensions mount in Belfast

The ‘New IRA’ has claimed responsibility for the ambush of a PSNI patrol in North Belfast on Sunday in which a member of the force was struck twice. The attack, which took place on the Crumlin Road close to a north Belfast interface left the victim with injuries to his arm.

Brexit a ‘hostile action’, could damage GFA - Adams

Gerry Adams has warned that Brexit will wreck the fundamental human rights safeguards set out under the Good Friday Agreement. The Sinn Fein leader pointed out that rights enshrined in the 1998 peace deal would be negated by Britain simply pulling out of the EU.

British MP admits torturing republicans

A Conservative MP and former British army officer, Bob Stewart, has said he worked as “kind of a torturer” when he was serving in the north of Ireland.

Michelle O’Neill and Arlene Foster can be ‘Chuckle Sisters’

Sinn Fein’s Gerry Adams has said the party’s new Six County leader, Michelle O’Neill, “needs to grow into the job”, but could work alongside DUP leader Arlene Foster in the Stormont Executive if corruption scandals are resolved.

Sinn Fein could prop up coalition govt in Dublin - McDonald

In a major policy shift, Sinn Fein’s Mary Lou McDonald has said that her party could take part in the next coalition government as a junior partner of either Fine Gael or Fianna Fail.

Roadblocks and delays for Stardust disaster families

The families of some of the 48 young people who died in the 1981 Stardust fire disaster in Dublin have expressed concerns over a proposed review of new evidence in their campaign for a fresh inquiry.

Michelle O’Neill is Sinn Fein’s new leader at Stormont

Mid-Ulster Assembly member Michelle O’Neill is to lead Sinn Fein into the Six County Assembly elections in March, it has been announced.

McGuinness bows out

An emotional Martin McGuinness has said he wants to become an ambassador for peace after the former Sinn Fein deputy First Minister quit electoral politics this week due to ill-health.

McGuinness ‘made a difference’ - Adams

A commentary in the week of the historic announcement by Sinn Fein's Martin McGuinness, by colleague and party leader Gerry Adams.

Sinn Fein ready to name successor

Sinn Fein president Gerry Adams has said his party will make the announcement of Martin McGuinness’s successor next week. Speaking to RTE news on Friday, he insisted the former deputy First Minister is just “standing down” from office and he hopes that he will be back.

Political temperature rises amid yet another Stormont scandal

The DUP ‘Communities’ Minister Paul Givan has been accused of acting to a sectarian agenda after he distributed almost two million pounds in grants to loyalist organisations, Orange lodges and Protestant church groups.

British soldiers on Belfast streets, RAF lands at Shannon

The British Army appeared in numbers in west Belfast last weekend as troops in full uniform were deployed alongside PSNI police in the Poleglass area of West Belfast.

‘Hard Brexit’ fears for Ireland

A landmark speech on Britain’s departure from the European Union has failed to allay fears of “hard border” controls and economic chaos across the island of Ireland.

Martin McGuinness retires

Sinn Fein’s Martin McGuinness has effectively retired from politics after announcing he will not be standing for re-election in the 2 March poll to the Belfast Assembly.

Election set for March 2 amid rancorous Stormont debate

The British government has announced that elections to the Stormont Assembly wil take place on Thursday, March 2nd after the Sinn Fein/DUP power-sharing Executive formally collapsed this afternoon.

Crisis talks fail, election due

The north of Ireland is inexorably heading for an election following the resignation of Sinn Fein’s Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness and the failure of last-minute talks efforts by the two governments.

McGuinness asks for privacy over illness

Martin McGuinness has called for his privacy to be respected by the media after a newspaper published details of a serious illness for which he is said to be receiving treatment.

Irish language rights campaign presses on after DUP u-turn

A DUP decision to re-instate an Irish language bursary scheme has been described by Sinn Fein as “too little, too late”.

Derry hit by PSNI raids, searches

Protests are being organised following a series of heavy-handed police raids on the home of republican activists over the Christmas and New Year period.

Woman flees home after state-funded body delivers threat

A woman forced from her home in a sectarian attack in Belfast has said she was told of a loyalist death threat by representatives of a so-called loyalist ‘community group’ which is funded by the Stormont administration.

Apollo House vacated as campaign declares success

A group of homeless people vacated a state-owned office building in Dublin on Thursday, ending a month-long squat that brought international attention to the housing crisis in Ireland.

Election expected as SF insists ‘no return to status quo’

Sinn Fein has expressed a much tougher line against the intransigence and bigotry of the DUP following yesterday's resignation by Martin McGuinness from the party's post of Deputy First Minister. An election to the Stormont Assembly in Belfast appears certain to be called next Monday and is due to take place within weeks.

McGUINNESS QUITS, STORMONT EXECUTIVE COLLAPSES

Sinn Fein’s Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness has resigned in protest at unionist arrogance and intransigence, collapsing the Stormont Executive and throwing a question mark over power-sharing and the political process in the north of Ireland.

Stormont in the balance as DUP defy corruption scandal

Sinn Fein has issued repeated warnings that the Six County institutions are now at a “defining point” after the unionist First Minister Arlene Foster again refused to step down over allegations that she and her Democratic Unionist Party orchestrated the enrichment of insiders, supporters and party donors through a bogus ‘green energy’ scheme.

Cable calls for united Ireland as Brexit border solution

A former leader of Britain’s Liberal Democrats has called for a “united Ireland in Europe” as a means of dealing with the fallout over Britain’s Brexit decision to quit the EU.

How Thatcher and Fitzgerald plotted to defeat IRA

State papers have shown the degree to which former 26 County Taoiseach Garret Fitzgerald accepted the Tory line in exchanges with British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher 30 years ago.

‘Sectarian’ UDR aimed weapons at 26 County soldiers

British soldiers of the Ulster Defence Regiment tried to intimidate a 26-County army checkpoint in County Donegal following unionist protests against the 1985 Anglo-Irish Agreement.

Campaigners call for leap forward in housing crisis

Housing activists in the 26 Counties have handed an open letter to Finance Minister Michael Noonan, calling on him to order the use of vacant, state-controlled properties to house the homeless.

Lives at risk as more than 600 lie on trolleys

The number of patients stuck on trolleys awaiting beds in hospitals in the 26 County state has broken new records, forcing Minister for Health Simon Harris to apologise for his failure to deal with the crisis.

Making hope and hunger rhyme

The centenary year of the 1916 Rising ends with new optimism over a campaign of direct action against inequality headed by a motley group of musicians, actors and writers. However, the sight of thousands of people braving the cold to receive food handouts in Dublin and Limerick has highlighted the scale of the challenge.

Stormont in disarray as Foster clings to power

The futures of both DUP First Minister Arlene Foster and Sinn Fein Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness are in the balance after a farcical power-play at Stormont this week.

DUP ‘Communities’ Minister accused of hating Irish

News that a DUP Minister at Stormont has axed a bursary scheme for children from deprived communities to study Irish has drawn a bitterly hostile reaction from Irish language and equality campaigners.

British demand secrecy over Omagh bomb, Doherty killing

The High Court in Belfast has allowed the British government to hold a secret hearing in a legal action over the alleged cover-up of the 1998 Real IRA Omagh bombing.

Christmas anguish for family of Irish prisoner of conscience

The family of Derry republican prisoner Tony Taylor have said that it will be a ‘very rough Christmas’ without him.

Republican prisoner on dirty protest over segregation

A republican political prisoner, Luke O’Neill is spending Christmas on a dirty protest in Maghaberry Prison in protest at a refusal to move him to the republican wing.

Foster mocks opposition after Stormont walkout

A motion of no confidence in First Minister Arlene Foster was vetoed by the Democratic Unionist Party today, but not before other parties in the Stormont Assembly staged a theatrical walk-out from a chamber in which they are powerless to effect political change without DUP support.

Sinn Fein could turn against corrupt DUP

Over a thousand people have attended protests in Belfast and Derry calling for DUP leader Arlene Foster to resign as Six County First Minister after a public display of DUP infighting over corruption allegations.

Huge support as stars become squatters for homeless

A group of Irish celebrities have spearheaded an action to tackle the homelessness crisis by taking over a government-owned property to provide accommodation.

Justice hopes for McCann family as British soldiers are charged

The prosecution of two former British paratroopers for the killing of Official IRA Volunteer Joe McCann brings hope to his family who have campaigned for justice since the Historial Enquiries Team ruled the shooting unlawful.

Child’s trauma after seeing father attacked by riot squad

There was a serious incident at Maghaberry prison last weekend when three republican prisoners were dragged from the visiting area by the riot squad, and one was beaten to the ground and assaulted.

MI5 linked to legacy police agency

A member of the Legacy Investigations Branch (LIB) of the PSNI police in the north of Ireland has been accused of being a covert member of British military intelligence.

New push to overcome political block on inquests

Sinn Fein’s Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinnness accused the British government of not being serious about dealing with the legacy of the past after the most senior judge in the North admitted Britain was ignoring its legal obligation to ensure blocked inquests go ahead.

Process in crisis as Stormont rots

There are concerns over the political direction in the north of Ireland after a video emerged which appears to show a heavily armed breakaway IRA unit on patrol in north Belfast -- in the same week that the police confirmed that unionist paramilitary activities are being illegally funded from Stormont.

Family’s grief becomes political football

A theatrical confrontation at a press conference in Dublin appears to be the latest installment in an orchestrated effort to embarrass Gerry Adams.

Prison regime implementing a sectarian agenda

Republican prisoners at Maghaberry jail have condemned discrimination against Irish culture and traditions by the jail administration.

Justice systems unmoved by concern over prisoners

An Irish judge has drawn attention to herself after she hit out at an Irish parliamentarian’s interest in the human rights of political prisoners, and claimed to be ‘puzzled’ at her concern over the issue of internment by remand.

‘Save our Seas’ - film director highlights marine crisis

A documentary on the Atlantic fishing industry has drawn a strong reaction after it was aired on Irish state television this week.

1916 Rising surrender letter to leave Ireland

There have been protests after a surrender letter written by Easter Rising commander Padraig Pearse three days before his execution was placed for auction and is now set to leave Ireland after failing to sell.

Dail uproar as SF TDs named in connection with IRA attack

There were angry scenes in the Dublin parliament this afternoon after a Fine Gael TD named two senior Sinn Fein TDs he said were identified in an email sent by Gerry Adams to the Garda police commissioner about an unsanctioned IRA killing in 1983.

Adams hits back after e-mail ‘leak’

Sinn Fein’s Gerry Adams is facing another battery of accusations and condemnations after it emerged that earlier this year he emailed the names of four senior republicans allegedly involved in an unsanctioned 1983 IRA killing to the Garda police Commissioner.

GAA could drop Irish symbolism from games

A statement by the President of the Gaelic Athletic Association that the organisation may consider dropping the use of the Irish flag and anthem at sporting events has been condemned by GAA fans and players as well as republicans.

Sugden’s concern for officers as Maghaberry nightmare deepens

The Stormont Executive has been condemned for inaction amid a mounting crisis at Maghaberry jail which has seen yet another death at the jail and yet another violent attack by warders against a republican prisoner.

Sinn Fein renews focus on Irish unity

Sinn Fein has published a discussion document, ‘Towards a United Ireland’, to lay out the rationale for reunification in terms of the economy, public services and reconciliation.

Water charges debate reignites after report

A commission on water charges set up by the coalition government has said the charges should be retained but with an increased allowance for domestic water use. Under its proposals, the commission says the “vast majority” of people should no longer have to pay water charges.

Irish President hails Castro as ‘giant among leaders’

A bitter dispute in Dublin’s corridors of power over tributes to Cuban leader Fidel Castro lead the 26 County state to snub a funeral at which Sinn Fein’s Gerry Adams was a prominent mourner.

PSNI ‘targeting our kids’

There was outrage in west Belfast this week after a ten year old girl was pictured being harassed by the PSNI.

Relief as British admit Manus Deery was innocent

The family of a teenager shot dead by the British Army more than 40 years ago have spoken of their relief after the British Ministry of Defence accepted his innocence.

American family accuse PSNI of cover-up

The family of a US citizen killed by the RUC (now PSNI) police in 1997 have accused those involved of being part of a “conspiracy of silence”.

Brokenshire condemned by UN for blocking inquests

Britain’s governor in Ireland, James Brokenshire, has come under renewed pressure to accept responsibility for dealing with the legacy of the conflict in the North.

Kenny reported ready to accept traveller ethnicity

In an apparent breakthrough for civil rights campaigners, the Dublin government has indicated it will support the recognition of Travellers’ distinct ethnic identity.

Irish immigrants fear Trump’s deportation plans

There is concern for the undocumented Irish living in the US after Donald Trump vowed to deport or imprison millions of immigrants.

Extradition ordered over 1996 PIRA attack

The High Court in Dublin has ordered the extradition of a man accused of being involved in a Provisional IRA mortar attack on a British army barracks in Germany 20 years ago.

Fears that cashed-up UDA is rearming

The South East Antrim UDA has obtained weapons from English-based crime networks in a move which could spark an ‘arms race’ among the various factions of the unionist paramilitary organisation, it has been revealed.

Retired priest’s home attacked

A popular Catholic priest may be forced out of his parochial house in Fermanagh after it was targeted in a sectarian attack.

Sinister Crown Force propaganda event at Tyrone school

The British armed forces have been actively promoted by the PSNI police during a school visit in the predominately nationalist town of Omagh, County Tyrone.

UVF funeral gets PSNI approval

The kid-gloves handling of a unionist paramilitary funeral has exposed the “rank hypocrisy” of British policing in Ireland, according to Republican Sinn Fein.

‘All your lough is belong to UK’

The fallout over Brexit has prompted the British governor in Ireland, James Brokenshire, to aggresively assert a claim over Lough Foyle in the north of Ireland. He told the Westminster parliament that “the whole” of the lough, extending westward to the Donegal shoreline in the 26 Counties, is owned by Britain.

Discretion trumps all

Despite consternation and disbelief in Ireland at the result of the US Presidential election, political leaders including 26 County Taoiseach Enda Kenny and Sinn Fein leader Gerry Adams were among those to congratulate Donald Trump this week on his election as US President.

PSNI harassment claims a second life

A west Belfast man has died in troubling circumstances after being arrested and questioned for over ten hours by the PSNI last week.

British fear future generations of justice campaigners

A British Army file relating to the McGurk’s Bar massacre will be a state secret until 2056, it has emerged.

Tribute to Jordan family as justice fight goes on

The family of Pearse Jordan have vowed to continue their fight for justice after a coroner concluded he could not say whether his killing by the RUC police was justified.

Republicanism strained by one-way peace traffic

Sinn Fein’s Martin McGuinness has renewed a controversy over his party’s ‘outreach’ efforts after he was spotted at a royal reception in London in which the English queen Elizabeth Windsor unveiled a new painting of herself.

Poppy dispute could hit World Cup qualification

Irish soccer player James McClean has been vindicated after FIFA, the international soccer body, insisted that the use of the poppy symbol on football jerseys is a political statement.

Sinn Fein ‘faces immense challenge’ on Brexit

There was a potentially significant development in the Brexit crisis this week when Sinn Fein’s Deputy First Minister, Martin McGuinness, refused to rule out his party taking up its four seats in Westminster ahead of a potentially critical vote on the issue in the London parliament.

Political interference wrecked Maghaberry prison deal

Amid fresh protests over abuses at Maghaberry Prison, a key mediator in an agreement struck in 2010 to ease tensions at the jail has admitted the deal collapsed as a result of unionist political pressure.

Jail visits blocked after assault furore

There have been protests on behalf of Derry republican internee Tony Taylor following an assault on his wife by a Maghaberry prison warder.

Sinister twist for harassment victims

Some republicans facing PSNI harassment through stop-and-search abuses may also be coming under pressure to provide information to British military intelligence, it has emerged.

Secret document reveals Britain’s massacre spin

The hard-won declassification of a secret military file proves that the British state knew the truth of the deadly attack on McGurk’s Bar in 1971, when 15 civilians were killed, but created a false narrative in an attempt to deflect blame onto the IRA.

Ireland urged to take in refugee children

Several hundred people gathered outside the Dublin parliament on Wednesday night for a candlelit vigil calling for the 26 County state to house refugee children from the conflict in the Middle East who have so far been refused permission to enter Britain.

Death of a traitor

The lonely death of an IRA informer has drawn attention to the contempt which British agencies hold for those who have betrayed their own communities to take the queen’s shilling.

North’s ‘principle of consent’ subordinate to UK powers - judge

A Belfast judge has ruled that the 1998 Good Friday Agreement can not prevent a change in the North’s constitutional position if a process is initiated to pull the Six Counties out of the European Union.

PSNI run amok on the Falls

Police assaulted and threatened to shoot people in separate incidents amid heightened tensions in west Belfast.

British sought to re-convict the Guildford Four

The sister of Guildford Four member Gerry Conlon has called for secret papers on his case to be made public after a small number were released to the BBC.

Wealthy loyalist says band members ‘defend north Down’

Prominent loyalist Dee Stitt has appeared to admit that a publicly funded loyalist flute band is engaged in paramilitary activity.

New criminalisation effort opposed

There have been calls to strengthen efforts against the criminalisation and isolation of republican prisoners following a debate at the Stormont Assembly on the issue.

Child’s political conviction over water protest

There have been international protests after a judge in Dublin convicted a 15-year-old boy of illegally “imprisoning” the Irish Tanaiste [Deputy Prime Minister] by peacefully demonstrating against water charges in front of her police-escorted car.

ONH ‘housekeeping’ link to shootings

It is unclear if a shooting on Thursday which left west Belfast man Joe Reilly dead is connected to tensions within a small breakaway IRA group which saw another man survive a ‘punishment’ shooting earlier in the week.

No bar to deportation of Irish citizens after Brexit

Legal experts have warned that Britain’s exit from the EU could be used as an excuse to bar Irish citizens from the Six Counties and Britain from living there, and that the rights of Irish citizens to live and work under British jurisdiction will need to be enshrined in law.

Manus Deery inquest makes progress

The former commanding officer of the two former British soldiers directly involved in the shooting of a 15-year-old boy in Derry has expressed his sorrow to the family of the deceased teenager, but said he would not accept the killing had been unjustified.

Saoradh warns over MI5 approaches

The new republican party, Saoradh, has warned its supporters to be vigilant when confronted by British military intelligence, who they said are operating “outside the parameters of any legal framework”.

PSNI harassment seen as threatening and coervice

Republican Sinn Fein has said its members and their families are “under attack from the colonial police of British rule” after another series of harassment incidents.

Shifting lines as Brexit tempo increases

The first shot in Britain’s departure from the EU has been fired across Irish bows after its governor in the north of Ireland, James Brokenshire, said Ireland should form part of Britain’s new immigration controls.

Budget 2017 ‘a failure of leadership’

The 26 County budget announced this week for the 2017 fiscal year was marked by derisively meagre and delayed increases for those in deprivation, while generous measures were implemented to benefit bankers, developers, and landlords.

The mask slips again for North’s political justice system

A court has thrown out politically-motivated charges against a prominent County Tyrone republican after British prosecutors abandoned the case.

Fennell open to dialogue over parade protest

Prominent north Belfast republican Dee Fennell has said he is prepared to meet the Catholic priest he confronted over his support for a provocative Orange Order parade through Ardoyne and neighbouring areas.

Attacks on Catholics continue

An arson attack on a flat in north Belfast was a sectarian bid by loyalists to burn out Catholics living in the area.

Sellafield safety fears renewed after TV expose

The Dublin government has been urged to demand the complete closure of the Sellafield nuclear site on the west coast of Britain after a BBC programme raised concerns about safety at the facility.

Budget 2017 - main points

The main changes in 26 County taxation and spending for the 2017 fiscal year, as announced in their budget speeches by Minister for Finance Michael Noonan and Minister for Public Expenditure Paschal Donohoe this afternoon.

Tories lurch towards the extreme

British Prime Minister Theresa May has drawn comparisons to Margaret Thatcher after she outright rejected Irish and Scottish concerns over Brexit and moved to quash the right of Irish and other EU citizens to live and work in Britain and the north of Ireland.

Drumcree Orangeman seek Ardoyne-style ‘deal’

An Orange Order parade which was forced through the Ardoyne area of north Belfast last weekend has reopened the north’s biggest parading dispute.

Censorship bid by British military over new book

The British Ministry of Defence (MoD) has attempted to suppress a book by a former soldier about his involvement in ‘dirty tricks’ operations in the north of Ireland.

UDA marches towards the millions

New UDA murals are being erected as millions of pounds of public funds are funnelled by the Stormont administration to a group closely linked to the loyalist paramilitary organisation, it has emerged.

Senior Gardai sought to “annihilate” reputation of whistleblower

The Garda Commissioner Noirin O’Sullivan is under pressure to quit after the former head of the Garda press office admitted that he had taken part in a top level smear campaign against a whistleblower to try to undermine his allegations of corruption.

Tributes paid to hunger strikers

A large crowd turned out in tribute to the H-Block Martyrs of 1981 when the 1916 Societies held their annual National Hungerstrike Commemoration on Sunday last, October 2nd, in Galbally, County Tyrone.

Orange parade ‘returns’ after 3 years

An Orange Order parade was forced through the greater Ardoyne area in north Belfast on Saturday morning, October 1, amid a military-style policing operation and a bitter war of words among nationalists.

McGuinness facing investigation over use of royal powers

The secret use of royal privileges by the Office of the First Minister and Deputy First Minister is to be investigated by an Assembly committee after it emerged it has been used on three occasions since 2008.

New republican party may contest elections

The launch of a new republican party ‘Saoradh’ last weekend could bring disaffected nationalist voters back to the polls in the north of Ireland.

Killers ‘boasted they would never face trial’

A former newspaper editor has said the loyalist murderers of fellow journalist Martin O’Hagan have never been brought to justice because they were paid police informers.

Unionists seek to turn back tide on Irish language

A row over the name of a fisheries protection boat has highlighted efforts to undermine the Irish language within unionist-controlled departments at Stormont.

Dublin becomes the capital of homelessness

The housing crisis in Dublin continues to escalate, with the latest figures by the Dublin Regional Homeless Executive (DRHE) revealing that 998 families are now in emergency accommodation in the capital, an increase of 64pc on last year.

Soldiers reveals spying, shoot-to-kill bid

A former British army soldier has admitted he planted listening devices in the homes of senior politicians in the north of Ireland, years after the 1994 ceasefires and some still thought to be in use today.

Families walk away from humiliation meetings

Families of victims of state killings have announced that they will be suing the British government, DUP leader Arlene Foster and Sinn Fein’s Martin McGuinness as the London and Belfast regimes again stonewalled their demands for legacy inquests.

Orange march to end Ardoyne dispute?

Orangemen are to seek permission for a march through north Belfast next weekend, which if it goes ahead, could bring about the removal of their three-year protest camp at a sectarian interface.

Sinn Fein furious over new BBC smear

A new claim broadcast by BBC Spotlight journalist Jennifer O’Leary against Sinn Fein leader Gerry Adams has been rejected by police and could provoke a libel action by Mr Adams.

Children flee for lives after loyalist mob attack club

A Derry mother has described how her family was forced to lie on the floor of her car as she fled through the city’s Waterside area after a loyalist mob targeted Catholic teenagers.

Anti-water charges campaign remains defiant

Political tension is building in the 26 Counties ahead of the annual budget announcements after a giant demonstration in Dublin again demanded the abolition of water charges.

Adams and McGuinness reveal timescale to quit

Sinn Fein leader Gerry Adams has announced that he will step down from his leadership role as part of the party’s ten year plan. Mr Adams indicated a time frame within ten years for his departure as party president, and confirmed that it was a matter of not ‘if, but when’.

Inquiry announced into northern corruption scandal

The 26 County Taoiseach Enda Kenny has agreed that an inquiry should go ahead into evidence of corrupt practices in the sale of distressed property assets in the North of Ireland, but is refusing a broader inquiry into the actions of NAMA, the bank set up to handle such sales.

Maghaberry horror leaves prisoner blind

An “extreme and shocking” case of neglect has been reported at Maghaberry jail after prison staff watched but failed to intervene while a mentally ill prisoner blinded and mutilated himself.

Stormont political dynasties face new challenges

The entry of a political party from the South and a profound redrafting of Westminster constituencies is set to shake up the political establishment in the North.

Woman interned in 1970s takes test case

A West Belfast woman interned during the conflict is pressing for full disclosure of documents which she believes will show she was subjected to inhumane conditions.

Spain fights back against surge for independence

Sinn Fein has condemned a decision by Spain’s Constitutional Court to back a ruling that Basque separatist politician Arnaldo Otegi cannot run as a candidate in an upcoming regional election due to a conviction against him for links to the armed group ETA.

PSNI accused after CS gas death

A man from a well-known republican family died at the hands of the PSNI on Thursday amid a new wave of police harassment and abuses in Belfast.

‘Profit process’ creamed hundreds of millions off property deal

An auditor’s report has found that several hundred million euro have been lost to the 26 County exchequer in a notorious billion-pound property transaction as a recording emerged of a central figure in the deal apparently receiving a bag full of cash in a Belfast car park.

Brexit goes before the Belfast courts

The peace process is based upon membership of the European Union, the High Court in Belfast has heard, in one of two legal challenges to be taken against the British decision to withdraw from the EU.

Documents reveal British Army likely shot single mother

A judicial review is being heard in connection with the discovery that the British Crown forces concealed the truth about the suspected military killing of a woman in west Belfast for more than 40 years.

Accusations fly amid calls for republican dialogue

A new war of words has broken out between Sinn Fein and rival republicans following a claim that ‘dissidents’ were responsible for an arson attack on a community centre in Derry.

Barman quits over policy of ‘no Irish allowed’

There have been calls for new measures to protect the rights of Irish speakers after an employee of a well-known Cork city pub was told that he was not allowed to speak Irish on the premises.

Fake economy exposed by Apple tax ‘windfall’

The Dublin government is the subject of anger and ridicule after it defended illegal tax dodges by multinational corporations and rejected a European ruling that it receive up to 13 billion euro in unpaid taxes from US corporation, Apple.

Sinn Fein suffers damaging Antrim split

A Sinn Fein councillor and 17 party activists have quit the party in response to its treatment of Daithi McKay, a party Assembly member who was forced to resign his seat last month over his contacts with loyalist Jamie Bryson.

Tories set to wreck human rights basis to peace deal

The Tory government in London is to push ahead with a decision to scrap its Human Rights Act as part of its ‘Brexit’ agenda to drag the north of Ireland and Scotland out of the European Union.

Soldiers lurk as RNU commemorate McCracken

The Republican Network for Unity has condemned the presence of British army troops in the area of their annual commemoration for Henry Joy McCracken last Sunday, August 28.

Housing crisis linked to tax scandal

The scandal over the Dublin government’s failure to collect tax from US multinationals has refocused attention on its favourable treatment of international ‘vulture funds’ who purchased large property asset portfolios following the 2008 economic crisis.

Success for Bobby Sands movie

An Irish-made documentary exploring the life and death of IRA hunger striker Bobby Sands smashed the national box office record in its opening weekend, and continues to sell out weeks after it opened.

‘Don’t take them down’

The chairman of a County Antrim Gaelic sports club has resigned after it voted to remove entrance gates dedicated to the memory of two Irish War of Independence martyrs in order to secure a grant from a unionist-controlled council.

Bryson sought revenge for Dervock band - report

A dispute over a sectarian loyalist parade through the mainly nationalist town of Rasharkin last week is being linked to the “leak” of private messages targeting Sinn Fein Assembly member Daithi McKay.

Call for new investigation into informer recruitment coercion

The Police Ombudsman has been urged to review an investigation into the suspicious death of a republican while in PSNI custody after an investigator linked to the case resigned.

Papers reignite hunger strike ‘deal’ debate

Recently released government papers dating from 1985 have again reopened a debate about negotiations which took place during the 1981 hunger strike which some have argued could have prevented the deaths of six of the ten republican prisoners who died.

Collusion victim’s son condemns ‘years of lies’

A man whose wife was killed when a car bomb exploded outside the Step Inn bar in south Armagh 40 years ago has said he wants to see a new inquest

New delay as end of Bloody Sunday saga is “in sight”

The Bloody Sunday families have called on the PSNI to state whether or not they intend recommending that the soldiers responsible for the 1972 killings are prosecuted.

Sinister agenda sees McKay ousted

Senior Sinn Fein political figure Daithi McKay, who worked to expose wrongdoing in the murky world of Ireland’s NAMA property deals, could end up being the only direct casualty of the scandal following his forced resignation this week.

Apprentice Boys marchers provoke city centre outrage

The main Apprentice Boys of Derry parade of the year infuriated residents after loyalist band members were seen to lead inflammatory chanting and sectarian singing at the heart of the overwhelmingly nationalist city.

Dialogue appeal over tensions in republican areas

Support is growing for a public dialogue to address a rift in republican communities following an appeal for talks by Sinn Fein leader Gerry Adams.

December 8, 2019