Irish Republican News: Archives

A gun and ammunition possibly used by a collusion gang and handed into a PSNI station last week went ‘missing’ at the station for four days.

Jailing of man for IRA membership a miscarriage of justice

The Special Criminal Court in Dublin has admitted that the case of a County Louth man who spent more than a year in prison for IRA membership constitutes a miscarriage of justice.

Peggy Deery’s family to receive damages

The family of the only woman to be shot on Bloody Sunday, are to be awarded nearly £270,000 in damages.

Mother of sectarian attack victim to launch action against PSNI

The mother of a north Belfast teenager who was severely beaten in a sectarian attack is to launch a legal action against the PSNI over investigative failures and their ‘breach of duty of care’ to the schoolboy.

Family of UDA victim call for publication of report

The family of a Catholic man murdered by the UDA has called for the Police Ombudsman report on ‘Operation Achille’, withheld since 2019, to be published.

Nationalists urged to remain calm

Sinister efforts to involve nationalists in the current wave of loyalist violence are continuing after a week of some of the worst disturbances seen in the north of Ireland in over eight years.

Loyalist claims to ‘peaceful protest’ rejected

The British authorities in Ireland are coming under pressure to finally dismantle the loyalist drugs gangs behind the current wave of street violence and cease the state funding that supports them.

State harassment at Easter events

A member of Republican Sinn Féin was arrested at an Easter Monday commemoration for refusing to speak to Gardaí in English.

Moves to all-island links in sport, transport

A potential All-Ireland soccer league could be on the cards with the two football associations in both parts of Ireland working on it, according to reports.

Council backs campaign for justice for Eddie Fullerton

Donegal Council Councillors have unanimously backed a call for truth and justice for the murder of Eddie Fullerton as the 30th anniversary of his death approaches.

Flag and anthem ‘up for discussion’ in unity talks

Members of the Dublin parliament have suggested that the tricolour’s status as the national flag could be reconsidered as part of efforts to secure a united Ireland.

Let him rest in peace

An attempt by unionists to weaponise Covid-19 regulations to demand prosecutions of leading members of Sinn Féin over the funeral last June of party colleague and IRA veteran Bobby Storey appear to have failed.

Loyalist disturbances recall flag protests

Crowds of loyalist youths clashed with PSNI police on Friday night following appeals for “protests” on loyalist social media pages. The trouble erupted at locations where demonstrations had been orchestrated on Facebook, primarily in Belfast.

PSNI raids linked to Rising anniversary

An annual PSNI operation to harass and disrupt Irish republicans ahead of events for the anniversary of the 1916 Easter Rising has seen raids in three counties.

30th anniversary of Drumbeg massacre

On the 30th anniversary of the brutal murders of Eileen Duffy, Katrina Rennie and Brian Frizzell, families attended a quiet memorial for them in Craigavon last weekend.

Questions mount in trial saga

A court hearing in the long-running trial of three well-known republicans heard doubts about the prosecution’s evidence amid questions over the analysis of alleged covert audio recordings and the role of British military intelligence.

Easter commemorations scaled back

A number of organisations have said that commemorations and wreath-laying ceremonies in honour of the 1916 Rising must again be restricted due the Covid-19 situation.

London made to pay for brutality of Paras

A north Belfast man has received a five-figure compensation pay out from the British Ministry of Defence over serious assault and torture almost 50 years ago.

Legal action over loyalist ceasefire status

The continued indulgence of loyalist paramilitaries by the British government is being challenged with a legal action to force London to admit that their organisations are no longer maintaining “complete and unequivocal” ceasefires.

Uncertainty as ‘dysfunctional’ DUP lash out

A unionist threat to block recognition of the Irish language in the north of Ireland has been condemned.

Psy-ops suspicions after bogus bomb alert

The PSNI stands accused of exaggerating the significance of an object found in County Armagh for its own purposes.

Varadkar under pressure over criminal investigation

Fine Gael leader Leo Varadkar remains mired in scandal after damning new revelations are to be added to a criminal investigation into his leaking of a valuable government document to a friend.

RTE cuts mic as DUP bigotry gets called out

Sports commentator and political analyst Joe Brolly was disconnected from an interview on a high profile television talk show, Claire Byrne Live, after he attempted to address the sectarianism and racism of the DUP.

Operation Sledging

A policing operation in Derry in which two Creggan women were assaulted by the PSNI as part of a day of state violence has drawn intense criticism.

White House will defend peace process

US President Joe Biden has expressed his strong support for continuing efforts to prevent a reinforced border through Ireland as a result of Brexit.

‘Blackout’ imposed on media ahead of Bloody Sunday trial

A decision to ban media from reporting on court proceedings against the only ex-British army paratrooper to face murder charges arising from the 1972 Bloody Sunday massacre has been condemned by families of the victims and journalists alike.

Partition to be marked despite contrasting views

Sinn Féin has agreed to support a series of events to mark the centenary of partition in 1921.

CIRA claim attack on PSNI base

The Continuity IRA (CIRA) has claimed responsibility for an attack on Enniskillen PSNI base in Fermanagh on Monday, March 15.

PSNI fail to investigate attack on 15-year-old

The mother of a north Belfast teenager who was beaten in a sectarian attack which left him with a serious head injury has described how she has been let down by the PSNI investigation.

Tories aim for maximum provocation

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson paid a galling visit to the north of Ireland on Friday as part of a Tory onslaught to preserve the union. Rubbing elbows with occupying British soldiers at a helicopter base, Johnson’s visit appeared designed to deliberately infuriate nationalists.

Loyalists throw fireworks at home of Gerry Kelly

The home of Sinn Féin’s Gerry Kelly has been attacked, just days after his constituency office was targeted with a bomb threat.

European move ignites new pressure for Finucane inquiry

The son of murdered defence lawyer Pat Finucane has welcomed a decision by the Council of Europe to reopen his father’s case at the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR).

Blood-soaked history of MI5 collusion weapon

It has emerged that a single assault rifle was used by loyalists, likely including members of the British Army’s Ulster Defence Regiment, to kill up to 12 people between 1988 and 1994.

Irish-America calls for a free and united Ireland

A US advertising campaign supported by a number of Irish-American groups and sponsored by Sinn Féin is seeking to mobilise support for a border poll on Irish unity.

Varadkar forced to apologise for sectarian comment

The Tánaiste and Fine Gael leader Leo Varadkar has been forced to apologise for a comment about the religious denomination of Sinn Féin TDs in the Dublin parliament.

Loyalist threat to wreck peace deal

Loyalists paramilitaries are acting in concert with hardline Brexiteers to try to intimidate the European Union with the potential of violence in the north of Ireland.

British bad faith ‘time and time again’

The British government has been accused once again of displaying “extreme bad faith”, this time over its unilateral extension of grace periods in the Irish Protocol of Brexit.

Document points to collusion in Cappagh killings

On the anniversary of the murder of four men in County Tyrone 30 years ago this week, new information has emerged which appears to confirm long-held suspicions that British-trained soldiers were involved in the ambush.

Arrest of pregnant woman ‘reveals colonial mindset’

The PSNI has been condemned for ransacking the home of two political activists in the Bone area of North Belfast and arresting a heavily pregnant woman in front of her young children to take her to Musgrave Interrogation Centre.

Agenda of Garda Chief and Justice Minister exposed

The 26 County Garda police Commissioner Drew Harris has used an attack on his own men during a right-wing riot in Dublin to smear republicans and socialists.

Racism exposed at holiday firm

A list of Irish surnames used by a British holiday parks company to block “undesirable guests” has highlighted an increase in anti-Irish bigotry in everyday British life.

DUP openly working with loyalist gangs

The DUP has “given cover” to the ongoing crimes of the loyalist paramilitary UVF and UDA after a high-level meeting took place between the party and representatives of the two organisations.

High-tech spy device found hidden in rock

A British military intelligence agent was spotted placing a listening device in an allotments area of west Derry on Tuesday, leading to the recovery of a sophisticated surveillance device.

Files show British Army always involved with loyalist groups

Britain’s failure to deal with loyalist paramilitaries in the early 1970s has been exposed by recently uncovered British military files which prove that the Crown Forces worked with an extensive database of suspected loyalist paramilitaries.

Mixed news in legal quests for truth

The father of two brothers murdered by loyalist paramilitaries has been refused a judicial review seeking a public inquiry into suspected Crown force collusion with the killers.

Man lost job after PSNI demanded his phone

A former hospital porter has secured High Court permission to challenge the lawfulness of having his phone seized by the PSNI.

Ireland’s police team up with Israel’s torture ministry

Ireland’s police forces have given unconvincing explanations about why they are cooperating with an Israeli ministry implicated in torture and war crimes.

‘Anti-Irish abuse must stop’

Irish soccer international James McClean has welcomed widespread support after speaking out about anti-Irish abuse directed towards him and his family in England.

DUP extremism exposed by Brexit protocol

DUP politicians have been condemned for again talking up the potential for loyalist violence against new port regulations whilst engaging in political stunts to defeat what they describe as the ‘Irish Sea border’.

Unexplained killing of two Catholic men to be reviewed

The murder of two Catholic men in County Armagh once wrongly blamed on the IRA is being reviewed as part of an investigation into the series of killings by the pro-British death squad known as the Glenanne Gang.

British soldiers seen not co-operating with inquest

A former British Army soldier has been accused of “choosing not to help” an inquest into the killing of a Derry mother shot dead in her garden, while another claimed former soldiers were being “persecuted” over state killings.

Johnson’s union tunnel strategy ridiculed

The increasingly desparate efforts of British Prime Minister Boris Johnson to save the union has seen his proposed sea tunnel between Ireland and Scotland branded as ‘hallucinogenic’.

Commemoration cancelled after online attacks

Attempts to demonise a young Wexford-born IRA Volunteer who died tragically at the age of 21 when a device he was transporting exploded prematurely in London have been condemned.

Nationalists turn against PSNI

An egregiously insensitive example of PSNI harassment has led to a surge in nationalist support for disbandment of the hated police force.

New inquest for ‘New Lodge Six’

A decision to order a new inquest into the killings of six men shot dead in one night in Belfast in 1973 has been widely welcomed.

Staff return to ports as DUP blamed for whipping up tension

The DUP Minister for Agriculture used port staff as “pawns” in efforts to whip up a reaction against new Brexit trade rules, Sinn Féin’s John O’Dowd has said.

‘Incredible’ plan to delete electoral roll

A plan by the North’s Electoral Office to remove all registered voters from the Electoral Register has been condemned as outrageous by Sinn Fein West Belfast MP Paul Maskey.

Loyalists threaten journalist

There was widespread condemnation following the latest loyalist threat to shoot a journalist. Graffiti has appeared in a number of locations in east Belfast with the name of reporter Patricia Devlin along with cross hairs.

DUP MP insists on white gospel singers

DUP MP Gregory Campbell has denied he is a racist after he criticised a gospel singing show for not including more white people.

Brexit deal could unravel

A weak response to the controversial inclusion of a reference to Brexit’s Irish Protocol in preliminary EU legislation for vaccine exports has encouraged unionist extremists to believe they can force a renegotiation of Brexit’s protocol on Ireland.

Alleged informer shot dead

There has been no claim of responsibility for an attack in which a former British soldier accused of infiltrating an IRA breakaway group was killed.

PSNI’s handcuffs ‘dug into my bullet wounds’

A victim of the Sean Graham bookmakers atrocity has spoken out after he was arrested while he and other relatives laid flowers at a memorial to their loved ones.

Loyalist mob intimidates community as PSNI keep watch

A loyalist community centre that delivers food parcels has been closed due to threats delivered by a unionist paramilitary gang on Tuesday which were overseen by the PSNI.

Anti-Catholic graffiti on the rise

A Catholic church in Limavady has been the target of a disturbing hate crime.

State censorship targets republicans on social media

Saoradh has said it is enduring a second censorship attempt by the British State in conjunction with social media corporations.

Shock as PSNI attacks Lower Ormeau commemoration

A small and quiet wreath-laying by relatives of innocent civilians killed in the Ormeau Road bookmakers atrocity was attacked today by the PSNI, who arrested one of the survivors of the 1992 mass shooting.

Unionists escalate tensions over Brexit Protocol

People are being urged to remain calm in the face of attempts by unionists and loyalists to force a reversal of Brexit’s Irish Protocol, which they say has created a border down the Irish Sea and could lead to increasing economic unity on the island of Ireland.

Britain signals readiness for debate on Irish Unity

An acknowledgement by the head of Britain’s government in Ireland that there should be a ‘conversation’ about Ireland’s constitutional future has been welcomed.

UDA/UVF in talks with Britain over Brexit ‘anger’

A group of loyalist paramilitary representatives have held a meeting with British officials to demand an end to the Irish Protocol of the Brexit Withdrawal Agreement, raising questions over London’s attitude to loyalist paramilitary violence.

Warning as unhinged loyalist killer released

Loyalist serial killer Michael Stone has been released from prison despite warnings he could resume sectarian attacks against nationalists and republicans.

Paisley insists armed struggle was ‘genocide’ by ‘Catholic IRA’

The DUP MP Ian Paisley has doubled down on an absurd remark in which he compared the Nazi Holocaust to the actions of the “Catholic IRA”.

Family of late republican blast funeral critics

The family of Derry IRA veteran Eamon ‘Peggy’ McCourt have denounced politicians who criticised his republican funeral and made insensitive allegations that it had broken Covid-19 restrictions.

Loughgall families take action over social media hate campaign

The sister of an IRA Volunteer shot dead by the British Army has called for tighter regulation after images of his remains were repeatedly posted online.

Pressure on govts to facilitate Irish Unity poll

A clamour for a realignment of borders in the aftermath of Brexit has seen the most senior figure in David Cameron’s former Tory Cabinet join increasing numbers of unionists in admitting that Ireland could soon be reunited.

British Army Covid stunt rejected by republicans

A deployment of British Army paramedics to hospitals in occupied Ireland has angered nationalists, particularly among families of those killed and injured by British soldiers.

Relief for family of victim of cold-blooded killing

The family of Paddy McElhone, who was aged 24 when he was shot and killed by a British soldier near his Tyrone home, have said the truth of his 1974 murder has finally been heard at an inquest.

Further claims of responsibility by armed groups

The Continuity IRA have issued a second statement with specific details of a gun attack on a PSNI helicopter last week.

Legal challenge to airport harassment

A north Belfast community activist has won High Court permission to challenge a decision by the PSNI to detain and interrogate him at an airport.

Questions mount over cronyism in Ireland’s health system

Top health officials in Ireland provided doses of Covid-19 vaccine to their own family members and friends ahead of frontline workers, care home residents and other vulnerable people, according to reports this week.

Helicopter attacked as armed groups remain active

A high powered gun attack took place against a Crown Forces helicopter on Thursday near Newtownbutler, County Fermanagh. The attack took place in the border area near where the Continuity IRA launched a booby-trap attack in 2019.

‘For God and Asda’ – ‘onslaught’ threat over bare shelves

Unionists have claimed they been “screwed over” by a new regulatory border in the Irish Sea, with senior MPs hitting out at the Tory government in London over shortages of some items in foodstores, and calling for some Brexit regulations to be scrapped.

Prosecutors refuse to reveal MI5 role in case

A lawyer acting for a group of republican activists held after an MI5 entrapment operation has said that British military intelligence “appears to be ignorant of the rule of law”.

Wake harassed by PSNI over presence of republicans

Eight PSNI vehicles, including six armoured Land Rovers, swarmed a family home in west Belfast on Thursday night, and harassed mourners attending a wake.

Report on Mother and Baby homes ‘a cop-out’

A Commission of Investigation has established that some 9,000 babies and children died over eight decades in Irish ‘Mother and Baby’ homes, but a limited report and an official State apology have only increased demands for full redress for a history of murderous neglect and misogyny.

Signage move brings new hope for Irish language in Belfast

A major policy change by Belfast City Council will make Irish language street signs easier to erect.

Brexit advances Irish economic unity

The Dublin government is being urged to help facilitate the increasing reality of Irish unity following the end of the Brexit transition period and the creation of an Irish Sea border.

Campaign for Noah intensifies

A convoy of over a thousand vehicles took place around Belfast in support of the family of teenager Noah Donohoe on Thursday night as concerns mount over PSNI failings and possible collusion in the stalled investigation into his death.

Sort out Rockall mess, governments urged

British authorities have been urged to abandon their claim to the remote rocky outcrop of Rockall after an awkward incident on Monday in which a Scottish patrol boat boarded an Irish fishing vessel.

DUP mistakenly condemn second ‘republican funeral’

As concern grows over a dangerous new English strain of the coronavirus, the determination of unionists to fit the deepening Covid-19 crisis into a sectarian agenda has reached a new low point.

Tensions follow BLM-style death in Dublin

Hundreds of people have been taking part in daily protests outside Blanchardstown Garda station in Dublin after a man with mental illness was shot dead in a hail of gunfire this week by Gardai in the garden of his own home.

Shock in Ireland after US Capitol is seized by mob

Political leaders in Ireland universally condemned the invasion of the Capitol Building in Washington DC by extremist supporters of Donald Trump.

Michael McKevitt passes away

Former Provisional and Real IRA leader Michael McKevitt has died following a long battle with cancer. He is survived by his wife Bernadette Sands McKevitt, sister of IRA hunger striker Bobby Sands.

Happy New Year from Irish Republican News

A short note to wish you all a Happy New Year.

UDA order mother of murder victim to flee

Drug-dealing loyalist paramilitaries have ordered a grandmother and her family out of their homes over Christmas for daring to speak out against them over the murder of her son.

Christmas Eve terror in Coleraine

Unionist paramilitaries in north Derry have targeted the homes of nationalists in the town of Coleraine with four hoax bombs planted in the town on Christmas Eve.

History seen moving in direction of unity

On the centenary of the enactment of the Government of Ireland Act, which partitioned Ireland under British law, and with Brexit just days away, the former Sinn Féin leader Gerry Adams has called for the Dublin government to do more to remove the border from the island.

IRA prisoners’ peace effort noted in declassified papers

Information passed by prison chaplains to the Dublin government in 1990 that the Provisional IRA did not want Sinn Féin directly involved in negotiations with the British government about a ceasefire was misinterpreted in state papers released in Dublin this week.

Internee granted judicial review

Veteran republican Kieran ‘Zack’ Smyth has been granted leave to seek a judicial review of a British order to revoke his prison release and intern him earlier this year.

Discrimination finding fails to bring change

PSNI chief Simon Byrne has failed to acknowledge institutionalised bigotry within the force after the Police Ombudsman admitted that Black Lives Matter protestors had been discriminated against.

Brexit negotiators conclude deal on trade, security

A comprehensive deal for Britain’s departure from the EU has been agreed by negotiators from the London government and the European Union, concluding years of talks marked by British bad faith and political uncertainty, particularly in the north of Ireland.

Unionists block move to keep new virus strain out

A new and more dangerous strain of coronavirus which has emerged in the southeast of England has resulted in a flight ban from Britain to the 26 Counties, but the Stormont Executive in the North has so far refused to take part.

Stormont exposed by Covid failure

The inability of the Six-County Executive at Stormont to govern effectively has been highlighted by the announcement on Friday of a hard ‘lockdown’ for six weeks as well as a week-long 8pm curfew to begin on St Stephen’s Day.

Govts urged to act on Belturbet revelations

A new TV documentary has pointed to collusion between loyalists and the British Army in a bomb attack in Belturbet, in which two teenagers were killed.

Poet’s memory insulted by ‘Northern Ireland’ propaganda

The British government has attempted to colonise the legacy of Irish poet Seamus Heaney in support of the partition of Ireland by using his image as part of a campaign to mark its centenary.

Shots fired at home of Derry republican

The wife of a member of a republican political group has narrowly escaped injury in a gun attack on her home in Dungiven.

‘Soldier B’ prosecution to go ahead

An attempt to stop the prosecution of a former British soldier for the murder of a child in Derry 48 years ago has been rejected.

DNA test finally brings justice for ‘Kerry Babies’ accused

A woman has been cleared of murdering her own baby after 35 years in a case which raised serious questions about the culture of the Garda Síochána and the treatment of unmarried mothers in Irish society.

Britain bows to pressure on border

Concessions by the British government have boosted hopes that a remilitarised border through Ireland can be avoided after Brexit, although overall negotiations on a trade deal with the EU could still fail.

PSNI wreck family home for Christmas

A spate of heavy-handed operations in Derry by the PSNI has followed in a grim Crown Force tradition of Christmas-time raids in republican areas and the seizure of family gifts and children’s toys.

Sinn Féin internalises anti-IRA campaign

Two separate attempts to smear and damage Sinn Féin TDs with embarrassing old social media posts have followed supposedly controversial statements about the Provisional IRA.

Wales ‘has pathway to independence’

Wales will be offered an independence referendum within five years if the Welsh nationalist party, Plaid Cymru, commands a majority at next May’s Welsh Parliament elections, the party’s leader Adam Price has said.

Student nurses on €50 as fat cats issued huge increases

The coalition government in Dublin has come under fire for agreeing to increase wages and pensions for judges and politicians while refusing to pay student nurses.

Death of ‘unsung hero’ of Bloody Sunday

Hugh McMonagle has been described as “an unsung and courageous hero of Bloody Sunday” after he sadly passed away on Thursday at the age of 75.

Loyalist leaders were British agents, court hears

Loyalist Volunteer Force (LVF) founder Billy Wright was a state-sponsored agent, Belfast Crown Court has heard. It was alleged that the man known as ‘King Rat’ was just one of a number of unionist paramilitary bosses on the British payroll.

‘Good IRA vs. Bad IRA’ acted out in Twitter flap

A controversy over a tweet by Sinn Féin TD Brian Stanley has been allowed to overshadow the centenary of the Kilmichael Ambush, one of the most significant military blows to British rule in Ireland in Irish history.

Miscarriage of justice overturned after 42 years

A Court of Appeal in Belfast has ruled that the British Crown Forces fabricated admissions in 1978 to secure the conviction of a teenager which saw him locked away for ten years of his early adulthood.

UDA ‘could come back for us’

The mother of a Catholic gun attack victim fears her son will be killed by the UDA after he was blasted on his doorstep in Coleraine in a savage sectarian attack.

Housing Executive pays out over sectarian harassment

A man who was forced to endure colleagues calling Catholics ‘Fenians’, wishing him ‘Happy King Billy’s Day’ and draping a a Union Jack over his work van has settled a case against the North’s Housing Executive.

Singer regrets not doing more for Irish cause

Shane MacGowan, the former lead singer of the Pogues, says he felt guilty for “not having the guts” to join the I.R.A. in a new documentary.

British govt rejects Supreme Court call for Finucane inquiry

The British government has again refused to establish a public inquiry into the murder of Pat Finucane, the 39-year-old defence lawyer shot dead in front of his family in Belfast in 1989 by paramilitaries acting on the direction of the British Armed Forces.

Decision day for Finucane inquiry

Monday has become a day of reckoning as the date a court was told Britain will finally make a decision known on a public inquiry into the assassination of Belfast defence lawyer Pat Finucane.

Pressure on Johnson as Brexit deadline approaches

US President-elect Joe Biden has again spoken out against the prospect of a remilitarised border through Ireland and Britain’s moves to violate the Good Friday Agreement and international law.

Duplicity of coalition condemned on centenary of key massacre

The two leaders of the 26 County government have been condemned for hypocrisy for piously marking the centenary of the 1920 Bloody Sunday massacre in Croke Park despite previously commemorating those who carried out the atrocity.

Payout setback for PSNI’s ‘dark forces’

In a settlement which could set a marker for other claims against the Crown Forces, huge damages have been paid to journalists falsely arrested by the PSNI in 2018.

UDA upsurge continues

The UDA shot a man in Coleraine, planted three pipe bombs in a nearby village and threatened to kill a journalist this week amid an ongoing crime spree by the unionist paramilitary organisation and its drug-dealing gangs.

Intimidation fears over north Belfast graffiti

Racist and sectarian graffiti has appeared on walls in a loyalist area of north Belfast, not far from where 14-year-old Noah Donohoe disappeared in June.

Jingo Johnson bangs the drum

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson has announced the biggest expansion of the British military since the Cold War, calling for Britain to go on the offensive and end an “era of retreat” in the aftermath of Brexit.

Loyalist paramilitaries clash over cash

Leaders of two loyalist paramilitary groups are said to be at the point of feuding over drug dealing on Belfast’s Shankill Road.

Legal fightback over anti-republican measures

Republicans are taking to the courts to fight attempts by British forces to abuse the law in order to oppress and marginalise normal political activity.

Anger as GAA-linked firm backs British Army

Protests have been organised over an apparent collaboration between the British Army and Irish sportswear firm O’Neills, the primary manufacturer of Gaelic sports jerseys and school sports kits in Ireland.

Council bias ‘must be addressed’

The discriminatory treatment of cultural symbols in rural areas of the north of Ireland continues as loyalist flags and emblems go untouched, while visible signs of Irish republicanism are often threatened and removed.

MI5’s sinister tools: money and intimidation

Envelopes of cash have been sent to a County Fermanagh home in an effort to recruit a member of Republican Sinn Féin, one of several attempts to infiltrate the party.

Madness of DUP’s veto on public health

Sinn Féin president Mary Lou McDonald has accused the DUP of exploiting Covid-19 as an ‘orange versus green’ issue in a week she described as ‘shameful and depressing’.

Cummings quits as Tories face Brexit realities

A power struggle at Downing Street that ended on Friday with Boris Johnson’s top advisor Dominic Cummings walking out of Number 10 may mark the beginning of the end for a no-deal Brexit and a hard border through Ireland.

Fine Gael shaken by mounting nepotism allegations

Fine Gael launched its most bitter attack on Sinn Féin in years this week in a desperate response to a cronyism scandal which has now expanded to include the position of shamed Supreme Court judge Seamus Woulfe.

Unionist’s bigotry draws international attention

John Taylor, the former Deputy Leader of the Ulster Unionist Party has made headlines around the world after describing US vice president-elect Kamala Harris as “the Indian”.

Anger as UVF ‘honoured’ at Belfast City Hall

Sinn Féin has called for a review after a Poppy Day wreath for the unionist paramilitary UVF was laid at Belfast City Council’s cenotaph in the Garden of Remembrance at City Hall.

Righting a wrong at Westminster

A slur against a peace campaigner that remained on the record of the London parliament for 21 years has finally been corrected.

Irish leaders respond to US election outcome

The President of Ireland Michael D Higgins has led Irish congratulations to Joe Biden after his success in becoming the US President.

Tories wary as Biden elected US President

The new US President-elect Joe Biden could make a visit to Ireland’s border area as part of an intervention on Brexit, according to reports.

Varadkar damaged by cronyism revelations

Sinn Féin is to table a motion of no confidence in Tánaiste and Fine Gael leader Leo Varadkar after he offered no real defence for leaking a confidential medical contract to a friend involved in negotiations for a rival group.

Mother of ‘boy who got away’ calls for investigations

The mother of a Catholic teenager who was chased, attacked and robbed by loyalist youths this summer has spoken out over the PSNI’s refusal to properly investigate the death of 14-year-old Noah Donohoe.

No indication of British plan for referendums

There are fears the London government could seek to prevent referendums on Irish unity and Scottish independence for decades in light of recent statements by its most senior representatives in both countries.

Wild west scene at PSNI house party

The parallel systems of policing in the north of Ireland have been highlighted by the treatment of two members of the PSNI who were released despite pleading guilty to opening fire at a house party.

Frederick Douglass to be remembered in Belfast

A proposal to erect a statue dedicated to US abolitionist and activist Frederick Douglass has been passed by Belfast City Council. Douglass, a former slave, visited Belfast in 1845 as part of his lecturing tour of Ireland.

Clashes as anger mounts over policing

There has been sporadic unrest in Derry over three days as a provocative Crown Force operation took place in the area of Racecourse Road, Greenhaw Road, Glengalliagh Road and Fern Road.

‘Lies and failure’ over killing of 13-year-old

New evidence has emerged in the murder of 13-year-old Martha Campbell in Belfast in 1972, which puts a British Army unit in the area and shooting at the time she was shot and killed.

SF Senator steps down amid new grants scandal

Sinn Féin leader Mary Lou McDonald accepted the resignation of party Senator Elisha McCallion as a new financial scandal erupted in the North this week.

PPS defends its own in Stakeknife case

A decision of the North’s Public Prosecution Service (PPS) not to prosecute one of their own members for perjury relating to the ‘Stakeknife’ double-agent has come as no surprise, according to legal representatives of his victims.

Detailed study launched on use of plastic bullets in North

‘Plastic Justice’, an extensive report on the history, legacy and the deadly impact of the plastic bullet in the north of Ireland, was launched by Relatives for Justice last weekend.

‘Guerrilla’ campaign draws attention to British occupation

Lasair Dhearg activists said they have carried out a “new guerilla marketing strategy” throughout Belfast to highlight the ongoing British occupation of the north of Ireland.

US Action Alert: Stop plans for a hard border

This weeks marks the 40th anniversary of the start of the 1980 hunger strike in the H-Blocks of Long Kesh, as well as the centenary of the death on hunger strike of Terence MacSwiney, the Sinn Féin Lord Mayor of Cork. It is also an important week for the Irish cause in 2020. That is because it is now widely believed that the British government has delayed key Brexit negotiations until after the US Presidential election.

Fury at homes abuse cover-up

An adoption rights activist born in one of Ireland’s notorious ‘mother and baby’ homes has described a move to seal records about the institutions for thirty years as a denial of justice.

Martin ‘not interested’ in Irish Unity

A refusal by Micheál Martin to say if a border poll will ever take place and a statement that Irish reunification is not a priority has put the Taoiseach at odds with a broad swathe of Irish public opinion, including his own party.

DUP Minister reaches new low

A deeply-rooted prejudice of DUP minister Edwin Poots emerged in scandalous fashion this week when he issued a series of bigoted remarks in connection with Covid-19, peaking with the incredible claim that they weren’t sectarian as “most Sinn Féin leaders don’t attend the Catholic Church on a regular basis”.

MI5 infiltration of Craigavon 2 campaign prompts legal action

Lawyers representing two men jailed in a miscarriage of justice say there are new grounds for their convictions to be deemed unsafe due to the sinister involvement of MI5 double agent Dennis McFadden.

Family urge letter writer to come forward

The family of a County Tyrone man murdered by loyalists 30 years ago has called for an independent investigation to be carried out after receiving an anonymous letter containing significant new information.

US election campaign echoes in Ireland

Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden has outlined how he will work with Irish-America and Ireland if he is elected US president.

Micheál Martin confirms new lockdown

After weeks of vacillation and infighting, the Dublin government has responded to inexorably rising levels of the coronavirus in Ireland with a stringent, six-week ‘level 5’ lockdown.

Scotland pushing at the door

Post-Brexit Europe will see a border between Scotland and England if the result of the latest poll, which found 58% of Scots now support independence, is borne out in a referendum.

Consequences of partitioned public health become clear

The failure to agree a joint all-island strategy on tackling the Covid-19 pandemic has led to a blame game on both sides of the border as the numbers of new cases and deaths have once again spiralled upwards.

Protest at new British spy towers

Large-scale surveillance installations used by British forces to spy on the nationalist population in the north of Ireland are the focus of a new campaign by republican activists.

New information on killings ignored by PSNI

A year after a breakthrough documentary was broadcast on the case, the father of two brothers killed by loyalists almost 30 years ago has confirmed that the PSNI failed to take any action on the new information.

Former death row prisoner tortured into ‘confession’ takes case

A Belfast man has begun a High Court action over the British Army’s use of torture techniques to extract a false confession used to secure a death sentence against him at trial.

Partition ‘celebration’ plans get slow handclap

A forum set up by the British government to look at how to mark next year’s ‘Centenary of Northern Ireland’ is being boycotted by nationalists and republicans. The Centenary Forum was announced by British prime minister Boris Johnson during a visit to Ireland in August.

Tories back death squads, condemn human rights lawyers

An attack on human rights lawyers by the British Prime Minister has been described as “appalling” and “ shameful”.

Loyalists shoot grandmother, stone schoolbus

A 61-year-old woman has been left fighting for her life after a unionist paramilitary gun attack in Coleraine, County Derry. Sally Cummings is in a critical condition in the Royal Victoria Hospital in Belfast after being struck in the head by one of eight shots.

Glenanne Gang member linked to shocking new death threat

A member of the notorious ‘Glenanne Gang’ death squad is being investigated after a shocking death threat was made against Aontú councillor Denise Mullen, the daughter of a man previously murdered by the gang.

Brexit a reality as Gardaí move to harden border

An armed Garda support unit is to be permanently deployed to the border in a decision which appears to confirm plans for a cross-border remilitarisation of the area.

Bank protest over frozen accounts

Political activists in Derry occupied the local branch of the Santander bank in an action over the freezing of bank accounts and welfare benefits of those targeted by the PSNI.

Amnesty take on case of murdered 12-year-old

Amnesty International is helping organise a campaign for justice for Majella O’Hare, a girl who was shot in the back on her way to church by a British soldier and then ‘treated like a piece of meat’, according to an eyewitness.

A legacy wiped from the map

The house of the O’Rahilly, a famous historical landmark once home to the 1916 Easter Rising leader Michael Joseph O’Rahilly, was tragically and deliberately demolished in the early hours of Tuesday morning, September 29.

Panel finds historic torture of republican prisoners

An independent inquiry report into the mistreatment of PoWs in the H-Blocks and Armagh Women’s Jail in the period between 1976 and 1981 has exposed the systematic abuse and torture of prisoners during the prison protests.

SF meeting with Charles angers Bloody Sunday families

Sinn Féin has come in for stinging criticism for its meeting this week with Prince Charles, the head of the British Army’s Parachute Regiment, less than 24 hours after it was announced that no further charges will be brought over the Bloody Sunday massacre.

‘All bets are off’ in hard border scenario

Sinn Féin leader Mary Lou McDonald has said the “erratic” and “dangerous” Boris Johnson cannot be trusted on Brexit. She said Johnson has forfeited credibility by unpicking the Withdrawal Agreement, negotiated earlier this year, and now cannot be believed when he says he wants a trade deal.

Flanagan can’t tolerate Glenanne Gang film

An extraordinary attack by the former 26 County Minister for Justice, Charlie Flanagan on a documentary film on collusion has been described as an attack on nationalist victims of the conflict.

Narratives in struggle as Kelly recalls prison escape

Sinn Féin Assembly member Gerry Kelly has said he remains proud of his involvement in the 1983 mass breakout from Long Kesh prison despite British Direct Ruler Brandon Lewis describing his memories of the event “disgraceful”.

New legal bid likely after massacre prosecutions decision

There was disappointment in Derry today after Crown Prosecutors confirmed that they will not prosecute 15 British soldiers in connection with Bloody Sunday.

Hunger strike ends with transfer of prisoner

A hunger protest by republican prisoners ended today after Palestinian prisoner Dr Issam Hijjawi was transferred to Roe House, the section of Maghaberry jail where political prisoners are housed.

Solidarity camp at Maghaberry gates

Protests in support of hunger striking prisoners are due to take place in Belfast and outside Maghaberry Prison on Saturday, where a solidarity camp is to be established.

New investigation into Ludlow murder

The family of Seamus Ludlow, who was shot dead in County Louth in 1976, have announced that an independent police investigation is to take place into his murder.

Tories treating north of Ireland as a ‘pawn’ - O’Neill

The people of the North are being used as pawns in a political game by the British government, Sinn Fein’s Michelle O’Neill has warned.

MI5 to get legal backing for informers’ crimes

Legislation introduced at Westminster is set to shore up the legality of murders and other crimes committed by state agents and informers in Britain and the north of Ireland.

Seán Mac Stíofáin claim ‘propaganda’

An attempt to boost the reputation of the former Fianna Fáil leader Charles Haughey with an allegation that former IRA leader Seán Mac Stiofáin was a double agent has been rejected by a former colleague.

Pressure grows for BBC to sack talk show host

There are fresh protests against the institutional sectarianism of the BBC in Ireland as infamous radio and TV presenter Stephen Nolan continues to generate intense anger among nationalists.

Solidarity hunger strike at Maghaberry

The Irish Republican Prisoners Welfare Association have said they are gravely concerned at the “medieval” behaviour of the Maghaberry prison regime towards Palestinian prisoner Dr Issam Hijjawi.

US leaders unite to oppose Johnson’s move on border

A transatlantic war of words has broken out over the British government’s move to break the Brexit Withdrawal Agreement and its protections for peace in the north of Ireland.

TV broadcast on collusion ‘confronts the narrative’

A historic turning point in the long battle against state censorship in the 26 Counties was reached this week when ‘Unquiet Graves’, the story of the loyalist Glenanne Gang and their links to the British Crown Forces, was finally aired by state broadcaster RTE.

UDA expel Catholic woman over domestic dispute

A west Belfast Catholic woman has described how the unionist paramilitary UDA turned up at her door in March to force her out after her housemate became involved in a dispute with neighbouring residents.

Barbados leads the way in shedding imperial past

Countries around the world are re-examining their post-colonial identity after Barbados moved to remove the English queen as the head of state. The island has said that it is planning to become a republic as it moves to withdraw from the Commonwealth and “leave its colonial past behind”.

‘Patriots’ using virus to sow division

There is concern that far-right groups are taking advantage of the coronavirus crisis to build support for bogus ‘patriot’ organisations involving fascists, loyalists and English Brexiteers.

Perfidious Albion 2020

The political clock has been turned sharply back as the world grapples once again with a British government acting in bad faith on Ireland and blithely reneging on peace deals.

MI5 oppression condemned

A prominent former British MP has hit out at the use of entrapment by MI5 in Ireland and their attempts to criminalise lawful political activity.

PSNI linked to UDA sectarianism

A mother-of-three has had to leave her home in south Belfast after being assaulted by loyalists when she refused to hand over her child’s Catholic friends for a punishment shooting.

Crown refuses to say when it will hand over documents to inquest

A coroner has spoken out over delays by the Crown Forces in providing information to the inquest of a teenager shot dead by British soldiers in 1975.

Family of Gerard McMahon still await inquest

Four years on from his death, the family of a man who died following his arrest in Belfast city centre have been calling for the truth.

Parties urged to stand up for Liam Campbell’s human rights

Protests are being organised nationwide in support of Dundalk republican Liam Campbell, who is facing extradition to Lithuania on arms charges despite never having been to the country.

Tories admit to breaking international law on Ireland

The British government has been accused of creating a “rogue state” as it published a bill to violate the Irish protocol of the Brexit Withdrawal Agreement, an international treaty.

British backsliding could wreck Brexit peace deal

Reports that legislation is to be introduced by the British government to “eliminate the legal force” of parts of the Brexit Withdrawal Agreement, and specifically in relation to the border through Ireland, have sent shock waves around Europe.

Alliance blocks Irish signage

The latest proposals for dual Irish and English language street signs in Belfast were voted down this week as the leader of the supposedly cross-community Alliance Party claimed that the sight of the Irish language in public is “contentious”.

MI5 still trawling for agents and informers

Just days after a senior member of Saoradh was named as an MI5 agent, a republican activist revealed three individuals who identified themselves as members of the “security services” had tried to recruit him.

Facts of massacre emerge despite ‘lost’ military files

A secret behind a British Army log sheet that went ‘missing’ has been uncovered thanks to the detective work of an archive researcher.

Hardline unionists back Trump in US election

The DUP and other unionists have been endorsing Donald Trump to win the US Presidential election in November.

Information sought over horror arson attack

Relatives for Justice have appealed for information to help a family who were targeted in a sectarian fire bomb in 1976 in which three lives were lost.

Heritage site faces ‘West Brit’ wrecking ball

Efforts are underway to save a building which played a pivotal role in the Easter Rising and the War of Independence in Dublin, the home of the 1916 martyr known as ‘The O’Rahilly’.

‘Internment 2.0’

A Palestinian doctor and political activist has been charged under the “Terrorism Act”, alongside nine Irish republicans as part of a major Crown Forces operation to imprison leading members of the Saoradh political party.

McFadden family ‘refuse MI5 protection’ - Saoradh

Saoradh have said the family of Dennis McFadden have ended their associations with the recently identified MI5 agent, and they should face no hostility or recrimination for his actions.

Disturbances in Lurgan follow searches, arrests

Petrol bombs were thrown in Lurgan on Sunday night following PSNI searches and a bomb alert.

Hooded Men bid to pave way for other victims

The Hooded Men are to take Britain’s refusal to investigate legacy state crimes in the conflict to the Supreme Court in London.

Anger at lengthy sentence in Connor retrial

Belfast woman Christine Connor has been sentenced to 20 years in jail over an alleged plot to encourage online acquaintances to carry out attacks against the PSNI, despite a judge’s admission that she suffers from “significant” mental ill-health.

Loyalist campaign against GAA continues

The erection by loyalists of a banner in Dungannon referring to the GAA (Gaelic Athletics Association) as the “sporting wing of the IRA” has been condemned by Sinn Fein.

Entrapment alleged as top Saoradh official named as MI5 agent

A man presenting himself as a lifelong republican activist, Dennis McFadden, has been accused of working with British military intelligence to help imprison leading members of Saoradh.

Saoradh under attack

Raids have taken place over four days across three jurisdictions in one of the largest actions in recent years by state forces against a legal political party.

Coalition in crisis over Covid dinner madness

Micheál Martin’s coalition government has been deeply rocked by the fall-out from an anniversary dinner of the Dublin parliament’s Golf Society.

Family goes to court after inquest into double killing refused

The daughter of a female IRA Volunteer killed along with her sister almost 50 years ago is set to launch legal action against the Six County Attorney General after a new inquest was refused.

PSNI silent after delivering threat for loyalists

Loyalist paramilitaries are being effectively shielded by Six County PSNI police while passing on racist threats to their targets, judging from a recent case in south Belfast.

Setback for ex-PoWs as discriminatory pension scheme advances

Deputy First Minister Michelle O’Neill has reluctantly agreed to progress a one-sided compensation scheme for victims of the past conflict after a judge ruled that an ongoing delay was unlawful.

New effort to realise Roger Casement’s dying wish

A new campaign to reinter the remains of Easter Rising leader Roger Casement has been launched in West Belfast.

Minister quits amid outrage over virus double standards

A Minister in the Dublin government has resigned this morning for attending a parliamentary jolly with more than 80 people, including several other politicians and ‘elite’ figures, which breached Covid-19 regulations.

Donohoe family seek justice

Fiona Donohoe, the mother of 14-year-old Noah Donohoe, has begun a justice campaign and is seeking public assistance for an investigation into the unexplained death of her son in June of this year.

Policing hypocrisy reaches a new level

The discriminatory nature of the Stormont authorities’ approach to bonfires was laid bare last weekend as nationalist areas were flooded with riot PSNI police in order to remove small amounts of materials ahead of relatively tiny nationalist events, while a giant pyre saw loyalists cheer the sectarian burning of Irish flags and symbols.

Johnson ‘loves and celebrates’ partition of Ireland

Plans to mark the centenary of the partition of Ireland have received a mixed reaction from Irish politicians after British Prime Minister Boris Johnson said that the division of the island was “obviously” a cause for “celebration”.

Martin fearful as unity debate continues

The 26 County Taoiseach Micheal Martin has said he is increasingly concerned that Irish unity may come about sooner rather than later, and possibly quite suddenly.

Prisoner assaulted on anniversary of unimplemented agreement

Republican political prisoner Luke O’Neill was viciously assaulted by warders at Maghaberry jail last week before being removed to an isolation unit, according to fellow prisoners.

Shocking stabbing of teenager recalled

The father of one of the teenagers who was with schoolboy Thomas Devlin on the night he was murdered by loyalists has spoken for the first time about the events of 15 years ago that changed the lives of three families forever.

Rioting follows PSNI raids in Derry

Vehicles were hijacked and burned and the PSNI were attacked with petrol and paint bombs in three nights of disturbances in Derry this week following brutal police raids in the city.

Anger as PSNI invade west Belfast estate

The IRSP has slammed what it said was an “anti-community” PSNI operation in the republican Divis area of Belfast to seize a small amount of wood gathered for a traditional August bonfire.

John Hume honoured around the world

Mourners from across the political spectrum attended and paid their respects at the funeral of John Hume, the former SDLP leader whose death prompted international tributes on Wednesday.

Catholics facing intimidation

A new Gaelic sports club set up in east Belfast with the goal of uniting communities has already been targeted by loyalists.

Calls for united Ireland campaign to be accelerated

Sinn Féin TD Pearse Doherty has called for the campaign for a united Ireland to be stepped up.

Prisoner wins right to access library books

A republican prisoner has won a High Court battle to secure access to library books. Sean McVeigh is currently being held within the segregated regime at Maghaberry Prison.

Adams pays tribute to John Hume

Former Sinn Féin president Gerry Adams says John Hume’s decision to meet him for talks in 1986 “was a breakthrough moment in Irish politics” and described the Good Friday Agreement as “a landmark moment for both of us”.

John Hume has died

It has been announced this morning that the former SDLP leader and Noble Peace Prize winner John Hume passed away late last night. He died after a short illness at the age of 83 after suffering from dementia for many years.

One law for them

The culmination of weeks of outrage over the new Dublin government’s attempts to seize new powers and perks, while stripping benefits from newly unemployed citizens, saw this session of parliament culminate in an angry walk-out by several parties.

British state ‘getting away with murder’

The RUC have “gotten away with the murder of a 9 year old child” after a decision was taken not to prosecute anyone in relation to the case, according to his family.

New British powers in border area opposed

A legal challenge is being mounted over a new quasi-militarised border zone being planned by the British government.

Unionist politicians disgrace themselves again

DUP MP Gregory Campbell has been widely condemned after he reprised an infamous incident in which he mocked the Irish language.

Desperate hunger strike by refugees forces action

Asylum seekers at one of Ireland’s most notorious direct provision centres are to be relocated after ending a hunger strike in protest at the conditions of their disease-ridden accommodation in County Kerry.

Support urged for interned Blanketman

Saoradh have called the immediate release of former political prisoner Ciarán ‘Zack’ Smyth and an end to the use of internment against republicans.

Sinn Féin MP questions Good Friday Agreement

A veteran Sinn Féin politician has created a storm after he expressed his personal concern that the public had been cheated by the Good Friday Agreement.

Coalition ‘a shambles’ as stresses mount

The lifespan of the new government in Dublin appears to be shortening as unrest within the three-party coalition has begun to manifest itself.

Pressure grows for all-Ireland virus strategy

The partition of Ireland is once again endangering lives as divergent strategies on the coronavirus make it easier for the disease and disease carriers to bypass restrictions on either side.

MP undeterred by loyalist confrontation

North Belfast MP John Finucane says he will not be intimidated after he was asked to leave a protest by alleged loyalist paramilitary commander Winston ‘Winkie’ Irvine.

Family ‘none the wiser’ over killing

The family of a Catholic teenager shot dead by an RUC policeman 40 years ago say they never got “any justice” for his killing.

Tributes for historic Sinn Féin politician

Tributes have been paid to veteran republican Tom Mitchell who died in his native Dublin at the age of 88.

‘A Twelfth like no other’

Loyalist bands defied public appeals to call off marches because of the coronavirus on Monday and insisted on holding hundreds of parades to mark a sectarian battle victory.

London plans ‘power grab’ after Brexit

The London government is pushing a unionist agenda by using Brexit to commandeer powers which should be returned from Brussels to administrations in Belfast and Edinburgh, it has been claimed.

Demo in Derry against “unrelenting, torturous” harassment

A protest took place against police harassment outside Strand Road PSNI barracks in Derry last Saturday.

Inequality seen in football’s anti-racism stance

Football federations are being urged to do more to combat anti-Irish racism following allegations of a growing disparity in the handling of abuse in professional soccer.

Nuclear sub nearly struck ferry - report

A British nuclear submarine almost collided with a ferry sailing out of Belfast after naval commanders under-estimated the speed of the Stena ferry.

Apple skips out of billions in Irish tax dodge

Apple Inc. has been told it will not have to pay €13bn ($15bn) in back taxes to the 26 County state after winning an appeal at the European Union’s second-highest court.

Martin’s government in chaos as Minister gets the sack

The incoming Dublin government may have already struck an iceberg after Taoiseach Micheál Martin suddenly fired his Agriculture Minister Barry Cowen in connection with motoring offences dating from four years ago.

Bonfires of hate go unchecked

An illegal loyalist bonfire burned through a sectarian interface into the nationalist New Lodge last night, terrifying residents and provoking further clashes between nationalist youths and the PSNI police.

Stormont dances to a loyalist tune

A range of politicians and mainstream media have jumped on a loyalist bandwagon to stigmatise mourners at the funeral of legendary figure Bobby Storey, and mount a political attack on Sinn Fein.

Clashes in north Belfast ahead of ‘Eleventh Night’

Tensions are escalating in north Belfast as loyalists prepare for the biggest sectarian displays of the marching season.

Apology sought as court denounces political police raids

Journalists Trevor Birney and Barry McCaffrey have said the PSNI should apologise after the Court of Appeal spelled out why it had quashed a search warrant used to mount shocking heavy-handed raids against them in 2018.

Martin turns away from Irish unity poll

The head of the new coalition government in Dublin, Fianna Fáil leader Michel Martin, has moved his party further away from its republican roots after casting doubt on a referendum on Irish unification as contained in the Good Friday Agreement.

Opposition grows to Campbell extradition

Fermanagh has become the first county in Ireland to pass a motion in support of Dundalk republican Liam Campbell as a campaign grows to halt his extradition to Lithuania, a country he has never even stepped foot in.

Family of murdered child seeks to end ‘crossfire’ lie

The brother of a schoolgirl shot and killed in 1976 is calling for an independent investigation ahead of the anniversary of her death.

‘We will continue his struggle’

Thousands of people watched the funeral procession take place in west Belfast on Tuesday, of the late Bobby Storey, Sinn Féin’s chairperson in the Six Counties and a renowned Provisional IRA figure who died last Sunday week.

Sectarian point-scoring follows funeral of Bobby Storey

There is anger in republican circles at a cynical attempt by unionists and others to turn the funeral of IRA veteran Bobby Storey into a stick with which to beat Sinn Féin.

Loyalists seek to reopen marching season

The Parades Commission has received more than 140 applications for sectarian marches to mark ‘the Twelfth’, the anniversary of a Protestant battle victory over Catholics, despite the Orange Order advising its members not to do so due to the coronavirus.

New Dublin-centric government sets a low bar

The composition of the new 26-County cabinet is being criticised for contining the ongoing marginalisation of both the north and the west of Ireland.

Protest at embassy over planned extradition

A protest is to take place in Dublin on Saturday against the impending extradition of republican Liam Campbell, set to be sent to Lithuania for a trial on arms charges despite never having set foot in the country.

A County Tyrone man has won the legal right to challenge oppressive new powers directed at former republican prisoners.

Micheál Martin sworn in as Taoiseach

President of Ireland Michael D Higgins has officially confirmed Fianna Fáil leader Micheál Martin as the new 26 County Taoiseach at Áras an Uachtarán this afternoon after he was elected Taoiseach by 93 votes to 63, with three abstentions.

A pact among devils

Fine Gael, Fianna Fáil and the Green Party have voted overwhelmingly to enter into a three-party coalition in Dublin which they say will “stand up” for Ireland at this time of crisis, but which republicans and socialists believe will only preserve the hegemony of a privileged minority.

Sinn Féin ends opposition to the Special Criminal Court

For the first time since Sinn Féin entered the Dublin parliament, the party has abstained in a vote on the renewal of the infamous Offences Against the State Act. The legislation, which dates from 1939, facilitates the imprisonment of any individual which the 26 County government believes could pose a threat to ‘state security’ for any reason.

Loyalists terrorising kids in north Belfast

Children are being singled out for abuse and intimidation by loyalists in north Belfast if they are perceived to be nationalist or Catholic.

Adams pays tribute as ‘Big Bobby’ returns to Belfast

Former Sinn Féin president Gerry Adams has released a personal tribute to the former political prisoner and former party chairman Bobby Storey following his death at the age of 64.

Statue of Irish war hero vandalised

The National Graves Association (NGA) has praised an outpouring of concern by the public following an attack on a monument in Dublin in honour of former IRA Chief of Staff Sean Russell.

Signs of change in Belfast

Signs honouring deceased republicans including Maire Drumm, Bobby Sands and 1916 Rising leader James Connolly were erected around Belfast this week as part of what organisers Lasair Dhearg say is a campaign to highlight British State colonialism, and historic figures associated with it, in Ireland.

Bobby Storey has died

Republicans everywhere have expressed their shock and sadness at the death of legendary Belfast republican, Bobby Storey, at the age of 64.

Realignment seen as govt pact excludes Sinn Féin

Nationalists and republicans have been left disappointed by the Programme for Government presented by the leaders of three potential coalition partners in Dublin.

Tory dissembling accelerates ahead of Brexit deadline

There are calls for the Dublin government to provide “push back” against the increasingly perfidious actions of London over the Brexit Withdrawal Agreement and its protocol for the north of Ireland.

Bigots offended by kids playing hurling

A sectarian banner was erected in a Belfast public park to denounce the GAA as “anti-British” and proclaimed the Gaelic Athletics Association is “not welcome”. The sign was later removed by council workers.

Johnson defends statue of Oliver Cromwell

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson has said said it would not be right to remove the statue of Oliver Cromwell despite the fact he “killed so many thousands of people in Ireland”.

McAllister campaign seeks deportation reversal

A Belfast republican has said the US government has “thrown a wrench” into the Good Friday Agreement after he was deported after more than twenty years.

Truth demanded on tenth anniversary of Saville Report

One of the organisers of the original Bloody Sunday march has said the report of the Bloody Sunday Inquiry did not get to the full truth of the massacre.

‘Don’t despair’, urges McDonald, as Martin set to become Taoiseach

Sinn Féin leader Mary Lou McDonald has urged voters to “not give in” following a decision by the parliamentary parties of Fine Gael, Fianna Fáil and the Green Party to support the formation of a coalition government in Dublin which would see FF leader Micheál Martin become the next Taoiseach.

Party leaders propose coalition deal

After four months of negotiation, a proposed Programme for Government between Fine Gael, Fianna Fáil and the Green Party could give the 26 County state the largest right-wing government it has seen for decades.

End British export of rubber bullets

There has been a surge of pressure for an end to Britain’s trade in plastic and rubber bullets following disturbing scenes of serious injuries to Black Lives Matter protestors in the US.

Repression in Derry ‘ignored’ by new campaign

The chairperson of Saoradh in Derry has called on those protesting against racism and oppression around the world to address the issues of discrimination and repression in Ireland.

Gerrymander quashed after court upholds appeal

An attempt by the Boundary Commission in the north of Ireland to drastically reshape constituencies has been declared unlawful by the Court of Appeal in Belfast.

Broad appeal for help to bring closure to grieving family

The family of a young west Belfast woman shot dead almost 50 years ago have appealed for members of the public who may have information to contact them, including former IRA Volunteers or former members of the British Crown Forces.

Paramilitary flag seen in new soccer strip

The daughter of a loyalist murder victim has called for a Belfast soccer club to withdraw a new kit which has the same colours and a similar design to the flag used by the paramilitary group which killed her father

Republican prisoners in solidarity fast

Irish republican prisoners at Portaoise have this Friday, June 12, begun a 72 hour fast in support of Basque prisoners and political prisoners around the world. They have issued the following statement.

Malachy McAllister deported from US

A former Irish political prisoner who fought deportation for over two decades after fleeing loyalist death threats with his family is believed to have been put on a plane back to Ireland by US authorities.

‘Hierarchy of victims’ may be used for payment scheme

The British government once again stands accused of reneging on its commitments after it insisted on a legal definition of a victim which would exclude thousands of nationalists and republicans.

Anti-racism protests across Ireland

More than 5,000 people gathered on the streets of Dublin on Monday afternoon as demonstrations too place around the world in solidarity with the Black Lives Matter campaign.

‘No more delays’ - why must family wait until 2059?

A woman who wasn’t even born when her big brother was killed by a plastic bullet in Derry says she wants to know why a secret file into his death has to remain closed until she is nearly 80 years old.

Sinn Féin speak to Irish America, English Queen

Former Sinn Féin president Gerry Adams has called upon Irish-American supporters to begin lobbying for a referendum on the unification of Ireland.

Prisoners’ campaigner remembered on fortieth anniversary

Tributes have been paid to former British soldier John Turnley who campaigned for Irish republican prisoners before being shot dead by a loyalist paramilitary death squad linked to the British Army’s SAS regiment.

Gaelic blessing could be political statement, says church

The Church of England has been accused of anti-Irish racism after it refused to allow an Irish language inscription on a gravestone on the basis that Gaelic ‘can cause intense feelings’.

Who killed Seamus Ludlow?

On the day it emerged that the most senior British military figure linked to the killing has died, an Irish court has served to maintain an official cover-up of the murder of Louth man Seamus Ludlow.

No explanation for militarised raids, arrests

A violent Crown Force operation to arrest four Derry men ended with all four being released without a single shred of evidence being put forward, according to the men’s lawyers.

IRA questions dominate interviews for SF leaders

As part of a newspaper interview, Sinn Féin leader Mary Lou McDonald has said the IRA’s armed struggle was “justified” and there is “every chance” she would have taken up arms during the conflict.

Dysfunction on show as lockdowns break down

The Six Counties currently have the highest rate of transmission of the coronavirus in either Britain or Ireland but is facing a new danger this week as lockdowns weaken on both sides of the border.

Activists push back against normalisation of the PSNI

Republicans have been removing dozens of PSNI symbols across north and west Belfast as part of a campaign against Britain’s ‘normalisation’ of the PSNI and other state forces.

Eugene Reavey challenges online smears

Prominent peace campaigner Eugene Reavey is to take on defamatory statements made about him on the internet by suing Google and Facebook.

CIRA patrolling openly

The Continuity IRA, which says it has been recruiting and regrouping in the Fermanagh area, has released pictures of one of its armed patrols along a border road. It has claimed the organisation “can operate at any time day or night in south Fermanagh”.

Unionist MP defies policy change, insists Irish are British

A row has erupted after DUP MP Gavin Robinson said people born in the north of Ireland have to be British first before they can be Irish.

Gardaí involved in abusive Belfast search - RSF

Republican Sinn Féin have said a heavy-handed police raid on one of its member’s homes in west Belfast involved a specialist unit from the 26 Counties.

Concern as Basque hunger striker hospitalised

Irish republican groups have been expressing their support for Basque political prisoner Patxi Ruiz, who has been hospitalised with kidney failure after a hunger and thirst strike which began on May 11.

Sectarian incidents increase

A Catholic church in County Antrim has been targeted in a loyalist paint bomb attack.

Irish support for struggling Native American communities

The chief of the Choctaw Nation in Oklahoma has welcomed Irish donations to help two tribes suffering in the Covid-19 pandemic as a sign of the solidarity between the two nations which dates back more than 170 years.

A battle won

Every person born in the north of Ireland is currently regarded as a European Union citizen for immigration purposes after the British government backed down in the face of a marathon campaign by a Derry woman and her US-born partner.

Adams ruling to open door for other internees

Hundreds of those interned without trial in the 1970 could see convictions quashed or receive compensation as a result of a ruling of the Supreme Court in London in favour of Gerry Adams.

Britain to prepare Irish seaports as Brexit inches forward

There have been conflicting signals over how Britain intends to implement the special status for the north of Ireland in the wake of Brexit.

Loyalists brutally attack and rob young cyclist

A Catholic teenager who was attacked by loyalists in north Belfast on Sunday evening has recounted a savage sectarian assault as he was out for a cycle.

UDA behind threats to journalists - PSNI

The PSNI have said loyalist paramilitaries are behind threats against a number of journalists and politicians, and told one journalist he could be the target of an under-car booby trap attack.

Lockdown clashes with marching season

Four sectarian parades are being planned by loyalists despite the continuing coronavirus lockdown in the north of Ireland.

Convictions overturned after Adams’s internment ruled unlawful

Convictions against Gerry Adams dating from the 1970s have been overturned by the Supreme Court in London in a judgement which could have consequences for many others who were interned without trial.

Escapee’s conviction declared miscarriage of justice

The conviction of one of those who escaped Long Kesh in 1983 and who settled in the USA, Kevin Barry Artt, has been quashed two decades after the British government ended its efforts to extradite him.

Lockdown tensions boil over in the Dáil

Political anxiety overcame caretaker Taoiseach, Fine Gael leader Leo Varadkar in the Dublin parliament this week when he suddenly lashed out at Sinn Féin’s Mary Lou McDonald, who he accused of being “two-faced”.

All-Ireland opportunity to eliminate virus ‘could be wasted’

A medical expert has said that with infection rates in decline, the island of Ireland now has an opportunity to eliminate the coronavirus.

Grief as another IRA stalwart passes

A funeral for lifelong republican Jim Scullion, who led IRA prisoners in Long Kesh at the height of the conflict, has provoked criticism from unionists.

Whistleblower calls for nursing homes inquiry

A whistleblower in a Dublin nursing home where a significant number of patients have died from a coronavirus infection has made serious allegations of failings leading to the deaths of 24 clients.

New US envoy sworn in

A new US Special Envoy to the north of Ireland, Mick Mulvaney, has been sworn into office. Mr Mulvaney is an Irish-American with family roots in County Mayo.

Divided we fall as lockdowns clash at Border

The Sinn Féin leader Mary Lou McDonald has spoken out about the danger of having two jurisdictions in Ireland in the current health crisis, saying it is wrong to have an all-island approach to animal care, but not human healthcare.

Duffy arrest an exercise in persecution

Prominent republican Colin Duffy, currently on bail awaiting trial, has overcome a cynical attempt by the PSNI to return him to jail over an alleged breach of his bail conditions.

Brexit delay urged over British inaction

The British government has been accused of “foot dragging and vague promises” amid calls for urgent action on preparations on Brexit, including new customs posts to carry out checks on goods crossing the Irish Sea.

Britain seen gaining control over Irish policing

The 32 County Sovereignty Committee has said appointments of two senior figures from Britain’s PSNI police to An Garda Síochána represent a strengthening of direct control of the police in Ireland by British intelligence.

‘Inquiry’ seen as bid to give cover to broken promises

A Westminster committee has launched an inquiry to consider British government proposals on legacy, but it does not have the confidence of victims and relatives of people killed as a result of British state violence and collusion.

Rights being stolen as workers face arrest, fines

The coronavirus was used as an excuse to break up protests by retail workers this week as they sought their legal redundancy rights, despite the protestors adhering to social distancing requirements.

Colombia three get amnesty, 19 years on

Three Irish republicans once accused of training rebels in Colombia’s civil war have been granted an amnesty nearly two decades after they were arrested.

Doctor quits Medical Council over state blunders

There have been calls for a criminal investigation into the failure to protect residents of Irish nursing and care homes from the coronavirus disease after a prominent County Dublin doctor resigned from the Irish Medical Council over the government’s mishandling of the crisis.

Two-speed island response jeopardising public health efforts

A growing disparity between the coronavirus death rates in the north and south of Ireland is proof that two different approaches to the crisis are causing lives to be lost, according to academics.

Republican dies in fight against virus

A republican healthcare worker from County Tyrone has died from coronovirus following a 40-year career saving lives as a nurse.

Campaigner urges caution against ‘indescribable’ illness

Prominent Belfast lawyer and campaigner Niall Murphy has paid tribute to the medical staff who helped save his life after he became infected with the Coronavirus.

Online exhibition of Easter Rising materials

The best-known flag of the Easter Rising is not the Tricolour that flew over the GPO in 1916 but the Irish Republic one currently on display by the National Museum of Ireland at Collins Barracks, Dublin, in an exhibition that can be viewed online.

‘New IRA’ vows to continue struggle

In an Easter statement, the New IRA has said it remains committed to bringing the British government’s undemocratic rule in occupied Ireland to an end. It dismissed the idea of a border poll in the aftermath of Brexit, and warned the British establishment listens only to “physical force”.

Concern over plan to deploy British Army ‘help’

There are fears the Coronavirus could be used as a cover for the renewed deployment of British soldiers on the ground in the north of Ireland.

Scandal of rising virus death toll

It has emerged that two in three of coronavirus deaths in Ireland have taken place in residential homes at a rate significantly higher than anywhere else in the world.

‘Grand coalition’ plan slithers on

A historic but deeply unpopular coalition government between Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael appears to be on the cards after the Green Party failed to reject a bizzare manifesto issued in a desperate plea for support to prop up the improbable alliance.

Haggarty prison sentence extended, but no return to jail

A unionist paramilitary double agent who admitted the murders of five people and a catalog of other atrocities has had his prison sentence nominally increased by three-and-a-half years.

Republican prisoners spat at by warders

Republican Prisoners at Maghaberry prison have said that prison warders have been caught deliberately spitting on doors during night checks. Saoradh has demanded an end to what it said was a “barbaric activity” which has threatened a coronavirus outbreak.

Mary Lou McDonald recovering after virus diagnosis

Sinn Féin leader Mary Lou McDonald has tested positive for coronavirus, she has confirmed in a statement today.

Jackboots follow public health failure

Police in the 26 Counties have been given unprecedented powers as state efforts to slow the spread of the coronavirus are being displaced by an authoritarian crackdown set to last well into the summer.

Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael told to learn lessons of the GFA

Former Sinn Féin President Gerry Adams has marked the anniversary of the Good Friday Agreement with a rebuke of continuing efforts by right-wing politicians in Dublin to exclude his party from office.

‘Casual collusion’ in military logs of Springhill massacre unit

A British Army unit responsible for the murders of five unarmed Catholic civilians, including a 13-year-old schoolgirl, handed a loyalist gunman over to the UDA, according to a report published last weekend in the Sunday World.

PSNI to investigate republican funeral over social distancing

The Catholic church has backed calls for the PSNI to stop policing funerals after a colour party at a republican funeral was targeted for the novel crime of marching too close together.

Death of Judge Peter Cory

The former Canadian Supreme court judge who led an investigation into allegations of British state collusion with unionist paramilitary death squads has died. He passed away in Canada on Tuesday aged 94.

Grey skies lift as North’s weather warnings included in map

After years of criticism for excluding the Six Counties, the Irish weather forecasting service is to include all of Ireland on its weather warning maps.

Remembering 1916 this Easter

Due to the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic and the restrictions across Ireland, many republican and community organisations have abandoned plans for commemorations to mark the 1916 Easter Rising.

British PM in intensive care as condition worsens

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson is currently being treated in an intensive care unit with the coronavirus after being rushed to a London hospital last night.

Demand for island strategy as virus deaths mount

The North’s political leaders must depart from the British government’s coronavirus strategy and urgently harmonise with the South, a leading medical professor has said.

Care homes in crisis

The Dublin government is being urged to come clean about the situation in the South’s nursing homes after it was revealed that four deaths have taken place in just one out of the dozens of care homes contaminated by the coronavirus.

Belfast man imprisoned ‘for political activity’

A member of Saoradh, a former prisoner, has been summarily returned to jail, apparently for the offense of meeting other Saoradh members.

PSNI condemned over new failure to hand over collusion files

The PSNI police has been told “defending the indefensible is no longer acceptable” after a report was published into its failure to disclose important information in relation to a case of alleged collusion between its predecessor, the RUC, and unionist paramilitaries.

Seanad election sees return of Sinn Féin representatives

Former Sinn Féin MP, Elisha McCallion, has been elected to Seanad Éireann to serve on the senate’s Industrial and Commercial panel, while the party’s former MEP Lynn Boylan has returned to political life by taking a seat on the Agricultural panel.

West Belfast leads the way with community response

A huge effort will see more than 1,000 food parcels distributed across west Belfast in the coming days.

Anger as vital equipment runs short

Government politicians who paid tribute to healthcare workers this week have been accused of hypocrisy over their failure to supply enough equipment to protect the workers or to take care of the ill.

‘Slavishness’ of Stormont costing lives

The Stormont administration faces a mounting crisis over what has been described as an “abject” determination by unionists to follow the Tory government’s disastrous lead on the coronavirus epidemic.

Tributes paid to Toni Carragher

The death has taken place of Toni Carragher, a well-known campaigner against British army militarisation along the border, and the former secretary of the South Armagh Farmers and Residents’ Committee.

Emergency powers being abused in the North

Draconian new powers introduced at Westminster in the name of protecting the public are already being abused in the north of Ireland, according to republicans in Derry.

Unresolved sectarian murder case ‘locked down’ by PSNI

Prosecutors have refused to ask the PSNI police to reopen an investigation linked to the murder of three Catholics killed by unionist paramilitaries almost 30 years ago, despite never having received a file on the cases against four suspects, including a man identified as the killer.

Easter commemorations cancelled

Sinn Féin President Mary Lou McDonald TD has said that her party’s planned Easter commemorations have been cancelled in their entirety due to the deterioration of the coronavirus situation.

Govts move to ‘lockdown’; prisoners seek help

In televised addresses, both the premiers in Dublin and London have announced stronger measures in an effort to prevent the spread of the coronavirus.

Tories back away from ‘herd cull’ plan

Amid warnings that health care systems in Britain and the north of Ireland were facing a potentially catastrophic meltdown, both Tories and unionists in Ireland have ended their hands-off approach to the coronavirus health crisis.

Prisoners forced to take action over virus threat

Republican prisoners in both Portlaoise and Maghaberry prisons have voluntarily stopped visits with family as a result of the Coronavirus.

Speech cheers viewers, leaves questions unanswered

After delivering an inspirational but ultimately vacuous speech on the implications of the Coronavirus crisis, the caretaker 26 County Taoiseach Leo Varadkar has been urged to take more practical action to protect lives and livelihoods across Ireland.

Genuine unity urged as crisis grows

A national government of unity could bring help to those in need during the current health crisis, Sinn Féin’s Mary Lou McDonald has said.

Scottish independence referendum on hold

Plans for an independence referendum in Scotland this year have been “paused” by the Scottish Government as a result of the coronavirus pandemic.

‘Scapegoat’ prisoner denied family visits

Prison warders at Maghaberry have prevented a family visit with Paul McIntyre for a second time after he was refused bail and incarcerated at Maghaberry earlier this month.

Britain moves to renege on the Stormont House Agreement

The British government has been accused of using the cover of the Coronavirus health crisis to renege on its commitments under the 2014 Stormont House Agreement and introduce an effective amnesty for most state war crimes.

In solidarity on our national day

Today is a day to celebrate being Irish. But it doesn’t feel like that when so many of us are concerned for the well-being of our families and ourselves.

Normal life shuts down as Varadkar says crisis ‘cannot be stopped’

Taoiseach Leo Varadkar said on Monday evening that the rise in cases of coronavirus in Ireland “cannot be stopped”. The administrations in both parts of Ireland are looking to secure intensive care equipment ahead of an expected surge in the numbers of critically ill.

Ireland divided along border by virus response

Efforts to contain the spread of Coronavirus have become dangerously split across the island of Ireland after a division emerged between governments in Dublin and London on how quickly the virus should be allowed to spread.

Whitewash claims as RHI report finds ‘mistakes’, clears everyone

An official report into Stormont’s infamous RHI ‘cash for ash’ scheme has been described as a whitewash on social media after it blamed only “errors and omissions” for the runaway exploitation that collapsed the Stormont Executive in early 2017.

Fine Gael clings to power while virus takes hold

Several hundred people took to the streets of Dublin last weekend to object to a Fianna Fáil-Fine Gael coalition plan to remain in power. Many expressed concern that Ireland’s two right-wing parties are attempting to form the next government under the cloak of the coronavirus.

MI5’s incessant pursuit of informers

Two members of Saoradh have said they were harassed by the British military intelligence to turn informer when returning from a conference in Britain, while Republican Sinn Féin said they are bringing a similar case to the Police Ombudsman.

Family’s collusion concerns on 30th anniversary

The family of a former republican prisoner shot dead while under British Army surveillance 30 years ago believe the British Army’s Force Research Unit may have been involved.

Britain urged to drop ‘damaging’ claim to Lough Foyle

The British government should drop its territorial claim over Lough Foyle before it causes any further economic and ecological damage, Sinn Féin’s Martina Anderson has said.

Crisis meetings as St Patrick’s events cancelled

All St Patrick’s Day parades in Ireland have been cancelled in a bid to curb the spread of the Coronavirus. After weeks of delay, the news was leaked ahead a meeting of the acting Cabinet in Dublin on Monday. Multi-party meetings to deal with the crisis have also been announced.

State report confirms East Tyrone collusion

Concern within the British Crown Forces over MI5’s involvement in a killing campaign has emerged in a report released to families of the victims of the Cappagh killings. It is the first time a state report has confirmed collusion, according to a lawyer for the families.

SF support jumps again but party still faces exclusion

A new poll putting Sinn Féin support at an unprecedented 35% in the 26 Counties has added to public pressure for Mary Lou McDonald’s party to be involved in the next coalition government in Dublin despite the refusal of the leaders of Fianna Fáil or Fine Gael to countenance the idea.

PSNI failed to act over sectarian intimidation

A Catholic mother-of-four has been driven out of her home in north Belfast following a campaign of terror which culminated in her windows getting smashed in.

Ballymurphy inquest ends public hearings

The final oral evidence has been heard in a fresh inquest into the fatal shootings of 10 people in west Belfast almost 50 years ago.

Delays and denials over legacy cases

The PSNI chief has said he is in the dark about plans for a new police unit to deal with investigations into unresolved cases from the past conflict, despite a looming deadline for its formation.

Protest held against royal visit

A protest at an official visit to Ireland by British royals William and Kate Windsor (‘Duke and Duchess of Cambridge’) was organised by republicans this week despite harassment from uniformed Garda and Special Branch police.

Sinn Féin events hit by coronavirus

Sinn Féin leader Mary Lou McDonald has revealed her children attend a school in Dublin where the second case of the coronavirus in Ireland was confirmed yesterday.

A State in limbo as political elite panic

Efforts by the establishment in Dublin to demonise Sinn Féin have reached unprecedented levels in the aftermath of their performance in the 26 County general election, with politicians going so far as to compare a series of Sinn Féin public meetings to the Nuremburg rallies of Nazi Germany.

Coronavirus fears as Irish officials adopt low-key approach

The shambolic attitude of the Dublin government to the Coronavirus epidemic has been exposed after the first case of the disease presented itself in Ireland.

Harassment victim wins appeal over PSNI stop-and-search

A Derry republican is set to sue the PSNI for compensation after the Court of Appeal agreed that his human rights had been breached by four years of harassment directed against him.

Lengthy sentence for 1997 IRA attack as legacy issues stalled

A County Tyrone man has been jailed over a Provisional IRA action more than two decades ago. Paul Campbell from Coalisland was sentenced on Tuesday to seven and a half years in connection with an attack in the town in 1997.

Criticism of archbishop’s endorsement of the PSNI

The daughter of a man killed by the Glenanne Gang has criticised the leader of the Catholic church in Ireland after he encouraged young people to consider a career in the PSNI police.

Maghaberry prisoner targeted by murder plot

A powerful loyalist ordered a hit on a republican prisoner currently serving a sentence in Maghaberry Prison, it has been revealed.

Smears fly as reaction carnival continues

Efforts by the right in Ireland to counter and undermine Sinn Féin’s advance in the recent 26 County general election have reached extraordinary levels of desperation following an intervention by the Garda police Commissioner, Drew Harris.

Opponents riled after McDonald makes history in vote for Taoiseach

Sinn Féin’s Mary Lou McDonald received the most votes in the Dublin parliament to become Taoiseach on Thursday, the first time a TD not supported by either of the two main parties has done so in the history of the 26 County state.

‘Dirty tricks’ creating confusion and fear

Attempts are being made to engineer further division among republicans after bogus claims emerged that the New IRA is planning to attack members of Sinn Féin.

Gardaí consider plan to honour RUC

The police in the 26 Counties considered including the murderous Royal Ulster Constabulary (RUC) in the force’s museum as part of a commemoration for the centenary of Ireland’s War of Independence.

Britain looking for Irish exit, claims report

A magazine described as one of the English language’s most influential publications has dedicated its latest issue to the debate around Irish unity.

Anti-Catholic sectarianism ‘alive and well’

A new report has found Catholics in the north of Ireland are still experiencing sectarianism.

Garda Commissioner intervenes in government formation

Garda police Commissioner Drew Harris has accused Sinn Fein of being directed by an IRA ‘Army Council’ which he claims continues to exist, despite the organisation having disbanded its structures 15 years ago.

Establishment circles the wagon

A sense of crisis has gripped the Irish ruling classes after Sinn Féin nearly tripled its vote in last weekend’s election to Leinster House and took the first steps in the formation of a new government in Dublin.

A historic advance for republicanism

Republicans have been celebrating a history-making election which saw forty TDs from the tradition sign into Leinster House this week, erasing the concept of the two-party state in the process.

Loyalist bomb alerts follow attacks on homes

Loyalists have been blamed for bomb hoaxes at a primary school and at a Sinn Féin constituency office in north Belfast.

PSNI men to face perjury charges

Three members of the PSNI accused of lying to a court in a harassment case have been suspended and are expected to face charges.

Protest at arrest of ‘scapegoat’ in Derry

Saoradh has hit out at the detention of an activist they describe as a political hostage following a number of military-style PSNI raids in Derry.

Newspaper denounced for carrying PSNI advertising

A banner erected on the external fence of the offices of a local newspaper in West Belfast is the latest indication of a deepening rift in republican areas over the status of the PSNI police.

Smith axed as Johnson appoints more hardline Direct Ruler

British Direct Ruler Julian Smith has been sacked by Boris Johnson, just over six months since he took up the post. He has been replaced with Brandon Lewis, a former chair of the Conservative Party and most recently, a Security Minister in Johnson’s cabinet.

‘The people want us in government’ - McDonald

With the make-up of the Dáilcomplete, Sinn Féin leader Mary Lou McDonald has said she could well be the next Taoiseach after winning the popular vote and after electing as many TDs as any other party.

Media, politicians baffled by electoral revolution

While seats continue to fill in the 26 County general election, the swing to Sinn Fein has already spawned a struggle to understand the changed political circumstances in Ireland.

SF in clear lead as counting suspended overnight

Sinn Féin has heaped on more election success tonight, electing two TDs on the first count in both Donegal and Louth, and also looking highly likely to win two seats in Cavan-Monaghan, and continuing to top polls across the state.

First count victories pile in for Sinn Féin

There have been scenes of jubilation in count centres across Ireland as a number of poll-topping Sinn Fein candiates have been decalred elected on the first count.

SINN FÉIN TOP THE POLLS IN HISTORIC RESULT

In a complete upending of the political establishment in the 26 Counties, Sinn Féin is being confirmed as the most popular party following the completion of tallies in yesterday’s general election.

Sinn Féin could win up to 40 seats in electoral revolution

First results from tallies in the 26 County election point to a historic day for Sinn Féin and Irish politics generally. Sinn Féin look set to top every poll in Dublin and could see the vast majority of their candidates win election across the state.

Exit poll confirms Sinn Féin election breakthrough

The three main parties in the 26 Counties have polled the same vote share of just over 22 per cent in today’s general election, according to an exit poll released as polling closed this evening.

Turnout high despite weather, weekend events

A brisk turnout has been reported in many areas in the election to the Dublin parliament since voting began at 7am this morning.

Sinn Féin at the threshold of Cabinet power

With Sinn Fein topping opinion polls in the 26 Counties for the first time, an ambush of party leader Mary Lou McDonald by state broadcaster RTE over a comment by a party colleague 13 years ago has jeopardised what is still widely expected to be a good election for the party.

Communities polarised as SF take part in PSNI event

The attendance of Sinn Féin politicians at a PSNI police recruitment drive in the Six Counties has angered republican groups.

Bloody Sunday campaign an inspiration for victim

Miami Showband survivor Stephen Travers has told the annual Bloody Sunday march that the victims and their families have always inspired him to keep up his fight for justice.

Shock at death of Francie Brolly

Republican legend Francie Brolly has been honoured as a man of integrity following his sudden death. The 82-year-old died at his family home near Dungiven, County Derry in the early hours of Thursday. It is believed he may have suffered a heart attack.

Conor Murphy apologises to Quinn family

Sinn Féin Stormont minister Conor Murphy has apologised to the family of murder victim Paul Quinn for comments he made 13 years ago after the young man’s death.

Scepticism over ‘ferry bomb’ reports

A statement reportedly made in the name of the Continuity IRA claimed responsibility for a device found on a lorry trailer in County Armagh last week. The statement said the device had been timed to coincide with Britain’s exit from the European Union.

Sinn Féin join TV debate after shock poll surge

State-run broadcaster RTÉ has been forced to include Sinn Féin leader Mary Lou McDonald in a final televised leaders’ election debate as its historic surge in polls continues.

Britain waves goodbye

Britain is set to formally quit the European Union late Friday, closing the chapter on nearly half a century of integration with its European neighbours and leaving the north of Ireland in a limbo between two powerful economies

Brexit means unity debate must begin

Speaking at a protest against Brexit on the Irish border on the day Britain leaves the EU, taking the northeast of Ireland with it, the Sinn Féin leader Mary Lou McDonald said preparations for constitutional change on the island “needed to start”.

Killer soldiers get trial dates

Two former British soldiers who fired on Official IRA man Joe McCann have failed to stop their trial for the murder of the Belfast father of four from going ahead.

Sinn Féin management ‘no different’ to other organisations

A row over the nature of Sinn Féin’s top management has dominated the second week of the 26 County general election campaign.

Prominent republican survives gun attack

A gun attack on a well-known Belfast republican has raised fears of the return of a grudge-type dispute in east Belfast which in 2015 claimed the lives of two former members of the Provisional IRA, Jock Davison and Kevin McGuigan.

Judicial review for Finucane family as Britain continues to stall

The widow of murdered defence lawyer Pat Finucane has won permission at Belfast’s High Court to challenge the continuing failure of the British government to carry out an effective investigation.

British Army was behind Miami Showband massacre

Shocking new documents have disclosed that British Army intelligence officer Robert Nairac was responsible for the planning and execution of the Miami Showband Massacre, in which three innocent band-members were killed.

Election is a chance to change the system

Sinn Féin could be on the cusp of a breakthrough in the 26 Counties as polls show a sharp jump in support for the party and a corresponding decline in support for the main party of government, Fine Gael.

Parties launch campaigns, condemn censorship

Sinn Féin has called for a referendum on Irish unity within five years in tandem with a ‘Green New Deal’ for climate change as part of its election launch at Dublin’s Mansion House.

Derry’s battle for justice as it marks anniversary

Ahead of the anniversary of the British Army’s massacre of 14 civil rights demonstrators in Derry, families say they will fight “tooth and nail” to prevent the only Bloody Sunday murder case from being moved out of the city.

‘Wall of Shame’ to remember Black and Tans

Despite the deferral of a commemoration for members of the Royal Irish Constabulary (RIC) and Dublin Metropolitan Police (DMP), plans remain in place for the names of members of the British Crown Forces who died in Ireland up to 1921, including the Black and Tans and Auxiliaries, to be etched on a commemorative wall in Glasnevin Cemetery in Dublin.

Irish language speakers in fight to bolster talks deal

Irish speakers face “a battle a day” to get services in the language despite featuring in a new multi-party agreement to restore the Six County political institutions, according to language activists.

Varadkar’s election plan unravels

The 26 County election campaign has had the most shocking start imaginable after body parts of a murdered 17-year-old boy were found in a bag in north Dublin.

Stormont parties left high and dry by Johnson

Disingenuous and almost sarcastic comments by British Prime Minister Boris Johnson on his first visit to the Belfast Assembly have underlined a sense that politicians at Stormont have been left to fend for themselves despite a new effort to ‘make Northern Ireland work’.

Sinn Féin kept in second class in RTE election debates

Sinn Féin has described the decision by the state-run broadcaster RTE to hold a one-to-one election debate between the leaders of Fine Gael and Fianna Fail as an “utter joke”.

SAS victim facing jail sentence over IRA charges

A man shot in an SAS ambush as the Provisional IRA engaged Crown Forces in Coalisland 23 years ago has been convicted of involvement in the attack, and jailed ahead of sentencing -- despite the incident taking place before the Good Friday peace Agreement.

Family remember tragic death of three-year-old

The family of the first child to be killed by a British Army armoured vehicle have been recalling the tragedy, fifty years after it took place.

British PM took action to cancel ‘Famine’ event

Former British prime minister John Major stepped in to stop plans for a service commemorating the 150th anniversary of the Great Hunger in 1996, according to state papers dating from that time.

Varadkar calls election for February 8

Taoiseach Leo Varadkar is to seek a dissolution of the Dublin parliament from President Michael D Higgins to allow for a 26 County general election on Saturday February 8.

Stormont restored as parties divvy up Ministerial posts

The DUP’s Arlene Foster has returned as Stormont First Minister and Sinn Féin’s Michelle O’Neill has taken up the post of deputy First Minister as the main political parties moved quickly today to restore the Six County institutions and take up Ministerial appointments.

Sinn Féin agree to return to Stormont

Three years after they collapsed, Sinn Féin has made a decision to return to the partitionist institutions at Stormont, with party leader Mary Lou McDonald stating that it is the “responsibility of every party to ensure the Executive meets”.

Public rises up against revisionism

One of the most extraordinary displays of contempt by an Irish government for its own people -- a plan to hold an official state commemoration for those who oppressed and terrorised Ireland for a century -- has been “deferred” following a huge public outcry.

UDA beat man to death after talks with British govt

The unionist paramilitary UDA has been linked to the murder of Carrickfergus man Glenn Quinn, a former barman who had no paramilitary connections. His death was due to a severe beating he received after he fell out with a senior figure from the South East Antrim UDA.

Justice one step closer for Aidan McAnespie

A former British soldier is to stand trial for the 1988 killing of a Catholic man at a Crown Force checkpoint. Aidan McAnespie, 23, was walking through a border checkpoint on his way to a Gaelic football match when he was struck in the back by gunfire.

Hospitals crisis could trigger collapse of government

Amid an unprecedented crisis in Irish hospitals and with the Dublin government staggering towards an inevitable election, a group of independent TDs have put down a motion of no confidence in the Minister for Health Simon Harris.

Republican groups issue New Year statements

The New IRA has issued a New Year statement in which it said it looked forward to a consolidation of the struggle against the British occupation and “vowed to meet force with force”.

Govts publish draft deal for Stormont

A new draft Stormont talks agreement has been presented tonight by the

Dublin and London governments which outlines new measures to reform the Stormont institutions and calls for support for Irish and Ulster-Scots culture in the north of Ireland, but falls short of an Irish Language Act.

A century of cover-up for miscarriages of justice

More than 1,000 files on the Guildford Four, Maguire Seven and Birmingham Six, notorious miscarriage of justice cases involving innocent Irish civilians living in England, are to remain secret almost a century longer than they were supposed.

Dublin had challenged British on threat to lawyers

Revelations around a British government minister’s claim that some lawyers in the north of Ireland were “unduly sympathetic to the IRA” have further highlighted the need for a full public inquiry into the murder of Pat Finucane.

Politicians to meet Byrne over Christmas ‘show of strength’

PSNI Chief Simon Byrne is to meet a group of Armagh political representatives amid continuing anger over a picture he published on Christmas morning of himself posing alongside heavily armed PSNI men outside their Crown Force base in the village of Crossmaglen.

Reactionaries seek to derail calls for Irish Unity

With a growing consensus around the need for a border poll to reunite Ireland in accordance with the Good Friday Agreement, right-wing politicians in the 26 Counties have been using the Christmas period to attempt to silence the calls and urge a return of the partitionist institutions at Stormont instead.

British bid to ‘control’ internet activism revealed

State papers from the 1990s have shown that the British government’s Northern Ireland Office sought to suppress and counteract the increasingly effective use of the media by republicans, including the world wide web emerging at the time.

English soccer match halted over anti-Irish abuse

A Championship soccer match in England had to be stopped this week following an outbreak of anti-Irish racism directed against Irish international and Stoke City player James McClean.

Anger as PSNI Chief sends Christmas message of violence

PSNI Chief Simon Byrne has been strongly criticised after releasing a propaganda photograph of himself in the company of heavily-armed Crown Force gunmen on Christmas Day.

DUP’s death grip on Stormont

The DUP have come under pressure to relinquish their veto over political change at Stormont following round-table talks over the future of the Belfast Assembly this week. Both the London and Dublin governments accused the party of blocking a pre-Christmas deal on restoring the North’s suspended political institutions.

MI5 agents get clearance to kill

A tribunal in England has confirmed that British military intelligence has the legal power to direct unlimited criminal offences by its agents, including torture, bombings and political assassinations.

Brexit seen driving Irish reunification

Increasing numbers of mainstream political and media figures have said they believe a united Ireland could come about within the next decade as a result of Brexit and other recent political developments.

Unilateral amnesty included in Tory legislative agenda

The new Conservative government in London has set out its intention to block future investigations into British soldiers who murdered civilians in the north of Ireland -- even as a jailed republican was found liable for a 1982 IRA attack.

SDLP attempt to fudge royal oath induction

Two new Irish nationalist MPs have made protest statements while swearing allegiance to the British Crown in the House of Commons, a process required before they are allowed to speak in debates, vote or receive their salary at the Westminster parliament.

Scottish govt seeks referendum, backs ‘legal’ route to independence

Scotland’s First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has officially begun the process of holding an independence referendum, calling on the London government to transfer the power to do so.

Belfast goes green

The north of Ireland has voted for more nationalists than unionists in a Westminster parliamentary election for the first time after two hardline unionists were voted out.

As union weakens, Irish politicians focus on Stormont

Brexit is unionism’s “biggest ever own goal” and it may lead to the break-up of the United Kingdom, former Ulster Unionist Party leader Mike Nesbitt has admitted.

Huge mandate boosts Scottish independence

The Scottish National Party pulled off a resounding general election victory in the Westminster election on Thursday, pushing open the door to finally ending their union with England and staying within the EU.

An end seen to Westminster chaos as Brexit looms; Corbyn to quit

As the DUP lost its influential position of holding the balance of power at Westminster, the leader of British Labour Party, Jeremy Corbyn, has signaled his intention to stand down as Labour leader in early 2020.

McDonald slams ‘Tory Boy’ Varadkar over housing tragedies

Sinn Féin has presented a dossier on the homelessness scandal to Taoiseach Leo Varadkar and Housing Minister Eoghan Murphy. Party leader Mary Lou McDonald said Leo Varadkar was living in a ‘Tory Boy’ bubble over the housing crisis.

PSNI interrogation over harassment video diary

A Saoradh member has described a heavy-handed home invasion by British Crown Forces during which himself and his brother were detained and hauled off to Musgrave Interrogation Unit.

Gildernew holds seat for SF in FST; nationalists win majority of MPs

Sinn Fein’s Michelle Gildernew has retained her Fermanagh and South Tyrone seat by a narrow margin of 57 votes following a recount.

John Finucane achieves historic breakthrough in north Belfast

John Finucane has taken the north Belfast Westminster seat from the DUP’s Nigel Dodds in a stunning victory for Sinn Féin and a historic election for nationalism in the north of Ireland.

Westminster exit poll points to big wins for Tories, SNP

Polling stations have now closed in the Westminster general election and a major exit poll in Britain has predicted a large working majority for the Conservative Party and a landslide for the SNP in Scotland.

Turnout high in Brexit election

Turnout is high so far in the Westminster general election in both the north of Ireland and in Britain, where pollsters have been predicting a very slim Tory majority in the House of Commons or a hung parliament following today’s vote.

DUP in distress

The north of Ireland appears set for an extended period of unionist protest after an event took place on Friday night at the Ulster Hall, the latest in a series of meetings organised by loyalists which have echoed with the word ‘betrayal’.

US vote backs Good Friday Agreement in Brexit deal

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.

April 17, 2021