Author: Vincent Kearney
Newly appointed Northern Ireland Secretary, Hilary Benn, wasted no time in diving into his new role by holding a series of meetings in Co Down. The meetings included discussions with Northern Ireland First Minister Michelle O’Neill and Deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly at Hillsborough Castle. Following these talks, Mr. Benn continued his discussions with other major political parties in the region, gearing up for UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s visit to Northern Ireland on Monday. The meetings are taking place at Hillsborough Castle Mr. Starmer appointed Mr. Benn as part of the new Labour government, recognizing his previous roles as…
Amidst the hustle of the upcoming British general election, a crucial issue unites all Northern Ireland’s political parties and communities – the Legacy Act. This act, implemented on 1 May, has stirred controversy by ending all investigations into killings during the Troubles, a dark chapter in Northern Ireland’s history. However, there is a glimmer of hope for change with the British Labour Party’s promise to repeal the Legislation if they secure the victory. Keir Starmer, the Labour leader, has articulated a clear stance against the Legacy Act, emphasizing the importance of justice for the families and victims impacted by the…
Gregory Campbell, the outgoing MP of the DUP, has represented a constituency he is not originally from since 2001. Living in Derry’s Waterside area, he seeks re-election for East Derry, potentially becoming Northern Ireland’s longest-serving MP. Winning in 2019 with a significant majority, Campbell faces competition from the TUV this time around. The TUV candidate, Allister Kyle, aims to appeal to dissatisfied DUP supporters following their power-sharing decision with Sinn Féin post-Brexit. Despite Sinn Féin’s strong showing in Assembly elections, Campbell’s personal unionist appeal in Westminster polls remains formidable. In the upcoming 2024 elections, Campbell will face contenders from Aontú,…
This week is a pivotal moment for Northern Ireland’s political landscape, with potential history-making outcomes for party leaders. The DUP is facing challenges with Gavin Robinson in East Belfast battling Alliance Party’s Naomi Long, while also risking other key seats. Sinn Féin aims for a rebound after recent setbacks, eyeing victories to secure its position as a dominant party. The Alliance Party seeks to retain its growing influence, facing tough competition in North Down. SDLP appears secure with Colum Eastwood’s stronghold in Foyle. Ulster Unionist Party under Doug Beattie hopes for upsets in South Antrim and Fermanagh South Tyrone. Traditional…
East Belfast’s iconic shipyard cranes, Samson and Goliath, stand tall as a backdrop to a fierce political battle between DUP leader Gavin Robinson and Alliance Party leader Naomi Long. Robinson fights to secure his political future while Long aims to repeat her historic victory that sent shockwaves through the DUP in 2010. The looming election reflects a period of turmoil in the DUP, with former leader Jeffrey Donaldson’s resignation amid serious charges complicating Robinson’s path to re-election. Boundary changes and the emergence of TUV candidate John Ross further challenge Robinson’s position, potentially splitting the unionist vote. Long’s improved performance in…
A lawyer representing families of 18 victims of the Dublin and Monaghan bombings has issued a warning to the Irish Government regarding the lack of cooperation by gardaí in an inquiry into collusion by RUC officers. The Police Ombudsman for Northern Ireland (PONI) is investigating the activities of the Glenanne Gang, involving over 120 murders in the 1970s, with alleged links to the RUC, UVF, and UDR. Despite not being charged, the gang’s involvement in various bombings and massacres, including the Dublin and Monaghan bombings in 1974 remains a contentious issue. An ongoing investigation by the ombudsman has been hindered…
The Taoiseach, Simon Harris, has announced that the Irish Government plans to hold an inquiry into the Covid-19 pandemic before the upcoming general election. The terms of reference for this inquiry are expected to be released in the next few weeks. This decision comes as a report from the Society of Actuaries in Ireland estimated around 1,100 excess deaths in Ireland during the years 2020 and 2021. Government restrictions were highlighted as a factor contributing to lower excess deaths in 2020. The Tánaiste, Micheál Martin, emphasized the importance of evaluating the country’s response to the pandemic to better prepare for…
Exciting developments are happening as construction begins on a new €100m bridge connecting counties Louth and Down. The 195-metre cable-stayed bridge will offer vehicle, cycle, and pedestrian lanes, with the ability to open for ship passage through to the Newry Canal. Funded by the Government’s Shared Island Unit, the project aims to boost tourism, connectivity, and economic growth in the region. The bridge will be a key link for cross-border travel and recreational activities in the Carlingford Lough area, including greenways, biking trails, and beaches. Taoiseach Simon Harris acknowledges the long-awaited efforts of communities and politicians in both Ireland and…
In 1991, Protestant man Ian Sproule was shot dead in Co Tyrone, with his family claiming collusion between the garda and his IRA killers. The Irish Government’s approach to the Troubles’ legacy has been criticized for its hypocrisy, as the Sproule family demands the truth just like other victims. Despite asking for answers from successive Irish governments, the family is still waiting for closure. The Smithwick Tribunal highlighted garda collusion in the murders of RUC officers in 1989, and during the hearings, it was believed that Ian Sproule’s murder also involved collusion. The Sproule family’s campaign for justice has been…
A family’s quest for justice in the aftermath of a tragic murder in Co Tyrone in 1991 has reignited the debate around collusion between the Irish Government and IRA killers. The Sproule family believes there was involvement of garda in the murder of Ian Sproule and accuses the Irish Government of neglecting the legacy of the Troubles. Despite promises of support from government officials, including Simon Coveney and Micheál Martin, the family has been left without answers. They demand transparency and accountability from the Irish government, echoing the findings of the Smithwick Tribunal on collusion in the murders of RUC…