Opinion Pieces | Belfast Media

MINDFUL MOMENT: When time moves faster, take a second to slow it down

'THE moment one gives close attention to anything, even a blade of grass, it becomes a mysterious, awesome, indescribably magnificent world in itself.' Henry Miller.

KNEECAP: List of Glastonbury bad boys and girls make Belfast rappers look like choirboys

IT'S never been Glastonbury's practice to judge the talent that has played the Somerset field since the first summer festival in 1970 on anything other than, well... their talent.

ROBIN LIVINGSTONE: ‘A bit more Protestant?’ These days it’s a bit less, actually

"THAT’S a bit more Protestant."

WE SAY: Asbestos farce shows bonfires are fireproof from the rules

THIS week we carry the first pictures of the large pile of asbestos beside a bonfire adjacent to the Westlink. The deadly waste has been the subject of some controversy in recent weeks as the large pile of toxic material is a lethal threat to the many people gathered at the site to build the structure or to drink and socialise there.

ROBIN LIVINGSTONE: The Loyal Ulster, Israel and Trump trinity

SUCH was the panting enthusiasm of unionist politicians for the US bombing of Iran, I got the distinct impression that some of them had been reading their newspapers with one hand, or watching the TV news on their phones in the privacy of their bathrooms.Let’s face it: Loyal Ulster has never met a war involving the west that it didn’t get off on.

CELTIC STORIES: Mixed emotions among the faithful as Kuhn exit looms

CELTIC’S summer transfer window is gathering serious momentum as key departures loom and several exciting targets move closer to Parkhead. With Bundesliga side RB Leipzig closing in on winger Nicolas Kuhn, the Hoops are preparing to reinvest significantly as Brendan Rodgers reshapes his squad ahead of a crucial 2025/26 campaign.

HEALTHWISE: It’s a wonderful month for in-season fruit & veg

THERE ARE so many health benefits of eating more fruit and veg daily. As well as tasting great, fruit and veg are packed with essential vitamins, minerals, fibre and antioxidant chemicals that are vital for good health.

DÚLRA: Garden detective locates the lovely dunnock

IT’S a miracle that this nest still exists. Maybe divine intervention even.

COMMUNITY GARDENING: Catching up with our Best of West runners

As we have now passed the halfway mark of 2025 (the summer solstice or longest day), most gardeners will find they have the bulk of their annual crops planted in the veggie patch.

Órlaithí Flynn MLA: My bill will provide suicide prevention training to all frontline staff

AS Sinn Féin’s spokesperson on mental health, suicide prevention and drug and alcohol addiction, it has been a privilege and a deeply humbling experience to serve in this role over the past eight years.

ANDRÉE MURPHY: Kneecap have decided to rise – and we're rising with them

ON the shore of the southern western coast of Kerry a lonely tricolour flies. Watched by only sea birds it looks out toward the slate-grey sea, under a slate-grey sky. A heron might be caught wondering what an earth the significance of this pristine Irish flag could be on such a miserable day when you can’t see five feet in front of you, where the only activity is tourists jumping on board the Sceilg Mhichíl ferry to see puffins nesting or perhaps imagine Luke Skywalker waving his lightsaber, hoping of a better future.

JUDE COLLINS: Leo's intervention a game-changer for New Ireland project

SOME years ago, Mary Lou McDonald was asked what single word came to mind when she thought of the Fine Gael leader, Leo Varadkar. Mary Lou paused for a second and then said “Smarmy.”

GERRY ADAMS: Iran attack another assault on international law

SHOULD we have been surprised by the decision of the US President Donald Trump to attack Iran? No. Shocked maybe, but not surprised. The weapons of mass destruction spin that was used to justify the invasion of Iraq two decades ago was already in wide usage by some western governments and sections of the media before B2s dropped so-called ‘bunker buster’ bombs on Iran. And we all remember what a disaster the Iraq war was for the people of that nation and for world politics. An estimated million Iraqi citizens died.

SQUINTER: How the DUP joined the Ballymena rubber chicken circuit

THE Sunday World had a fascinating, super, soaraway exclusive on recently deceased Portadown loyalist Muriel Gibson. Which meant that the Belfast Telegraph had a fascinating, super, soaraway exclusive on her too, because the BelTel website on Monday is a parking space for the most click-friendly content from its Sunday tabloid sisters, the Sunday World and Sunday Life.

DÚLRA: Steek’s window on the world around us

WHEN window cleaner Stephen ‘Steek’ Megaw hung up his chamois recently after 40-odd years, it was a sad day for the residents of upper Andersonstown.

NIFL Premiership: Reds boost playoff hopes with comeback win at Carrick

NIFL Premiership: Magilton excited for Cup final build-up as Reds return to league action

Gaelic Games: Rossa fend off Ballycastle rally to claim opening win

Gaelic Games: Carryduff win cross-city clash at Sarsfield's

TUV want Casement renamed after a British royal – and Andytown doesn't rule it out

ROBIN LIVINGSTONE: David Trimble’s Catholic problem was well hidden

SQUINTER: Loyalist Human Resources departments thrive

WE SAY: Irish language signage victory was inevitable

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