Opinion Pieces | Belfast Media

ROBIN LIVINGSTONE: Loyal Ulster’s Charlie fans have to choose in Israel split

THERE’S a few reasons why unionist politicians – particularly the younger breed – were so incredibly upset by the assassination of Charlie Kirk. The first is religious. Kirk foregrounded Gahd in everything he said and did. Whether he was genuinely devout, or whether his overweening religiosity was a confected part of an online persona which made him a very rich youngish man is not altogether clear to me, and now that he’s dead we’ll never know. But what we do know is that Kirk’s unctuous and frequent invocations of his Saviour were incredibly attractive to pro-union elected reps here, to whom the line between religion and politics is either distinctly indistinct or non-existent.

SQUINTER: Portrait photo shatters the illusion

SQUINTER’S not disappointed exactly after having seen for the first time the damage done to the portrait of former DUP Lord Mayor Wallace Browne. Who could be disappointed at a work of art being marred in any way? And he’s not surprised exactly, because, let’s be honest here, a picture being damaged at a party isn’t exactly the strangest thing that’s ever happened in the storied history of our premier public building.

WE SAY: We recognise your type, Mr Benn

IF the hope was that our latest Secretary of State, Hilary Benn, would bring some of his father Tony’s passion for social justice to Stormont Castle, it must be said that most nationalists gave up on that hope some time ago. But the success of Mr Benn today [Wednesday] in ensuring that the truth about the controversial death of Paul ‘Topper’ Thompson in April 1994 remains hidden will have rendered disappointment and disgust virtually unanimous.

DÚLRA: The innocent victims of climate change suffer most

IT’S those who have done least to create climate change who suffer the most from its effects – and no-one knows that more than Trócaire’s David O’Hare.

HEALTHWISE: Kombucha isn’t the only fermented drink in town

KOMBUCHA tea is a fermented milk drink made with tea, sugar, bacteria and yeast cultures. Once these are mixed it is left to ferment with the resulting drink having vinegar, B-vitamins, probiotics and amino acids or proteins.

OPINION: For new Irish Language Commissioner, Apple TV's 'Severance' is perfect primer

He's the first of his kind so when it comes to finding a training manual, newly-appointed Irish Language Commissioner Pól Deeds is on his own - perhaps, therefore, he might consider binging the Apple TV series 'Severance'.

ANDRÉE MURPHY: Cycle of educational underachievement and poverty must be broken

IF you live in the South of Ireland you live in a state where 63% of young people go to third level education. In West Belfast it is 29.7%, the lowest in the North.

CELTIC STORIES: Has Nancy been set up for failure by the Celtic board?

SEVEN days ago Celtic were preparing to attempt to bounce back from a rudderless home defeat to Hearts, they welcomed Italian giants Roma to town with the game being dubbed the 'El Catholico' in a humorous nod to each club's connection to the Catholic faith.

PLATING UP: Broccoli spinach and tarragon soup on a cold winter’s night

We hope you enjoy our new column with chef Paul Watters who each week will take the fear out of cooking with his easy to follow recipes...

DÚLRA: David’s simple fix for our stubborn lough problem

SAVING Lough Neagh isn’t really difficult – we just need to listen to David Kennedy and the other members of Crumlin and District Angling Association.

HEALTHWISE: Watch your Christmas units as you raise a glass

IF you drink alcohol at high levels or dependently then – apart from the many other issues – you may be at risk of becoming deficient in some of the essential nutrients and vitamins your body needs to function appropriately.

GERRY ADAMS: Laurence’s prison story reaches its latest chapter

‘AND Flowers Grew up Through the Concrete’ is Laurence McKeown’s second prison memoir. Big Laurny is a very fine writer. This latest book is an account of his journey through imprisonment, hunger strike, brutality and growing self-awareness. It is beautifully written and unashamedly honest in its emotion.

ANDRÉE MURPHY: While Kenova has value, it remains window-dressing at its core

IN a long 164 pages that spends much time justifying its own existence and approach, the Kenova Report will leave many people wondering how £40 million could be spent by the state investigating historic murders and practices, with only one prosecution and zero chances of further prosecutions, no admission of liability from any actor to the conflict, and no formal accountability.

JUDE COLLINS: Let's keep resisting the temptation to scold the sulky child

TEACHING is a hard job. Yes, they get great holidays, but coping with 20-plus children at the same time is no walk in the park. And as any teacher will tell you, there are few more frustrating things than dealing with a sulking child.

MINDFUL MOMENT: The Cold Moon brings a warm reminder of rebirth and renewal

ON the dark December nights familiar to us across Belfast and the North, the world seems to lower its voice. The air carries that sharp winter bite, the land settles into its long rest, and the sky stretches wide in a kind of ancient stillness.

BOXING: McComb TKO seals victory

Gaelic Games: Antrim announce county football and hurling league fixtures for 2026

Soccer: Round Two of the McReynold's Cup as DC and Swifts clinch big victories

Gaelic Games: St John's boss reflects on defining year for St John's hurling

ANDRÉE MURPHY: While Kenova has value, it remains window-dressing at its core

OPINION: BBC spends more money libelling Gerry Adams than supporting Irish language broadcasting

DÚLRA: Dúlra will have to be patient for that Bí Gaelach

HEALTHWISE: Diet is a vital component in your skin regime

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