Andrée Murphy hails from Dublin but has lived in Belfast since 1994.
She is the Deputy Director of Relatives for Justice, a national victim support NGO which provides advocacy and therapeutic support for the bereaved and injured of the conflict. Holding a Masters Degree in international human rights law, Andrée's particular expertise and research on women affected by conflict trauma has seen her provide evidence to the United Nations in Geneva and to Congressional hearings in the US.
Andrée is a columnist for Belfast Media Group and is a regular contributor to broadcast media, providing political analysis and commentary.
THE referendum results in the South on definition of care and family teach us much, but mainly: How not to run a referendum.
"BRIDIE Brown is the most robust woman I have ever come across."
I MAY have mentioned this before, but when I die I want my ashes sprinkled on Black Mountain, Dún Chaoin and on Hill 16.
BEFORE the Brexit vote in 2016 the internalised 'Northern Ireland plc' solution was having a day. All seemed rosy in the sunny uplands of the union.
IN a week of historic developments, the attendance of both Michelle O’Neill and Emma Little Pengelly at the graduation of six PSNI officers in Garnerville was certainly worth noting.
GETTING down to the business of “government for the people” is always framed by an insinuation of constitutional bias – or maybe more than insinuation. From Day One of discussions about what is “acceptable” from devolved politicians we hear calls about “finding common ground” and working together on “bread and butter issues”.
THE nature of change on this island really could not have a more stark example than the contrast between unionism/loyalism and republicanism/nationalism this week.
APPARENTLY some unionists are affronted that nationalists believe that Stormont is not up and running because they cannot handle the republican woman from Coalisland, Michelle O’Neill, being in the position of First Minister. And apparently saying that unionism doesn’t want Michell O’Neill as First Minister might be “dangerous” because it would suggest that the DUP is sectarian.
STANDING watching the snow fall, as if to make the ground and the air we breathe clean again, I think of the 100,000 public servants forced to strike for dignity, safety and decent pay.
IAN Jeffers became Victims Commissioner in the same month the British government published their Legacy Bill. The office was predictable clunky in response while experienced advocates across Ireland engaged comprehensively with these heinous proposals. However, Mr Jeffers recovered some credibility by launching his office’s findings on the needs of the bereaved of the conflict and recommended a scheme of reparations for all bereaved. Albeit in his last week in the office.
THE United Nations and international community are at their best when providing salient examples of where global improvements can be made to better the lives of our global citizenry. Published statistics comparing the living standards and needs of nation states have provided startling statistics that contribute to the constitutional debate.
IN decades to come legal scholars across the globe will study the interstate case of Ireland vs the United Kingdom regarding the Legacy and Reconciliation Act. They will study the merits of the case, its legal basis and the passage it has yet to take. They will also study the background. Because it is the background that makes this extraordinary development so historic.
I HAVE questions. Not about why the DUP won’t do a deal (yet). We know the answers to that. We know that fear replaced courage in the DUP a long time ago.
IN times of turmoil it is important to acknowledge the unexpected gifts we receive.
IT was hard to think of a way that the PSNI’s year could have gotten worse, but somehow they managed it this week.