The Editor

WE SAY: Time really does matter, Jeffrey

DUP leader Jeffrey Donaldson moved this week to scotch the optimism about a potential return to Stormont engendered by the intervention of his former boss Peter Robinson.

WE SAY: No Oscars for this new political drama

THE intervention of former DUP leader Peter Robinson in the ongoing Stormont boycott, now heading towards its third year, was as clumsy and obvious a piece of political theatre as we’ve seen on the local stage.

WE SAY: Irish government showing courage on Gaza

THE record of Fianna Fáil/Fine Gael in its two-party dominance of Irish politics has not been a proud one down through the years and those in the North on the wrong end of their serial bad faith and cowardice over the national question have never been slow to criticise them.

EDITORIAL: First priority of the new Chief Constable is a cause for concern

THERE’S little doubt that in some quarters the knives are out for new Chief Constable John Boutcher before he’s had time to warm his seat. Against that background, the coming weeks and months will be crucial not only in informing us whether he’s up to the extraordinary challenges he faces, but – more importantly – whether all the people will finally get the police service they deserve.

WE SAY: Gaza voices can’t be silenced

A little-remarked but key landmark date passed Belfast by this past August – the 30th anniversary of the shooting dead of Seán Lavery (21), the son of Sinn Féin Councillor (the late) Bobby Lavery.

WE SAY: UN words on Gaza welcome but futile

SECRETARY General of the United Nations Antonio Guterres was uncompromising on Tuesday on the UN’s attitude to what’s happening in Gaza at present. In the most significant and hard-hitting intervention thus far by any Western agency of note, Mr Guterres said he is “deeply concerned about the clear violations of international law that we are witnessing in Gaza.”

WE SAY: President Michael D Higgins' vital intervention

THERE’S huge support across the island of Ireland for our President, Michael D Higgins, who brings a dignity and gravitas to the role that other world leaders can only dream of.

EYE ON THE PAST: October 1982 – Good riddance to Gerry Fitt

WE look back at what was making the news headlines this week back in 1982

WE SAY: Reject the single-culprit narrative

AS shock at the death toll and the ghastly images from the Hamas invasion of Israel and the bombardment of Gaza by the Israeli state continues to reverberate around the world, we are once again confronted with the familiar and lethally self-defeating ‘Year Zero’ analysis. The grim and shameful history that is the wellspring of the violence is being once again ignored as European capitals light up with the blue and white of Israel and throw their massive political weight behind the perpetration of war crimes by Tel Aviv in response to the war crimes carried out in Israel by Hamas on Saturday and Sunday.

WE SAY: Belfast united can put best foot forward to international investors

Last week's Belfast International Homecoming — which welcomed friends of Belfast from five continents — and the impending visit by US Special Economic Envoy Joseph Kennedy III are further evidence of the global interest in the peace process. The Homecoming was born out of the belief that the diaspora is Belfast’s super power.It was founded on the realisation that emigration could be the nation's greatest opportunity. The old adage, of course is true: The Irish did build America. But equally, America built Ireland. And most certainly, America and Irish America helped build the peace process we enjoy today.

WE SAY: An early, vital win for victims

THE first skirmish in the battle against the British government’s shameful Legacy Bill has taken place – and victims secured a much-needed and morale-boosting early win.

WE SAY: DUP farce is approaching its final act

THE walls are closing in on DUP leader Jeffrey Donaldson, but instead of looking for the door he’s clearly determined to stand his ground and wait to be crushed.

WE SAY: Political panto suggests change

THERE’S more optimism than there’s been for a long time about the prospect of the DUP finally realising that it ran out of road on its preposterous Stormont boycott some considerable time ago.

EDITORIAL: More performative policing rage

THE resignation of PSNI Chief Constable Simon Byrne on Monday was an inevitability given the pressures mounting on him since last week’s High Court decision on the disciplining of two officers after the February 2021 Sean Graham commemoration incident.

WE SAY: Lough Neagh crisis must be wake-up call for community action on natural environment

THIS week’s shocking account by journalist Joe McCann of the toxic algae threatening the very future of Lough Neagh must serve as a much-needed wake-up call to the communities of West and North Belfast whose water supply comes from the largest freshwater lake in these islands.

Soccer: Three second half goals see Ireland defeat Gibraltar

Mixed reaction as Brendan Rodgers confirmed as new Celtic manager

Athletics: Belfast Irish Milers Meet announces 2024 date

Gaelic Games: Antrim advance into Tailteann Cup semi-finals

ANDRÉE MURPHY: Legacy plans lay dynamite under victims' hopes

GERRY ADAMS: At St Comgall's, Eileen's shining vision becomes a reality

DÚLRA: A new way to learn about the birds and the bees

JUDE COLLINS: Efforts to create a single conflict narrative won't succeed

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