Andersonstown News

EDITORIAL: A familiar hunger strike story

THE failure of the Irish and UK media to acknowledge the continuing hunger strike by remand prisoners in England is an eye-opening example of the propaganda that passes for journalism when it comes to the issue of Gaza and Israel.

Gerry Adams: For Gazans, the Nativity scene is a truly horrific one

THE story of Christmas and the birth of Jesus in a stable, as Mary and Joseph sought shelter, is known by billions around the world – even by those of other faiths and none. Christmas will be celebrated, presents given, and many will go to their respective places of worship to remember the child born in poverty, surrounded by a loving family and animals.

CHRISTMAS MESSAGE FROM MICHELLE O'NEILL: 'We are in a time of great change in the world'

A Christmas message from First Minister Michelle O'Neill...

ANDRÉE MURPHY: For now, one precious Christmas Day is enough

STANDING in Dublin airport waiting for a loved one to come home, surrounded by others also waiting to see who comes through the automatic doors. A guy with a guitar calling for requests before launching into Rocking Around the Christmas Tree. The sound of clinking Duty Free bags as the very last minute precious cargo bangs off wheelie cases. Dings of phones with texts saying 'Will you be much longer? The traffic guy is handing out tickets.'

JUDE COLLINS: More white lies than white Christmases in years gone by

AS a child, I found Christmas an occasion of sin. The catechism was totally clear: "No reason or motive can excuse a lie." But in my early years at the Christian Brothers school in Omagh, I lied and lied again.

MINDFUL MOMENT: In supporting each other we keep the Christmas light shining

AT this time of year, when twinkling lights appear in windows and families gather around warm hearths, our thoughts inevitably turn to those who have no such comfort. Christmas in West Belfast has always been a season of togetherness, yet it also serves as a poignant reminder of the reality of homelessness, an issue that does not fade simply because the calendar turns to December. If anything, the cold winds and long nights make it all the more visible, all the more urgent.