Opinion Pieces | Belfast Media

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.

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.

HEALTHWISE: Ignore the dairy myths – but mind your portions

MILK and dairy are an important part of a healthy balanced diet and provide essential nutrients like protein, calcium, phosphorus, potassium, iodine, vitamin A, B2, B5 and B12. These help with strong bones, muscles, nerves, immune system, eyesight and reducing tiredness.

WE SAY: London Kneecap hearing is a rebuke to the PSNI

THE scenes witnessed outside Westminster Magistrates Court on Wednesday morning were a microcosm of what the United Kingdom has become under this Labour government. Younger readers may be be labouring under the misapprehension that Keir Starmer’s lurch to the right in pursuit of populist favour is the first time that the Labour Party has betrayed its socialist principles. But the truth is that throughout the Troubles Labour Secretaries of State repeatedly outperformed their Tory counterparts when it came to defending the interests of the British establishment at the price of the rights of Irish citizens.

ANDRÉE MURPHY: Let's not allow Israel to rob us of our humanity

"TEL Aviv right now. Shoppers. Dogs. Children. Rabbis. Yoga. Everyone comes down to the bunker for 20 minutes with stoicism, resilience, and a sense of common purpose."

CELTIC STORIES: Celtic's early transfer market activity gives fans cause for cautious optimism

UNLIKE many other transfer windows where Celtic have adopted a more cautious approach, this summer has already seen considerable activity from the Glasgow giants as they prepare for the 2025/26 campaign. Brendan Rodgers and the Celtic board seem intent on strengthening the squad early, addressing key areas of need and building momentum well ahead of the Champions League qualifiers. Let’s take a detailed look at the crucial developments so far.

JUDE COLLINS: Thuggery was just one part of the Ballymena equation

"PURE thuggery." That’s how the activities of those rioting in Ballymena, Larne and Portadown last week have been described. I beg to differ.

MINDFUL MOMENT: It's that time again when I give thanks for the Clonard Novena

I HAVE to admit this is my favourite time of year for personal reflection as I always experience an awakening of thankfulness as we enter into the spirit of the Clonard Novena.

GERRY ADAMS: Burning houses a salutary reminder of August '69

IN 1972, Catholic families who had endured three years of sustained sectarian attacks on their homes fled Annalee Street in North Belfast. Last month – fifty-three years later – Catholic homes in Annalee Street were again the target of sectarian attack and families were forced to flee. In the past fortnight we have also witnessed the firebombing of homes in Ballymena, Larne Leisure Centre and racist attacks in other parts of the North.

Opinion

COMMUNITY GARDENING: Catching up with our Best of West runners

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

SQUINTER: How the DUP joined the Ballymena rubber chicken circuit

DÚLRA: Steek’s window on the world around us

HEALTHWISE: Ignore the dairy myths – but mind your portions

WE SAY: London Kneecap hearing is a rebuke to the PSNI

ANDRÉE MURPHY: Let's not allow Israel to rob us of our humanity

CELTIC STORIES: Celtic's early transfer market activity gives fans cause for cautious optimism

JUDE COLLINS: Thuggery was just one part of the Ballymena equation

MINDFUL MOMENT: It's that time again when I give thanks for the Clonard Novena

GERRY ADAMS: Burning houses a salutary reminder of August '69

I have a passion to pursue a career in journalism

ROBIN LIVINGSTONE: Gerry Adams appeal was a round too far for battered BBCNI

A bluffer's guide to the FIFA Club World Cup

SQUINTER: Appealing for calm the Ballymena way

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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