Opinion Pieces | Belfast Media

ROBIN LIVINGSTONE: Can new UUP leader warm Craig’s cold house?

I THINK there’s probably more chance of Jon Burrows doing what I’m about to ask him to do than of him passing a camera or a microphone any time soon. But god loves a trier and just because something’s unlikely to happen doesn’t mean to say that we should refrain from trying to help it along.

SQUINTER: They would say that, wouldn’t they?

“OF course, Israel would say…”

DÚLRA: Blackcap innovates to give itself a fighting chance

IT’S always a treat to see a blackcap in the garden. Because it’s evidence that in the race to survive, taking a chance can pay off big time.

HEALTHWISE: Be sure and take care of your bones

OSTEOPOROSIS is a condition where bones become thin and their strength is reduced. This makes them more likely to break. It affects both men and women but is most common after the menopause.

GERRY ADAMS: Kitson memoirs turn a blind eye to British crimes

I RECENTLY came across the autobiography of British General Sir Frank Kitson which was published last year, shortly after his death. It is titled ‘Intelligent Warfare’, an oxymoron in any language. In truth, it is an account of British military failures through several colonial wars in which Kitson fought, including in Ireland. It is also a reflection of Kitson’s enormous personal ego.

WE SAY: UUP leader faces many challenges

AS FORMER senior PSNI officer Jon Burrows prepares to take over the leadership of the UUP uncontested, he will be fully aware of the huge challenges that face him. Or at least we think he will be, because Mr Burrows is so fond of an arresting soundbite and accompanying picture that it is sometimes hard to tell what lies beneath the bluster and blow.

ANDRÉE MURPHY: Colonialism rears its ugly and familiar head again

COLONIALISM is back, baby! And it's as greedy and inhumane as it ever was.

JUDE COLLINS: Fleadh will be the biggest indicator yet of the scale of Belfast changes

NEW Year finds Casement Park in West Belfast mouldering and unused. Euro 2028 will not visit it as was promised. But not all is gloom.

PLATING UP: Marinated grilled salmon with vermicelli noodles salad

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

EYE ON THE PAST: JANUARY 1985 – Community to protect Whiterock Leisure Centre from loyalists

WE look at the stories that were making the headlines in the Andersonstown News this week in 1985...

ROBIN LIVINGSTONE: A Commonwealth for Catholics was a false start

THE DUP have won another battle and lost more ground.

SQUINTER: Loyal Ulster sets personal best in flag race

LET’S see if Squinter’s got this right…

HEALTHWISE: If you’re going to have a yogurt, make it Greek

GREEK yogurt is a beneficial fermented food and makes up an important part of your recommended three dairy a day, including cheese and milk.

DÚLRA: Teenage allergy didn’t stop Dúlra’s bird snatching

DÚLRA learned the lesson early in life and it stayed with him ever since – throw out a few handfuls of finch seeds and these colourful birds will be your companion forever.

GERRY ADAMS: Dublin’s golden opportunity to advance Irish unity

ON July 1 the Irish government will assume the Presidency of the Council of the European Union. This will be its eighth time holding this key administrative and political role within the EU and the first time since Brexit.

Fruithill hosts successful speed chess tournament

Soccer: Cliftonville boss believes the Reds 'owe it' to their support to bounce back from derby defeat

Gaelic Games: Cushendall round off the year in style with Ulster Championship glory

Soccer: Crusaders claim Christmas derby bragging rights over Reds

PLATING UP: Sirloin steak with baby boiled potatoes and mange tout

ROBIN LIVINGSTONE: The 2025 Top Moments Awards (PART II)

SQUINTER: Review of the year

HEALTHWISE: Beware of pseudoscience at this time of year

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