Opinion Pieces | Belfast Media

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.

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.

ROBIN LIVINGSTONE: Loyal Ulster’s Charlie fans have to choose in Israel split

THERE’S a few reasons why unionist politicians – particularly the younger breed – were so incredibly upset by the assassination of Charlie Kirk. The first is religious. Kirk foregrounded Gahd in everything he said and did. Whether he was genuinely devout, or whether his overweening religiosity was a confected part of an online persona which made him a very rich youngish man is not altogether clear to me, and now that he’s dead we’ll never know. But what we do know is that Kirk’s unctuous and frequent invocations of his Saviour were incredibly attractive to pro-union elected reps here, to whom the line between religion and politics is either distinctly indistinct or non-existent.

SQUINTER: Portrait photo shatters the illusion

SQUINTER’S not disappointed exactly after having seen for the first time the damage done to the portrait of former DUP Lord Mayor Wallace Browne. Who could be disappointed at a work of art being marred in any way? And he’s not surprised exactly, because, let’s be honest here, a picture being damaged at a party isn’t exactly the strangest thing that’s ever happened in the storied history of our premier public building.

WE SAY: We recognise your type, Mr Benn

IF the hope was that our latest Secretary of State, Hilary Benn, would bring some of his father Tony’s passion for social justice to Stormont Castle, it must be said that most nationalists gave up on that hope some time ago. But the success of Mr Benn today [Wednesday] in ensuring that the truth about the controversial death of Paul ‘Topper’ Thompson in April 1994 remains hidden will have rendered disappointment and disgust virtually unanimous.

DÚLRA: The innocent victims of climate change suffer most

IT’S those who have done least to create climate change who suffer the most from its effects – and no-one knows that more than Trócaire’s David O’Hare.

HEALTHWISE: Kombucha isn’t the only fermented drink in town

KOMBUCHA tea is a fermented milk drink made with tea, sugar, bacteria and yeast cultures. Once these are mixed it is left to ferment with the resulting drink having vinegar, B-vitamins, probiotics and amino acids or proteins.

OPINION: For new Irish Language Commissioner, Apple TV's 'Severance' is perfect primer

He's the first of his kind so when it comes to finding a training manual, newly-appointed Irish Language Commissioner Pól Deeds is on his own - perhaps, therefore, he might consider binging the Apple TV series 'Severance'.

ANDRÉE MURPHY: Cycle of educational underachievement and poverty must be broken

IF you live in the South of Ireland you live in a state where 63% of young people go to third level education. In West Belfast it is 29.7%, the lowest in the North.

CELTIC STORIES: Has Nancy been set up for failure by the Celtic board?

SEVEN days ago Celtic were preparing to attempt to bounce back from a rudderless home defeat to Hearts, they welcomed Italian giants Roma to town with the game being dubbed the 'El Catholico' in a humorous nod to each club's connection to the Catholic faith.

PLATING UP: Broccoli spinach and tarragon soup on a cold winter’s night

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

DÚLRA: David’s simple fix for our stubborn lough problem

SAVING Lough Neagh isn’t really difficult – we just need to listen to David Kennedy and the other members of Crumlin and District Angling Association.

BOXING: McComb TKO seals victory

Gaelic Games: Antrim announce county football and hurling league fixtures for 2026

Soccer: Round Two of the McReynold's Cup as DC and Swifts clinch big victories

Gaelic Games: St John's boss reflects on defining year for St John's hurling

ANDRÉE MURPHY: While Kenova has value, it remains window-dressing at its core

OPINION: BBC spends more money libelling Gerry Adams than supporting Irish language broadcasting

DÚLRA: Dúlra will have to be patient for that Bí Gaelach

HEALTHWISE: Diet is a vital component in your skin regime

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