Politics

Renewed calls to end intimidation in mixed housing development in Lisburn

THERE has been renewed calls for an end to intimidation of residents in a mixed social housing development in Lisburn.

Speaker asked to rule on DUP man's comments about West Belfast MLA Danny Baker

THE Speaker of the Assembly has been asked to rule on whether comments by a DUP MLA about West Belfast MLA Danny Baker in the chamber on Tuesday were in violation of the Standing Order on Members.

Councillors clash over proposals to extend Sunday trading hours in Belfast city centre

BELFAST city councillors have clashed over a pilot scheme looking at extending Sunday trading hours.

Court of Appeal rules in favour of a public inquiry into the murder of Sean Brown

THE Court of Appeal in Belfast has affirmed a previous High Court ruling ordering the British government to hold a public inquiry into the LVF murder of GAA official Sean Brown.

Artists and musicians line up to support Kneecap

OVER 100 artists and musicians have signed a letter to “register opposition to any political repression of artistic freedom”. It comes after a week of hostile criticism of Belfast rappers Kneecap. Earlier this week the band's manager, Daniel Lambert, said the trio are being targeted by a "concerted campaign" designed to silence artists who speak out about the situation in Gaza. The statement signed by the artists reads: “This past week has seen a clear, concerted attempt to censor and ultimately deplatform the band Kneecap. “In Westminster and the British media, senior political figures have been openly engaged in a campaign to remove Kneecap from the public eye, with veiled threats being made over their scheduled performances at gigs, outdoor events and music festivals, including Glastonbury. “Chillingly, it is also clear to us that influential figures and personalities within the wider music industry are attempting to influence this campaign of intimidation. “As artists, we feel the need to register our opposition to any political repression of artistic freedom.”

One year on and families still have no confidence in ICRIR

FAMILIES of victims of the conflict continue to have no confidence in a controversial legacy body set up by the British government – a year after it was established. This morning families were joined at a protest outside the offices of the Independent Commission for Reconciliation and Information Recovery (ICRIR) by human rights groups Relatives for Justice, the Pat Finucane Centre, Amnesty International, the Committee for the Administration for Justice and Time for Truth.

Victims' families to protest one year after controversial Legacy Act

FAMILIES of victims of the conflict are to protest in Belfast city centre this morning– one year on from the introduction of the controversial Legacy Act. Relatives of those who were killed during the Troubles, along with supporters, will protest outside the offices of the Independent Commission for Reconciliation and Information Recovery (ICRIR), which was controversially established under the previous British government. Organised by Relatives for Justice (RFJ), the Pat Finucane Centre, the Committee for the Administration of Justice, Time for Truth and Amnesty International, those who have fought campaigns for truth and justice down through the years will gather at 11am. Irati Oliega, Relatives for Justice Advocacy Director, said the demonstration marks one year since the introduction “of the shameful Legacy Act". A legislation, she says, "that guillotined truth and justice in order to perpetuate state impunity”.

Gerry Adams libel case against BBC gets under way in Dublin

FORMER Sinn Féin President Gerry Adams’ libel case against the BBC has got underway at the High Court in Dublin today. Mr Adams is claiming that he was defamed in a 2016 BBC NI Spotlight programme which alleged that he sanctioned the murder of informer Denis Donaldson. Mr Donaldson was shot dead in 2006 in Donegal. The Real IRA claimed responsibility for the killing. Originally from the Short Strand area of Belfast, Denis Donaldson was a member of Sinn Féin.

Danny Baker MLA: 'The laughter of our children' as Bobby Sands statue unveiled this Sunday

2025 marks the 44th anniversary of the 1981 Hunger Strike — a time of huge significance for the area I represent, the Colin in West Belfast.

Kneecap apologise to MPs' families and hit out at 'smear campaign' against them

KNEECAP have apologised to the families of two murdered MPs after footage emerged of one of the rap band's concerts in 2023 where one member appeared to say: "The only good Tory is a dead Tory. Kill your local MP."

New chapter opens as oft-banned rebel publications are made available online

A group of amateur archivists have come together to found a project aimed at collating and preserving the varied literary and visual output of the Irish republican movement, illuminating its role in shaping modern Ireland. They are now appealing to the public, particularly residents of West Belfast and other republican communities of the six counties, for their help in growing the initiative. The Irish Republican Digital Archive, founded by a group of historically-minded colleagues from around Ireland, catalogues the ebb and flow of republicanism in the modern era, since the 1950s and the order to "dump arms" following the failed Border Campaign, until today, with Sinn Féin the largest party in Ireland and poised to take power in the South.

Decision on British government funding for Casement Park due in June

A DECISION on British government funding for the new Casement Park is expected in June.

SoS urged to intervene if DUP continues with anti-Irish language policies

SECRETARY of State Hilary Benn has been told that he will have to intervene if the DUP continues with its opposition to Irish language rights. Mr Benn was reminded of his responsibilities during a meeting with Conradh na Gaeilge at Glór na Móna on the Whiterock Road. During the meeting the Irish language delegation welcomed the Repeal of the 1737 ban on Irish in courts in the North which was announced by the Secretary of State in February this year, as well as his positive comments around dual-language signage at Grand Central Station. Speaking after the meeting Conchúr Ó Muadaigh, Advocacy Manager with Conradh na Gaeilge, said: “The meeting focused around our concerns regarding increased opposition from the DUP and others to the Irish language in recent weeks, including opposition to dual-language signage at Grand Central Station, the consistent blocking by the Deputy First Minister of a new funding model for Foras na Gaeilge and the delays by the Communities Minister Gordon Lyons in bringing forward a new Irish language Strategy, delays which have resulted in a third Judicial Review challenge.

Maskey calls for scrapping of the two-child limit

WEST Belfast MP Paul Maskey has called for the scrapping of the two-child limit on child support.

Time for British government to clarify Casement Park funding

WEST Belfast MP Paul Maskey has called on the British government to clarify the funding it will provide to redevelop Casement Park.

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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