Listen back to West Belfast Talks Back – Gaza, LGBT rights, lights out, #indyref & Haass #wbtalksback

Noel Thompson swapped the comfy chair in the Good Morning Ulster studio to be ringmaster at West Belfast Talks Back this evening with Danny Kennedy (UUP, Minister of Regional Development), Fr Tim Bartlett (Catholic Church), Rev Dr Leslie Carroll (Presbyterian) and John O’Down (Sinn Féin, Minister of Education) in front of an audience of three hundred. You can listen back to debate in two halves [two MP3s]. listen to ‘1/2 West Belfast Talks Back at @feilebelfast’ on Audioboo With no …

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Some political highlights from Féile an Phobail (31 July to 10 August)

Féile an Phobail is now underway, running until 10 August. Amongst the myriad of events – many of them free – in the 100 page programme, here’s a few politically-relevant ones. Thursday 31 July On the Journey to Peace and Reconciliation at 8pm in St Mary’s University College // Colin Parry’s 12 year old son was killed when an IRA bomb exploded in Warrington in 1993. He’ll be sharing his journey along with deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness. Friday 1 …

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West Belfast Talks Back … and listens attentively too

West Belfast Talks Back was a relatively sedate affair last night with listening up and numbers slightly down on previous years. You can listen back in four parts. The star performer of the evening was UUP leader Mike Nesbitt who defied expectations and remained cool and calm throughout the nearly two hours of discussion. He addressed questions and comments on “unionism and the law”, parading, flags, the Ballymurphy massacre, onerous assessments for victims, mental health, welfare reform and equal marriage. …

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Events with a political twist at the 25th West Belfast Féile (1-11 August 2013)

A belated preview of some of the debate and politically-relevant events coming up in the 25th West Belfast Féile which runs until 11 August. The full programme is available on the festival website. Friday 2 August Robbie Burns, Poems and Songs – 7.30pm in Berry Street Presbyterian. Philip Orr and Mike Gaston “bringing out something beyond the tartan and haggis, including Burns’ radical political sympathies”. Monday 5 August Human Rights & Investigative Journalism – noon in St Mary’s University College. …

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West Belfast Talks Back: Gorgeous George and Gregory didn’t fall out over comments belittling the Robinsons

audience not in support of Quinn at West Belfast Talks Back

West Belfast Talks Back – George Galloway talks about Féile an Phobail’s annual West Belfast Talks Back event returned to St Louise’s College on the Falls Road this evening. A panel of George Galloway, Gregory Campbell, Ruth Dudley Edwards and Gerry Kelly. Yvette Shapiro chaired. Next year the organisers should issue her with a fog horn to drown out members of the audience who want to deliver lectures rather than ask precise questions. Impersonator John McBlain provided the warm up …

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