Haass lays emphasis on political leaders to create the right environment for economic growth. The Sunday Business Post took the message to be “Make your own jobs”.

Trimble confesses his concern for the future of the SDLP. The First Minister and Deputy First Minister face criticism from a devolution monitoring group, over the numbers of staff in their departments. “Democratic Dialogue argued the office was growing “like …

It’s hard to credit just how much the Roy Keane book has exercised the Irish press over the last month. Now the book is finally published there is no lessing in the volume of newsprint expended. It has even had …

One of the more colourful events last week was the raising of Alex Maskey’s tricolour, to join the Union Jack, put there by one his predessors, Reg Empey. For some like Gearóid Ó Cairealláin, putting one up beside the other …

Looks like the new straight-talking Chief Constable is earning some new friends in un-expected places, even as the Garda Siochana come under increasing criticism. Still Sinn Fein are resisting the recent call from Professor Des Rea to join the new …

Something’s cooking! American Larry Zaitschek, chef at Castlereagh on the day of the robbery is under investigation. Though he’s now in the US police are seeking his extradition, whilst his ex-wife is being held under guard. Brian Rowan gives a …

McQuillan’s statement, since condemned by Reg Empey for lack of balance, encourages McGuinness to attack anti-agreement Unionists. Meanwhile, the long term corrosion in civil society continues, David Gordon asks, ‘Who’s in charge?’. A Police Federation spokesman warns of the longer …

Fair play to David Trimble. As Eammon McCann points out in his column in last night’s Belfast Telegraph: “To adapt an ancient remark – Typical! Given the choice between saving the planet and saving the Ulster Unionist Party, Trimble takes …

Alex Maskey’s been re-decorating his parlour in City Hall (more).

David Trimble enjoys an unpressured meeting with Cyril Ramaphosa before coming back to the hothouse that is Northern Ireland. More speculation on the upcoming meeting of the UUC here and here.