Eugene Reid

At a recent meeting – one of those now commonplace “hybrid” affairs where half the participants were in the room and the other half dialled in from home – I was reminded of something that many people seem to have forgotten: nothing beats face-to-face interaction. The meeting itself was productive enough – decisions were made, actions were agreed, and everyone ticked the box that said they’d “attended.” But the most significant outcome for me didn’t happen during the meeting at …

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In the halls of Stormont and across local government, words like “reform,” “transformation,” and “efficiency” are tossed about with alarming frequency when it comes to the future of our Health Service. But do our politicians, policy makers, and civil servants actually understand what these terms mean, let alone what it takes to achieve them? David McCann’s recent Irish News article struck a chord when he called for Stormont to show that reform is possible. But that’s easier said than done. …

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For those of us who have spent decades in the private sector, watching the financial mismanagement within the Northern Ireland Civil Service (NICS) is like witnessing a slow-motion car crash—predictable, avoidable, yet somehow inevitable. The latest revelations are nothing short of scandalous. First, the £2.45 billion overspend on major capital projects. A few weeks back we learned from a senior finance official at Stormont’s Health Committee that over £96 million worth of PPE will be wasted because it is reaching its use-by date. This …

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News that Belfast City Council has approved a planning application for a private hospital comes at a time when delays continue to plague two critical public health projects: the Belfast Maternity Hospital and the Children’s Hospital. This stark juxtaposition highlights the growing gulf between the private and public sectors in Northern Ireland. It’s a reality that raises uncomfortable questions about efficiency, priorities, and the future of healthcare in our region. The private hospital, which promises state-of-the-art facilities, has seemingly managed …

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The Role of the Electorate in Political Accountability: A Reflection on Nicola Mallon’s Comments In a recent episode of The View, with interviewer Mark Carruthers, Ms Nicola Mallon, former Minister in the Northern Ireland Executive, made a provocative observation about the lack of government delivery, pointing to the role of the electorate in shaping political outcomes. The comments, despite being made briefly and almost being missed by the interviewer struck a chord with me! I have been contemplating them for a …

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For many of us who are over 50, the idea of a career change comes with mixed emotions—excitement about new opportunities, tempered by a growing frustration with systemic roadblocks. Despite decades of experience, a broad skill set, and a proven track record of commitment, many seasoned professionals like me struggle to even get an interview. After nearly 30 years in Pharmaceuticals, 8 years as a Further Education Lecturer, a period as a locally elected Councillor, and even running a family …

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