Jonathan McCambridge examines the life and history of Rathcoole estate just outside the northern boundary of the city of Belfast. Mick FealtyMick is founding editor of Slugger. He has written papers on the impacts of the Internet on politics and the wider media and is a regular guest and speaking events across Ireland, the UK and Europe. Twitter: @MickFealty
The trial of three Irishmen accused of helping FARC guerillas in Colombia grinds slowly towards judgement. After the defence puts in its summation, the judge will retire to consider his verdict. Mick FealtyMick is founding editor of Slugger. He has written papers on the impacts of the Internet on politics and the wider media and is a regular guest and speaking events across Ireland, the UK and Europe. Twitter: @MickFealty
The PUP in Ballymena have called local residents to lodge objections with PSNI to the raising of tricolours in the mainly Catholic area of Dunclug in the Co Antrim town. Apparently it’s the only way the police can act against any flags or emblems. It will be interesting to see if such action, if successful, leads to a wider campaign to remove flags in other mixed areas of Northern Ireland. Mick FealtyMick is founding editor of Slugger. He has written …
We may see some light in the Scappaticci case soon. Last week in the Andersonstown News, Mairtin O’Muilleoir hinted that some concrete truths might emerge sooner rather than later, which was followed by the news from the Observer‘s man in Belfast that Scappaticci is to be questioned about anything up to forty murders. Mick FealtyMick is founding editor of Slugger. He has written papers on the impacts of the Internet on politics and the wider media and is a regular …
In advance of Michael Moore’s visit to Belfast, here’s the verdict of one critic of one of the few remaining public voices still audible from the American left; beyond its shores at least. Mick FealtyMick is founding editor of Slugger. He has written papers on the impacts of the Internet on politics and the wider media and is a regular guest and speaking events across Ireland, the UK and Europe. Twitter: @MickFealty
Irony of ironies, then again that’s the way the internet works, the primary effect (may need subs) of the outrage over Sinn Fein’s links to an online site selling IRA teeshirts, seems to have been a huge boost in its sales. Mick FealtyMick is founding editor of Slugger. He has written papers on the impacts of the Internet on politics and the wider media and is a regular guest and speaking events across Ireland, the UK and Europe. Twitter: @MickFealty
Regarded by some as prime candidate for the title of Ulster’s most turbulent priest, Des Wilson ruminates over the fates of two men who shared the same surname – Captain James Kelly and Doctor David Kelly. Mick FealtyMick is founding editor of Slugger. He has written papers on the impacts of the Internet on politics and the wider media and is a regular guest and speaking events across Ireland, the UK and Europe. Twitter: @MickFealty
Henry McDonald adds his voice to the debate on Human Rights, asserting that the arguments behind the concept of group rights, if accepted, are likely to supplant the rights of the individual: “…if the ‘groups’ rights’ brigade get their way then everyone living in Northern Ireland will be marked at birth, that their rights and freedoms will be measured on the lines of which church they were baptised in, where they went to school and where they now reside. Moreover, …
Sinn Fein have decided, after a period of some reticence, to back the dirty protest of dissident Republican prisoners, who are demanding some degree of segregation in Maghaberry prison. Mick FealtyMick is founding editor of Slugger. He has written papers on the impacts of the Internet on politics and the wider media and is a regular guest and speaking events across Ireland, the UK and Europe. Twitter: @MickFealty
Sounding more like the moderniser he instinctively is, Jeffrey Donaldson has, possibly correctly, described the current state of Unionism as dysfunctional, and that it urgently needs sorting out. However there was little mention of what practical action might be needed to make it happen. Mick FealtyMick is founding editor of Slugger. He has written papers on the impacts of the Internet on politics and the wider media and is a regular guest and speaking events across Ireland, the UK and …
Brice Dickson the man currently in the hottest seat in Northern Ireland, was interviewed by Steven McCaffrey in the Irish News yesterday. He denies caving in to pressure from the police over the Holy Cross controversy. Mick FealtyMick is founding editor of Slugger. He has written papers on the impacts of the Internet on politics and the wider media and is a regular guest and speaking events across Ireland, the UK and Europe. Twitter: @MickFealty
Niall O’Dowd has been taking some of the speculation about the possible fate of Tony Blair in the wake of a number of recent crises seriously, and worries whither process in the hands of some of his potential successors. Mick FealtyMick is founding editor of Slugger. He has written papers on the impacts of the Internet on politics and the wider media and is a regular guest and speaking events across Ireland, the UK and Europe. Twitter: @MickFealty
In testimony to one of the most lithe and creative party machines in Belfast, Sinn Fein’s Sue Ramsay went on the attack against rival nationalist party’s Direct Rule Watch initiative, almost as soon as the party dropped a special logo from its press releases – scoring political points at a time of the year when there should be few to win or lose. Mick FealtyMick is founding editor of Slugger. He has written papers on the impacts of the Internet …
A Truth and Reconciliation Commission has been a favourite with some outside observers as a way of tackling Northern Ireland’s ills. Newton Emerson enumerates several reasons why few serious players have ever considered this an option for Northern Ireland. Mick FealtyMick is founding editor of Slugger. He has written papers on the impacts of the Internet on politics and the wider media and is a regular guest and speaking events across Ireland, the UK and Europe. Twitter: @MickFealty
The Google ads don’t change as much as I had hope and they’re possibly not as interesting to readers as they might be, but one has appeared called the People’s Voice, which looks like a interesting venture in West Dunbartonshire, Scotland. Although it looks a bit like a one man band effort, it’s an interesting use of the web to make a point – or several in fact! If it appears again, give it a click and let us know …
Bran at Blog Irish has produced a useful summary of a discussion that’s been raging between fellow Irish bloggers Frank McGahon and Dick and John at Backseat Drivers about a number of issues including the role of government in welfare and immigration. Well worth the read, but you’ll have a lot of scrolling to do – it’s been going on for a couple of weeks. Mick FealtyMick is founding editor of Slugger. He has written papers on the impacts of …
Opening up the country to tourism is one thing, but it seems that some of Northern Ireland’s towns have been taking a bit of a bashing from some of the international guides. Mick FealtyMick is founding editor of Slugger. He has written papers on the impacts of the Internet on politics and the wider media and is a regular guest and speaking events across Ireland, the UK and Europe. Twitter: @MickFealty
A major division in Northern Ireland will come to an end within the next three years, according to government plans. Planned rollout of broadband will be welcomed by rural dwellers and may transform the business possiblities available for those living in small towns and the countryside. Mick FealtyMick is founding editor of Slugger. He has written papers on the impacts of the Internet on politics and the wider media and is a regular guest and speaking events across Ireland, the …
Policing issues dominated the political debate before the collapse of the devolved institutions in October last year, since when they have taken something of a back seat. However, it makes a brief return, with Sinn Fein chairman Mitchell McLoughlan telling the Derry Journal that he cannot support the siting of a training college in the NW, until such times as the PSNI pass political muster, presumably under the terms of the Acts of Completion that were so much of the …
Welcome to Belfast Gonzo, a new poltical blog from Northern Ireland. With only two posts up so far, it promises to add greatly to the ongoing online debate. It’s well worth the read! Thanks to reader Howard for the tip! Mick FealtyMick is founding editor of Slugger. He has written papers on the impacts of the Internet on politics and the wider media and is a regular guest and speaking events across Ireland, the UK and Europe. Twitter: @MickFealty
