Category Archives: Northern Ireland

Flegs and Anthems

Originally posted on Slugger O’Toole… I was interested to note the Union Flag carefully positioned immediately beside Belfast PUP Councillor Julie-Anne Corr Johnson for her interview with BBC NI’s The Viewrecently. “On one hand they tell us the British identity of … Continue reading

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Gay Life in NI if the Conscience Clause Were Enacted

Originally posted on Slugger O’Toole… It was a summer Friday in 2008, and we were in a provincial town West of the Bann. Jordin Sparks was Number 1 and Ian Paisley’s tenure as leader of Our Wee Country had ended … Continue reading

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Praying for Ian Paisley’s Soul

Crossposted to Slugger O’Toole… I have prayed for the happy repose of the soul of Ian Paisley. Initially almost to make him turn in his grave, but then with sincerity. The Book of Common Prayer says that Christ died as … Continue reading

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Two Ceasefires and A Coming Out: A Memoir

Cross-posted at Slugger O’Toole… I’ve been thinking about coming out. There have been a few horror stories doing the rounds recently: Vicky Beeching’s harrowing life and those of Lyra McKee’s friends. It’s made me think about how it was for me, all those … Continue reading

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BBC News Report – Good Friday Agreement Referendum Results

BBC News report from referendum results day 1998. A very youthful me briefly appears in in the background 34 seconds in. Paisley being a bad tempered bad loser in denial is particularly choice. [youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ORZDh30BYLw&w=560&h=315]

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The Good Samaritan Visits North Belfast

And, behold, a certain pastor stood up, and tempted him, saying, Master, what shall I do to inherit eternal life? He said unto him, What is written in the law? how readest thou? And he answering said, Thou shalt love … Continue reading

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Anna Lo, and the Myth that Northern Ireland Politics is about the Border

Cross-posted at Slugger O’Toole… I very much doubt Anna Lo’s Irish News interview was in the Alliance Party’s 2014 elections gameplan. While almost all members of the party will remain loyal to her in public, I have equally little doubt … Continue reading

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Address at the Memorial Service for the Revd Mervyn Kingston

This was one of three adresses celebrating the life of the Reverend George Mervyn Kingston at a memorial service held at St George’s Church, Belfast on 8 February 2014. Mervyn was a wonderful priest, a loyal friend and an unlikely … Continue reading

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Ryanair Takeover of Aer Lingus Blocked by EU Commission

The European Commission has blocked Ryanair’s proposed takeover of Aer Lingus. Good news for Northern Ireland, as Dublin Airport’s rapid growth and improved northern road connections has made it the key long-haul transport hub for the region. Although locally in … Continue reading

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The Sad State of North Belfast’s Riverside…

Crossposted at Slugger O’Toole… A bright, cold, day earlier this week saw me head out for a constitutional along what is now rather a pleasant route along the banks of the Lagan past the Odyssey and up to the Titanic … Continue reading

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