Columnists

‘New’ DUP shows symptoms of Trimble syndrome

DUP voices are forever criticising the Executive for the fact that it is a mandatory coalition. Many hanker after a return to the bad old days of majority rule – i.e. unionist one-party government.

The DUP can certainly protest that it did not negotiate the Good Friday Agreement model of coalition but far from standing on principle, apart from refusing to attend Executive meetings in the first Assembly, they accepted all of the benefits and trappings of government. And

Bodies’ guards armed and dangerous in the cemetery

Unfortunately  prosecutions of other captured did not discourage more bodysnatchers from invading the Clifton burying ground in North Belfast as many reports in the Northern Whig covering the years 1824 to 1832 show.

The families of those buried in Clifton Street used many different devices to prevent raids on their loved one’s graves.

A lot of the families kept watch on the graves at night until the bodies were in a state of decomposition. Other families hired watchmen to

Human rights in the race for gold

The Olympic games are in full swing in China and if you watch the events on television you have to be amazed at the ability of the athletes. 

However whilst the world watches in amazement at the sporting abilities of those taking part, the games also hide the very real life experiences of a significant section of the population of China.

We should not forget that China is a communist controlled country, seeking its place in the pantheon of

Same old story on caring for seniors – Martin Morgan

If we manage to reach older age it would be both important and nice to think that if we had to leave our own homes and enter a nursing home, then we would be safe, comfortable and well cared for.

A nursing home should not be a place where just basic care is offered, nor should a nursing home be anything less than a person’s home, it should reflect the standards and comforts of a person’s property.

Unfortunately, nursing

Gather the old dogs and the gang and head for the hills – Dúlra

FORTY is more than a landmark birthday. You change. 

It's like you've suddenly been given a ringside seat from which you can look at your life. For Dúlra, one feeling drowned out all others: nostalgia. 

And he's not alone. Pop groups who made a few quid by reaching the top 40 in the 1980s are today making millions in comeback tours. 

Fred Perry T-shirts which cost £1.99 in Frazers are now £60 as people try to buy back their

August rain is nothing new - Fr Des

The present August  weather we’re experiencing is not new.

A teacher living in Co Kilkenny kept a diary in  the 1830s. In August 1832 he notes that on the second there is “unceasing rain from midnight to midday”. He says, “This was very badly needed.”  However, on the fourth there was “unceasing rain” from four until seven. The sixth had “copious rain”  from nine until midday.  A heavy shower on the tenth  and “thunder and heavy hail” on the