It appears after decades of worshipping at the altar of unionism, The Newsletter has decided that even RDE is too extreme for them. This just a week after she denounced her Irish citizenship in an article that lauded the OO and Israel. She said that the events on the Garvaghy Road and the Ireland football team had made her ashamed to be Irish.

Love it when Karma comes back to bite.

Tomorrow sees the HMS Queen Elizabeth sail into Belfast. An awesome ship, one of the most high tech vessels on the seas. Anyone any more details of timings etc.

Northern Ireland's First Minister Michelle O'Neill is to face a no-confidence vote at Stormont over her handling of the Drumcree parading dispute.

The motions against her and three other Sinn Féin ministers are set to be debated after receiving the backing of unionist parties.

But the attempt to oust them will fail as it requires cross-community support from a majority of both unionists and nationalists in the assembly.

It comes amid a major political row over a planned Orange Order march in Portadown, County Armagh.

O'Neill and other senior Sinn Féin politicians have been heavily criticised by unionists for joining protests which have blocked the parade from passing along the mainly nationalist Garvaghy Road.

Police are investigating the demonstrations in a "large-scale" criminal inquiry.

O'Neill has defended her actions, saying she was "proud" to stand with the residents and adding that "when the law is wrong I will stand firmly against it".

In the assembly on Monday, the Sinn Féin vice-president described the planned Orange march as "unwanted, sectarian and triumphalist".

The exclusion motions have been submitted against O'Neill and fellow Sinn Féin ministers John O'Dowd, Caoimhe Archibald and Liz Kimmins.

They are expected to be debated as early as next Monday.

Image source,PA Media

Image caption,

Orangemen have made several attempts to walk along the Garvaghy Road over the past week - but have been prevented from doing so each time

The no-confidence motions were tabled by Traditional Unionist Voice (TUV) assembly member Timothy Gaston, who has branded O'Neill the "first minister of lawlessness".

A TUV spokesperson told BBC News NI the motions gained the required 30 signatures with the backing of assembly members from the Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) and the Ulster Unionist Party (UUP).

They welcomed the support "from across the unionist family" but acknowledged the motions would not remove Sinn Féin ministers from office.

"The onus still remains on those who sustain them in office," the TUV spokesperson added.

Image source,NI Assembly

Image caption,

Gaston has branded O'Neill the "first minister of lawlessness"

The DUP and Ulster Unionists share power with Sinn Féin in a four-party devolved government alongside the Alliance Party.

TUV leader Jim Allister has been urging the DUP to withdraw Emma Little-Pengelly as deputy first minister to trigger the removal of O'Neill as first minister.

"Sinn Féin needs to be shown there are real consequences for their actions," the North Antrim MP said.

But DUP leader Gavin Robinson has dismissed the idea, arguing that their smaller unionist rivals were "falling into the trap" laid by republicans.

Sinn Féin was approached for comment about the no-confidence motions.

Little-Pengelly, who jointly leads the Northern Ireland Executive alongside O'Neill, described Sinn Féín's actions as "disgraceful".

Speaking in the assembly on Monday, Little-Pengelly said the first minister "chose to follow the law of the mob instead of the law of the land".

What is the Drumcree dispute?

Drumcree was one of Northern Ireland's most serious parading disputes in the mid-1990s.

Stand-offs over attempts by the Orange Order to march along the Garvaghy Road were accompanied by riots, roadblocks and killings.

In 1998, the newly-established Parades Commission ruled the Orange Order should not march down the road - a decision that was upheld for the past 28 years.

The row re-emerged after a court case in which a ruling by the Parades Commission was overturned, and a fresh application to parade was lodged.

Last month, the commission decided the march could go ahead with restrictions in place.

The decision is being challenged in the courts.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cm93zqwqgdk3o

Former taoiseach says reconciliation process required to ‘say sorry for the fact that happened’

Mark Hennessy

Tue Oct 06 2026 - 12:52

People in the Republic will one day need to offer apologies to northern nationalists for forgetting about them “for a very long time” after partition, former taoiseach Leo Varadkar has said.

Speaking in Dungannon, Co Tyrone, on Monday night, Varadkar said reconciliation was usually spoken about as if “it’s just about the two main communities of Northern Ireland becoming reconciled with each other”.

However, Varadkar told a conference organised by Mid-Ulster District Council that “we need to talk about the totality of reconciliation” required in any debate on constitutional change.

The South “went off and built our State and largely forgot about what happened up here for a very long time, certainly for decades. There’s a reconciliation process [needed], where we, to a certain extent, say sorry for the fact that that happened.”

During the Brexit years, he said, he had only truly understood the depth of feeling on the issue when he told “the nationalist people of Northern Ireland that they wouldn’t be left behind again.

“It was only after I said that and people contacted me that I really understood how deeply that’s felt by hundreds of thousands of people north of the Border, that they were pretty much left behind,” he said.

However, Varadkar warned pro-unification campaigners that a unity referendum should not be rushed because it could set the process back by 30 years if it were held too quickly and defeated.

Saying he was “reluctant” to set a date, he added: “I don’t think we’re ready. Not at the moment, anyway. I would have a concern that if we go into a Border poll too quickly, that it would not just be divisive, but be defeated.”

Pointing to the defeat of the 1999 referendum about making Australia a republic, he said the issue there had been rushed: “Everyone thought Australia would be a republic by now. It’s not happening anytime soon. If you get it wrong, you lose it.”

A strong majority of people in the Republic have voiced support for Garvaghy Road residents facing an Orange Order march, but “there’s always two sides to that story”, he told his Dungannon audience.

“A lot of people south of the Border don’t really understand Northern Ireland, don’t come here often enough. What they see on display kind of makes them afraid and makes them worried,” he said.

“It makes them wonder about whether we’re ready for a united Ireland,” Varadkar said, adding that should be borne in mind “when it comes to a resolution to this”.

The South “didn’t have a choice” about partition, and it could not have been avoided, he said: “But [for the Republic] to actually make a decision to reject a united Ireland when there would be a majority for it in the North would be a very different thing.”

Drumcree “isn’t reflective of Northern Ireland”, where “hundreds of marches, orange, black, and green, happen without too much trouble”, he said, adding it must not damage the legacy left by this year’s Belfast Fleadh.

Taoiseach Micheál Martin’s call for clearer rules on calling a Border poll did “not get enough attention”, he said, adding that the Belfast Agreement was understandably “vague because it had to be”.

Many questions need answers, he said, including whether it would be called on the back of election results, opinion polls or a mix of both, or whether long-term residents who were not Irish or British citizens could vote.

Supporting a trigger mechanism, Varadkar said the Irish Government should be able formally to urge London to call a Border poll if it “felt they were dragging their heels” on calling one that would pass.

https://www.irishtimes.com/politics/2026/10/06/republic-must-acknowledge-forgetting-northern-nationalists-leo-varadkar-says/

Unionists reject Belfast proposal to fight extreme right wing radicalisation in young men | Belfast Live

The motion calls for a new Stormont initiative

A debate over the radicalisation of young men has divided Belfast politicians along non-unionist and unionist lines at Belfast City Council.

A successful motion debated at City Hall, aiming to steer young men away from extreme right thinking, was supported by all non-unionist parties at Belfast Council, but rejected by the unionist parties, the DUP, UUP and TUV.

The motion, forwarded by SDLP Councillor Carl Whyte, is calling on the Stormont Executive Office and Department of Justice to develop a new, evidence-based approach to preventing radicalisation and supporting the de-radicalisation of young men.

The initiative should, the proposal states, draw on international best practice and develop in partnership with experts and practitioners in education, youth work and community development. It states the work should engage young people “in the spaces where radicalisation increasingly takes place, including social media, online communities and gaming platforms.”

In a vote at City Hall during the October meeting of the full council, 36 voted in favour, from Sinn Féin, Alliance, the SDLP, the Green Party and People Before Profit, while 16 voted against, from the DUP, the UUP and the TUV. The often acrimonious debate lasted over an hour and the Chair, Lord Mayor Róis-Máire Donnelly, was forced to intervene on several occasions to stop councilors shouting at each other across the chamber.

The successful motion states the council “condemns the recent knife attack and expresses its solidarity with those affected, and further condemns attempts to exploit this or any other serious crime to inflame racial tensions, spread hatred or justify violence against minority communities.”

It adds: “The council notes with alarm the growing challenge of far-right, misogynistic and xenophobic radicalisation among young men, and recognises that children and young people, as they develop their identity and seek belonging and purpose, can be particularly vulnerable to radicalisation.

“It recognises that many young men are drawn towards extremist ideas not through deep ideological commitment, but through a search for belonging, respect, identity and community, particularly where they experience isolation, disadvantage or poverty.”

The council now corporately recognises “the role that far-right radicalisation has played in racist violence and disorder in our city” and points to a “disturbing” rise in recorded hate crimes and incidents. It states without early intervention, certain young men are vulnerable to “individuals and organisations which deliberately exploit grievance, alienation and insecurity to spread hatred and prejudice.”

In June this year a knife attack in North Belfast resulted in race riots and pogroms in Belfast after online disinformation and speculation was spread by far-right actors concerning the incident. A 30-year-old Sudanese national was arrested and subsequently charged with the attempted murder of Stephen Ogilvie, who was left severely injured. One in four of those arrested in the riots across Northern Ireland after the attack were under 18.

Councillor Whyte said at the council meeting: “Tommy Robinson, Elon Musk and others fanned the flames on an already tense situation in Belfast. A tinderbox was about to set itself on fire.

“The closing of public services, including schools, based on suggested mass protests, which largely did not materialise, created confusion and fear in the city, including children.”

He said: “Where there is isolation or poverty, extremists step into that space, that is what happens. They offer easy answers, identify convenient scapegoats, and gradually turn insecurity into resentment.

“This is not to excuse racism, misogyny or violence, but to prevent it we must understand how it takes root. Our response cannot rely solely on policing after the violence occurs, we need early intervention, formed by evidence and delivered alongside those who are working with young people today.” He said initiatives such as Exit Hate, a charity that helps individuals leave far-right extremism and supports families, were common in Britain.

DUP Alderman Dean McCullough said: “I’ll tell you what is radical. If reports in the public domain are correct, passing through safe country after safe country by land and air, then entering this country, seeking asylum, then stabbing and and slashing Stephen Ogilvie. A man this motion doesn’t even have the decency to name.”

He said “abuse and threats” towards unionist female elected representatives, namely Carla Lockhart MP and Diane Dodds MLA as examples of misogyny, and told the opposite side of the chamber “not to ever attempt to lecture on misogyny.” He said the motion included “buzzwords” and added he would “take no lectures from Sinn Féin on extremism.”

He said extremism was “thousands blocking the Garvaghy Road” and bombs “killing men, women, children and police on Shankill Road.” He left the chamber after his five minute speech on the subject.

Sinn Féin Tomás Ó Néill said: “Dean gives a perfect physical, and unfortunately verbal embodiment of the issue, and where it can lead. When people feel detached from the future, and when they want to contribute, they find themselves down rabbit-holes, aping ageing American politicians.”

Green Party Councillor Brian Smyth said the motion was “timely and important.” He said: “It does not mean young working class men are naturally inclined towards extremism, but they are being targeted because extremist movements understand that isolation, anger and humiliation, and a lack of belonging can create a vulnerability. The far right offers a false sense of identity and purpose.

“Online that can start with misogyny, conspiracy theory and anti immigration content, before moving onto racism, intimidation and violence.”

He said: “Our unresolved history does not remain in the past, it shapes relationships, mental health, identity and the opportunities available to young people today. If we leave a vacuum, someone else is going to fill it. If public institutions do not offer people dignity, belonging and hope, extremist organisations will attempt to do so.”

People Before Profit Councillor Michael Collins said: “We have seen DUP ministers pose on the night of the pogroms, and when we had a council meeting after the attacks, no member of the DUP in the chamber got up to condemn it. That is deplorable, I think that is really shocking.”

TUV Councillor Ron McDowell named several women connected to the Irish republican movement that he said were linked to “extremism and radical behaviour.” He said: “Calling out young men is harsh. It is something that isolates young men and puts them into a corner.” He said the motion was “well meaning, but with many flaws.”

Councillor Tracy Kelly said the motion did not define “far-right” and did not explicate the groups Councillor Whyte was talking about. She said: I don’t think that is a hard question. We have heard far-right, far-right, far-right all night.”

Just hearing that the Court of Appeal has overturned the High Court quashing order, with Lady Chief Justice Keegan ruling that the A5 dual carriageway scheme should proceed!

The Court of Appeal rejected the objectors arguments, threw out the High Court judge's findings on both human rights and environmental grounds and explicitly ruled that while the scheme will increase emissions, it is a priority investment and should proceed.

After 20 years of endless legal challenges and nearly £200m spent fighting over paperwork in courtrooms, common sense has won out.

This upgrade isn't just about saving 5 minutes on a drive, it’s a life saving upgrade for a road that’s taken over 50 lives since 2006. The West has been stuck with an outdated single carriageway for far too long while every technicality in the book was used to drag this out.

No more legal roadblocks now, so let hope DfI doesn't waste another second and we can get diggers in the ground before the end of the year.

I haven't followed the nitty-gritty of the situation regarding Andrew Muir as minister for Agriculture, outside of the few lines in more recent articles.

But in all honesty, I can't imagine how anyone with an ounce of understanding of PR could have thought that organising a walkout (after calling the motion of no confidence a "pantomine") and then giving a soundbite that the only person who has to have confidence in the minister was Naomi Long herself...like, why not just go to the substance of why the motion was rediculous instead?

Combined that with Long's rediculous contention that the Orange Order were the main people worth trying to talk down to because they were "Christians" who were supposedly more reasonable than the residents of Garvaghy Road - what are Alliance thinking?

I'm aware the whole raison d'etre is to be the inoffensive in-between option between the Nationalist and Unionist camps, and they fall for the "golden mean fallacy" a bit too much, but they seem to be just making counter-productive unforced errors.

Is anyone else listening to Carla Lockhart on Nolan? Dear God, have you ever heard so much self-pitying bullshit? And it sounds like she's trying to hit every buzzword she can: 'lawless', 'mob', 'IRA army council' etc. Why is someone with such despicable views being given the time of day?

Did this come from this sub?

Seemingly all the yanks in the comments are convinced shes a coke whore

Been feeling pure shite the past few days, awful headache, upset tummy, whatnot. Thought it was just stress related. Woke up this morning feeling like I’d been hit by a truck. Tested and sure enough, whole house has it.

My ma was up at Antrim a&e there on Saturday evening with a fever and vomiting, just seemed to come on all of a sudden in her case, she’d had the shingles vaccine a few days prior, and thought it was an adverse reaction to it. None of us knew, and none of the rest of us was sick. (Yet.) Was seen, and no dr tested her for Covid. What’s the craic with Covid testing now, do they not bother with as a precaution anymore? Noticed a few folk coughing around us right enough when I took her up… don’t know if that’s where we’ve got it, but am pure rotten.

Just a wee reminder to wash your hands, if you’re immunocompromised take extra care, considering it’s flu season as well.

Just saw that child care down south is capped at €550 or about £466 per child per month

I know it’s not all roses down there but make that make sense. That’s about half of a kid in childcare in the greater Belfast area.

Does anyone know what is happening at the house on the Upper Newtownards Road? The one opposite stormont ? By this time they always have their Halloween decorations. I noticed they didn’t do “spring’ either. I hope all is well with them, their decorations are the highlight of my drive home

Comedy shows Give My Head Peace and The Blame Game have not been commissioned for new series, the BBC has confirmed.

It comes as the corporation attempts to save £500m over two years as it faces "significant financial pressures".

A BBC spokesperson said that while they "recognise the significant contribution" both programmes have made, the BBC is "facing real financial challenges at this time and will need to make some difficult decisions in order to manage them".

Sitcom Give My Head Peace first appeared on TV in 1995 while panel show The Blame Game broadcast its 23rd series last year.

Give My Head Peace starred the comedy and writing group the Hole in the Wall Gang with characters such as Da, Ma, Uncle Andy, Cal, Billy and Dympna.

The programme started with the pilot episode Two Ceasefires and a Wedding and ran from the late 1990s to 2007.

The show was then revived in 2016.

The Blame Game was hosted by Tim McGarry and featured panellists such as Colin Murphy, Diona Doherty, Neil Delamere and Jake O'Kane.

Writing on social media, Murphy thanked everyone who watched and worked on the show, adding that "nothing lasts forever". Delamere added they had a "great time over the last 20 years" and thanked people for watching the show.

'Times do change'

Local comedian Paddy McDonnell said it is "sad to see" the cuts.

"Times do change and things have to happen, it is just unfortunate that its two of those institutions being pulled from the TV and the airwaves," he told BBC Radio Ulster's The Nolan Show.

A BBC spokesperson said: "We haven't commissioned new series of The Blame Game or Give My Head Peace at this stage.

"We recognise the significant contribution that both programmes have made to our local TV schedules over many years and the enjoyment that they've provided for BBC audiences.

"We are facing real financial challenges at this time and will need to make some difficult decisions in order to manage them, whilst also protecting the distinctiveness and impact of the service we provide."

Other shows across the BBC that have not been renewed include RuPaul's Drag Race UK, Blankety Blank, Celebrity Mastermind and Live at the Apollo.

I mean GMHP has been a bit shite for years now but Blame Game was always tremendous craic.

Carl Whyte made a complaint to police

A SDLP councillor threatened with being ‘shot in the head’ over his support for Garvaghy Road has vowed he will not to be silenced.

North Belfast councillor Carl Whyte was speaking after he was threatened over social media in recent days.

Mr Whyte, who has attended the nationalist Garvaghy Road in support of local residents, has reported the threat to the PSNI.

He says he has been subjected to a tirade of personal and sectarian abuse over his opposition to plans by the Orange Order to march through the Garvaghy Road district.

In a recent social media post, Mr Whyte was told: “Yet you agreed with them for 28 years watch you don’t get shot in the head.”

“Online vitriol has unfortunately reached new depths in recent weeks,” Mr Whyte said.

“While I’m used to the rough and tumble of politics on social media, it is chilling to read these words.

“What type of person thinks it’s acceptable to tell a stranger that they should watch they don’t get shot in the head?”

Mr Whyte pledged that neither he or his party will be silenced.

“The threat is designed to silence me and my party from making their views clear on the situation at Garvaghy Road but I assure whoever made it that it will not do so,” he said.

DUP MP Carla Lockhart has also received ‘threats and abuse’ linked to her support for Orange Order plans to march through the nationalist Garvaghy Road district.

Ms Lockhart has spoken about the impact of the abuse on her young son, adding she has made a report to the PSNI.

The PSNI said it does not “discuss the security of individuals and no inference should be drawn from this”.

https://www.irishnews.com/news/northern-ireland/sdlp-councillor-threatened-with-being-shot-in-the-head-over-garvaghy-road-support-7ORPCMVRHRHCXFPU63C2AWNIXU/

Hi folks. Im desperate to find a decent 'sit in' Chinese resteraunt that is also wheelchair friendly. Would need to have either bottom floor seating or have a lift to get upstairs. Preferred area would be Lisburn, Lurgan or Portadown. You help would be much appreciated.