“It is wrong that we act on beliefs; we should judge on the facts.” —Arlene Foster, 21/1/2017, responding to questions about the Renewable Heating Initiative (RHI) scandal. #factchecking #northernireland #qotd #otd
“We both share the same rivers, the same …
“We both share the same rivers, the same mountains, and some of the same problems, and therefore I think it is reasonable that the two premiers should meet and discuss matters of mutual interest, and that is actually what we did today.” —Terence O’Neill, as Northern Ireland Prime Minister, in television interview after meeting Taoiseach,... Continue Reading →
“In this situation partition will become so obviously …
“In this situation partition will become so obviously an anachronism that all sensible people will want to bring it to an end.” —Sean Lemass, as Taoiseach, on an effect of membership of the Common Market (later European Union), for which the UK and Ireland (unsuccessfully) applied, 14/1/1962. The Irish Times, 15/6/1962. #ireland #politics #qotd #otd... Continue Reading →
“When London gets a chill, Northern Ireland gets …
“When London gets a chill, Northern Ireland gets the flu and Derry gets pneumonia; it’s that sort of relationship.” —Peter Shore, as UK Economic Affairs Minister, 1/1967. Paul Routledge, John Hume, Harper Collins, 1998, p. 56. #northernireland #politics #qotd #otd
“Ulster stands at the crossroads… There are, I …
"Ulster stands at the crossroads... There are, I know, today some so-called Loyalists who talk of independence from Britain — who seem to want a kind of Protestant Sinn Féin... Rhodesia, in defying Britain, at least has an air force and an army of her own. Where are the Ulster…
Sad news in the photography world with the passing of #MartinParr. He was a prolific image maker and chronicler of the photo book. His 3-volume series with Gerry Badger -- The Photobook: A History -- is comprehensive and authorative. Poignant that his latest biography co-authored…
Book review — The Wonder Wheel: Harold Feinstein (Centre de la photographie de Mougins)
Book review — The Wonder Wheel: Harold Feinstein (Centre de la photographie de Mougins)by Allan LEONARD28 November 2025 Harold Feinstein (1931–2015) is the most unjustly overlooked master of the post-war “New York school of photography”. A child prodigy whose work was acquired by MoMA at age 19, Feinstein was described by his peers and students... Continue Reading →
“I am not a law-breaker by nature…”
“I am not a law-breaker by nature, but I am proud to stand here with 15,000 Derry people who have broken a law which is in disrepute. I invite Mr Craig to arrest the lot of us.” —John Hume, as organiser of Derry Citizens’ Action Committee march in Derry/Londonderry, which successfully defied ban by Northern... Continue Reading →
“I am not a law-breaker by nature, but …
“I am not a law-breaker by nature, but I am proud to stand here with 15,000 Derry people who have broken a law which is in disrepute. I invite Mr Craig to arrest the lot of us.” —John Hume, as organiser of Derry Citizens’ Action Committee march in Derry/Londonderry, which successfully defied ban by Northern... Continue Reading →
Book review — The Race that Changed Running (Doug MAYER)
Book review — The Race that Changed Running (Doug MAYER)by Allan LEONARD14 November 2025 Trail runners know about UTMB — Ultra-Trail du Mont-Blanc — the 100-mile race around the mountain and its cols, covering three countries of France, Italy, and Switzerland. In a 208-page book, The Race that Changed Running: The Inside Story of UTMB,... Continue Reading →
“Is it not plain common sense that the …
“Is it not plain common sense that the two existing political communities in our small island should seek every opportunity of working together in practical matters for their mutual and common good?” —Sean Lemass, An Taoiseach, in Dáil, indicating new approach on Northern Ireland, 10/11/1960. Farrel, Brian, Sean Lemass, Gill & Macmillan, 1991, p. 115.... Continue Reading →
A celbration of music journalism and Belfast’s musical legacy
A celebration of music journalism and Belfast’s musical legacy:book launch event for The Song is Nearly Over by Stuart Bailieby Allan LEONARD6 November 2025 On a memorable evening at The Deer's Head, music journalist Stuart Bailie launched his new book chronicling 40 years in music journalism — The Song is Nearly Over. The event featured... Continue Reading →