Tag: politics

‘Days of conversation, centuries of consequence’: Benjamin Franklin at Hillsborough Castle

‘Days of conversation, centuries of consequence’: Benjamin Franklin at Hillsborough Castleby Allan LEONARD16 September 2026 The Linen Hall Library in Belfast hosted the final event in its five-part series marking the 250th anniversary of the American Declaration of Independence. The talk, introduced by Patsy Horton, the library’s cultural programmer, was delivered by David Orr, Castle... Continue Reading →

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‘Parental choice is an illusion’: the gap between integrated education demand and provision

‘Parental choice is an illusion’: the gap between integrated education demand and provisionby Allan LEONARD6 August 2026 As part of this year’s Féile debates and discussion programme, the Integrated Education Fund (IEF) hosted a public event at St Mary’s University College in Belfast, to launch new research into the reality of parental choice in school selection in Northern Ireland. The event was chaired... Continue Reading →

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“Stories beat spreadsheets.”

"And so analysis matters but argument matters more. Evidence matters but so too does emotion. Stories beat spreadsheets." Source: Prime Minister and Leader of the Labour Party Keir Starmer’s speech in Central London (11 May) – The Labour Party

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“The Government might be able to slap down …

“The Government might be able to slap down the men of Derry. They might even be able to slap down the men of Londonderry. But they cannot slap down the united men of Derry and Londonderry.” —Eddie McAteer, as Nationalist MP, on cross-community rejection in Derry/Londonderry of the Northern Ireland Government’s decision to site second... Continue Reading →

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“It is essential to enter into official opposition …

“It is essential to enter into official opposition at Stormont to ensure that existing parliamentary machinery operates for the common good… Our fidelity to the united Ireland ideal remains unaltered by this decision.” —Nationalist Party, as Northern Ireland anti-partition party, in statement ending policy of non-cooperation in the Northern Ireland Parliament, 2/2/1965. The Irish Times,... Continue Reading →

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“I can think of nothing which would work …

“I can think of nothing which would work more strikingly the great changes of our times, or the strengthening of our Republican self-respect, than to see a member of the British royal family coming to Ireland on a private visit, travelling freely round Ireland, without anyone paying special attention.” —Sean Lemass, as Taoiseach, on demonstrations... Continue Reading →

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“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 →

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