THE deal announced at Stormont on Tuesday has performed its primary aim of keeping the political institutions in place, but even as we continue to peruse the lengthy document, it’s clear that it’s deeply unsatisfactory. The mathematics involved in the economics of ‘mitigating’ welfare reform measures which the British government have effectively been invited to […]
Archive | November, 2015
In a week of globetrotting, a sense of unease about the future is lifted by a visit to East Belfast
I spent time in four countries in little over a week recently and recognised a sense of unease about the future in all. Much of this stemmed from a fear that people are no longer in control of their destinies – that outside forces have far too much power over their lives. With U.S. elections […]
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Despite British government apology for killing, soldier maintains that shots were fired from dead man’s vehicle
AN UNNAMED former member of the Parachute Regiment maintained that he believed he was under fire when a colleague shot and killed an unarmed man in Belfast in 1971. An inquest into the killing of Henry ‘Harry’ Thornton (28) outside Springfield Road barracks yesterday heard that the ex-soldier giving evidence, referred to in court as […]
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One year on from Una’s death, her legacy is a continuing gift to the Hospice
Una Crudden lost her courageous battle against Ovarian Cancer almost a year ago but her legacy and memory live on. Una’s loving husband Felix has been tirelessly raising funds and awareness for the Hospice ever since. On Friday night past Felix held a fundraiser in the Falls Bowling Club for the Hospice and their ‘Let’s […]
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Fraud and error accounted for 3.4% of overall spend on housing benefit last year, according to new figures
Housing benefit fraud and erroneous payments last year are believed to have totalled 3.4 per cent of the total amount spent, according to figures contained in a new Audit Office report. The figure flies in the face of claims by many that housing benefit fraud is rampant. Earlier this year it was reported that some […]
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So what’s it to be: white noise or a White Christmas
SQUINTER’S lying in bed on Saturday morning fiddling with the radio, trying to find a station that doesn’t make him want to hurl the wireless at the window. There’s the usual cacophonous parade as the dial is turned: DJs on local commercial stations with pretend accents; resting actors hysterically speed-reading ads and promising Christmas delivery; […]
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