This is a great contribution from Tim Cairns on loyalist band parades. Unionism should not be reluctant to condemn sectarianism — including sectarian singing — when it happens at these events. There should also be more condemnation of parades devoted to loyalist paramilitaries.

A thought-provoking article from Brian Feeney, a quick summary: Unionists are bad The SDLP should disband Unionists are very bad SF runs NI and speaks for everyone Unionists are very, very bad 19,894 - 619 = 17,217 Unionists are very, very, very bad

Twin beams over Enniskillen Castle commemorating the 80th anniversary of VE Day. This image is from the Fermanagh Photos Facebook page.

Jamie Bryson, "embedded" within the DUP, is soon due in court for conspiring with Sinn Féin against the DUP. It’s an absurd position for the DUP and Unionism generally. He seems to have a mutually toxic relationship with most Unionists. His influence is destructive and risible.

Israel has a right to defend itself, but its actions have led to the repeated slaughter of innocent civilians, including children. This is a war crime—it's neither justified nor defensible

I really like the tradition of playing "Abide with Me" before the FA Cup final. I'm pleasantly surprised it hasn’t been dropped—it's one of the great traditions in football, and I’m glad it’s still going strong.

Relieved that the incident in Bangor ended safely — the police showed real professionalism under extreme pressure. But it's a stark reminder: the government is failing military veterans. Too many who need support are being ignored. That must change!!

Yesterday I reported my workplace to the Charity Commission and today at 5pm I resigned with immediate effect. “Integrity is non-negotiable”

I gave the public my word that the allegations made by Sean were entirely false. I’ve been vilified & called a sectarian bully; but I was defending honourable but very hurt men & women of all faiths & none from monstrous allegations. We extend grace to Sean. Get well brother.

Two disturbing stories today: the lenient sentence for Winston Irvine, which was unduly influenced by irrelevant references, and the fabricated sectarianism claims against a PSNI unit. Both cases demand full review — including media handling and the role of influential figures.

The Loyalist Community Council was meant to help transition loyalist paramilitaries out of existence. Instead, it’s become a mouthpiece for them and now relies on their existence, with its chair even providing character references for them in court. It's time to disband the LCC.

"Anything over 60 seconds is considered work avoidance." Micromanaging down to the second is eBay’s bold new way to kill morale. What a dreadful environment for employees.

If Keir Starmer, leading a party with 411 seats and a 174-seat majority, is rattled by Reform who have five seats, that says a lot about the political mood and the likely trajectory. Even more telling: the Tories barely register in the conversation.

“The consequence for informing is death.” — Gerry Adams, Peacemaker. youtube.com/watch?v=N6m7sv…

Well done to the Junior Orange Association of Ireland and the hosts, Lisburn for a hugely successful event today celebrating and commemorating the centenary of the Junior Orange. The young people did themselves and their lodges proud. Plenty of great music too, and much fun and

This image is all too common at bonfire sites. Areas become dumping grounds for months, with ongoing fires and antisocial behaviour that menace local communities. I support well-managed bonfires—especially beacons—but too many have become a public scourge. Action is overdue.

Reform are having their monthly implosion and Donald and Elon have fallen out. All hugely predictable — it's like a soap opera written by a conspiracy theorist on Red Bull.

I've been watching The Sweeney recently. Gritty and hard-hitting when it came out in the ’70s, and it still holds up today. There's also plenty of dry humour thrown in. John Thaw is excellent as the troubled central character, Jack Regan. "Get your trousers on — you're nicked.

Iran's human rights record is atrocious, but blindly supporting US-led attempts at 'regime change' via military action is the path to disaster, as evidenced in Iraq & Afghanistan. Civilians always pay the highest price. De-escalation and diplomacy should be the priority.

I was standing in a shop queue around lunchtime today when the girl in front of me started telling the person next to her how crazy the world is right now — all whilst wearing her Christmas pajamas!