A beautiful and insightful piece about Derry from Neil Hegarty

Doug and I have different politics but I’ve always admired his candour and commitment to working together in the interests of the people we represent. I know this won’t be the end of his political contribution but hope he enjoys some more time to spend with his loving family.

British soldier who shot and blinded Richard Moore as a schoolboy asks him to deliver eulogy at his funeral irishnews.com/news/northern-…

This is sick but not surprising

Watching Gerry Anderson’s ‘A City Dreaming’ again tonight. God, what a stunning piece of work by a real treasure. His absence is still felt in Derry.

Very sorry to hear about the death of Nell McCafferty. A mould breaker and establishment shaker, she spoke truth to power like only a Derry woman could. An icon for so many people across Ireland. Nell will be sadly missed but her activism will endure.

Nigel Farage has tightened his grip on Reform UK with the departure of the party’s long-serving chief executive ⬇️ thetimes.com/uk/politics/ar…

We have a crisis in public service funding and instead of dealing with it, Executive Departments are starting fights over who sends letters to who? This is embarrassing, it looks so petty and we don’t have time for it. Ministers need to get a grip and get to work.

Politics is always about the next challenge. The next challenge for me is building a new Ireland that we can all share together. It’s an honour to be Derry’s MP - a job I love, to have led the SDLP and I’m excited about what comes next.

I would like to wish Colum Eastwood well as he announces his resignation as leader of the SDLP. Colum has served with distinction and has been a progressive, responsible and pragmatic voice on all issues, but especially the challenging ones. My full statement:

When I first met Colum Eastwood , he was a young MLA and I was a young BMA rep lobbying on a difficult subject. He was prepared, listened and understood. I came away thinking ‘that’s a proper politician’, and my view has never changed.

Statement by President Higgins following stepping down of Colum Eastwood as leader of the SDLP president.ie/en/media-libra…

I had a good conversation with Stephen Nolan this morning about leadership, change, the SDLP and the new energy I have for what’s ahead. Fighting for Derry and building a new Ireland that we can all share is my focus. Excited to get on with that work. bbc.co.uk/programmes/m00…

I’ll never forget the feeling I had hearing the news on my father’s car radio that the IRA had announced a ceasefire 30 years ago today. The road to peace has not been a straight one but we now live on a changed island, finally at peace. Change can happen. Hope won.

I’ll be putting my name forward as leader of the SDLP. Statement here :

An outstanding MP, a first class organiser and a good friend. Claire will be an inspiring leader and I know she’s committed to the progressive platform that the SDLP represents. She has my full support to be the next SDLP Leader.

Welcome the suspension of 30 arms exports licenses to Israel, something I’ve been arguing for since the start. Removing the tools of genocide from Netanyahu who has deployed overwhelming and devastating deadly force against civilians, including children, is critical.

Delighted to propose that Claire Hanna become our next leader at our local branch meeting last night. Unanimous support for Claire from Derry!

Delighted that Claire has received the backing of all our branches and groups to become the next SDLP Leader. We’re all with you!

Shot dead by who?