Léargas: A Podcast by Gerry Adams
Current affairs, politics, Irish unity, history, and culture are discussed by Gerry Adams, a prominent Irish republican politician and former leader of Sinn Féin. The podcast offers his perspectives on issues related to Ireland and beyond.
Episodes
Unionism and Unity | National Hunger Strike Commemoration for Mayo | ‘Our Chains will be Broken before we Are’ – Marwan Barghouti | A Thousand Days of Genocide
Unionism and UnityThis week significant developments that can shape the future direction of constitutional politics on this island are taking place in Leinster House. On Tuesday Sinn Féin’s Bill setting out a practical plan to achieve a united Ireland is up for discussion. Fine Gael is moving ahead with its plan for a blueprint for Irish Unity for November. And other parties, including the Social
Momentum around Unity Grows | Sign the Petition for Moore St. | Tá fáilte romhaibh - Féile an Phobail Abú | Seomra Máire Drumm
Momentum around Unity GrowsI want to begin by commending the SDLP for organising last week’s conference – The Future of these Islands: Preparing for Change. It was a well-attended day-long event, held in Belfast, on the issue of Irish Unity. Among those who contributed to the series of discussions was Dublin Minister for Justice Jim O’Callaghan, former Taoiseach Leo Varadkar, Sinn Féin’s Conor Mur
The Unity Bill passes its First stage |Clodagh Good| The Arts in a New Ireland | Slán
The Unity Bill passes its First stageThe “Planning for Constitutional Change Bill 2026”, which I referenced in last week’s column, has passed its first hurdle in the Dáil. It will now go to second stage on 7 July and then on to the Committee stage before returning to the Dáil later in the year.The Bill sets clear goals and timetables for measures that have to be taken to properly plan and prepare
Stand-Up to Racism | Momentum Building Around Unity | Seeking the Truth: Pat Finucane
Stand-Up to RacismThe bullet holes from the August 1969 sectarian pogrom against the people of the Falls area are still visible on the front wall of St. Comgall’s Primary School, Divis Street. Last Thursday lunchtime, a few yards from where, on that occasion, whole terraces of houses were burned out, scores of community activists from across Belfast came together in Ionad Eileen Howell to discuss
In conversation with Ard Mhéara Bhéal Feirste Róis Máire Donnelly
This podcast with Roís- Máire was recorded shortly after the horrific stabbing incident in North Belfast and before the racist pogroms which followed. It was also before the PSNI warned the Belfast Ard Mheara that her life was in danger. It has been a difficult week especially for those citizens evicted from their homes. We stand in solidarity with them. Racism is the first cousin of sectarianism
An Open Letter to my Orange Neighbours | Bodenstown | Cupla Focal Eile.
A Chairde,As June heads towards July the distant beat of your drums is pounding out their rhythm. The marching season for all of the Loyal Orders is well underway and the 12 July is fast approaching. One July, sitting during yet another negotiation, into the early hours with Tony Blair the ratatat of Lambegs sundered the quiet. We paused as he asked if I knew what that was. Yes ,I replied that’s
Unionism and the Future | Stop the Game | Róis-Máire Donnelly - A Ballymurphy Woman
Unionism and the FutureLast week, at a meeting of the Executive the DUP chose to block the Good Jobs Bill. Why did they do this? The Bill will be good for all workers. It makes no distinction based on religion, politics, ethnicity or gender. Workers who vote unionist would benefit as much from this Bill as would workers who vote nationalist or for neither of these.The legislation, being proposed
Gaelscoil na Móna – Looking to the Future | Did you enjoy the good weather? | A Slap in the Face to Palestinians
A few weeks after the Good Friday Agreement was agreed in April 1998 I brought a delegation of the Board of Governors of Bunscoil Phobail Feirste, on the Shaws Road in west Belfast, to meet the British Secretary of State Mo Mowlam. I asked for the meeting after the Department of Education had again denied funding to the school for the construction of permanent school buildings. The Department had
Cúpla Focal. | Fianna Fáil – A centenary of failure | Britain’s shameful role in the Nakba
Cúpla FocalI often quote the late Seán Mac Goill. Seán was one of the visionaries who gave us the new Bombay Street after the pogroms of 1969, the urban Gaeltacht on Bóthar Seoighe, The Andersonstown News and many other outstanding projects going back to the 1960s. Seán and his peers and their families were immersed in the Irish language and the wider cultural revolution across Belfast. It was the
Special Episode: In Conversation with Author Gerard Shannon
In conversation with Gerard Shannon on his new book ‘Rory O'Connor: To Defend the Republic’ Available to buy in An fhuiseog.ie
The Disunited Kingdom | The Irish Language and Irish Unity | Marwan Barghouti – A Resolute Defender of Freedom
The Disunited KingdomAt the time of writing this week’s column Keir Starmer is still the Leader of the British Labour Party and Prime Minister. On Monday he delivered a ‘Save Keir Starmer’ speech which may or may not work for him. Can he survive the voices of opposition within Labour? That is a matter for his party.The reality is that his leadership of Labour and its success in the 2024 general el
Springhill Heroes |Tiocfaidh ár lá | Free Marwan Bargouti
Springhill HeroesWhen I was a wee buck growing up in Ballymurphy there was a river at the back of the houses across from our home place at the corner of Glenalina Road and Divismore Park. The river ran the length of our street and the length of Ballymurphy Road before exiting below the Whiterock Road and into the City Cemetery. From there it meanders down to and under the Falls Road beside the Bus
Standing at the crossroads | International Solidarity | Honouring Rita O’Hare | Remembering Bobby Sands
Standing at the crossroadsSinn Féin, but especially, the party in Belfast pulled out all of the stops at the weekend to ensure that the Ard Fheis was a huge success. The ICC Waterfront Hall was buzzing with republican voices from across our island and beyond talking about the big issues confronting all of us nationally and internationally. The number of young people attending and taking part in th
The Great Fenian Escape | Moore St Trust Calls on the State to buy Moore St Terrace | Ard Fheis 2026
The Great Fenian EscapeFor as long as the English have occupied Ireland there have been political prisoners. As long as there have been political prisoners there have been daring and ingenious escapes. In the most recent period of conflict it is estimated that around 100 republicans participated in escapes, including the great escape from the H-Blocks in 1983. That was the biggest ever in British
Irish government and the Fuel Debacle | Another Israeli Offensive likely in Gaza | Palestinian Prisoners Day 17 April | A Nation For All
Irish government and the Fuel DebacleThe blockade of fuel depots, motorways, towns and Dublin City centre was entirely avoidable if the FFFG government had taken the growing crisis around the cost of living and increasing fuel and energy bills seriously months ago. Instead Micheál Martin and Co. stuck their heads in the sand and ignored the mounting anger.Another Israeli Offensive likely in GazaAs
American Trade Unions and Ireland | Keeping the Faith for Unity | Terry ‘Cruncher O’Neill | Gabriel Rosenstock
American Trade Unions and IrelandLast Friday I spent an enjoyable couple of hours in the company of my good friend American Trade Union leader John Samuelson and the staff of Áras Uí Chonghaile and Fáilte Feirste Thiar – the west Belfast Tourist Board. Unbeknownst to John both organisations had agreed to name one of the Áras rooms after himself and a former Transport Workers Union, (TWU) President
Wear an Easter Lily | Micheál Martin is stalling on Unity | Donegal /The Swallows Tail – A song by Davie Furey
Wear an Easter LilyEaster is only days away. This Sunday will mark 110 years since the momentous events of Easter Week 1916 and the declaration of Independence and equality contained in the Proclamation. It is also the centenary of the sale of the first Easter Lilies which were designed in 1925 by Cumann na mBan to raise funds for the Irish Republican Prisoners Dependants Fund.In the 100 years sin
London Civil Case - Thank you for your support | Dolores Keane - A Great Voice
London Civil Case - Thank you for your supportThe Civil Case against me in London came to an end last Friday when the Claimants and their lawyers accepted a ‘drop hands settlement of the extant claim on the conditions that:1. the Claimants file and serve a Notice of Discontinuance by 10 am 20 March 2026; and2. that there be no order for costs’In other words, they accepted an offer, made by m
London Civil Case coming to an end | Time for Diplomacy in the Middle East | More Schools needed for Irish speakers
London Civil Case coming to an endThis week I spent Lá Féile Pádraig in Derry/London. As you read this my time in the Royal Courts of Justice should be coming to an end. Regrettably, the court case prevented me from joining in the St Patrick’s festivities in Belfast or here. I am assured the London Irish have a vibrant, hugely enjoyable celebration of Irish music, culture and language so good luck
Dia daoibhse from London | Moore St Bill wins Unanimous Backing | Seachtain na Gaeilge
Dia daoibhse from LondonI’m writing this week’s column in London. Today, Monday, I’m in the Royal Courts of Justice in a civil case that has been brought against me by three claimants, innocent victims, who were injured in three IRA bomb attacks in 1973 and 1996. They are alleging that I was party to those attacks.There was a small crowd of former British soldiers outside the Court and some in the
A Turning Point in Irish History | International Women’s Day | War of Aggression in the Gulf
A Turning Point in Irish History50 years ago on Sunday past I was in Cage 11 in Long Kesh prison camp. It was a Monday. It was also 1 March 1976, the date on which the British Labour government’s decision to end political status took effect.Political status had been introduced in June 1972 after a hunger strike by republican prisoners and as part of the context for negotiations that were to take
I am against Monarchies | Conradh na Gaeilge Votes for Unity | Micheál Martin out of step on Unity
I am against MonarchiesCurrently, the British state is convulsed around allegations surrounding a member of its Royal family. Norway too is in the midst of a crisis around its monarchy. The law of both states will take their course, as is right.However, these controversies raise for me the very existence of monarchies. A family elite which through past colonial conquest and patronage, and in allia
Remembering Frank Stagg | Holy Smoke | The death of Nora Comiskey
Remembering Frank StaggLast week marked 50 years of the death of Frank Stagg on hunger strike in Wakefield Prison, in England. Events, including a black flag vigil and a march and rally were organised to remember the Mayo man. Gerry Kelly who was on hunger strike in England in the 1970s for over 206 days, during which he was force fed 167 times, gave the main oration in Ballina and spoke of Fran
Cork People's Assembly | Mandelson was Unimpressive | Goodbye Dearest Heart | We Are Not Numbers
Mandelson was UnimpressiveAs I record this the future of Keir Starmer, as British Prime Minister, is a topic of conversation because of his mishandling of the Peter Mandelson affair. I know nothing about the ongoing scandal around Jeffrey Epstein other than what I read or see in the media. But the evidence of his serial abuse of young women going back many years is plain to see. My heart goes out
Upcoming Events | London Case - Not about Truth and Accountability | Stand-up to a Genocidal Bully | Streets of Minneapolis
London Case - Not about Truth and AccountabilityIn May 2022 a civil case was launched against me in England. The civil trial will begin on 9 March in London, and conclude on St Patrick’s Day.There are some aspects of the case I can comment on and others I cannot at this time. Suffice to say that this is an unorthodox claim against me about events which occurred 29 and 53 years ago. In short, three
Upcoming Events | Self-Determination and Democratic Rights | Mickey Brady – A Cheerful Change Maker. | Report on Rural Health in a New Ireland published
Upcoming EventsTá Scoil Gheimhridh Uí Chadhain, i gcomhar le Conradh na Gaeilge agus Glór na Móna, ag óstáil plé ar an Ghaeilge agus ar aontú na hÉireann Dé hAoine seo ag a haon a chlog sa Chultúrlann.In addition, Scoil Gheimhridh Uí Chadhain is hosting another discussion this Saturday at 11am on Protestants & a United Ireland, featuring Claire Mitchell and Dr Robbie McVeigh.Sinn Féin's C
Upcoming Events | Kitson Praises Paras in Ballymurphy | A Raffle for Jim Fitzpatrick limited edition print | Public Media Ireland | Mickey Brady. RIP.
Upcoming EventsSinn Féin's Commission on the Future of Ireland is hosting a People's Assembly in Cork. The event will take place on Thursday 19th of February 7pm at the Rochestown Park Hotel. Join the discussion on a new Ireland, how it could be achieved and what it might look like. The conversation will be led by an independent chair and panel which will be announced soon. You can re
Irish Unity Must be Priority for EU Presidency | Nollaig na mBan | Mercosur is a bad deal | Progress on Casement Park
Mercosur is a bad deal.The European Commission has backed a free trade agreement with Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay and Uruguay. The European Parliament is set to decide on the future of the Mercosur Agreement. It has taken twenty-five years to get to this point. The European Commission has decided to support this proposition and the smart money says the Parliament will follow suit. But perhaps not.
International Law in Tatters | The Fellow in the Big Picture | Irish government should be ashamed
International Law in TattersShould we be surprised by the decision of President Trump to kidnap President Nicolas Maduro and his wife Cilia Flores? Should we be shocked by his claim that the US will now administer Venezuela or that US Oil companies will manage Venezuela’s huge oil reserves? And what of his threats against Cuba, Colombia, Mexico, Greenland, Nigeria and others?The historical realit
Happy New Year one and all - 2026 - Bliain Úr faoi Mhaise Daoibhse | Eyes On The Prize. | ‘I’m so scared, please come’
2026 - Bliain Úr faoi Mhaise DaoibhseA very happy New Year to all readers of this column, to the staff of the Belfast Media Group and The Irish Echo. And to you good readers who have stayed with me over the years.None of us know what 2026 will bring but we can be sure it will be interesting. May it also be good to you all and to your families. Beirigí bua. Eyes On The Prize. 2025 was a good year f
Hunger Strike in English Prisons | Grace – just hold me in your arms … | A bleak Christmas for Palestinians | Nollaig Shona Daoibshe
Hunger Strike in English PrisonsIn English prisons five people, imprisoned under new repressive laws targeted at pro-Palestinian activists, are on hunger strike. Several of them will have been on hunger strike now for over 50 days. At the weekend and each day since, protests have taken place across the island of Ireland and in Britain. Irish republicans have a natural affinity with those who use h
Kenova – Collusion and the Murder of Citizens | Bondi Beach | Unity project making progress
Kenova – Collusion and the Murder of Citizens The Kenova Report adds further substance to the litany of existing reports that over several decades have exposed the extent of British state participation in the murder of citizens.The Kenova Inquiry commenced in June 2016 and the final report was published on 9 December 2025.Operation Kenova covered four distinct investigations:· Operation Kenov
And Flowers Grew up Through the Concrete | A Real Peace Settlement Needed | Gearóid Ó Cairealláind |
And Flowers Grew up Through the Concrete is Laurence McKeown’s second prison memoir. Big Laurny, is a very fine writer. This latest book is an account of his journey through imprisonment, hunger strike, brutality and growing self-awareness. It is beautifully written and unashamedly honest in its emotion.Laurence is one of those gifted republican POWs who spent years – decades in some cases – in B
An open letter to my unionist neighbours | Fairytale of New York
An Open Letter to My Unionist NeighboursA Chairde,I want to respectfully reach out to my unionist neighbours at this time of ongoing change on our island and continuous turbulence and conflict in parts of our world. We should count our blessings. Imperfect though it might be we have peace and the ability to work out our difficulties peacefully.This ability to find solutions is frustrated by the Br
Delivering Rural Health & Care In a New Ireland | The SS Al Rawdah | A Space in which Dialogue is Possible
The SS Al RawdahFor the first time ever the families of many of the 207 Republican internees held on the Al Rawdah prison ship between 1940 and 1941 met in Belfast. 85 years after their loved ones were interned on the prison hulk the families came together for the launch of Tom Hartley’s insightful account of that period.At the beginning of his remarks Tom invited the relatives present to stand. T
Remembering Friends | Solidarity with Palestine | Health in a New Ireland | Passport office for the north
Philomena MulvennaPhilomena Mulvenna died in the early hours of last Friday morning. I have known Philomena and her husband Paddy for most of my adult life. Paddy and she were 72 years married and they had 7 children. Mrs Mulvenna protested with other women against military occupation and for decades on behalf of the political prisoners especially the Armagh women and the blanket men. The song sin
Defending British interests | The battle for hearts and minds of Unionism | An evening with Jim Fitzpatrick
Defending British interestsHilary Benn is the 25th British Secretary of State since the Conservative government of Ted Heath scrapped the Stormont Parliament in 1972. Whitelaw was the first. I met him during the London talks in July that year. There was then a gap of 23 years before I met another British Secretary of State, Patrick Mayhew. I have met most of the rest since then.The 25 were a mixed
Celebrating our Language, Arts and Culture | Ról na nGael i dTógáil Éire Nua | The Olive is never just a Tree
Celebrating our Language, Arts and CultureComhghairdeas to all of those who helped make Oireachtas na Samhna the huge success it was. Thousands of Irish language speakers from across the island of Ireland spent part of last week enjoying the music, dance, culture, arts, craic and discussions that are part of the oldest Irish language and arts event on the island of Ireland. The Waterfront Hall and
Hope and Opportunity | The Vinyl Gift | Supporting Palestine
Hope and OpportunityBa mhaith liom mo chomhghairdeas a ghabháil le Catherine Connolly agus a foireann. Maith sibh as feachtas Uachtaránachta dearfach, forásach agus trócaireach a chur chun cinn.I want to extend my congratulations to Catherine Connolly and her team. Well done for fighting a positive, progressive, compassionate and cohesive Presidential campaign. Well done also to the many Sinn Féin
Adh Mór Catherine | Hiding the Truth | Legacy Bill deeply flawed | Comhghairdeas Naomh Eoin
Adh Mór CatherineThe Presidential election is on Friday. Many of you reading this column or listening to it on social media platforms, will not have a vote. But some of you will. So, I am asking you to cast your first preference for Catherine Connolly and to encourage everyone else to do the same. The last week has seen a significant increase in negative campaigning against Catherine by Fine Gael
Palestine Must Be Free | Oireachtas na Samhna | Liam Mellows and the Irish Revolution – ‘a Very Important Book’
Palestine Must Be Free A population greater than that of Belfast has been moving back to the northern Gaza strip following the ceasefire announcement last week. Awaiting them is utter destruction. The infrastructure of Gaza has been levelled by the Israeli state’s genocide. The return of the Gazans. is based on hope. Hope that humanitarian aid will arrive. Hope that the indiscriminate bombing by I
Chris Andrews Update
Senator Chris Andrews shares his experience of being onboard the Global Sumad Flotilla and being illegal detained by Israeli authorities
Free Palestine | Where now for Micheál Martin? | The Orange and the Green.
Where now for Micheál Martin?The decision by Fianna Fáil Presidential candidate Jim Gavin to withdraw from the contest means the race is now between Independent Catherine Connolly and Fine Gael’s Heather Humphreys.But what of the man who asked Gavin to stand? Suffice to say I am not a supporter of Micheál Martin. There is nothing personal in this. I have seen at close quarters how he works and I a
Global Sumad Flotilla | A President for All | Using your Loaf!
A President for AllAll three candidates in the Presidential election have made commitments in support of Irish Unity. Clear evidence of the growing importance of Irish Unity to the electorate.Last Saturday Catherine Connolly was invited to address a Sinn Fein conference in Dublin. There was a palpable buzz of anticipation in Dublin City University as over 500 party activists gathered to discuss ‘B
An Update with Senator Chris Andrews on the Global Sumad Flotilla
An short update with Chris Andrews, who is on the Flotilla 120 nautical miles away from Gaza.The flotilla is carrying food & humanitarian aid in an attempt to break the blockade on Gaza.
Special Episode - Onboard the Global Sumud Flotilla
In this Special episode I talk with Senator Chris Andrew who is currently onboard the Global Sumud Flotilla.The flotilla is carrying food & humanitarian aid in an attempt to break the blockade on Gaza. It should be allowed safe passage.
Flotilla | Catherine Connolly – A President for all of Ireland | Cearta –Marching for Rights | Bruce Morrison
Catherine Connolly – A President for all of IrelandIn less than five weeks’ time the next Uachtarán na hÉireann will be elected by the people of the 26 counties. Election day is 24 October. That the people of the North and of the diaspora will be denied a vote is a disgraceful consequence of the efforts over recent years by Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael (FFFG) to prevent the extension of the presiden
The role of the Assembly and Executive | Cearta Anios
The role of the Assembly and ExecutiveIf we were to listen to and accept at face value those in the media who criticise the Assembly and the Executive as ineffective, and who question their value or use, we would mothball both institutions and sack the MLAs.Yes, there is justifiable frustration at the failure of the institutions to address concerns on health and education and delivery on Casement
Gaza – The Gates of Hell | The Voice of Hind Rajab | Van The Man
Gaza – The Gates of HellLast Saturday millions across the world, including here in Belfast, participated in one of the biggest ever solidarity events as part of a Global Day of Action in support of the Palestinian people. At the same time dozens of boats, and hundreds of human rights activists, are taking part in the largest civilian freedom flotilla. Among them are three senior Sinn Féin represen
Say No To Farage | Padraic Fiacc – A Belfast Poet | Chieftain's Walk
Say No To Farage. Probably more than any other politician in Britain Nigel Farage was responsible for winning the vote on Brexit in 2016. He exploited racism and anti-migrant sentiment winning new converts over to an English centred- jingoistic view of the world. The dangers of Farage’s xenophobic beliefs are evident daily across the British news media. Every day attacks increase on refugees and
"Our 1916"
Our 1916The eight months of the 1981 hunger strike campaign changed the political landscape in Ireland. It was as Síle Darragh, former O.C. of the republican women prisoners in Armagh Women’s Prison, said recently, “our 1916.” It began on 1st March 1981. When it ended on 3rd October ten hungerstrikers were dead. Bobby Sands had been the first to die on May 5th. He was followed over the following f
Christy Moore Gig | ‘Hope should never Die’ – Bobby Sands | An Clogán
‘Hope should never Die’ – Bobby SandsWednesday 20th August marks the anniversary of the death on hunger strike in 1981 of Mickey Devine. Mickey was the last of the ten men to die and several weeks later the hunger strike end on 3 October. It was also the day the by-election was held in Fermanagh South Tyrone caused by the death in May of Bobby Sands. Owen Carron successfully held the seat as the ‘
Comhghairdeas Féile | Gael Stair – Na h’Abair é, dean é | Remembering Internment
Comhghairdeas Féile!!Well done to all of those who planned, organised, participated in, or generally contributed to this years hugely successful Féile an Phobail. It was a colourful, imaginative, informative, entertaining, empowering and exhausting couple of weeks. This year’s published programme was a weighty volume providing information on over 600 events across the City. It was a mix of 80 deb
Special Episode: An Interview with Mustafa Barghouti
An interview with Dr Mustafa Barghouti, the founder and leader of the Palestinian National Initiative, Activist and advocate of Palestinian rights.
Up for the Match | Gaza – An Gorta Mór – The Starvation | Orangism in the New Ireland
Up for the MatchOff on Sunday morning to Croke Park. Dark skies. Lots of grey clouds. Our journey was delayed by Féile An Phobail’s 5km and 10km run. Diverted and distracted we eventually got out of West Belfast and on the road to Dublin. Enroute the dark skies lightened. The grey clouds gave way to blue heavens and gentle sunshine. We were off to watch Antrim’s Lady Footballers in our own All Ire
Recent Events | Planning for the Future | A Global Alliance for Palestine | Our Martin |
Planning for the FutureIt was Charles Stewart Parnell who said: “No man has the right to say to his country. Thus far shalt thou go and no further.” This was in the 19th century. He also declared; “Let no one set a boundary to the march of a nation.”Parnell was clearly setting out the right of the people of Ireland to self-determination. Interestingly he chose Cork to make this declaration. That
2005- Twenty Years On | Electoral Change | Gaels le Cheile Event
2005 – Twenty Years OnNext Monday one of the most historic and transformative events in the Irish Peace Process took place. Twenty years ago on the 28 July 2005 the IRA issued a statement which ended its decades long armed struggle. In its statement the IRA said: "The leadership of Óglaigh na hÉireann has formally ordered an end to the armed campaign. This will take effect from 4pm this after
Defend the GPO and Save Moore St. | Best International Documentary | A Week in the Life and Death of GAZA
Defend the GPO and Save Moore St.There is widespread anger at the decision by the Irish government to convert the historic GPO in Dublin into shops and offices. Last Saturday hundreds gathered in O’Connell St. to protest at the government’s plans for the GPO and for the Moore St. Battlefield site. Their demand is for the protection of the cultural and revolutionary heritage of this part of Dublin.
No Economic Block on Irish Unity | The Future of the GPO | World Premier in Galway of ‘A Ballymurphy Man’ | Crann na Saoirse - Mayo
No Economic Block on Irish UnityIn recent years there have been encouraging signs of growing support for Irish unity in successive electoral results, demographic changes, contributions from civic society, in opinion polling and in public commentary. Unsurprisingly, any debate on unity quickly focuses on practical issues like the economic viability of a united Ireland as well as on the future of a
Palestine | Internment | Defend the GPO | Kneecap Abú | Féile an Phobail – A festival extravaganza
PalestineThe Israeli forces as part of their on going genocide, in the last 24hrs have killed 142 Palestinian civilians, and injured 487. InternmentA British Supreme Court judgement in 2020 ruled that almost 400 internees were unlawfully detained under British law in the 1970s. These internees are now elderly and some are quite poorly. They were victim of appalling treatment at the hands of the
Féile Launch 2025 | Ceasefires Now | Mol an Óige | Family Album | Kneecap Abú
Ceasefires NowShould we have been surprised by the decision of the US President Donald Trump to attack Iran? No. Shocked maybe but not surprised. The weapons of mass destruction spin, that was used to justify the invasion of Iraq two decades ago, was already in wide usage by some western governments and sections of the media before B 2’s dropped so-called ‘bunker buster’ bombs on Iran. And we all
Stand-Up to Racism | Defending Neutrality | Pat Finucane - End the Delay
Stand-Up to RacismIn 1972 Catholic families – who had endured three years of sustained sectarian attacks on their homes – fled Annalee St in North Belfast. Last month - fifty-three years later - Catholic homes in Annalee St. were again the target of sectarian attack and families were forced to flee. In the last fortnight we have also witnessed the firebombing of homes in Ballymena, the Larne Leisu
Jim Fitzpatrick signed Limited Print of Elizabeth O’Farrell | Health and Care in a New Ireland | An Act of International Piracy
Jim Fitzpatrick signed Limited Print of Elizabeth O’Farrell Regular readers of this column will know that I wholeheartedly support the efforts of the Moore St. Preservation Trust to preserve the 1916 Moore St. Battlefield site in Dublin that is under threat from the developers wrecking ball. This week the Trust - a not for profit organisation led by Relatives of the Signatories of the 1916 Proclam
Escape | Old Farts
Old Farts As I get older I seem to be farting more than I used to. Now don’t get me wrong. I don’t keep a record of my farts. That would be impossible but I do have a notion that my flatuence is more intense since I turned seventy, or at least I’m getting more complaints than I used to. Richard is particularly offensive and loud in his protestations at my alleged emmissions. Especially in the car.
Mothers Against Genocide | ‘If I Must Die’ | Give the vote to 16-year-old citizens | Health & Care in a New Ireland
Mothers Against GenocideThis column makes no apologies for writing so much about the genocide in Palestine and the urgent need for ceasefires and a peace process. At least 14,000 babies face imminent death from starvation. Over 60,000 Palestinian children, women, men have been killed, including more than 4,000 since Israel ended its ceasefire in March. One especially harrowing example of Israel’s
A Ballymurphy Man | Verbal Disorder | The Floodgates of Horror | The Catastrophe – Nakba
San Francisco – A Ballymurphy Man/A Work in ProgressIf you live in the San Francisco area go along to the Vogue Theatre on 1st June to see a sneak preview of Trisha Ziff’s film – A Ballymurphy Man.It’s me telling my story, talking about the influences in my life and of our efforts to build the peace process. Trisha is still working on the final cut and The World Premier of her documentary film wil
Presidential Vote is a constitutional requirement | Donnacha
PRESIDENTIAL VOTING RIGHTSIn a historic vote in the Assembly last week its members overwhelmingly passed by 46 votes to 25 - a motion calling on the Irish government to implement the recommendation of the 2013 Constitutional Convention on the Constitution to extend “the right to vote in elections for President of Ireland to all Irish citizens on the island of Ireland.” The reality of course is tha
Swinger | Israel’s reign of terror | Commission on the Future of Ireland
SwingerI spent the last week in Dublin in the Four Courts as part of the outworking of my case against the BBC’s Spotlight programme nine years ago. But more of that when it’s over which could take another fortnight.On the morning that the case started our Gearóid phoned me to say that his father-in-law Paddy ‘Swinger’ McBride was dead. The news was a great shock. I had spent a half hour or more a
Statue of Bobby Sands to be unveiled | The Refugees | Pope Francis
Statue of Bobby Sands to be unveiledOn May 4 at 3pm, a statue of Bobby Sands will be unveiled in the Republican Memorial Garden in Twinbrook, where Bobby lived. The organisers of the event, all local republican activists and all inspired by the courage and self-sacrifice of Bobby and his comrades, have worked hard over recent years to raise the funds for the statue. Former hunger striker Pat Sheeh
Kathleen Lynn – a Rebel Woman | Finding their place in a new Ireland | A Barren Landscape of Death | All that Fuss
Kathleen Lynn – a Rebel WomanI hope you all had an enjoyable Easter. Across the island and further afield commemorations were held at countless locations to remember those who fought in the 1916 Easter Rising and in all of the generations of the freedom struggle. The Belfast turnout was big and Pearse Doherty, who made an exceptional speech, was given a very warm welcome. I saw no mention of his
Wear an Easter Lilly | Micheál Martin and Moore St. | Two different Voices on Unity
Wear an Easter LillyI did not think Easter is almost upon us. It has crept up on me. For Irish republicans Easter holds a special significance. It is synonymous with the 1916 Easter Rising and the heroism over a century ago of those who rose up against the British Empire and declared for a Republic. It is also a time when we remember all of those women and men – over countless generations – who g
Protecting our environment | Build Casement Now | International Palestinian Child Day | Trade War Demands United response
Protecting our environmentThe blue skies and warm weather of recent days is a reminder that spring will soon give way to summer. Everywhere the trees and flowers are coming into bloom and the dark evenings are retreating as our daylight hours increase. Regrettably, this change in weather also brings with it acts of vandalism, in particular the setting of wildfires that present a real danger to hi
Protect the Assembly Rooms | Calls for Kurdish peace process welcomed | Time for Unity | Free Palestine
The North began, the North held on,The strife for native land;When Ireland rose to smite her foesGod bless the Northern landThomas DavisIn the 1790s Belfast was the centre of an Irish political movement which linked Antrim and Down with the Republics of France and America, and Belfast citizens celebrated the Fall of the Bastille, drank toasts to Mirabeau and Lafayette and studied Payne’s great bo
Martin Mc Guinness. A Reflection. | A Courageous Advocate for Palestinian | The only answer is Unity
Martin Mc Guinness. A Reflection.Friday the 21 March was the eighth anniversary of the death of our friend and leader Martin McGuinness. Like many others, I am sure, I was perplexed as it dawned on me that eight years had passed since we lost him. In my head I thought it was five or six years ago. But as we people of a certain age should now know time waits for no one. I remember as if it was yes
Defend Neutrality | Support the Occupied Territories Bill | Beannachtaí na Féile Pádraig
Defend Neutrality.If truth be told the long standing claim of neutrality by the southern Irish state is not all its made out to be. It is a fact that successive Irish governments have turned a blind eye to American war planes using Shannon as a stopping off point for attacks in Iraq and Afghanistan, as well as carrying munitions to Israel for its genocidal war against the people of Palestine. US
Let's Welcome the World | Na Mná Abú | Opening the Gates of Hell
Let’s welcome the WorldIt has been a very busy and eventful couple of weeks for all of those who speak and enjoy the Irish language and who have campaigned for decades against government policies of institutionalised exclusion, inequality and discrimination.Two weeks ago, and after years of prevarication by successive British governments, the British Secretary of State finally commenced the legal
Seachtain na Gaeilge | Death of Dafyyd Elis-Thomas
Seachtain na GaeilgeSeachtain na Gaeilge used to run for one week but because it was so popular it was extended. It now runs annually from 1 March to 17 March – St. Patrick’s Day. Is í Seachtain na Gaeilge an ceiliúradh is mó den Ghaeilge agus Cultúr na hÉireann ar domhan. Bhí an oiread sin ráchairt uirthi gur síneodh amach chuig coicís í. Bíonn sí ar siúl ó 1 Márta go dtí 17 Márta - Lá Fhéile Pád
Brendan McFarlane | Taking a Stand | Fáilte abhaile Leonard
Brendan McFarlaneOn Tuesday we buried our friend and comrade Brendan McFarlane. Bik texted me just over 2 weeks or so ago to say he was back in hospital. He had been battling cancer for some time. A few days later the medics stopped his treatment. There was nothing else they could do for him. Suddenly and unexpectedly he was gone. He died peacefully surrounded by his loving family.My solidarity an
The Re-interment of Frank Stagg. | Slán Brendan
The Re-interment of Frank Stagg. Last week we remembered Frank Stagg who died on hunger strike in an English prison in February 1976. Frank began his fourth and final hunger strike in December 1975. He died 62 days later. He last request was "to be buried next to my republican colleagues and my comrade, Michael Gaughan" who died on hunger strike two years earlier. Michael had been buried
My Internment by Roseleen Walsh | Climate Crisis |The World Stands at a Tipping Point
My Internment by Roseleen WalshRoseleen Walsh is one of 36 women who were interned in the early 1970s. Her latest book – My Internment – tells the very personal story of her life as a young woman in west Belfast in the late 60s and early 70s. Of the constant pressure and danger of living under British occupation and of her time as an internee in Armagh Women’s Prison.Roseleen has been writing for
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