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It's time for nice guys to be more Machiavellian
I once asked Basil McCrea if he had read Niccolo Machiavelli, the Renaissance political strategist.
Amputation of rebels can't cure sickly party
United front: Nesbitt and Robinson joke with unionist unity candidate Nigel Lutton, and (below) McCallister and McCrea Martin McKeown
Marriage debate Arlene must brush up on facts of life
The problem with conviction politicians is that they don't feel the need to check the facts.
Gruelling climb prepares Una for new political post
IF you were impressed by former Secretary of State Owen Paterson trekking across Mongolia in the footsteps of Genghis Khan, wait until you hear about Una Flynn (right), the new head of communications at the Northern Ireland Office.
McDevitt could carry on the good doctor's work
Has Alasdair McDonnell halted the SDLP's long-term decline and will he stand aside by 2015? The answer looks like 'yes' to both questions.
Why we need more yes men in the Assembly ...
One of the most notable features of Stormont has been to block measures that would otherwise have gone through.
Border poll appeals to many here, but not to the PM
One of the more interesting results of the recent BBC opinion poll is that most people want a border referendum.
Ministers' inaction is a roadblock to peace
The trajectory of the flag protests is now clear; the momentum is gradually going out of them. First, there was agreement that they should be non-violent.
Adams' apology for IRA murder raises many questions
An effective apology has to be heartfelt. It must also satisfy the wronged person that the person apologising has done everything possible to redress the wrong and reveal the truth.
De Silva gives lead on dealing with our violent past
Murder is always shocking, but the killing of Pat Finucane (right) - gunned down in front of his wife and children as they shared a family meal - is one of those which stands out.
DUP outflanks Sinn Fein in border poll sideshow
Sinn Fein has to try to look pleased, but it wasn't in the plan for the DUP to bite their hand off on the issue of a border poll.
Labour Party's election request is kicked into touch
Uk Labour supporters in Northern Ireland had a swift intake of breath on receiving the latest begging letter from Tom Watson, the party's campaign manager.
All of us are only ever a stone's throw from crisis
Unionists should cut Alex Maskey, the Sinn Fein MLA, a bit of slack over his stone-throwing comments in the wake of attacks on homes in Short Strand by loyalist petrol-bombers.
Defiant Robinson seizes moment while pressure mounts for restraint
The street violence has laid down a direct challenge to First Minister Peter Robinson, not least because much of it is occurring in his own East Belfast constituency.
The future's bright, but bigotry's the fly in our ointment
In spite of the recent eruption of violence, there are reasons to be cheerful about Northern Ireland's future.
A modern unionism has no place for old dogmas
What is devolution for? From time to time, DUP politicians take me to task for claiming that they are more often delivering on a fundamentalist agenda while preaching liberalism and inclusivity.
Only thing Executive seems to be sharing is ability to delay
Few people have noticed it, but yet another deadline has slipped for the production of a Cohesion Sharing and Integration (CSI) strategy for a more integrated society.
Time we heard what protesters really want
Jackie McDonald, the veteran UDA leader, stated the obvious when he told me that flag protesters cannot achieve their stated objectives of having the Union flag restored to the Belfast City Hall flag pole 365-days-a-year.
It's right to keep talking about a future that we all want
The concept of a Bill of Rights, once espoused by all parties, has gone onto the back-burner, because many politicians see it as a way of transferring power from the Assembly to the justice system.
True leaders speak up to defend democracy
Unionism has blundered into an avoidable crisis and its leaders need to sort things out - and quickly.
Madeleine McCann: New suspects identified by UK police
North West 200: Live pictures plus race schedule
In Pictures: Balmoral Show
Nice-but-dull Kate's annoying baby bump pose
FHM's sexiest women - Kunis knocks Tulisa off her perch
Latest News
Talks aim to rule out violence new
Talks on the policing of Belfast public order events with a history of large-scale unrest have produced a commitment to non-violence, it was revealed.
Hostage student shot by police new
A New York college student who was held hostage in her home by an armed man was shot and killed by a police officer.
Record jackpot in US lottery draw new
A single ticket bought in Florida has matched all the numbers to win the highest Powerball lottery jackpot in history at an estimated 590.5 million US dollars (£389 million), officials said.
Latest Sport
Wilkinson: Win better than World Cup new
Jonny Wilkinson described winning the Heineken Cup with Toulon as a bigger achievement than his Rugby World Cup triumph with England 10 years ago.
Clichy signs new City deal
Gael Clichy has signed a new four-year deal at Manchester City.
Doyle downs hat-trick in Carlow success
Substitute Craig Doyle came off the bench to fire in a spectacular hat-trick as Carlow powered to a 4-17 to 2-13 victory over London in the Leinster SHC at Dr Cullen Park.
Latest Showbiz
Actor Furlong arrested in Hollywood
Actor Edward Furlong has been arrested on suspicion of violating a restraining order filed by his ex-girlfriend.
Wood: I couldn't punch a small lady
Victoria Wood had to have a scene written out of her new role because she was too nice to punch the other actress.
Knight: Wills will spot me on Holby
Jules Knight, Holby City's newest star, has said he is considering sending a box set of the show to old friends the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge.
