Hi °C | Lo °C End political paranoia and secrecy on overseas travel costs
Overseas trips last year by the First Minister and Deputy First Minister cost the taxpayer more than £350,000.
Northern Ireland must streamline rivers management
Our special report into the state of one of our best known rivers should make disquieting reading for everyone right up to Executive ministers. It reveals the threats our rivers are under from pollution by industry, agriculture and even water utilities as well as careless individual litter louts.
Emergency call for overloaded A&Es
When senior doctors in a hospital express concern at the level of care being delivered, then it is time for the public to worry. That is the situation at the emergency department at the Royal Victoria Hospital, the province's busiest unit. Consultants called in experts from the College of Emergency Medicine because they feel there is not sufficient staff to cope with the number of patients presenting at the department, the workload is too heavy and their concerns over the supervision of junior doctors.
The Balmoral Show - did the RUAS move sites too soon?
The Balmoral Show is a great institution and a wonderful showcase for Northern Ireland's agricultural industry. Its former site at the King's Hall in Belfast was proving too expensive and the move to the Maze allowed the Royal Ulster Agricultural Society the chance to expand its show while being more cost-effective. On the face of it that seemed a win-win situation.
Angelina Jolie is a good example
Neither fame nor fortune is any defence against cancer, a point emphasised by the decision of Hollywood A-lister Angelina Jolie to undergo a double mastectomy because she carries the BRCA1 gene which greatly increases her risk of developing breast or ovarian cancer.
Don't risk lives over crime agency
The warning could not be clearer. Lives will be put at risk if the National Crime Agency is not allowed to operate fully in Northern Ireland. That is the assessment of top officers in the PSNI of the impact of the Sinn Fein and SDLP opposition to the FBI-style body. There will be other drawbacks as well including lack of powers to hit organised criminals by seizing assets, no access to specialised teams of crime fighters and covert operatives, and less ability to fight cyber crime or offences against children.
Scrum for Ulster Leinster RaboDirect clash tickets
The RaboDirect PRO12 rugby final between Ulster and Leinster is an eagerly awaited clash between the two most exciting provincial sides in the country. It therefore seems strange that the crowd will be limited to a mere 18,000 at the RDS stadium in Dublin.
Belfast-Dublin rail service must get back on track
A government consultation document about future railway investment really lays it on the line with regard to cross-border travel. Passenger numbers have decreased by 22% in the last decade, and if massive new investment is not forthcoming, it could threaten the long-term future of the Enterprise service.
Applause for Belfast's Cathedral Quarter Arts Festival
Warm congratulations are due to the organisers of the 2013 Cathedral Quarter Arts Festival which, by general acclaim, has been the best so far.
Brave sailors deserve recognition for vital role
This weekend's commemoration in Londonderry and elsewhere of the 70th anniversary of the climax to the Battle of the Atlantic is a fitting tribute to the bravery of those who helped to keep the Allies' supply lines open during the Second World War.
Blueprint for action needs lot more work to achieve integrated society
It would be naïve in the extreme to believe that creating a more integrated society in Northern Ireland is an easy task.
Baffling silence on free speech threat
Every day, it seems, we get another example of the dysfunctional nature of government in Northern Ireland. In this case it concerns reforms to the libel laws which are being introduced in Britain.
Fergie time is over ... whistle blows for fulltime on Ferguson tenure at United
To Manchester United fans he is a god and little wonder, given his success with the club. Alex Ferguson's reputation as the greatest manager in British football history is assured. His boots will be impossible to fill.
Soldiers' courage finally vindicated
Nothing better sums up the complex relationship between the Republic of Ireland and the UK than the treatment of those Irish men who fought with the British Army against the Nazis in World War II.
Summertime blues
The waft of barbecues at the end of yesterday's balmy day gave us a tantalising hint that summer is here, but it was only that.
Attacks cowardly
Can there be anything more cowardly than to place pipe bombs on the windowsill of an unsuspecting household or to toss a lit petrol bomb into the living room of a home where a man was sitting.
Marathon has now gone the distance
It took a great leap of faith 31 years ago to host the first Belfast marathon at a time when the city, like the rest of Northern Ireland, was convulsed by violence.
Time Adams gave us straight answer
It is surprising to hear that the Sinn Fein President Gerry Adams may sue RTE for his extended interview with Miriam O'Callaghan last week. There were blistering exchanges as O'Callaghan quizzed Adams about his attitude to armed republicanism during the Troubles.
Roads toll shocking
The tragic deaths of three more people at the weekend on our roads brings this year's total so far to 21. This is over twice as the figure for the same period last year.
Don't let Phantom Friday turn city into ghost town
The term "Have a Good Weekend" is popular throughout the world of work and recreation, but the term has taken a new meaning in Belfast where the shortage of people at the start of the weekend has led to the phenomenon of "Phantom Friday".
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
Electoral system changes considered new
Allowing voting for a local Dail candidate without affecting overall party strengths is among electoral changes being considered by the Constitutional Convention, it was revealed.
Two 'critical' after death crash new
Two men are critical in hospital after a car crash claimed the lives of two teenage girls.
MLA John Dallat's office attacked new
The constituency office of SDLP East Derry MLA John Dallat has been attacked.
Latest Sport
Kiss set for role under Schmidt new
Les Kiss has confirmed that he will be a permanent member of Joe Schmidt's Ireland coaching team upon completion of the summer tour to the United States and Canada.
Cup success justifies Kennedy move new
Nick Kennedy described winning the Heineken Cup as the pinnacle of his career and a vindication of his decision to move to Toulon last summer.
Best to lead Ireland on tour new
Rory Best will lead Ireland's 28-man squad for their tour to the United States and Canada after being overlooked by the British and Irish Lions.
Latest Showbiz
Anna Friel: I accepted movie nudity new
Anna Friel says being surrounded by naked females on the set of her new movie wasn't a "big deal".
Ke$ha: Beyoncé is ideal new
Ke$ha is happy for people to see her "flaws".
Miley Cyrus 'feeling betrayed' new
Miley Cyrus is said to be partying through the pain of the "betrayal" she feels from Liam Hemsworth's family.
