Friday 24 May 2013
Now there is some flesh on the bones of the shared future strategy outlined by the First and Deputy First Ministers. And at first glance it is a document with some encouraging initiatives. The idea of work experience placements for 10,000 young people not in employment, education or training is innovative. Even more so, the proposals that all public contracts should offer apprenticeships to young people.
It sounds like the plot of a budget Irish thriller movie.
The near 18% increase in the price of electricity announced by Power NI will be punishing for many businesses and households who are already struggling to make ends meet in the face of other cost of living increases.
We often talk about how public money is wasted through the duplication of services in our divided community.
The story of little Oscar Knox, the four-year-old who has made an astonishing recovery from a rare form of cancer, is one of the best examples of the indomitable nature of the human spirit and the power of parental love.
Overseas trips last year by the First Minister and Deputy First Minister cost the taxpayer more than £350,000.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Warm congratulations are due to the organisers of the 2013 Cathedral Quarter Arts Festival which, by general acclaim, has been the best so far.
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.
It would be naïve in the extreme to believe that creating a more integrated society in Northern Ireland is an easy task.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Comedy with big following means blockbuster
Hangover star takes 87-year-old to premiere
An architect charged in connection with an alleged terrorist training camp can leave prison to be at his son's first communion, a High Court judge ruled today.
A pensioner who allegedly drove at officers during a police pursuit must remain in custody, a High Court judge ruled today.
Three tiny baby crocodiles which are only 11 inches long have made their public debut at a zoo.
Liverpool's Jose Enrique admits Luis Suarez could play for any team in the world but he hopes the striker will stay at Anfield.
Newcastle boss Alan Pardew is gearing up for a fight to hold on to skipper Fabricio Coloccini for the second time in five months.
Tottenham player Andros Townsend has been charged with allegedly breaching betting regulations by the Football Association.
Will Smith was reunited with two of his Fresh Prince Of Bel-Air co-stars as his eldest son Trey made his DJing debut in London.
Marion Cotillard has revealed she learned Polish for her role in new film The Immigrant.
One Direction scooped four gongs at the first ever Social Star Awards, while Justin Bieber and Selena Gomez were also recognised.
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