Hi °C | Lo °C Warmth of human kindness vital when temperature falls
As the poor weather looks set to continue, we need to make sure that our older friends and neighbours are looked after.
Finding Jesus the man is a rich and rewarding search
There is one argument you never hear Christians make in defence of their claim that they have a special relationship with Jesus.
Long may hold 'whip hand' by keeping Commons option open
In the House of Commons, real power resides with the whips. These shadowy figures can be found lurking in, or near, the chamber whenever the House is in session, seeing everything, but saying nothing.
Durkan fights for orangutans
Mark Durkan's concern for the natural world continues. He has signed a parliamentary motion on the plight of orangutans in Borneo and Sumatra, which are threatened with extinction.
Holy Week is jolly good now we've ditched religion
There will be a little bit of religion in the public square this week, but it won't be too taxing. Anyone who wants to ignore what is traditionally called Holy Week can easily do so.
Ulster's unionists should have listened to Terence O'Neill
Fifty years ago this week, Terence O'Neill succeeded Lord Brookeborough as prime minister of Northern Ireland.
Executive silence over fate of charity has failed us all
An event last week passed without a public trace in a way that should make us all sit up and reflect on the society we live in.
Poll shows tide is changing for same-sex marriage
Of the many issues that have fuelled America's culture wars slugfest, same-sex marriage has long been among the most heated.
Did Pope Benedict 'do a Bishop Hegarty'?
The inauguration of Pope Francis brought a refreshing air of optimism to a Catholic Church that lay moribund in recent decades.
It's now time to make up your mind Mr Nesbitt
Mike Nesbitt has used a variation on that particular theme for the past few months: yet it sounds pretty tinny when heard against the background noise of joint letters, joint leaflets, joint dinners, joint hosting of the Unionist Forum, a joint candidate in Mid Ulster and then leaving the door open for joint ventures at other elections.
Names of these four men will go down in ignominy
Let's remember a few facts about the 1998 Omagh bombing, for which Michael McKevitt, Liam Campbell and, on Wednesday, for the second time, Seamus Daly and Colm Murphy, have been found responsible in a civil court.
Dissidents compromised by intelligence successes but still determined to strike
In the world of intelligence they hear a lot of chatter coming out of the different dissident camps.
It's jam tomorrow, but not much in this year's Budget
This was not an easy Budget for the chancellor to deliver – particularly when it is set in the context of slashed growth forecasts, removal of the UK's AAA credit rating and rising national debt levels.
Horrors of rape need to be faced by the world for once
If you're a Twitter or Facebook user, you're possibly weary of hearing about the Steubenville footballers' rape trial. As weary as hearing of, say, Justin Bieber's tantrums or horse meat jokes.
Press freedom is sacrificed on the altar of cynicism
It was billed as Armageddon for the Press – the day that unruly newspapers would be put to the lash and whipped into line once and for all.
Why can't we do comedy as brave as South Park?
It takes a while to recover from the suffocating cultural smugness of Red Nose Day. The millions raised for charitable causes are, of course, to be welcomed. But what a price has had to be paid.
Personal journey of pain laid bare for the cameras
The Story of a Lifetime series on BBC One Northern Ireland has profoundly affected me as a broadcaster.
One ill-timed tweet and cue the chorus of condemnation
Here's the thing about Twitter – it allows you to say anything you like and it also punishes you for saying anything you like. You're caught somewhere between absolute freedom and absolute condemnation.
Breaking news ... it's another black day for journalism
The promised showdown between the UK's political leaders over creating a new Press regulator turned out to be a phoney war.
Frankly, Pope must ring changes like his namesake
The cabbies were quick to dub him 'Pope Frankie', and, doubtless, most of the Franks and Francises and Franciscos in Christendom and beyond will be pleased to have a papal namesake.
Good guy Zach Galifianakis
Hangover star takes 87-year-old to premiere
Cannes femmes: Shayk and Ambrosio on red carpet
In pictures: UK Soap Awards
FHM's sexiest women - Kunis knocks Tulisa off her perch
Latest News
Woolwich terror attack: Police arrest man and woman over murder of soldier Lee Rigby new
Police investigating the murder of soldier Lee Rigby in Woolwich have arrested a man and a woman, both aged 29, on suspicion of conspiracy to murder.
New pay cut rules passed into law new
New laws allowing the Government to cut public sector workers' pay without their agreement have been published.
Neet numbers 'lowest for decade' new
The number of 16 to 18-year-olds not in school, work or training is at its lowest level for a decade, official figures show.
Latest Sport
George Best was in a different league new
George Best was the finest footballer of them all, according to England World Cup winner Ian Callaghan.
Who wins the duels across the pitch will decide final destination of pro12 crown new
They know each other inside-out as a result of having squared up so often in the past. As well as having gone head to head on such a regular basis, most of the protagonists are Irish training camp regulars. In addition, many of them have been Test match colleagues.
Pardew backed to take Toon forward new
Newcastle boss Alan Pardew has been handed the task of dragging the club back into the top half of the Barclays Premier League after holding talks with owner Mike Ashley.
Latest Showbiz
Brangelina agree sex scene ban new
Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie have vowed not to appear in sex scenes with other people in their films, according to reports.
Frankie admits worries over stag do new
The Saturday's star Frankie Sandford confessed she was put off watching the Hangover films in case they give footballer fiance Wayne Bridge any ideas about his upcoming stag do.
Bieber makes guests sign waiver? new
Justin Bieber reportedly asks guests who visit his home to sign a secrecy agreement - which could land them a five million dollar fine if they break it.
