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U-turn if you want to: unionists soften view on Iron Lady
In 1985, during the Anglo-Irish Agreement crisis that led to closer inter-governmental relationships, unionist ire was expressed in word, mobilisation and violent reaction.
Why I would vote No this time around
May 22, 1998 was one of the most difficult days of my life. It was the date of the referendum on the Belfast Agreement and, up until I voted 'Yes' just after 4pm, I wasn't entirely sure how I would vote.
Governments fail to honour obligations on crucial issues
On the signing of the Good Friday Agreement, US Senator George Mitchell famously said that that was the easy bit. The hard part was going to be implementing it. And he was right.
Working-class women's views on Maggie not ironclad
In the mid-1980s, when Margaret Thatcher's policies were in full swing, one woman marched tirelessly in solidarity with the miners' strikes. She was staunchly working class, passionate and politically active.
Now is the time to grasp the nettle
The soundtrack to the signing of the Good Friday Agreement talked about record unemployment, lower pay and asked what ever happened to unity?
St Andrews gave us the real deal and hope for our future
Celebration is normally reserved for a period following a successful agreement. So I am amused at the backslapping and cooing over the thrice-suspended and ultimately collapsed and replaced Belfast Agreement.
Belligerence of North Korea no longer a laughing matter
Was this our first real hint of the imminence of the Third World War? A sign tacked to a tree in a quiet street in the residential London suburb of Ealing? The sign said simply 'Loading' and warned residents not to park outside a house.
Deal a lifesaver despite its flaws
But, amid all the political contention and disagreement, a number of key points are clear enough. The first is that the accord has not delivered complete peace: there is a peace process, but there is not perfect peace. And certainly not tranquillity.
We've moved forward, but shared future still awaits
On that momentous day –April 10, 1998 – when the Belfast Agreement was finally signed, there was a sense of relief on the faces of the different politicians and government officials who had been part of the talks.
Actor's portrayal Fitt for purpose
This House, a play that explores how the 1974-1979 Labour government survived without a majority, has been a huge hit for the National Theatre in London.
Family scandals drive King Carlos towards brink
We live at a time when all institutions are called into question. And all institutions can be brought down by the flawed characters, or wrong judgments, of those directing them.
Ambiguity undermined the Agreement from the outset
In the early evening of Holy Thursday, the SDLP was at a bilateral meeting with Tony Blair. He said he understood our concern that a lot of the specifics in Strand Two (dealing with north-south issues) had been watered down.
Vernon's got the hex factor
Shadow Northern Ireland Secretary Vernon Coaker welcomed the Belfast Giants to his patch on Sunday as they took on Nottingham Panthers in the Elite League play-off final. Our team lost.
How unionists still haven't found what they're looking for
Are you a cup half full or a cup half empty person? The answer to this question might fashion your mindset as we pass the 15th anniversary of the Good Friday Agreement reached in the late afternoon of April 10, 1998.
Phone call that convinced UUP it was being bugged
I remember the morning of April 10, 1998 very well. It was Good Friday, and most people were looking forward to the upcoming Easter holidays. For those of us in the Ulster Unionist Party, a very different path lay ahead of us that weekend.
Having foresight to box clever with children's futures
On Saturday night, Washington hosted the Sixth Annual Belfast-Beltway Boxing Classic (BBBC), an event that's inspired youths and adults in both cities, but also one borne from one of the many heartbreaking episodes of the Troubles.
Margaret Thatcher: Her iron will for change remodelled our political and economic landscape... whether we really liked it or not
Andy McSmith, Ben Chu, Richard Garner and Jeremy Laurance take a closer look at Margaret Thatcher's strengths and weaknesses and her effects on everyday life in her 11 years in Downing Street
Hall of mirrors, the chamber that is a reflection of us all
The grandeur of Belfast City Hall belies the pettiness and venom of many of the debates that have echoed round its chambers.
It's time parade disputes were marched into court
Irish Times cartoonist Martyn Turner once penned a cartoon on the 'marching season', showing a calendar with successive pages: 'January, February, March, March, March ... '
It's time to start planning how to weather the storms
Problems caused by one of the most snowbound springs on record are still fresh in our memories; now is the time to look at a number of questions.
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.
