The North has changed dramatically, and unionism, instead of celebrating the centenary of the foundation of the Northern Irish state it used to dominate, is in crisis
Seamus Deane, leading Irish writer and critic, has died aged 81 Derry author best known for Reading in the Dark and Field Day Anthology of Irish Literature
Thu, May 13, 2021, 10:34 Updated: Thu, May 13, 2021, 10:52
Seamus Deane, for the past 50 years one of Ireland’s foremost writers and critics, best-known for his award-winning autobiographical novel Reading in the Dark and the landmark Field Day Anthology of Irish Writing, died last night in Beaumont Hospital after a short illness. He was 81.
Arts Council chair Prof Kevin Rafter said: “A gifted writer and a profound intellect, Seamus Deane was a master of every writing form. As a critic, an editor, a poet and a novelist, Deane brought concentrated rigour and empathy to his work. An inspiring teacher and continual advocate for Irish writing, Seamus Deane leaves behind a powerful literary and cultural legacy.
LIFE IN LOCKDOWN: Quiet anticipation building in Desertmartin and Tobermore
There is traffic, but little footfall, in the Mid Ulster villages.
Support for the NHS in Desertmartin.
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In bright sunshine, I m on my way into BT45. Whisper it, but this could be the day the curse comes to an end.
Slieve Gallion pans into view to my right, the sun sharpening the image and greening the landscape in between.
A decorative sign with what appear to be miniature castle towers on either side, welcomes drivers to Desertmartin, centre of Loughinsholin .
There are a handful of cars making their way through the village. A few tractors chug their way through as I park down near the bridge.
Susan McKay: DUP believes chaos is best plan Constructive voices within Northern Ireland’s Protestant community being shut out
Fri, Mar 5, 2021, 00:47 Susan McKay
First Minister Arlene Foster seems only nominally in charge. She scarcely rebukes the politicians she is supposed to be leading when they engage in uncouth, disruptive and bigoted behaviour. Photograph: Liam McBurney
As the Proud Boys are to Trump, so the loyalist paramilitaries are to the Democratic Unionist Party. They are what you are left with when democracy lets you down.
“We will fight guerrilla warfare against this, until the big battle opportunity comes,” the DUP MP for East Antrim, Sammy Wilson, declared last weekend in respect of the Northern Ireland protocol. His comments followed a meeting between First Minister and DUP leader Arlene Foster and a group that included retired for