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By my reckoning, the North of Ireland is now on its 15th secretary of state since the introduction of direct rule in 1972, beginning with William Whitelaw [of whom Margaret Thatcher famously said - and without a trace of irony, so don't go thinking that she has a sense of humour or anything - "every Prime Minister needs a Willie"] to the present incumbent Peter Hain, MP for Neath, Wales.

Belfast Downers and Chateau Portlaoise

I was unable to comment upon any of the League finals last week for the simple reason that I didn't see any of them. So, unlike Ronald Reagan, who used to broadcast 'live' commentaries on baseball games while reading ticker-tape reports, I will refrain from detailed analysis. Suffice to say that Armagh confirmed that they will be serious contenders again this year in the Championship. Monaghan did to Meath what Meath more often do to others, and Kilkenny made a declaration of intent for the rest of the summer.

O'Donnell's legacy - Remembering the Past

Peadar O'Donnell was born in Meenamore, Donegal. He came from the poverty-stricken Rosses area of West Donegal. His father supported the family by mixing small farming, fishing, migratory work in Scotland and work in a local mill.

Photo: Peadar O'Donnell pictured in 1930

The 5th Column

An Phoblacht's famous weekly satirical column. Read on...

Dúirt Siad

The week in quotes.

Anocht FM nó 2FM na nGael

Is the new Irish language service on RTÉ RnaG enough to satisfy demand? asks AN DRAOI RUA.

Toradh Fheachtas Shinn Féin - Togha agus Rogha na Náisiúntóirí

While Sinn Féin's electoral growth was a considerable achievement in the light of consistent anti-republican attacks, these same attacks contributed to that growth being reduced from what might otherwise have been. Perhaps, the time has arrived for republicans to go on the political offensive and put their opponents under pressure, argues CATHAL Ó MURCHÚ.

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