Features

Feature interview:Sinn Féin Chief Negotiator Martin McGuinness

In the first of a two-part interview with An Phoblacht Editor SEÁN Mac BRÁDAIGH, Sinn Féin's Chief Negotiator and Mid Ulster MP Martin McGuinness explains the party's attitude to the Hain Assembly, his experience of the Assembly's Preparation for Government Committee, the prospect of government-sponsored 'hothouse' talks next month, and the likelihood of the Good Friday institutions being restored by the November deadline.

Photo: o Martin McGuinness - believes there is tremendous confidence about political changes taking place which are changing the North forever

Remembering 1981: More families intervene and 21st man joins Hunger Strike

In early September 1981 the families of the men on Hunger Strike in the H-Blocks of Long Kesh faced horrendously difficult decisions as their sons lay dying while the British Government remained impassive.

Photo: John Pickering

The Mitchel Mclaughlin Column

The adverse affects of partition, inequality and conflict on Irish social, political and economic life are well documented. The Good Friday Agreement holds the potential to redefine our political institutions and political environment. This explains the resistance to its implementation by those opposed to change. A central plank of this project, identified and endorsed by all parties to the Agreement including the two governments, is the development of All-Ireland political institutions and activity. This was also endorsed in referenda by the Irish people.

Interview:Barry McColgan, national organiser, Ógra Shinn Féin

At the age of 15 Barry McColgan immersed himself in the Ego drugs awareness project, out of which evolved his involvement in the Ógra.

OPINION:The GAA needs to be consistent in relation to political involvement

The recent football match between St Brigids GAA club from South Belfast and a team representing the PSNI has been the focus of much media attention and protests by nationalist victims of the RUC/PSNI. Here, MATT TREACY examines the issues at stake for the GAA, the wider community and the future of the policing debate.

Photo: Belfast graffitti - the decision by St Brigids was the focus of protests by Nationalist victims of the RUC\PSNI

Book Review : Kevin Lynch

Nineteen Eighty One was a momentous year. In the chronicles of Irish history, it is a unique year.

Cúlchaint

Tá na páistí imithe abhaile agus tá mé anseo ag piocadh mo shróine taobh thiar de chóip den Irish Independent.

The Matt Treacy Column

The All Ireland hurling final saw Kilkenny win their 29th title in a curiously old-fangled way. While all the talk before the game was about how Kilkenny might attempt to tactically disrupt Cork's settled and battle-tested formation, and with all sorts of speculation about where key players might line out, the reality was far more basic.

Media View

In today's world, more and more people rely on radio and television news for their information - partly because the newspapers can't be trusted to tell the truth and have dumbed down anyway, and partly because the broadcasting media are so much more accessible and quick.

Photo: Kofi Annan

The Fifth Column

An Phoblacht's famous weekly satirical column.

Remembering the Past

Charlie McGlade was born in Belfast in 1909 and lived in the Bone area of north Belfast. The Easter Rising in 1916 and the Proclamation of the Irish Republic, followed by the execution of the leaders, made an indelible impression on the young McGlade. During the years of the Tan War he became a member of Na Fianna Éireann and educated about the history of Ireland's struggle for independence.

Photo: Charlie on his wedding day

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