Sinn Féin Assembly group leader, Newry Armagh MLA Conor Murphy, announcing details of the portfolios for the new Assembly team on Monday, said the British Government's suspension of the institutions is hindering the work of MLAs. He said that in the immediate period ahead it is vital that elected representatives challenge direct rule ministers and ensure no decisions are made that do not reflect the needs of people living in the Six Counties. Free article

In spite of the fact that St Patrick's Day is celebrated worldwide by people of all races and religions, it is still viewed as "offensive" by unionists within the Six Counties. At least so it would seem - based on the recent determination of Belfast City Council's "Good Relations" Steering Panel, which, for the second year in a row, has voted not to fund the St Patrick's Day Carnival Parade. Free article

More people die in Dublin City from drug overdoses than road accidents. Health board figures reveal that 86 people died from drug-related overdoses last year but that two thirds of these deaths were preventable. Free article

Sinn Féin Dáil spokesperson on Fisheries, Martin Ferris, has called on the Minister for the Marine, Dermot Ahern, to take a strong line in defence of Irish fishing interests at Wednesday's meeting of the Fisheries Council in Brussels. The EU is proposing severe cuts in quotas and allowable catches (TACs) along with further possible restrictions on fishing days. Free article

Two candidates have been selected by East Galway Sinn Féin to contest next year's local elections in the towns of Ballinasloe and Loughrea. A very successful Election Convention was held on Monday 15 December in O Dea's Hotel, Loughrea, attended by party members and supporters from both towns. Free article

In the run up to Christmas, the growth in the number of charities in this state becomes increasingly evident. The streets of our cities are filled with competing organisations collecting money for their causes, including housing associations, hospitals, hospices, youth clubs, disability groups, international development organisations, groups working with the elderly and homeless organisations. Free article

Tar Anall held its annual presentation of certificates at an Open Day on Thursday 4 December at its premises in the Conway Mill Complex in West Belfast. Among the achievements and qualifications recognised were those gained by young people from its youth development project and up to a dozen women in the over 50s group in courses run by Tar Anall's Training and Development Unit. Free article

The prominent Palestinian and Islamic Academic Dr Azzam Tamimi addressed a packed public meeting at the Cultúrlann MacAdaim Ó Fiaich in West Belfast on Thursday night 11 December. Free article

The Ulster Museum, on Belfast's Stranmillis Road, launched its latest exhibition, Conflict: The Irish at War, last Friday 12 December. Exploring almost 10,000 years of life in Ireland, the exhibition looks at the violence and conflict that has been such a central and dynamic force in our history over the centuries. Indeed, the violence of occupation and the resistance to that occupation has been the main ingredient in the formation of modern Ireland and the Irish nation. Free article

A special collection of photos and prose, created by young people who have been bereaved or traumatised as a result of the conflict, was exhibited in West Belfast last Thursday 11 December. Free article