As the coalition government’s controversial and flawed Consultative Forum on International Security Policy finishes its public sessions today, we publish an article from the current issue of An Phoblacht by Sinn Féin TD Matt Carthy. He outlines Sinn Féin’s vision for Ireland playing a constructive role in the wider world, committed to diplomacy, humanitarianism, peace building, and cooperation with other states on global challenges. Free article

Chris Hazzard and Mick Murphy visited the grave of United Irishman Tom Dunn. Chris gives context to importance of Dunn 225 years since the 1798 rebellion. Free article

In his latest blog, Declan Kearney reflects said the results of the recent council election underlines need to prepare for new future. Free article

At a recent lecture on Ernie O’Malley by the historian and Sinn Féin Councillor Mícheál Mac Donncha, I was chatting with Belinda Nugent from the O’Malley/Russell Cumann and I mentioned that my Granda Michael Smyth knew Ernie O’Malley and was instrumental in his famous escape from Kilmainham Gaol in 1921 along with Simon Donnelly and Frank Teeling. Free article

The council elections in the north has seen Sinn Féin become the biggest party in local government for the first time with a record 144 seats. Free article

Declan Kearney has said constructive diplomatic and political initiatives will bring important impetus to the achievement of a permanent and democratic peace settlement in the Basque Country. Free article

A collection of current and former Sinn Fein MPs met in London with members of the legal profession, trade unionists, political activists, and members of the Irish community in Britain to mark the 25th anniversary of the Good Friday Agreement. Free article

On Saturday 29 April, eve of the centenary of the 1923 IRA ceasefire, Sinn Féin in Ennis, County Clare, unveiled a refurbished plaque to three Volunteers executed in the Free State barracks 100 years ago, some of the final Civil War executions. Speaking at the event Mícheál Mac Donncha looked back at the Counter-Revolution and how its centenary has been marked. This article is based on that address. Free article

Writing for An Phoblacht, Declan Kearney has said the 25th anniversary of the GFA underlines international significance of Ireland’s peace process. Free article

Liam Lynch died around 8.45pm on the evening of 10 April 1923, 100 years ago. His death signalled the end of the war and moves were made soon after to conclude that phase of the IRA’s campaign. Free article