Ted Howell - Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam.
ONE FLU OVER? I have the flu. It’s a sign of my loyalty to you dear reader, that I write this column in my sick bed. Bathed in sweat. I’ve changed my T shirt four times since Saint Stephen’s Day. I ran out of paper hankies and turned to kitchen roll for nose cleaning duties. The snatters are tripping me. I’ve changed my sheets as well. Three times. Everyone else is away so I phoned Richard. Gearóid Ó Cairealláin – the definitive activist Lots has already been written about Gearóid Ó Ca...
5 Jan 18min
Nollag Shona Daoibhse.
Nollag Shona Daoibhse. I enjoy Christmas time. It a time for family and friends and for relaxation. For children and Dadaí na Nollaig and presents. For visiting family. For good food – often too much good food - good craic and sitting at home watching a movie, listening to music and reading a good book. It’s a time for remembering those who are no longer with us or for visiting those sick or in hospital. 60 Years A Growing. As this year draws to a close it strikes me that I first becam...
29 Dec 202414min
Release Leonard Peltier
Release Leonard Peltier Last week I posted a Christmas card to Leonard Peltier. I dont know if he will receive it. Or the numerous other notes and cards I have sent over the years. At 80 years of age Leonard, a native American rights activist and victim of a miscarriage of justice; has been imprisoned for 48 years. This makes him one of the longest serving political prisoners in the world. Hunger for Justice Well done to all of those – 1600 at the last count – who last wee...
22 Dec 202418min
Hunger for Justice.
Protecting our environment Last week the Northern Executive took welcome and decisive action to protect our environment, our health and jobs by committing to a ban on all forms of onshore petroleum exploration and production, including fracking. This decision is part of the Executive’s commitment to tackle our dependence on fossil fuels. Conor Murphy, the Economy Minister announced that, following drafting and consultation, he will be introducing legislation next year to block licensing appli...
15 Dec 202420min
The Numbers Game.
The Numbers Game. As I pen these lines it is too soon to attempt a deep analysis of the Leinster House election. Not all the counts have concluded although there is enough to form general impressions of the outcome. I outline them in no particular order. Christmas in Long Kesh 1976 It’s three weeks to Christmas. The decorations, inside and outside of the houses and shops. and the Christmas trees in all of their finery are everywhere as we prepare for the festive season. It puts me in m...
8 Dec 202421min
Sinn Féin can win this election.
SINN FÉIN CAN WIN THIS ELECTION. During the General Election campaign I have been in several constituencies. In Dublin, in Drogheda, Dundalk, and Donegal and some other places in between. People are clearly fed up with the cost of living, the crisis in public services, especially in health and housing, childcare and disability services. Sanctions urgently needed against Israel Last Wednesday was World Children’s Day. It was first established in 1954 as Universal Chi...
1 Dec 202421min
The local & the national, mind your language & Lá breithe Richard.
The local and the national I have been doing a wee bit of canvassing in the General Election in the South. The response has been positive. There are clearly some who see election campaigns, including this one, as opportunities to write Sinn Féin’s obituary. Sorry to disappoint. Like all parties fighting elections there will be moments of gain and moments of pain. That is in the nature of electoral politics especially in volatile times. However, if your political ideology and the leaderships c...
24 Nov 202414min
Time for a Change of Government.
Time for a Change of Government. The southern general election was called last Friday. In just over two weeks’ time 174 Teachtaí Dála (TDs) will be elected to the Dáil – an increase of 14 over the number elected in the 2020 general election. On Sunday I was in Dublin for the Save Moore Street rally but afterwards I was in Caledon Road and St. Mary’s Road in East Wall with a Sinn Féin canvas team urging voters to give their number 1 vote to Mary Lou McDonald and their number 2 vote to Janice ...
17 Nov 202420min
