Opinion

Famers gather at the Eikon Exhibition Centre, near Lisburn, to protest the governments new inheritance tax being put on famers in the UK.

The Farmer's Voice

Brian Donaldson: Farmers united in strength at threat to their livelihood

Photos of Bobby Sands discovered recently as well as his picture that was on the ballot in Fermanagh and South Tyrone in 1981.

Photos of Bobby Sands discovered recently as well as his picture that was on the ballot in Fermanagh and South Tyrone in 1981.

Danny Morrison: Newly discovered photos a glimpse into Bobby Sands' final years

Sinn Féin's Director of Elections, Matt Carthy, Councillor Cathy Bennett, Sinn Féin President Mary Lou McDonald, with shop owner Helen Drumm, while canvassing in Monaghan, ahead of the General Election on November 29.

Sinn Féin's Director of Elections, Matt Carthy, Councillor Cathy Bennett, Sinn Féin President Mary Lou McDonald, with shop owner Helen Drumm, while canvassing in Monaghan, ahead of the General Election on November 29.

Paul Breen: Ireland isn't full, we are failing to see the bigger picture

Incoming US President, Donal Trump.

Incoming US President, Donal Trump.

Paul Breen: Democrats’ misjudge the mood and open door for Trumpism

Governments are giving people plenty to think about recently.

Governments are giving people plenty to think about recently.

Bernadette McAliskey

Bernadette McAliskey: Winter's bleak prospects call for hope and unity

People flying kites at Blackheath, London, in solidarity with the people of Gaza and to call for peace. Photo by Paul Breen.

People flying kites at Blackheath, London, in solidarity with the people of Gaza and to call for peace. Photo by Paul Breen.

Paul Breen: Flying kites for peace at a key site of England’s political resistance

Donald Trump and Kamala Harris both shown campaigning earlier this week, with polls on a knife edge in the historic election to become the 47th President of the United States. Photos by AP Photo.

Donald Trump and Kamala Harris both shown campaigning earlier this week, with polls on a knife edge in the historic election to become the 47th President of the United States. Photos by AP Photo.

Brian D'Arcy: Fear, faith, and a deepening divide in Trump’s America

Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves poses outside 11 Downing Street, London, with her ministerial red box, before delivering her Budget in the Houses of Parliament last Wednesday, October 30. Photo: PA Wire.

Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves poses outside 11 Downing Street, London, with her ministerial red box, before delivering her Budget in the Houses of Parliament last Wednesday, October 30. Photo: PA Wire.

Bernadette McAliskey: Working Class not served by Orwellian Budget language

Regardless of how much you may know about Hallowe'en's roots in the pre-Christian era of Celtic Paganism, there's plenty to enjoy in its contemporary, seasonal fun.

Regardless of how much you may know about Hallowe'en's roots in the pre-Christian era of Celtic Paganism, there's plenty to enjoy in its contemporary, seasonal fun.

Bernadette McAliskey: Have yourselves a horribly good bit of Hallowe'en fun!

This whole island of Ireland, regardless of identity and politics, is blessed with a natural and calm beauty for people of all outlooks and backgrounds to enjoy. Stock image.

This whole island of Ireland, regardless of identity and politics, is blessed with a natural and calm beauty for people of all outlooks and backgrounds to enjoy. Stock image.

Paul Breen: Why we could all try to share our spaces better

The world-famous Cutty Sark - now preserved and immortalised as a symbol of might and Empire in Greenwich, London. Image: Google Street View.

The world-famous Cutty Sark - now preserved and immortalised as a symbol of might and Empire in Greenwich, London. Image: Google Street View.

Paul Breen: Britain needs to lose its grip on the mythos of Empire

Chancellor Rachel Reeves addressing the Labour Party Conference in Liverpool recently. Photo: PA Wire.

Chancellor Rachel Reeves addressing the Labour Party Conference in Liverpool recently. Photo: PA Wire.

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Bernadette McAliskey: Pensioners fear winter chill due to Labour budget

Paul Breen: Rediscovering joy in a derelict house

Paul Breen: Rediscovering joy in a derelict house

Paul Breen: Rediscovering joy in a derelict house

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, so make your health a priority this month and check that everything is okay. Stock image.

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, so make your health a priority this month and check that everything is okay. Stock image.

Kerrie Flood: Honouring my mother's fight and encouraging yours

Former Senator Niall Ó Donnghaile.

Former Senator Niall Ó Donnghaile.

Michelle O'Neill

Bernadette McAliskey: Questions over SF's latest response to child protection issues

Primary Care has changed significantly in the past decade-plus, but despite the challenges that lie ahead, supportive learning environments have the potential to deliver better integration of care with community and voluntary partners.

Primary Care has changed significantly in the past decade-plus, but despite the challenges that lie ahead, supportive learning environments have the potential to deliver better integration of care with community and voluntary partners.

Dr. Laura McDonnell: GPs doing their best to tackle evolving healthcare landscape

Smoke rises from a building destroyed by an Israeli airstrike as journalists and local residents visit during a press tour on October 2 in Beirut, Lebanon. Israel continued airstrikes on Beirut.

Smoke rises from a building destroyed by an Israeli airstrike as journalists and local residents visit during a press tour on October 2 in Beirut, Lebanon. Israel continued airstrikes on Beirut.

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Bernadette McAliskey: Israel’s offensive in Lebanon: A push for power with UK backing

File photo of William Lee and Sons, Lee Agri, working near Mullaghmeen. Photo by John McVitty.

File photo of William Lee and Sons, Lee Agri, working near Mullaghmeen. Photo by John McVitty.

Tom Elliott: Farmers and their invaluable sector are just not being supported enough

New UUP MLA Diana Armstrong addressing last Saturday’s UUP conference. Photo: Presseye.

New UUP MLA Diana Armstrong addressing last Saturday’s UUP conference. Photo: Presseye.

Alex Kane: Huge old and new challenges ahead for Nesbitt and the UUP

Comment: Even after decades, justice finally prevails for one abuse victim

Upper Lough Erne, as seen from the air in late September. As peaceful as the scene is, the reality is that climate change also affects Fermanagh. Photo by Ronan McGrade.

Upper Lough Erne, as seen from the air in late September. As peaceful as the scene is, the reality is that climate change also affects Fermanagh. Photo by Ronan McGrade.

Peter Doran: When the Moon rises: Lessons from children, climate, and a fragile Earth

Relatives carry the coffin of Iraqi Zulfikar Dergham Musa Al-Jabouri, in Najaf, Iraq, Thursday, September 26, after he died in Israeli airstrikes on September 23 fighting alongside Hezbollah in Tyre, south Lebanon.

Relatives carry the coffin of Iraqi Zulfikar Dergham Musa Al-Jabouri, in Najaf, Iraq, Thursday, September 26, after he died in Israeli airstrikes on September 23 fighting alongside Hezbollah in Tyre, south Lebanon.

Bernadette McAliskey: War drums beat louder as Israel targets Lebanon

Activists from Stand Up To Racism Scotland gathered in George Square, Glasgow (Jane Barlow/PA)

Activists from Stand Up To Racism Scotland gathered in George Square, Glasgow (Jane Barlow/PA)

Darragh Monahan: Understanding Islam and dispelling myths

PP class 4-4-0 No 50 from Bundoran to Enniskillen and at Irvinestown. At the front of the engine is Irvinestown Station Master Owen Kelly and the train's Guard Tommy Hadden. Standing on the locomotive is Driver Freddie Rankin and Fireman Kevin Love.

PP class 4-4-0 No 50 from Bundoran to Enniskillen and at Irvinestown. At the front of the engine is Irvinestown Station Master Owen Kelly and the train's Guard Tommy Hadden. Standing on the locomotive is Driver Freddie Rankin and Fireman Kevin Love.

Anne Marie McAleese

Anne Marie McAleese: Charles Friel looks back at a life on the rails

Campaigners in support of assisted dying protest outside Parliament in Westminster, London, in April 2024 (Jordan Pettitt/PA)

Campaigners in support of assisted dying protest outside Parliament in Westminster, London, in April 2024 (Jordan Pettitt/PA)

Arlene Foster: From grief to debate and the challenge of assisted dying

A boy checks the damage to a building hit in an Israeli airstrike in the southern village of Akbieh, Lebanon, on Tuesday. (AP Photo/Mohammed Zaatari).

A boy checks the damage to a building hit in an Israeli airstrike in the southern village of Akbieh, Lebanon, on Tuesday. (AP Photo/Mohammed Zaatari).

Paul Breen: Israel's new warfare raises the stakes and global concern

Geraldine Finucane, the widow of murdered Belfast solicitor Pat Finucane, with her son John Finucane, during a press conference at St Comgall's - Ionad Eileen Howell centre in Belfast.

Geraldine Finucane, the widow of murdered Belfast solicitor Pat Finucane, with her son John Finucane, during a press conference at St Comgall's - Ionad Eileen Howell centre in Belfast.

Bernadette McAliskey

Bernadette McAliskey: Benn's arrival marks another era of NIO failures

Cartoon by Brian John Spencer for The Impartial Reporter.

Cartoon by Brian John Spencer for The Impartial Reporter.

Fermanagh and Omagh District Council

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Rodney Edwards: Why Fermanagh and Omagh Council needs to get its house in order

At a time when 75 per cent of girls experience street harassment at least once in their lifetime, the long-awaited 'Ending Violence Against Women and Girls Strategy' published by the Executive Office is to be welcomed. Stock image.

At a time when 75 per cent of girls experience street harassment at least once in their lifetime, the long-awaited 'Ending Violence Against Women and Girls Strategy' published by the Executive Office is to be welcomed. Stock image.

Kerrie Flood: Sharing a cautious welcome for this long awaited, long overdue strategy

A duck cautiously makes its way though blue-green algae, with lakes and waterways across Northern Ireland still battling the potentially toxic algae. Photo: PA.

A duck cautiously makes its way though blue-green algae, with lakes and waterways across Northern Ireland still battling the potentially toxic algae. Photo: PA.

Bernadette McAliskey: Water mess - and we’re all waiting for Stormont to tackle it

Two very different dogs - Molly, in Ireland, and 'Chinese Molly', in Suzhou, China - who together helped spur Paul to start learning a new language.

Two very different dogs - Molly, in Ireland, and 'Chinese Molly', in Suzhou, China - who together helped spur Paul to start learning a new language.

Paul Breen: Why now’s a good time for learning a language

File photo of part of the aftermath of a recent anti-immigration protest last month in the UK, in this instance, in Middlesbrough. Photo: PA Wire.

File photo of part of the aftermath of a recent anti-immigration protest last month in the UK, in this instance, in Middlesbrough. Photo: PA Wire.

Laurence Speight: Anti-immigrant violence ties in to destruction of the biosphere

Here are this week's Letters in the Impartial Reporter.

Here are this week's Letters in the Impartial Reporter.

This week's Letters in The Impartial Reporter.

Child poverty is an area that is crying out for funding and proper support in Northern Ireland, yet political action in this area still lags behind. Stock image.

Child poverty is an area that is crying out for funding and proper support in Northern Ireland, yet political action in this area still lags behind. Stock image.

Paul Kellagher: New season, but the same old story for families in poverty

A family wedding for the English Maguries in 1900.

A family wedding for the English Maguries in 1900.

Paul Breen: Sharing some life lessons in the history of ‘the English Maguires’

Here are this week's Letters in the Impartial Reporter.

Here are this week's Letters in the Impartial Reporter.

This week's Letters in The Impartial Reporter.

People can sometimes be trapped feeling alone and battling depression and suicidal feelings by themselves - much more must be done to reach, support and help those people. Stock image.

People can sometimes be trapped feeling alone and battling depression and suicidal feelings by themselves - much more must be done to reach, support and help those people. Stock image.

Brian D'Arcy: A problem shared – those facing suicidal thoughts need more help

The 'two-child cap' particularly hurts people supported by Universal Credit or child tax credit - yet the system lurches on, leaving parents struggling. Stock image.

The 'two-child cap' particularly hurts people supported by Universal Credit or child tax credit - yet the system lurches on, leaving parents struggling. Stock image.

Bernadette McAliskey

Bernadette McAliskey: The unfit-for-purpose Executive especially fails our children

At this time of year, many of our thoughts turn to Harvest, and towards positive things as we try to pause and appreciate the end of summer and what autumn is ushering in. Stock image.

At this time of year, many of our thoughts turn to Harvest, and towards positive things as we try to pause and appreciate the end of summer and what autumn is ushering in. Stock image.

Arlene Foster: The seasons are changing, but let’s all keep a thankful outlook

A pair of hands typing at a computer keyboard.

A pair of hands typing at a computer keyboard.

This week's Letters in The Impartial Reporter.

GAA President Jarlath Burns represents all that is positive about the GAA's passion and heritage - but also faces taking a hard look at where the association is heading in the 21st Century. Photo: PA Wire.

GAA President Jarlath Burns represents all that is positive about the GAA's passion and heritage - but also faces taking a hard look at where the association is heading in the 21st Century. Photo: PA Wire.

Paul Breen: Facing a crossroads, the GAA faces making major choices

People attending an anti-racism, pro-refugee and pro-immigrant demonstration in Belfast earlier this month following riots and unrest. Photo: PA Wire.

People attending an anti-racism, pro-refugee and pro-immigrant demonstration in Belfast earlier this month following riots and unrest. Photo: PA Wire.

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Bernadette McAliskey: 'Concerned citizens' don't stand behind racist, Fascist banners

Society must do more, much more, to tackle male violence against women, as well as the sexualisation of them that has become worringly common amongst some younger males. Stock image.

Society must do more, much more, to tackle male violence against women, as well as the sexualisation of them that has become worringly common amongst some younger males. Stock image.

Monesha Talreja: Why is there an epidemic of male violence against women?

File photo showing the site of where the bypass bridge will cross the Erne's waters to the Dublin Road.

File photo showing the site of where the bypass bridge will cross the Erne's waters to the Dublin Road.

Enniskillen Bypass

Richard Pierce: Bridging History - The Erne Basin’s forgotten landmarks and legacy

Former First Minister and Democratic Unionist leader Arlene Foster who opposes a United Ireland.

Former First Minister and Democratic Unionist leader Arlene Foster who opposes a United Ireland.

Paul Breen: Stuck in the Past - Unionism’s reluctance to embrace this place

Doug Beattie, who quit as leader of the Ulster Unionist Party (UUP) earlier this week, laying a wreath under the portrait of the party’s former leader David Trimble at Stormont in July 2022.

Doug Beattie, who quit as leader of the Ulster Unionist Party (UUP) earlier this week, laying a wreath under the portrait of the party’s former leader David Trimble at Stormont in July 2022.

Tom Elliott: Struggle to unite our diverse values as Doug Beattie quits

The body of a Palestinian child is carried to their funeral, for several people killed by Israeli bombardment of the Gaza Strip, in Deir al Balah.

The body of a Palestinian child is carried to their funeral, for several people killed by Israeli bombardment of the Gaza Strip, in Deir al Balah.

Fr. Gabriel Dolan

Fr Gabriel Dolan: From Fermanagh to Gaza - How democracy fails the voiceless

Rory Gallagher.

Rory Gallagher.

'Why Rory Gallagher’s Derry return would be betrayal of GAA’s obligation to women'

Here are this week's Letters in the Impartial Reporter.

Here are this week's Letters in the Impartial Reporter.

This week's Letters in The Impartial Reporter.

Rhys McClenaghan celebrates after winning the gold medal during the Men’s Artistic Gymnastics Individual Pommel Horse finals at the 2024 Summer Olympics, Paris. The Northern Ireland gymnast’s stunning victory has been lauded across the island of

Rhys McClenaghan celebrates after winning the gold medal during the Men’s Artistic Gymnastics Individual Pommel Horse finals at the 2024 Summer Olympics, Paris. The Northern Ireland gymnast’s stunning victory has been lauded across the island of

2024 Paris Olympic Games

Paul Breen: Let’s celebrate all our shared interests across these islands

Simple, honest conversation reveals who we are as individuals and a society - but our use of language and words' definitions also affects the planet and environment at a deeper, lasting level. Stock image.

Simple, honest conversation reveals who we are as individuals and a society - but our use of language and words' definitions also affects the planet and environment at a deeper, lasting level. Stock image.

Laurence Speight: We are the very words we use, even if we don’t reflect on this

Peaceful demonstrators taking part in a United Against Racism rally in Belfast last weekend, showing solidarity with immigrants and refugees, rejecting Far Right rumours and misinformation which have become prevalent on social media. Image: PA Wire.

Peaceful demonstrators taking part in a United Against Racism rally in Belfast last weekend, showing solidarity with immigrants and refugees, rejecting Far Right rumours and misinformation which have become prevalent on social media. Image: PA Wire.

Kerrie Flood: Join ‘our team’ to help reject the Far Right’s attacks on immigrants

Darragh Monahan: Muslims in Fermanagh, integrating and contributing

Darragh Monahan: Muslims in Fermanagh, integrating and contributing

Darragh Monahan: Muslims in Fermanagh, integrating and contributing

Shane and Joe Corrigan with Dylan archivist Bill Pilger at Dylan's childhood home in Hibbing, Minnesota. the Nobel Prize monument outside Hibbing High School; a section of the reverse of the Nobel wall featuring Dylan's lyrics at his old school.

Shane and Joe Corrigan with Dylan archivist Bill Pilger at Dylan's childhood home in Hibbing, Minnesota. the Nobel Prize monument outside Hibbing High School; a section of the reverse of the Nobel wall featuring Dylan's lyrics at his old school.

The music of Bob Dylan and how it influenced Enniskillen teens in 1960s