Darran Marshall

19 Nov 2024

I’ve updated this #StarterPack as more people join #BlueSky. This one has Northern Ireland politicians, journalists & political commentators. Send through any recommendations or anyone you spot that I should include. go.bsky.app/SGhfVQV

m.youtube.comUnionist dis-unityYouTube video by BBC News NI

Miss last night’s @bbctheview ? Catch up now on YouTube The three unionist party leaders debated Drumcree fallout, Stormont’s future and elections. m.youtube.com/watch?si=jID...

youtu.beStormont: Cash & ConflictYouTube video by BBC News NI

Stormont’s big two parties are united over calls for additional funds for the Executive but there are divisions over #Drumcree. deputy First Minister Emma @little_pengelly & Sinn Féin MP @patcullen9 debated the big issues. youtu.be/eu7iFHbFo9A

bbc.co.ukRed Lines - Drumcree: The political fallout - BBC SoundsMark Carruthers is joined by Gareth Gordon, Sam McBride and David McCann.

A senior DUP figure tells BBC’s Gareth Gordon the #Drumcree dispute could lead to Sinn Fein winning an extra 40,000 votes at next year’s assembly election. Who are the other potential winners & losers from the dispute? Listen to the #BBCRedLines podcast 👇 www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/...

bbc.co.ukDrumcree: Garvaghy Road residents fail in bid to challenge Parades Commission decisionJudges said their decision was confined to the lawfulness of the decision, not in deciding whether or not the march should occur.

Garvaghy Road residents fail in bid to challenge Drumcree decision www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...

bbc.co.ukDUP MP says unionists angry over Michelle O'Neill's role in protestsCarla Lockhart said the DUP has it "within it's gift to remove" O'Neill as Northern Ireland's first minister and it "cannot be business as usual" at Stormont.

“We have it within our gift to ensure that she is actually removed from that position.” DUP MP says unionists are angry at First Minister Michelle O’Neill and it’s time for “profound consequences”. www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...

bbc.co.ukDrumcree: Secretary of state Sir Chris Bryant to ban the Drumcree paradeThe parade has led to a stand-off between Orangemen and nationalist residents of the Garvaghy Road in Portadown lasting almost two weeks.

Northern Ireland Secretary Sir Chris Bryant is to ban the Drumcree parade. www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...

bbc.co.ukDrumcree: Boutcher asks secretary of state to review Parades Commission rulingIt is the 13th day of deadlock between residents of the mainly nationalist Garvaghy Road and the local district lodge of the Orange Order.

𝗕𝗥𝗘𝗔𝗞𝗜𝗡𝗚 PSNI Chief Constable has asked the Secretary of State to review the Parades Commission decision to permit Orangemen to parade along Portadown’s Garvaghy Road, BBC News NI understands. www.bbc.co.uk/news/article... #Drumcree

bbc.co.ukGalway: County Down man among those who planned mosque attackThe three men pleaded guilty to attempting to engage in terrorist activity in November 2025.

A County Down man is among three men who have pleaded guilty to attempting to engage in a terrorist activity, specifically damaging a mosque in Galway. www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...

youtu.beDrumcree: The Bottom LineYouTube video by BBC News NI

As the police make their move on the Garvaghy Road protestors and #Drumcree acrimony continues at Stormont, the budget black hole gets worse. Watch BBC The View on YouTube youtu.be/2igVJaNQcJY

bbc.co.ukDrumcree: Sinn Féin will co-operate with PSNI over Drumcree protestProtesters have remained on the Garvaghy Road since last Sunday as the fallout over the proposed Portadown District Orange Lodge march continues.

Irish language rap group #Kneecap have visited the Garvaghy Road to show support for residents as a renewed dispute over an Orange Order parade entered its eighth day. #Drumcree www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...

youtu.beDrumcree: The political battleYouTube video by BBC News NI

#Drumcree : The Political Fallout You can watch last night’s BBC The View debate on the BBC News NI YouTube channel. Representatives from Sinn Féin, the DUP, Alliance, UUP & SDLP joined @markcarruthers7.bsky.social in studio. youtu.be/fp7rRed0qQI?si…

bbc.co.ukLabour conference: Drumcree parade resolution 'not going to be easy', says secretary of stateSir Chris Bryant says the situation is "tense" and that "nobody wants Northern Ireland to return to the 1990s".

Secretary of State Chris Bryanthas warned that a resolution to the #Drumcree parading dispute was "not going to be easy" but said the government would "go the extra mile for peace". www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...

bbc.co.ukStormont future depends on Drumcree outcomeDivisions that had been dormant over Drumcree have flowed angrily again between Stormont parties.

Parading, policing and power sharing collide amid Drumcree dispute www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...

Parades Commission rules that Orange Order members can walk down Garvaghy Road on Sunday. Follow for live updates. bbc.in/4yUl7HP

bbc.co.ukSome BBC channels and radio stations 'may well' have to close, director general saysThe BBC's financial situation "may well mean" some channels and stations close, Matt Brittin says.

Some BBC channels and radio stations 'may well' have to close, director general says www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...

bbc.co.ukEd Sheeran admits 'mistakes' at first show since Macklemore controversy in PhiladelphiaThe singer spoke about Israel and Gaza after Macklemore was dropped from his tour for making pro-Palestinian remarks on stage.

20 Sept

Ed Sheeran has apologised to fans for making "mistakes" as he opened his first show since Macklemore was dropped from his tour for making pro-Palestinian remarks on stage. www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...

bbc.co.ukJustice minister 'deeply concerned' over temporary release of convicted killerGary Anderson was released on Monday from Maghaberry Prison to attend the funeral of his father but absconded and remains at large.

20 Sept

Justice Minister Naomi Long “remains deeply concerned” about the compassionate temporary release of a convicted killer and his subsequent absconding. She is due to update the Assembly tomorrow. www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...

bbc.co.ukDUP leader Gavin Robinson to call for closer unionist co-operationGavin Robinson will tell his party conference "we must not gift wrap seats to Sinn Féin and Alliance.

19 Sept

The DUP leader will make a call for closer co-operation between unionist parties ahead of next May's assembly & council elections. Gavin Robinson will tell his party conference "we must not gift wrap seats to Sinn Féin and Alliance". www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...

bbc.co.ukIreland's relationship with UK under Burnham off to 'very good start'The visit came days after US President Donald Trump made comments about supporting a "unified Ireland".

Ireland's relationship with the UK under Andy Burnham's premiership has got off to a "very good start", Taoiseach Micheál Martin has said. But he refused to be drawn on how much the issue of Irish unity had featured during their first official meeting. www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...

bbc.co.ukWe have duty to 'progress' Good Friday Agreement, Micheál Martin tells Andy BurnhamThe pair were expected to discuss a further strengthening of ties including boosting trade, security and working with the European Union.

We have a duty to 'progress' Good Friday Agreement, taoiseach tells PM www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...

bbc.co.ukBrewdog's unpaid workers to receive nothing after takeover dealAdministrators say about £489,000 was owed for staff wages and holiday pay and £2.4m was owed to HMRC for unpaid VAT.

Brewdog's unpaid workers to receive nothing after takeover deal www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...

bbc.co.ukCulture Night hoping for fleadh boost as it returns to BelfastA "Wuthering Heights extravaganza" features among more than 200 free events, as some unique locations are showcased on Friday.

The organisers of Culture Night Belfast are hoping the city can build on the success of the Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann, as it delivers more than 200 free events on Friday. www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...

bbc.co.ukAndy Burnham: UK Prime Minister to meet Irish Taoiseach Micheál MartinMartin will be the first international leader to visit Number 10 North, the government said ahead of the talks.

Prime Minister Andy Burnham and Taoiseach Micheál Martin will hold their first official meeting today. Taoiseach will be the first international leader to visit Number Ten North. Martin will be meeting his fifth UK PM since 2020. www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...

bbc.co.ukDrumcree: Sinn Féin calls on Taoiseach to meet with Garvaghy Road residentsThe route the Order hopes to take includes the mainly-nationalist Garvaghy Road.

Sinn Féin calls on Taoiseach to meet residents over Drumcree dispute www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...

bbc.co.ukEurovision: Ireland boycotts contest for second year in a rowIn a statement, RTÉ said it feels Ireland's participation "cannot be justified given the appalling and ongoing loss of lives in Gaza".

17 Sept

Irish broadcaster RTÉ will not broadcast or participate in the 2027 Eurovision Song Contest. "RTÉ feels that Ireland's participation cannot be justified given the appalling and ongoing loss of lives in Gaza and the humanitarian crisis there.” www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...

bbc.co.ukGary Anderson: Murder victim's family 'deserve answers' over killer's releaseSDLP MLA Mark H Durkan says Karol Kelly's family are 'distressed' as his killer Gary Anderson remains on the run.

17 Sept

Murder victim's family 'deserve answers' as killer remains at large www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...

bbc.co.ukElectricity discount: £63 to be paid to NI householdsThe one-off £63 reduction in electricity bills will be paid from next month.

17 Sept

Electricity discount to be paid to NI households www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...

bbc.co.ukVerdict in Noah Donohoe inquest delivered but questions remainAfter years of delay, the jury has reached a verdict but some questions remain unanswered over what happened to the 14-year-old.

16 Sept

An inquest verdict at last - but many mysteries remain about Noah Donohoe's death www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...

bbc.co.ukInflation: Rising costs felt in Northern IrelandMum tells how she might have to take a second job due to increasing financial pressures and the rising cost of living.

16 Sept

'I might have to take a second job' - the impact of rising inflation www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...

bbc.co.ukNI woman wants law change to prevent child access for sex offendersThe woman, who is "sick" at the thought of her sex offender ex having access to their child, is calling for laws to change.

16 Sept

A woman who is fighting to stop her sex offender ex-husband having contact with their child has said the thought of it makes her "feel sick". www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...

bbc.co.ukEd Sheeran's support acts quit tour in support of MacklemoreThe star said he was not responsible for Macklemore being dropped from the line-up after he made pro-Palestinian statements on stage.

15 Sept

All of the remaining support acts on Ed Sheeran's US tour have quit, after the rapper Macklemore was dropped from the line-up for making pro-Palestinian remarks on stage. www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...

13 Sept

“You have Northern Ireland and you have Ireland - It would seem to me. one of the naturals of all time is to put them together.” Donald #Trump says his Irish unity comments are his own opinion but he’s received “so much support on that”.

bbc.co.ukBus driver threatened with knife as bus hijacked in Omagh and chased in police pursuit to StrabanePassengers were allowed to leave the bus but the driver was kept on board during the hijacking.

12 Sept

Driver threatened with knife as bus hijacked and chased in police pursuit www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...

12 Sept

"It turns out that he isn’t as orange as he looks." SDLP leader Claire Hanna reacts to Trump's comments on Irish unity. "I'm not sure if anybody has checked on the DUP. I suspect they're burning those Trump flags as we speak."

12 Sept

President Trump says he'd love to see a united Ireland and that it's "going to happen eventually". "I think it would be a fantastic thing. Now the UK will have something to say about it, obviously."

bbc.co.ukPolice launch murder investigation into Ann Widdecombe's deathDevon and Cornwall Police say the 78-year-old was found at her home on Dartmoor in Devon on Thursday with serious injuries.

10 July

Police launch murder investigation into Ann Widdecombe's death www.bbc.co.uk/news/live/cp...

bbc.co.ukMoygashel: Bonfire with mosque replica placed on top set alightThe Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) said it had "commenced a significant and complex policing operation" to remove a "hate display".

10 July

A bonfire with a replica mosque placed on top of it has been lit before the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) could remove the effigy. www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...

bbc.co.ukAntrim Arms Hotel: Department not consulted before listed derelict hotel demolishedDemolition work was carried out on the derelict listed Georgian building in Ballycastle earlier this week.

10 July

The Department for Communities has said it was not consulted about the demolition of a derelict Georgian building and was not aware of any planning approval for the works. www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...

www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...

9 July

bbc.co.ukTyrella beach: How beachgoers are turning snaps into scienceScientists hope to learn more about the impact of climate change on coasts through people's photos.

bbc.co.ukAntrim Arms Hotel: Demolition of dangerous building takes placeThe derelict building, parts of which are believed date back to the 1700s, has been vacant for more than a decade.

9 July

Derelict hotel in 'dangerous' condition demolished www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...

bbc.co.ukMoygashel: Calls for police action over replica of mosque on top of bonfireThe bonfire in Moygashel has displayed other controversial banners in the past.

9 July

Police have been asked to act over a replica of a mosque on top of a bonfire in County Tyrone. www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...

26 June

Politician, Predator & Paedophile A BBC Spotlight NI investigation 📍 BBC One NI at 9pm Investigation delves into the double life of Jeffrey Donaldson Read more: www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...

bbc.co.ukBBC investigation delves into the double life of Jeffrey DonaldsonBBC NI Spotlight investigates the long-serving Christian politician jailed for child sex offences.

26 June

A BBC Spotlight investigation has uncovered more secrets behind the double life of disgraced former MP Jeffrey Donaldson. Politician, Predator and Paedophile Is on BBC One NI @ 9pm. Read more👇 www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...

bbc.co.ukBelfast protest: Thousands gather for anti-racism rallyProtesters gathered at Belfast City Hall for a demonstration against racism, after the past week of violence and disorder.

14 June

Thousands of people gathered on Saturday at an anti-racism protest in Belfast, after violence erupted across the city this week which saw people's homes, businesses and vehicles targeted. www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...

bbc.co.ukBelfast disorder: Mike Nesbitt says violence was 'stain on NI's reputation'International healthcare workers have spoken about threats and intimidation while some fear for their safety.

14 June

Stormont's health minister has said the violence that erupted last week was a "stain on Northern Ireland's reputation, locally, nationally and internationally". www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...

31 May

Statement from Ulster Unionist Party. “The party does not accept the characterisation of recent events set out in Mr Beattie’s letter.” “Management Board met … to consider serious concerns about Mr Beattie’s conduct and judgement.“

bbc.co.ukUUP: Doug Beattie quits as his membership no longer 'tenable'The former party leader and Upper Bann assembly member had been facing the prospect of being deselected by his constituency association ahead of the next assembly election.

31 May

Doug Beattie has quit the Ulster Unionist Party, saying it has become clear his membership is no longer "tenable". www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...

31 May

Doug Beattie to Jon Burrows MLAs have been “marginalised, ignored, isolated, and discredited.” “Your leadership style is dismissive & overly centralised.” “An Insidious campaign of rumour & gossip was being waged against me.” “You intended to reopen a disciplinary matter.”

15 May

Bally… comes from the irish word ‘baile’ meaning farm, home, settlement Knock… comes from an irish word for hill Drum... has its origins in an Irish word for ‘back’ Dr Frances Kane explains the influence the Irish language has on our many of our place names today.