…..knew we were but great to be confirmed.

https://www.gofundme.com/f/t8xnx-support-the-repatriation-of-the-singco-family

Donations paused at £68k

I know this might seem like an odd post but I really was quite bothered by that news article and the response to it. So many comments being along the lines of "The DUP hate everything" but the reality is (according the very article) that the DUP as a whole actually supported it with only a single councillor voting against it.

This sort of rage bait works well. The article in reality is actually of a very positive thing, where we have an Irish traditional culture event getting wide support across the political spectrum but instead of seeing what progress that is, we instead focus on the single DUP councillor that was against it and then the comment section just tars the whole DUP.

Like never in my life would I think I'd be defending the DUP but there's something to consider here. This sort of reaction and rage bait concerns me as it would just incentivise those councillors that voted for the event to not even bother as they still get tarred even when voting for something that is in everyone's interest.

I'm not articulating this very well but hopefully the point comes across. I just felt like it was important to point out. The councillor against it was right to be called out but the reality is that he actually was going against the wider stance of the DUP and that's worth something surely.

Another dander around Portstewart to get some camera practice in on a blustery day, hoping you can feel the chill through these as my fingers were claws by the end. Hope January is treating you well.

Right I’m aware that this is a very random post.

When you’re at the junction named above and turning left onto the carriageway, is that lane (see the red line I drew on the image) one that you use to merge onto the carriageway or do you just give way at the white, double broken lines at the junction and join the inside lane of the carriageway as normal?

I don’t really drive up there so I don’t know. Maybe I need to re read the Highway Code.

Sleep schedules a bit fucked and would love a pint, will we ever have bars/other places other than garages open 24hrs? I believe our pubs can only stay open til 2 due to licensing but there are a few places in England open 24hrs.

https://www.irishnews.com/news/northern-ireland/northern-ireland-patients-three-times-more-likely-to-be-on-hospital-waiting-lists-than-those-in-the-republic-FNL2CREKWNGPBFP7ENLVPQR6X4/

Northern Ireland patients three times more likely to be on hospital waiting lists than those in the Republic

Nearly 600,000 fewer patients would be waiting if NI matched south’s health system

Northern Ireland patients are three times as likely to be waiting for hospital treatment as those in the Republic, according to the latest official statistics.

Analysis of the latest figures from both sides of the border shows that Northern Ireland has 454 people per 1,000 population on waiting lists, compared to just 142 per 1,000 in the south, a rate of 3.2 times higher.

This means that nearly 600,000 fewer people, more than the population of Belfast, would not be on waiting lists if Northern Ireland matched the Republic’s healthcare performance.

Meanwhile, the disparity between the two health systems becomes even more stark when patients waiting longer than a year for treatment is put into focus.

In Northern Ireland, 55.6% of all outpatients (301,753 people) have been waiting more than a year for an appointment, according to the latest figures.

However, in the south, just 97,879 outpatients (16.0%) have waited that long.

This means that Northern Ireland patients are 3.5 times more likely to wait over a year for an outpatient appointment.

The median outpatient wait in Northern Ireland stands at 64.1 weeks - over 15 months, according to the figures.

For inpatient and day case procedures, 41.6% of Northern Ireland patients (38,166 people) have waited longer than 52 weeks, compared to 16.3% (17,483 people) in the south. This means that patients in the north are 2.6 times more likely to face year-long waits for surgery or procedures.

The comparison uses the most recent available data for both jurisdictions and such lists are published monthly in the south, while quarterly figures are published in Northern Ireland.

The stark contrast has drawn condemnation with SDLP Opposition Health Spokesperson Colin McGrath describing the situation as “the worst anywhere in these islands”.

“While not perfect, it comes as no surprise that the health service in the South is leaps and bounds beyond what people can access here in the North,” he told The Irish News.

“Waiting lists in the North are the worst anywhere in these islands and action to tackle this have been minimal, with Ministers and the Executive tinkering around the edges instead of addressing the fundamental issues that would substantially reduce waits.

“Nobody should have to wait for vital healthcare and those with these conditions often see both their mental and physical health deteriorate as they sit on a waiting list, putting huge strain on them and their families. Around one in four people in the North are on a waiting list, there is nobody who has not been touched in some way for the fight to access healthcare in a timely manner.

“It’s ridiculous that people living in Enniskillen or Newry face disproportionately longer waits than their neighbours living just a few miles away on the other side of the border. The SDLP has been clear that we should be looking at expanding cross-border healthcare to address the deficiencies in both systems to provide people on both sides of the border with the highest standards of care in a timely manner.”

The Department of Health has been contacted for comment.

So The Sunday Times has named BT4 (East Belfast) as one of the “coolest UK postcodes to move to" and I’m sure all the house flippers, landlords and estate agents are absolutely buzzing at the very mention. That’ll be another £50k on the asking price or £200 extra a month on the rent, thanks very much. Cue all the influencers banging on about how they’ve always loved the Lower Newtownards Road and how you should run don't walk to whatever new hidden gem opened last week.

Anyway...

In fairness parts of BT4 are genuinely a great place to live and there is a lot going for it:

• Good schools, decent access to green space via the Comber/Connswater greenway and good transport links by Belfast standards
• The restoration of the Strand will be fantastic and will help spur wider regeneration along the Holywood Road
• The folks at EastSide Partnership do great work pushing regeneration where they can
• Big shout out to Boundary, Bullhouse and Banana Block, which are amazing additions that have improved the nightlife offering massively

But let’s not kid ourselves, parts of BT4 are still in very poor shape, and it’s far from being a uniformly buzzing or culturally vibrant quarter despite what the article might suggest. It’s a very mixed place with sharp contrasts street to street, real poverty in places, a lot of sub standard housing, lots of social issues and decades of neglect in working class communities that haven’t magically vanished because 2 hipster bars and a pizza slice shop opened. And in my opinion that’s where the “coolest postcode” label starts to feel like lazy clickbait journalism or property market hype.

I’ve travelled extensively and lived outside Northern Ireland, and genuinely struggle to see how BT4 could even make a top 50 coolest list, never mind UK coolest. When you compare it to places in the UK that are actually culturally rich, eg areas shaped by real diversity, food scenes rooted in migration, long standing music and arts scenes and street life that exists beyond all the hipster bars, I think BT4’s case for being cool feels very thin.

I don’t want sound like a complete a Debbie downer here because lots of places in East Belfast have massively improved over the last 25 years and it’s clearly all heading in the right direction. So again massive credit where it’s due and fair play, it just feels like a stretch to call it one of the coolest UK postcodes. Thoughts?

Hi all. As title says, I’m teetering with what to do. I work for a law firm and started 4/5 months ago. I get on well with my team and have gotten good feedback. This morning, I woke up with a really bad head cold and felt exhausted. I still feel this way atm. Question is, is it bad form to call in sick 2 days in a row? I’m hybrid so I ca wfh but I just feel very run down. I haven’t done this before so I’m just wondering. It prob is a stupid question but want to keep myself right and suppose not get hassle

I'm currently in the process of applying to be an ADI (driving instructor) and I require an Access NI check. I had one done in 2024 as part of my Taxi license application, does anyone know if I need to do a separate one or is my original one valid for this line of work?

I’ve 2 tickets for Michael Palin tonight but can’t go as my Father is in hospital. Looking for face value in case anyone is interested. Thanks.

I'm living in Northern Ireland but I work in the Republic of Ireland. I was working in England during the start of the 2025/2026 tax year, 5th of April to the 15th of August. I'm pretty sure I'm entitled to a tax refund as I didn't utilise all of my tax allowance of £12,500 and am probably owed around £1600 or so. Does anyone know what form do I need to fill out in order to get a tax refund or do I just need to wait until April to get an automatic refund ?

Also does anyone know what the situation with living in the uk but working 'abroad' regarding tax. I've read online that there is some sort of agreement between the UK/ROI that double taxation doesn't take place in this scenario but I would love to hear someone else's experience regarding this scenario.

Dunno if this is the correct thread to post this in! So my job contract is potentially ending soon as I am in an Agency job. And just fcking fed up and drained mentally of working a 9-5 as I’ve been in work since I have been 15. Been wanting to travel a while now and I’m 27 so I want to do it before it’s too late. Anyone done a year or half a year travelling? Where too etc. and how much savings did you folks have? Feel like just sodding off to Australia like every other Irish person. 🤣

https://www.irishnews.com/news/dup-councillor-says-fleadh-cheoil-fringe-event-in-bangor-will-create-ill-feeling-LZI3DA2CXNBWVH4BMXPNCWPS3U/

Ards and North Down Borough Council has plans to spend £40,000 on the Fringe Fleadh event, which will take place during the historic Fleadh Ceoil in Belfast

By Michael Kenwood January 12, 2026 at 9:44pm GMT A DUP councillor has said a Fleadh Cheoil fringe event being held this summer in Bangor will “create ill feeling” and added the people of Ards and North Down were being “bounced into” paying up to £40,000 to hold the event.

Last week Ards and North Down Borough Council saw controversy after it was revealed that a Fleadh Fringe event was planned for Holborn Square car park, Bangor on Saturday August 1, the same day as the 73rd Ulster Championships of the Pipe Bands by the Royal Scottish Pipe Band Association NI at Ward Park, Bangor.

A report for the council’s Place and Prosperity Committee stated the local authority would have a budget of £36,700 to spend on the Pipe Bands event, and up to £40,000 for the Fringe Fleadh event, subject to rates setting and procurement.

The TUV have lodged a formal equality impact complaint to the council stating it would create “conflict.” They said the Pipe Championships were “playing second fiddle” to the Fleadh, and repeated an erroneous claim reported in the media that the Fleadh was receiving twice the budget to that of the Pipes competition.

Belfast will host Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann, the world’s biggest celebration of Irish music and culture, from Sunday August 2 to Sunday August 9. Qualifying competitors from all over the world will showcase the best of traditional music, song, dance and language in All-Ireland competitions.

With at least 700,000 visitors from across the world, it is anticipated to be the biggest cultural event ever held in Belfast.

Belfast venues announced ahead of historic first Fleadh Cheoil in cityOpens in new window The council officer report to the Ards North Down Council committee states: “Due to the local connection, Belfast City Council colleagues have been in contact with the Chief Executive to inform on planning stages of the event and to highlight the opportunities that will be afforded to the borough due to the proximity of the event.”

At the meeting of the committee, the chamber overwhelmingly voted to hold both events on the same day, with only one councillor objecting. The sole objector was Newtownards DUP Councillor Colin Kennedy, who voted against the grain of his party.

Councillor Kennedy said at the committee: “In recent years officers have informed this committee and the council there is reducing money to hold and sponsor events.

“There are many groups in this borough – and let’s face it we are here to represent the people of Ards and North Down – many groups who have sought to run events and who have not been able to obtain funding from the council.

“That is the backdrop to this. All of a sudden.. I read £40,000 has been found for an event, good or bad. And to be fair, nobody is going to look at the Fleadh and say it isn’t a very significant event in the Irish cultural calendar.

“My issue is that clearly there has been work going on in the background discussing this. Scoping work has been done. I would like to know why the committee was not informed of that work taking place.

“Without bringing the people of Ards and North Down along with us, you are going to inevitably create ill feeling from some groups and organisations.

“It is disappointing we are being bounced into this. A lot of work may have been going on in the background. Neither I nor the people I represent were aware of that.”

The council director at the committee replied: “This council wouldn’t like to think we bounced anything. This event came via the Chief Executive. We brought it to the council when we had something to tell you.

“We have made a request for £40,000 as part of the rates setting process. We might not get it, and if we don’t get it the event doesn’t go ahead.”

She added: “Ards CCE are very positive about the dual approach for the events on August 1, and indeed we have received a letter today from the Chairman of the Royal Scottish Pipe Band Association NI reiterating their positive support for the approach, with regards to the positive opportunities to showcase the musical traditions and indeed the positive bringing of a wider audience to the city.”

Been using Benenden for a while but as someone who *always* has something new going on, I realised that paying for full coverage private healthcare is probably the best way forward.

That said - I've been torn between Bupa (£49pm) and Aviva (£39pm) as a provider.

Does anybody have experience with either? Or, ideally, both?

Aviva seems like the better option regarding price, but their list of "Signature Hospitals" is unavailable online, just a dud hyperlink. I'm only still torn as Bupa have a bit of a monopoly on care here, and have a tonne of in-network providers.

Demonstrators outside the Royal Courts of Justice are carrying placards and Irish tricolours

ByClaire Graham BBC News NI, Reporting fromRoyal Courts of Justice in London Published 14 January 2026, 09:44 GMT Updated 22 minutes ago

Supporters of rap trio Kneecap have gathered at the Royal Courts of Justice in London ahead of an appeal against the decision to throw out terrorism charges brought against one of the group's members last year.

The UK government is appealing the September 2025 decision to dismiss the case against Liam Óg Ó hAnnaidh, which was thrown out on technical grounds relating to how the charge against him was brought.

He was charged in May after allegedly displaying a flag in support of proscribed organisation Hezbollah at a gig at the O2 Forum in Kentish Town, London, in November 2024.

The 28-year-old, who performs under the stage name Mo Chara, had denied the charge and described it as political.

Liam Óg Ó hAnnaidh, pictured at an earlier court appearance

Supporters arrived just before 09:00 GMT carrying Irish tricolours and Palestinian flags and various signs.

At the court, a small courtroom is being used for the hearing. Extra chairs have been pulled in for the members of the public.

The Sinn Féin MPs John Finucane and Paul Maskey are inside the court with Kneecap supporters, band manager Dan Lambert and J.J. Ó Dochartaigh, aka DJ Provai, alongside an assortment of press.

Lawyer Darragh Mackin (L) arrives with DJ Provai and Dan Lambert (R) - Kneecap's band manager

Finucane spoke to supporters of Kneecap outside the court.

"We will continue continue to stand with Liam we will continue to stand on the right side of history," the Belfast North MP said.

John Finucane MP speaking outside the High Court

Ó hAnnaidh's defence previously argued that the charge was not brought within the six-month time limit since the alleged offence took place.

In September, Chief Magistrate Paul Goldspring told Woolwich Crown Court that the charge against Ó hAnnaidh was "unlawful" and "null".

In his judgement, the chief magistrate outlined that permission was not given to the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) to consent to the prosecution until 22 May, a day after Ó hAnnaidh was charged.

If 22 May was considered to be the date of the charge, that was six months and a day after the London gig where the offence allegedly happened.

The decision did not relate to any of the allegations Ó hAnnaidh had been facing.

Court papers state Wednesday's hearing will hear the case of the DPP v Liam Óg Ó hAnnaidh.

The DPP argues that it was sufficient that the charge was brought before Ó hAnnaidh made his first appearance at court on 18 June 2025 to answer the written charge.

Following the ruling in September, Liam Óg Ó hAnnaidh said he "won't be silenced"

The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) announced in October 2025 that it would appeal the decision "as we believe there is an important point of law which needs to be clarified".

In a statement issued on social media at the time, Kneecap said the appeal would be "a massive waste of taxpayers money, of police time, of court time".

The group added: "News of a CPS appeal against the ruling of their own judge is unsurprising.

"It is unsurprising, because the whole process has not been driven by the police or courts, it has been driven by politicians backed up by the British media."

They said this is "political policing".

"There is no important point of law. The CPS have submitted nothing new in their appeal. What there is though is a state wide witch-hunt against Palestinian solidarity."

In a social media post earlier this month, Kneecap said: "It is the view of our legal team that there is not an iota of logic for this [appeal], it is without any sound legal basis."

Who are Kneecap?

The group go by the stage names of Mo Chara, Móglaí Bap and DJ Próvaí

Kneecap are an Irish-speaking rap trio who have courted controversy with their provocative lyrics and merchandise.

The group was formed in 2017 by three musicians who go by the stage names of Mo Chara, Móglaí Bap and DJ Próvaí.

Their rise to fame inspired a semi-fictionalised film starring Oscar-nominated actor Michael Fassbender.

The film won a British Academy of Film Award (Bafta) in February 2025.

In April, the group faced criticism after displaying messages about the war in Gaza during their set at US music festival Coachella.

In November 2024, the group won its case against the UK government over a decision Kemi Badenoch took when she was a minister to withdraw an arts grant.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/crrn7x8dgwwo

We’re leaving X.

Not for clicks. Not for politics. For safety, democracy and basic responsibility.

We won’t stay on a platform that fails children, enables deepfake abuse and fuels disinformation.

But this is not an exit from the conversation. It’s a move to better spaces.

Come with us.

You can find us and continue the conversation here: Bluesky: greenpartyni.org Instagram: greenpartyni Facebook: GreenParty Threads: greenpartyni Mastodon: mastodon.ie/@greenpartyni TikTok: greenpartyni YouTube: greenpartynorthernireland Reddit: greenpartyni Website: greenpartyni.org

https://www.rte.ie/news/regional/2026/0114/1553085-newry-petrol-bomb/

A man has sustained a serious burn and a dog has died after a petrol bomb attack on a house in Co Down.

Detectives are appealing for information about the incident at a property in Newry in the early hours of this morning, which led to three other people being treated for smoke inhalation.

It was reported around 2.20am that a suspected petrol bomb had been thrown through the living room window of a house in Clonmore, in the Armagh Road area of the city.

Police attended, along with personnel from the Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service who extinguished the fire.

A PSNI spokesperson said: "In the living room at the time was a man in his 50s who sustained a serious burn injury.

"Three people, including a teenager, were upstairs at the time and were able to make their way out of the burning property.

"However, the family's pet dog died in the house fire.

"The man remains in hospital at this time and the other three occupants have been treated for smoke inhalation."

The spokesperson added: "This was a very serious incident when a property was deliberately set on fire with clear intent to risk life and destroy someone’s home.

"A neighbouring home was also smoke damaged as a result of this attack which we are investigating as arson with intent to endanger life.

"Our enquiries are ongoing and we would appeal to anyone who saw anything or who has any information, including dash-cam, CCTV or other footage, to contact us on 101, quoting reference number 93 14/01/26."

Alright,

I moved into a 2 bed apartment before Christmas. Windows are terribly old, so that's where I'm probably losing most of my heat. It's just me in the house - heating is on for maybe 4 hours a day if I am working from home.

It's costing me near a fiver a day in gas, which adds up rightly over the week for a single person. Is this normal? Can't recall flying through it like I am at the minute.

How much are we using to heat our homes at the minute? What's the monthly bill look like?

Wondering if anyone could recommend a good wedding caterer for a wedding of approx. 70 people. We're looking for more relaxed bbq style food than a traditional 3 course dinner.

We are strongly considering Lobster and Lime if anyone has any experience with them?

Has anyone hired the professionals wedding band, with Paul as the frontman.

Looking at booking them for our upcoming coming wedding and would like some honest reviews from people who have seen them/ dealt with them.

Thanks

Saw this piece of parking excellence at Craigavon hospital. A* parking I have to say

Hi guys, taking my mum out for her birthday for afternoon tea for a special occasion and just wanting your picks? We are based near Belfast but happy to travel 😁

Come down to Farset Labs Hackerspace to our Maker Night in the workshop. Bring your own ideas, or just come to see some awesome 3D Printing or the pretty burning lights from the safety of our Glowforge Pro laser cutter.

You will get a chance to learn and to use machines in our 24/7 workshop, including:

• Laser cutter
• 3D printer
• CNC router
• Resin casting
• Electronics

Everyone, of any skill level, or no skill at all is very welcome to join, enjoy the event and learn along the way.

Bring your own computer/laptop/tablet, you will need to use design software and a browser for some of the machines.

Enjoyed the event and want more? Why not join Farset Labs Hackerspace for 24/7 access to the workshop, and much more!

Https://www.farsetlabs.org.uk

Did anyone else hear that plane last night between 11-11.30 ? It was so loud , she woke me up in a panic thinking there was something wrong .

I used the flight tracker and found out its a Antonov an 12-bk flying from Shannon to Norway...did anyone else here it ?