A MAN will serve a minimum of 20 years behind bars for the murder of his young son. Craig Rowland, of Millington Park in Portadown, appeared at Laganside Court today in connection with the murder of his son Lewis Oliver Rowland. Lewis was just three months old when he was admitted to hospital in November 2015 with “catastrophic injuries”. An investigation into the injuries … [Read more...] about Man who left young son with ‘catastrophic’ brain injuries jailed for murder
Man jailed for child sex abuse offences after ‘brave’ victims come forward
A MAN who committed multiple historic child sex offences has been jailed today. Herbert ‘Herbie’ Balmer, of Ballymena in Co. Antrim, was found guilty of eight counts of indecent assault and six counts of gross indecency with or towards a child. The 61-year-old was sentenced today to seven and a half years, of which he will serve six and a half years in custody and 12 months on … [Read more...] about Man jailed for child sex abuse offences after ‘brave’ victims come forward
SDLP leader becomes first MP to speak Irish at Prime Minister’s Questions
YESTERDAY the Irish Language was spoken for the first time in the history of Prime Minister’s Questions at the House of Commons. SDLP leader and MP for Belfast South and Mid Down, Claire Hanna, spoke the utterance to mark Seachtain na Gaeilge and St. Patrick’s Day. She also invited UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer to the Fleadh Cheoil in Belfast next year, an invitation he … [Read more...] about SDLP leader becomes first MP to speak Irish at Prime Minister’s Questions
A delicate dance in Washington: Taoiseach walks the Trump tightrope
DANIEL MULHALL, former Irish Ambassador in London and Washington, looks at the implications and aftermath of Taoiseach Micheál Martin’s St Patrick’s visit to Washington Enjoying the craic on St Patrick's Day? (Photo by Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images) A VISIT by our Taoiseach to Washington for St Patrick’s Day has for many years been an annual feature on Ireland’s political … [Read more...] about A delicate dance in Washington: Taoiseach walks the Trump tightrope
Mother and baby home survivors urged to have to their say before panel deadline
SURVIVORS of mother and baby homes, magdalene laundries and workhouses in Northern Ireland are being urged to share their experiences with the Northern Ireland Truth Recovery Independent Panel. The panel is seeking contributions from survivors on their experiences in the institutions to help establish a better understanding of practices that were undertaken within … [Read more...] about Mother and baby home survivors urged to have to their say before panel deadline