All Sections
News you can trust since 1737
BREAKING

Thu, 7th December 2023

The normally bustling Europa Bus Station in Belfast during the first 24-strike this month, on 1 December. A futher three strike dates have been announced before Christmas. Pic Colm Lenaghan/Pacemaker

Three days of transport strikes ‘targeting smaller businesses’
​Retail and hospitality representatives have lamented that new dates for public transport strikes appear to be targeting their sectors in the run-up to Christmas.

Five Things To Read

  • 1Editorial: The use of IRA informers saved lives and is to be celebrated
  • 2DUP: Long should apologise over Protocol
  • 3Vigil held for nursing assistant, 23, ‘taken too soon and so cruelly’
  • 4Appeal to Chris Heaton-Harris to address 'chronic underfunding' of NI schools
  • 5Council probe into preacher amplifier consultation
    • Irish PM Leo Varadkar claims Sinn Fein aren't suitable for top ministries in the Republic of Ireland.

    Varadkar: SF ‘unsuitable’ for Government

    A crowd began gather in the rain on Edward Street in Lurgan, where Odhrán Kelly's body was found on Sunday. Picture By: Arthur Allison: PacemakerPress.

    Fourth arrest in Odhran Kelly murder investigation as two women charged

    Yellow warning starts at 10am Thursday

    Weather: Second yellow weather warning for rain set to come into place

    Alfredo "Freddie" Scappaticci pictured at the 1987 funeral of IRA man Larry Marley. No prosecutions are to be pursued following the latest consideration of files from a major investigation into the top Army agent within the Provisional IRA.

    Kenova: Muted reaction to decision not to prosecute 16 people

    Feature Video: Watch now

    Buskers react to plans which would make them buy permits and move constantly during the day as former top PSNI man says rules are 'draconian': Press: ▶️ & 🔊

    View more

    Puzzles

    Quick CrosswordTo test and hone your word skills

    SudokuThe ultimate logic-based numbers game

    WordwheelPit yourself against the clock with our simple anagram game

    Cost Of Living

    23 Main Road, Portavogie, Newtownards, BT22 1EH 2 Bed Semi-detached House Offers around £49,950

    Here are some of the cheapest properties for sale in Northern Ireland

    Crowds pour into Belfast City centre for Christmas shopping

    Consumer Council offers advice on saving money on Christmas food

    As a natural monopoly, it said NIE Networks is subject to economic regulation which provides protection for all electricity consumers in terms of quality and cost. (Photo by Christopher Furlong/Getty Images)

    Large energy users could face bill increase under plans to upgrade the grid

    Christmas dinner

    NI consumers left feeling anxious and “caught off guard” by rising food prices

    Opinion

    The elves and the Christmas tree

    It's beginning to feel a bit like Christmas as I listen to a festive favourite

    It is often remarked as the hours of daylight begin to diminish and the temperature drops, that Christmas starts earlier every year.By The Newsroom
    Morning View

    Editorial: Time to replace Independent Reporting Commission with a new body

    Violence erupted in Dublin last month after a knife attack left several people injured. The riot involved incidents of vandalism, arson, looting, and assaults on gardaí and members of the public.

    Letter: Disconnect between people and politicians on immigration

    Letter: Award for News Letter reporter s well deserved

    Letters

    The economic impact of a united Ireland has been the subject of debate. Esmond Birnie casts doubt over whether there would be an upsurge in economic subvention on a scale sufficient to render subvention irrelevant

    Esmond Birnie: Subvention under a united Ireland would indeed 'matter'

    Morning View

    Editorial: The DUP and UUP are right to defend strand one

    Letters to editor

    Letter: Looking for a messiah at a time of despair

    Sport

    Rangers' Abdallah Sima celebrates scoring his side's winning goal in the cinch Premiership clash against Hearts at Tynecastle Stadium

    Abdallah Sima on target as Rangers beat Hearts again

    Northern Ireland striker Liam Boyce has extended his contract with Hearts

    Liam Boyce pens new Hearts deal until 2025

    Northern Ireland ace Rory McIlroy. PIC: Zac Goodwin/PA Wire

    Rory McIlroy: New rule changes will help make professional golf more exciting

    Coleraine's David McDaid and Graham Kelly pictured with Cliftonville's Chris Gallagher and Stephen Mallon at the Clearer Water Irish Cup fifth round draw today in Belfast. PIC: STEPHEN DAVISON/PACEMAKER

    Chris Gallagher wants to play part in ending Cliftonville's Irish Cup hoodoo

    New Ireland captain Paul Stirling is hoping for a successful series against Zimbabwe in Harare after a disappointing World Cup qualifying campaign

    New Ireland captain Paul Stirling targets successful tour in Zimbabwe

    Crusaders manager Stephen Baxter has won the Irish Cup on four occasions. PIC: Jonathan Porter/PressEye

    Stephen Baxter admits drawing former club Ards makes Irish Cup tie extra special

    Crusaders are defending Irish Cup champions after beating Ballymena United 4-0 in last season's decider. PIC: INPHO/Jonathan Porter

    IRISH CUP FIFTH ROUND DRAW: Crusaders to start cup defence with home clash

    Irish League Football

    Linfield celebrate their BetMcLean Cup win over Larne at Inver Park

    Linfield knock out Larne on penalties in BetMcLean Cup

    Linfield manager David Healy. PIC: INPHO Brian Little

    David Healy looking for major Linfield reaction ahead of Larne League Cup test

    Newry City fans and players celebrate after John McGovern's late equaliser against Crusaders. PIC: Inpho/Stephen Hamilton

    Gary Boyle calls on Newry City to maintain high standards in crunch cup clash

    Glenavon manager Stephen McDonnell takes his side to Coleraine this evening. PIC: INPHO/Stephen Hamilton

    Stephen McDonnell looking Glenavon to build on positive performances

    Portadown were beaten 2-0 by fellow Championship title challengers Dundela on Saturday. Photo by David Maginnis/Pacemaker Press

    Clifford Adams: Portadown were off the pace during Dundela defeat

    Eating Out

    Pictured receiving the accolade on behalf of ABP Linden Foods at a black-tie dinner and ceremony in the Royal Lancaster Hotel, London are Diane Christie, ABP Linden head of innovation and Caoimhe Mallon ABP Linden retail technical manager with Daniel Murphy, M&S business unit controller

    Tyrone firm gets huge business boost with top food manufacturing award

    Taurine is found in meat, fish and in certain supplements and energy drinks. Taurine levels are significantly lower in the blood of older people compred to the young, suggesting that the consumption of the nutrient could play a role in increasingly longevity and stalling the ageing process although so far research has been focused on higher taurine consumption in animals

    Scientists find taurine could increase chances of longevity

    Crime

    The Montgomery Drive area of Lisburn

    Arson attack on Lisburn residential property on Wednesday evening investigated

    Odhran Kelly

    Police have confirmed the identity of the person found dead in Lurgan on Sunday

    Police at McWhirters Jewellers in Newry on Wednesday

    'Ram raid' incident at jewellers in early hours of morning

    Detectives from the Police Service’s Organised Crime Branch, who carried out searches in Newry, seized a number of items, including a vehicle and mobile phones. All have been removed for further examination. (Photo by PAUL FAITH/AFP via Getty Images)

    PSNI and An Garda Síochána conduct simultaneous search operations

    A 69 year old man has been extradited from Denmark

    Man aged 69 wanted for assault in 1970s extradited from Denmark to NI

    Jolene Bunting pictured at Laganside Courts in Belfast City Centre at an earlier hearing. Picture by Jonathan Porter/PressEye

    Bunting feared facing Britain First leader court is told

    What's On

    Vets Dr James Greenwood and Dr Bolu Eso

    Thursday: Fur Babies (Channel 4, 8pm)

    Muddles, Paddy and May of the Mirror

    Northern Ireland’s largest pantomime is back for another magical year...

    Rowan Fielding

    Wednesday: Mayfair Witches (BBC Two, 9pm)

    Retro

    The first Now That's What I Call Music was released in 1983

    Retro: Let's hear it for Now That's What I Call Music compilations!
    ​Hands up if Now That’s What I Call Music! 1 was on your Christmas list in 1983?

    The Law Society of Northern Ireland unveils new portrait of Dorothea Heron, a young woman who made legal history by becoming the first woman Solicitor on the Roll on the island of Ireland. Educated in Belfast, her last remaining years were spent living in Portstewart. Pictured with the portrait are president Darren Toombs and Margaret Elliott past president

    Belfast portrait unveiled of first woman solicitor on the island of Ireland

    The Ulster Folk and Transport Museum is one of the finest in Europe, displays Ireland's largest and most comprehensive transport collection, from horse-drawn carts to Irish built motor cars, and from the mighty steam locomotives that graced our railways to the history of ship and aircraft building. Picture: Tony Pleavin/Northern Ireland Tourist Board

    New transport museum scheme could cost £40,000 (1959)

    Pictured in October 1981 is Mr J Hill, manager of the Ballymena branch of the Northern Bank, handing over championship cheques to John Harkin (supreme champion) and John Conway (reserve supreme champion) at a show and sale of pedigree Blackface ram lambs at Ballymena. Picture: News Letter archives/Darryl Armitage

    Corporation scheme proposes ‘no cattle’ on the streets of Belfast (1937)

    Graeme Stenhouse, Governor ABOD, pictured at the Apprentice Boys of Derry’s Shutting of the Gates parade held in the city on Saturday last. Photo: George Sweeney

    In Pictures: Apprentice Boys 'Shutting of the gates' parade in Londonderry

    Homes & Gardens

    Instant barbecue brand Bar-Be-Quick has launched into the winter fuels market with new brand Fire&Flame

    Bar-Be-Quick launches new winter fuel range in Northern Ireland
    Fire&Flame products are now available in Sainsbury’s NI in time for the winter months

    Choice Housing, one of Northern Ireland’s largest housing associations alongside their subsidiary Maple and May, has launched the construction of their £18 million mixed tenure development in Newry. Pictured are Martina McGrattan-Hynds (Choice senior development officer), Stephen Davey (director of Clonrose Developments) and Siobhan McCrystal (Choice head of growth)

    Work begins on £18.3million Choice Housing development in Newry

    Everything you need to know about growing Brussels sprouts

    Gardens: Tips for growing your own Brussel Sprouts

    Ireland’s largest rug retailer has opened a new store in the Quay’s Shopping Centre, Newry, creating two new retail jobs. Loom to room specialists Kukoon Rugs, which is already headquartered in Newry at the Carnbane Industrial Estate, will offer over 400 of exclusive designs at the new 1,600sq ft concept shop

    Ireland’s largest rug retailer returns 'home' with new Newry store expansion

    Newly opened garden retailer, Dobbies and Northern Ireland housebuilder, Lotus Homes have teamed up to launch Northern Ireland’s first ever shoppable show home in time for Christmas at its new Weaver’s Gate development in Antrim

    Dobbies and Lotus Homes open first ‘shoppable’ home in time for Christmas

    Lifestyle

    Jarlath Watson of Echlinville Distillery in Kircubbin, Co. Down, now the home of Dunville’s Irish Whiskey, ‘the historic spirit of Belfast’, was the big local winner in the recent Irish Whiskey Awards in Dublin

    NI whiskey producers in great spirits after winning host of awards

    Helen Troughton of Troughton’s Premium Mixers and Armagh Cider in Co Armagh is showing a range of soft drinks at Gifted in Dublin

    Dublin show is a gift for NI producers

    Robins love crushed peanuts

    RSPB NI: What to feed our feathered friends this Christmas

    A camel on the beach in front of the Dubai skyline.

    Travel: Enjoy winter sun in Dubai

    People

    Men and women living in Belfast have the lowest life expectancy in Northern Ireland, new figures from the Department of Health have revealed. This is compared to Mid Ulster, Lisburn and Castlereagh which has the highest life expectancy rates

    Report: Men and women living in Belfast have the lowest life expectancy in NI
    However new figures from the Department of Health also revealed those living in areas of Co Antrim and Mid Ulster have the highest life expectancy in Northern Ireland

    (left to right) Kirsten Hackman, Michelle Rumball, Fran Hall and Kathryn Butcher, who were removed from the UK Covid-19 Inquiry as Boris Johnson began his evidence with an apology to victims of the pandemic at Dorland House in London, during its second investigation (Module 2) exploring core UK decision-making and political governance. Photo : Jordan Pettitt/PA Wire

    Covid Inquiry: ‘We don’t want your apology’, protesters tell Boris Johnson

    May Dunlop and her husband Willie pictured at the opening of the Joey Dunlop Memorial garden in Ballymoney in 2001

    Bill Kennedy remembers "unassuming and dignified" May Dunlop after death aged 91

    Business

    Downpatrick Post Office has opened at a new location to restore vital Christmas services after Storm Babet. Pictured is Gareth Latus inside the temporary shop at Unit 5a Grove Shopping Centre, Downpatrick

    Downpatrick Post Office hit by major flood reopens

    Hattersley, Manchester 2023

    Experts name Northern Ireland Christmas tree among Britain's top 10 worst ever

    Corporate law firm A&L Goodbody (ALG) has welcomed five newly qualified solicitors to its 130-strong team of lawyers and business support professionals in Northern Ireland. Pictured are Lauren Hudson, Eoin Culliton, Liam Fox, Louise Bailey, Holly Johnston and Niamh Flanagan

    NI law firm welcomes five newly qualified solicitors to its 130-strong team

    Belfast-based private equity firm Cordovan Capital Management has announced a significant equity investment into BLK BOX Fitness Limited. Pictured are Ben Stocks, managing director, BLK BOX, Daniel Anderson, partner, Cordovan Capital Management and Greg Bradley, founder and sales director of BLK BOX

    Belfast private equity firm announces significant BLK BOX investment

    Recommended

    Historic grade 2 listed seaside property on the Ards peninsula on the market

    1 Governors Gate Manor, Royal Hillsborough, BT26 6FZ 3 Bed Detached House Offers over £635,000

    Neo Gothic Style home with a prominent spire and stone facade for sale locally

    Mast

    EE brings 4G mobile coverage boost to at least 139 rural communities

    These are the best and spookiest costumes for children for Halloween 2023.

    Cheap, scary Halloween costumes for kids - Wednesday and Marvel heroes

    UK Trending

    Two young men were surrounded by armed police at a McDonald's drive-through and ordered out of their car at gunpoint. Driver Joel Thorogood, 21, said he was "shocked and scared" as guns were pointed directly at him and his passenger during the incident in Taunton, Somerset, on Monday evening (4 Dec). Picture: SWNS

    Men terrified as armed police surround them at McDonald's over 'gun'

    Jools Holland will return to BBC Two for his Annual Hootenanny 2023.

    How to watch Jools Holland’s Annual Hootenanny 2023 and full line-up

    Fancy watching something a little different this Christmas? Look no further.

    Christmas Day 2023 - Alternative watch guide

    Many consumers don't use retailers who charge to return items

    These to 'new' Christmas traditions are slowly pushing old ones out

    British Gas electricity customers can claim half price electricity on Christmas Day.

    British Gas offers half price electricity on Christmas Day

    Must Read

    The statue in Hillsborough Forest Park stands about 5m tall and was originally titled Cernunnos, after a pagan deity. The council has now removed the name but some ratepayers say it still scares young children.

    Council removes 'witchcraft deity' name from ‘scary statue’

    Ad Feature Households urged to prepare for first cold snap

    Ad Feature British Gas, Team GB and ParalympicsGB announce new 5 year partnership

    Ad Feature More than meets the dry eye - combatting eye discomfort