Pause in politics can give rise to a deeper contemplation of our own violent past…

For arrogance and hatred are the wares peddled in the thoroughfares. How but in custom and in ceremony are innocence and beauty born? Ceremony’s a name for the rich horn, and custom for the spreading laurel tree. –A Prayer For My Daughter, WB Yeats Interesting to debate with the estimable Malachi O’Doherty on Talkback this afternoon over whether there should have been a pause in the election campaign. He almost won me over with the one line that our pausing is …

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Political leaders’ first thoughts on #Manchester…

An abbreviated round-up of the reaction of Irish political leaders north and south to last night’s bombing in Manchester…. Arlene Foster, DUP… We all stand in solidarity with the people of Manchester and must unite in condemnation of those who brought terror to so many families as they enjoyed a concert. Whilst terrorists can bring pain and grief, the kindness and generosity displayed by the people of Manchester has already shown that they will not win.” Michelle O’Neill, Sinn Fein… …

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