How do we really beat the DUP at the Ballot Box?
Arlene Foster, DUP Leader and Northern Ireland First Minister- credit, flicker user 'DUP Photos' Let's be honest: barring some miracle, the DUP will come out of this election…
It is not the ‘ignorant masses’, but rather obscene wealth that really threatens our democracy
Democracy- by flicker user Sara: It’s been said so often now that it’s becoming a bit of a truism, but 2016 was a bit shite. Whilst the doomsday clock…
Prison reform and the arts: to re, or not to re?
Image of a pensive skeleton in front of the words 'To be or not to be'; From losminos on flickr I recently watched a fascinating video on Facebook. In it…
2017 must be a year of social movements in Northern Ireland
Rally for Choice in central Belfast. Credit: Ashley Jones In many ways, 2016's tumultuous global politics felt like an extension of Northern Ireland's status quo; in a region where…
2017 will bring political chaos: the left must capture it
“If you want a picture of the future, imagine a boot stamping on a human face — forever.” So goes the quote from George Orwell’s dystopian novel, Nineteen-Eighty-Four. It…
Compulsory voter ID would only add to Britain’s democratic deficit
Former local government minister Eric Pickles (centre). Image from DCLG's Flickr account. In true festive spirit, the government announced on December 27th their response to former local government minister Eric…
2016 – Equality Triumphs
Looking back at 2016 it is undeniable that we have had a disheartening year; from the trauma of a Brexit vote to the inhumane treatment of refugees and the election…
The Greens must stand in the Copeland by-election
I’ve been a somewhat sceptical supporter of a progressive alliance, but the Greens simply must stand in Copeland. It would be to the detriment of both us and the…
We need to talk about Brexit
Theresa May has insisted on keeping the UK Government's Brexit plan a secret. Image: Cheshire East Council The new Prime Minister has declared herself committed to a ‘hard Brexit’ that…
Democracy is in crisis, but it’s not too late to save it
Donald Trump has been elected President of the United States without winning support from a majority of voters. Image by Flickr user Gage Skidmore. The United States has – albeit…