Laoise de Brún has accused the Irish media of “manufacturing consent” on contested social issues, arguing that “they prepare the ground for Government policy by manufacturing consent and amplifying the official narrative around the issues of the day”. Writing in this paper about her experience campaigning on gender policy, Ms de Brún says that after…
Baroness Nuala O’Loan has warned that proposals to legalise assisted suicide risk redefining “care and compassion” as the facilitation of death, arguing instead that true compassion lies in providing proper care and support at the end of life. Speaking amid ongoing debates in Westminster, Scotland and the Isle of Man, the crossbench peer said the…
Northern Ireland Education Minister Paul Givan has announced a comprehensive response to the recent Supreme Court judgment on Religious Education and collective worship in Northern Ireland schools. The package includes a review to revise the Religious Education (RE) curriculum and the introduction of formal inspection of RE across all schools. There are no plans to…
Thousands of graduates who voted in previous Seanad elections have been removed from the voting register, and most people affected are unaware, said Independent Senator Rónán Mullen. Senator Mullen is calling on all Irish graduates to re-claim their right to vote on the www.seanadvoter.ie website, or by writing to SeanadVoter.ie at P.O. BOX 13784, Dublin 2. A new six-seat constituency,…
Newly installed Bishop of Raphoe Niall Coll said his first responsibility as bishop is not to outline plans or priorities, but to be a disciple who faithfully follows Christ. Preaching at his Installation Mass in St Eunan’s Cathedral, Letterkenny, on Sunday, January 25, Bishop Coll reflected on Jesus’ ministry in Galilee, explaining that Christ did…
The Society of St Vincent de Paul (SVP) says it received a record 260,799 requests for assistance in 2025, a 6% increase on 2024, with demand rising sharply in the run-up to Christmas. December requests were 12% higher year-on-year. Food remained the biggest driver of need, with 112,772 food requests in 2025, while requests for…
In week two of his Dei Verbum catechesis, Pope Leo XIV says we know the Father by entering the Son’s relationship with him, in the Spirit. Dear brothers and sisters, good morning and welcome! We will continue the catechesis on the Dogmatic Constitution Dei Verbum, of Vatican Council II, on divine Revelation. We have seen…
Baptism is a non-negotiable gift Dear Editor, it is with shock and incredulity that I heard that Mary McAleese made a broadside on infant baptism. Baptism has been described as a gift that takes a lifetime to unwrap. I find it tragic that a woman of her standing, intelligence, and qualifications could conclude her adult faith formation in this way.…
The Catholic Mothers Ireland (CMI) has been officially granted charity status by the Charity Commission NI. “This recognition by the Charity Commission is a testament to the dedication of our volunteers and supporters. We look forward to reaching more women and families, offering practical support, faith formation, and a sense of belonging,” said Sinéad Strong,…
The Order of Malta in Ireland has welcomed the launch by An Post of a commemorative stamp marking the centenary of the priestly ordination of Msgr Hugh O’Flaherty, one of Ireland’s most notable twentieth-century humanitarians. Born in Co. Kerry and ordained in Rome in 1925, he later served in the Vatican Diplomatic Service and the…