www.irishnews.com/opinion/tom-... There’s something off about the display of holy relics, but perhaps the display of St Francis’s mortal remains is the exception that proves the rule. My column in today’s @irishnews.com online and in the shops.

A note to folk who care about journalism: stories are behind paywalls for a reason. It’s how people like me - whose work some of you seem to appreciate - get paid. If I’m not paid, I don’t write. If you like a story I’ve written post a link. If you post screenshots you’re literally picking my pocket

www.irishnews.com/opinion/tom-... My column in today’s @irishnews.com online and in the shops.

www.irishnews.com/opinion/tom-... Today’s column in @irishnews.com Enjoy your pancakes.

I am heart sore this morning at the death of Jeane Freeman, a wonderful Cabinet colleague. Jeane gave selfless service to Scotland especially as Health Secretary during Covid. In designing Scotland’s social security system, she put dignity and respect at its heart. (1/2)

Anas Sarwar says today of Peter Mandelson: “I'm utterly disgusted and furious about the entire situation … He never should have been the ambassador to the US.” For context, here’s Sarwar in April 2025 love-bombing his ‘old friend’. They think we are stupid. He is an amoral opportunistic chancer.

www.irishnews.com/opinion/tom-... My column in today’s @irishnews.com online and in the shops.

Another performer withdraws from the Kennedy Center.

www.irishnews.com/opinion/tom-... From today’s @irishnews.com online and in the shops

open.substack.com/pub/26writer... Honoured to be part of this great project.

Wow— “Cardinal Tobin told hundreds of faithful gathered online that now is the time to say no — no to violence, no to indifference, and no to funding the U.S. government’s own “machinery of death.” www.thelettersfromleo.com/p/pope-leos-...

www.irishnews.com/opinion/tom-... My column in today’s @irishnews.com online and in the shops.

Like so many MPs, Jenrick 'thinks he’s Francis Urquhart, when in fact he’s Baldrick'. Marvellous from @roberthutton.co.uk thecritic.co.uk/francis-urqu...

www.irishnews.com/opinion/tom-... My column today.

www.irishnews.com/opinion/tom-... my column in today’s @irishnews.com online and in the shops.

www.irishnews.com/opinion/tom-... My take on the beginning of the new year in @irishnews.com - check it out online

Bye bye Bluesky. Closing down for Christmas. Have a good one.

www.irishnews.com/opinion/tom-... from today’s @irishnews.com online and in the shops.

Trump’s problem is that so many Americans — including his MAGA base — believed that he’d expose a powerful global elite. But every day it's becoming more and more clear that Trump is part of that global elite. Expect him to lash out as the walls close in.

www.irishnews.com/opinion/tom-... when will Christian Right recognise that Jesus is for life not just for Christmas. My column in today’s Irish News online and in the shops.

"She's been on remand for over a year, her trial's not until April next year and bail keeps getting denied." news.sky.com/story/fears-...

Their demands are reasonable, their treatment is disgraceful. The government's intransigence is killing the #PalestineAction hunger strikers. Just as its complicity has assisted the genocide in Gaza. It needs to wake up right now to the moral consequences. www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2025...

The Telegraph is the last place I'd trust to tackle misinformation. Via Private Eye

www.theguardian.com/commentisfre... The British government must act and act now.

JFK’s niece: h/t @jamiegangel.bsky.social

Pretty much sums up America today.

Delighted with this early response to Baby, It's Cold Outside at The Sanctuary Theatre, Belfast until January 4 from @simonfallaha.bsky.social. Looking forward to his full review. Tickets: ticketsource.co.uk/brightumbrella

On this week's episode of The Irish History Boys, Tim McGarry and I discuss the disbandment of the "A" and "C" Specials but the retention of the "B" Specials 100 years ago this month and the overall legacy of the Specials. youtu.be/qxao4Q-maZw?...

NUJ and BEAU statement on BBC Charter Review launch www.nuj.org.uk/resource/bea...

Trump Announces 5,000% Increase In All Numbers

Downing Street have unilaterally announced they are cancelling one of the two daily No 10 "lobby" media briefings and will at times replace the other with a ministerial press conference. The lobby system has its drawbacks but it very much holds No 10 to account, so this will reduce scrutiny a lot.

The Ministry of Justice is still refusing to meet with the lawyers or families of hunger strikers being held on remand. This is a shambolic dereliction of duty. I have written to David Lammy, again, imploring him to do the right thing before it is too late.

Just got back from HMP Bronzefield. Most importantly: Qesser Zuhrah was transferred to hospital via the ambulance she’d been demanding since 5pm yesterday. David Lammy, Keir Starmer — you are on the brink of causing the deaths of multiple young Palestine hunger strikers.

Big shout out to Reach and the Daily Record for illustrating a story about Scottish postal delays over Christmas with a photograph of Portman Square in London @dailyrecord.co.uk

MPs laughed when Jake Richards dismissed Jeremy Corbyn’s request for a meeting on the Palestine Action hunger strikers. Laughed. This is who we’re governed by, people entrusted to represent a nation, yet so insulated by power they respond to human suffering with indifference and mockery.

www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2025... This is shocking… a dereliction of duty by Labour.

Marjorie Taylor Greene: "Even if you don't agree with Rob Reiner politically, there was no reason for his statement ... it was absolutely completely below the office of the president. Classless and it was just wrong."

www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/... This concert is nothing less than brilliant. Well worth a listen.

NEW: An MP has joined a prison-gate protest, declaring she will not leave until a hunger striker alleged to be near death receives an ambulance 🚨

A mini-story to cheer you up this morning. The other day my teenage son returned to his locked bike to find the back wheel nicked. We went back yesterday to rescue it - and found this note taped to the frame. We have the wheel again. A very happy Xmas to Ollie and his note-writing other half.