Patrick McKenna

Just 4% in it now. Still too soon for ''unity poll'' as there is no stable majority for unification in the North just yet. But it is coming. Time to prepare - north and south. The FG blueprint published at the weekend sets out some of the next steps that should be now be taken. It is timely and welcome 🇨🇮☘️😀

“Though she be but little, she is fierce” 🩷💜 A deeply sad day today as we said goodbye to Naomh. It was a beautiful and poignant service - but despite the sadness, a time to remember her for who she was. Hugely good fun and company, great conversations and incredible ability but with such a kind heart. She was fiercely determined - in her role as a barrister for her clients, working on the Historical Institutional Abuse inquiry, in pursuit of justice but also in defence of her family and friends. At the service, her husband referenced a card given to her by our good friend Roisín - it said, “though she be little, she be fierce”. She was indeed. I will always remember her most for her smile, her joy and her love. Her determination and her fierce loyalty. Gone much too soon, cruelly so. I am thinking most of all of her husband this evening, who cared for her and loved her with such incredible dedication and compassion. He was an absolute rock. Thinking too of all her family and friends, as they continue to grieve today and in the weeks, months and time ahead. Thank you to all those who sent me pictures of us over the years - these ones, so very Y2K (as the young ones would say), are so very of their time of the early 2000s (those pre-formal spray tans!!) - but they really capture her spirit of happiness, joy and love! Tears are the price we pay for love. I will miss you forever and so deeply Naomh, 🩷💜.

Remembrance Day - a time for to remember, reflect and to be thankful to the so many who did so much.

Labour MP Chris Bryant and #expenses #underpants

'The Men's Shed has proved invaluable for many people' - we caught up with the Speaker and those involved with Men's Sheds from across Northern Ireland during yesterday's event in the Long Gallery. 🛠️🪵🪚 @GroundworkNI

Today I resigned from the DUP and will sit as an independent member in the House of Commons. I do not intend to give a running commentary, but rest assured I am not going away. I stand on my reputation and for what I believe in. Anything else would be wrong.

A stormy and cold night, but sending a strong message. People are rightly angry at the behaviour of those who have thumbed their nose at law and have defied the decisions of the parades commission, the courts and the PSNI. We are all deeply proud of our traditions and give them our absolute support- we have been deeply hurt and angered by the abuse and hatred our traditions, identity and culture has had to endure. Well done to all the bands and those who participated, and in such a dignified way. The lawful behaviour of the Orange and all those who support them is in stark contrast to those who opposed and oppose them.

That respect and tolerance in the “new Ireland” laid bare for all to see. It was always a nonsense. The events of the last two weeks fully demonstrated how anyone with a hint of British/ unionist identity would be treated. The tetchy tweets from Colum Eastwood expose the myth.

Thames Valley Police has accepted warrants to search Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor's properties in Windsor, England, were unlawful bbc.in/4hALzAz

Following a meeting of Garvaghy residents, Breandán Mac Cionnaith issued a warning to the Orange Order over the future parade agreements right across Northern Ireland. Portadown District Master Nigel Dawson said their position has been 'clear from day one' and they 'will not be bullied'.