James McCarthy

'Self-interest' preventing realignment within unionism, says Mike Nesbitt "If there is a border poll, who on earth is going to vote for the uncertainty of constitutional change? They’re gonna say, I’ll tell you what, just give me more of the same, please."

'Self-interest' preventing realignment within unionism, says Mike Nesbitt

UUP 'stable and ready' for next election, says Mike Nesbitt The Ulster Unionist Party leader was speaking to Belfast Live ahead of his party conference this weekend

The Ulster Unionist Party leader was speaking to Belfast Live ahead of his party conference this weekend

Puberty blocker ban 'part of a series of attacks on Trans people' says Hanna Claire Hanna was responding to a question on whether her party would have supported the move if it had held a ministerial post.

Puberty blocker ban 'part of a series of attacks on Trans people' says Hanna

Opinion: Claire Hanna gives the SDLP its first glimmer of revival in years "Last year, I wrote that the SDLP’s survival depended on whether it had the will to revive itself. Under Claire Hanna, there is evidence that it has found that will."

Opinion: Claire Hanna gives the SDLP its first glimmer of revival in years

'Planning for a New Ireland must start now' says Claire Hanna "We think setting arbitrary dates is not that helpful … but we are also very, very clear that it's entirely compatible with the Good Friday Agreement to properly plan and engage now.”

As the SDLP gathers for its annual conference this weekend, party leader Claire Hanna is eager to put constitutional change at the heart of discussions.

SDLP leader Claire Hanna says party is finding momentum after 'tough years' "Politics isn't just about a soft play area for the MLAs to go and keep them occupied during the week."

As the SDLP gathers for its annual conference this weekend, party leader Claire Hanna sat down for a chat with me and insists the mood inside the party is shifting and rediscovering a sense of purpose

Charity set up in memory of Katie Simpson hit out at MLA's TikTok comments 'For a public representative to undermine a mother who has endured the trauma of losing her child is deeply disappointing and disrespectful'

Charity set up in memory of Katie Simpson hit out at MLA's TikTok comments

What a week it has been, after being shortlisted for Commentator Of The Year at the Media Freedom Awards last week, today, I have been named on the Press Awards 30 Under 30!

MLA insists Justice Bill amendment 'not a smacking ban' Dubbed a 'smacking ban' by some, MLA Michelle Guy insists her amendment is about closing a loophole to protect children from assault

Dubbed a 'smacking ban' by some, MLA Michelle Guy insists her amendment is about closing a loophole to protect children from assault

Opinion: PM's Brit Card proposal proves Stormont can still speak with one voice "If Stormont could bottle this kind of unity, we’d have a functioning society by next week."

Opinion: PM's Brit Card proposal proves Stormont can still speak with one voice

It's an honour to have been shortlisted for Commentator Of The Year at the Society of Editors Media Freedom Awards.

Each week, I try to make sense of the biggest stories in NI politics and at times it can feel like you're howling at the wind.

So a wee bit of recognition goes a long way!

Stormont's Standards Commissioner quits after one week in post MLA's approved his appointment last Monday

Stormont's Standards Commissioner quits after one week in post

We went on a duty-free shopping trip and saved £90 on high street prices With a budget of £100, we went wild in the aisles on board the Stena Line Dublin to Holyhead service to see what bargains we could find

With a budget of £100, I went 'wild in the aisles' onboard the Stena Line Dublin to Holyhead service to see just how their duty free shopping compares to high street prices.

Opinion: Sinn Féin delays proving a pain in the Áras for Catherine Connolly "Connolly's visit to West Belfast this week was a calculated move aimed squarely at Sinn Féin"

Catherine Connolly's visit to West Belfast this week was a calculated move aimed squarely at Sinn Féin

Belfast Live continues to dominate the market according to new NI TGI data

Reach has outperformed other local publishers, achieving unrivalled dominance in Northern Ireland’s media market

NI transgender kids could be prosecuted for possessing puberty blockers While the recent ban made it illegal to prescribe the medication, a Belfast Live investigation has uncovered that anyone who procures or is in possession of the medication could be prosecuted

While the recent ban made it illegal to prescribe puberty blockers, a Belfast Live investigation has uncovered that anyone who procures or is in possession of the medication could be prosecuted

www.belfastlive.co.uk/news/norther...

Concern as most grants handed to businesses within 1.5 miles of Invest NI office Concerns raised that majority of Invest NI grants awarded in area have gone to businesses within 1.5-mile radius of their North Eastern regional office

Concerns have been raised that majority of Invest NI grants awarded in area have gone to businesses within 1.5-mile radius of their North Eastern regional office

Oh great... Now I want cheese and pineapple on a stick!

Resident up in arms as ‘ugliest bridge in Ireland’ painted ‘Sinn Féin green’ The resident, who did not wish to be named, told Belfast Live the mural would devalue homes in the area

The resident, who did not wish to be named, told Belfast Live the mural would devalue homes in the area

Missing NI man Robert Kincaid found alive in France Belfast Live understands that he is currently receiving emergency medical treatment

BREAKING: Missing NI man Robert Kincaid has been found alive in Paris his family have confirmed to Belfast Live

Multiple flights booked in the name of missing Belfast man Robert Kincaid Despite a missing persons report having been filed with the PSNI and relayed to Interpol, French authorities claimed they had no record of the report

LATEST: Multiple flights booked in the name of missing Belfast man Robert Kincaid

Former senior PSNI officer Jon Borrows selected as new UUP North Antrim MLA Mr Borrows was one of four candidates interviewed for the role

Jon Borrows was one of four candidates interviewed for the role

What we know so far about NI man missing in France At this stage, it remains unclear whether a formal investigation is underway as the family say they are "extremely worried"

At this stage, it remains unclear if the French authorities have launched a formal investigation into Robert Kincaid's disappearance

Family preparing to fly to France to search for Belfast man missing for 10 days Robert Kincaid was last seen at Charles De Gaulle Airport, where he failed to board his flight to Dublin

Robert Kincaid was last seen at Charles De Gaulle Airport where he missed his flight. His phone has been answered on two occasions by individuals unknown to his family.

PrEP: The drug being used to eradicate new HIV diagnoses in NI by 2030 We sat down with HIV Consultant Dr Carol Emerson to find out more about PrEP and how it is reducing the number of new diagnoses

This week, I sat down with HIV Consultant Dr Carol Emerson to find out more about PrEP and how it is reducing the number of new diagnoses

'I felt like the only gay in the village', says NI's first openly gay politician Through the dark days and the abuse, he says the real reward has always been the simple moments of solidarity, such as a nod on the doorstep or a kind word in a church hall

In 1988 at the age of 22, John Blair became the first openly gay politician to be elected in Northern Ireland. Today he serves as Deputy Speaker in the Assembly

Opinion: Madeley's 'Basket Case' jibe ignores Northern Ireland's real problem "If people in England are tired of paying the bills for a corner of the UK they don’t understand, perhaps they should ask why so little has been done to make Northern Ireland economically resilient"

"If people in England are tired of paying the bills for a corner of the UK they don’t understand, perhaps they should ask why so little has been done to make Northern Ireland economically resilient"

UK TV anchor describes NI as "close to a basket case" Richard Medley made the quip while interviewing Sinn Féin President Mary Lou McDonald on Monday morning

Good Morning Britain anchor describes NI as "close to a basket case"

7/7 Bombings: The role of Northern Ireland's 'White Widow' Samantha Lewthwaite The Co Down-born Jihadi went on to become one of the world's most wanted women

7/7 Bombings: The Co Down-born Jihadi who went on to become one of the world's most wanted women

'Save Sodomy from Ulster' slogan on City Hall window 'a provocation' say TUV Belfast City Council confirmed that a complaint is being investigated

Belfast City Council confirmed that a complaint is being investigated