After wet, chilly weather the weekend is looking far nicer. Even more important, tomorrow is the longest day in a part of the world which is far north - this is a moment of seasonal joy, but also melancholy. Conditions are good for armed forces day, which is under way in Coleraine. The jury in the trial of Jeffrey Donaldso has been sent home for the weekend. Andy Burnham has won a huge local mandate and will soon be overseeing the UK's many challenges. Among them is veterans who are unhappy at Troubles legislation. Last weekend I challenged the slur that unionists are more racist than nationalists. Meanwhile, Owen Polley says that immigration fears must be listened to. And Jeff Dudgeon has a long essay on that theme in today's print edition, continuing on Monday (it will be online later in the weekend). My column is on how the petition of concern is now vital to unionists. Last Saturday I was at the last of six excellent Armagh talks on Ulster links to early America. Next Saturday there is one on the influence of the Ulsterman Francis Hutcheson at that time. Enjoy your weekend and your reading, Ben |
