It has been a fine spring morning in Northern Ireland, but our big sporting interests are elsewhere. There is a local link to this afternoon's Grand National, with a horse called Banbridge attracting heavy bets in the town after which he is named. Across the pond, Rory McIlroy is storming the leader board at the Master's. He has been in the spotlight also over his extravagant menu choice for a champions dinner. I say he has earned it. Back home, there is discontent on both sides of the border over fuel prices. But an economist here sees little coming respite in those costs.
This week I met, and we interviewed, two military leaders during the Troubles who are increasingly outspoken about the Labour government's legacy deal with the Irish Republic. I write that it would be impossible to imagine an American leader like Donald Trump in an equivalent situation being as weak as the UK has been.
Talking of legacy, it is 50 years since the murder of the Herron family at their drapery shop in Dromore. With the Sperrins gold mine inquiry about to begin, we write that never again should London let Northern Ireland allow such an important decision to languish for so long. Enjoy your spring weekend, Ben |
