Thank you, John, for finally elevating the unity debate

6 Mar

DENIS BRADLEY, Irish News, March 6th, 2026

THREE cheers for John Taylor. That is the “wouldn’t touch it with a 40-foot barge pole” John Taylor. Three cheers and a big thank you.

I was beginning to despair that the ‘cracks that let the light in’ were not going to happen any time soon.

But John has somewhat restored my optimism.

In a wide-ranging interview in this newspaper last week, he asserted that Irish unity of some kind was inevitable and that political unionism was doing little to prepare for that future.

I was beginning to think that we were doomed to an incessantly angry argument between those for and those against Irish unity.

That the conversation would have two manifestations: among the academics and the rugby types, a conversation polite on the surface but disguising a deep anger and resentment underneath; while the rest of the population would have little hesitation in revealing the depth of their antagonism, either for or against.

But John Taylor’s intervention will have helped change the tone and the texture of the conversation.

It is impossible to be as antagonistic and dogmatic in an argument when your own are saying more or less the same thing as your opponent.

And when it comes to unionism, John Taylor is definitely ‘one of your own’ and nigh impossible to knock off that perch.

John is, of course, not the first person to say important things about the need and the wisdom of unionism involving itself in the conversation about the future of this island and the desirability of preparing people for a somewhat different political future.

First ‘big beast’ to break ranks

But within unionism, he is the first of the ‘big beasts’ to break ranks.

The fact that he was shot by the Official IRA, coupled with his impeccable political history and his often outrageous and insensitive public statements, make it impossible for unionism to ignore him or hive him off into the Lundy box.

I wouldn’t claim to know him well, but we have run across each other in public discourse.

I have a vague memory of getting a ‘scolding’ letter from him about some organisation with which I was associated, because it had written to him using Derry rather than Londonderry.

We both sat on the Policing Board for a time and he called for my resignation at one point because I had done an interview proposing joint authority.

John Taylor, also known as Lord Kilclooney, said in an interview with The Irish News that unionism needs to be prepared for the inevitability of a united Ireland

“ I was beginning to think that we were doomed to an incessantly angry argument between those for and those against Irish unity

It was a piece of political theatre, because calling for my resignation did me no harm in my constituency and him no harm in his.

But, as a major owner of newspapers and local radio stations on both sides of the border, he graciously instructed me on the dynamics of advertising and introduced me to the beauty of Cyprus, another divided island.

John, if he chose it and still has the energy for it, could be the Janus in our drama.

Janus was the Roman god who had two faces to enable him to see in both directions at the same time.

Seeing that he has now come to the conclusion that the vast majority of people on this island, both north and south, are not going to be unionist, Taylor can see and inform both sides of the conversation that needs to take place between unionists and nationalists/republicans, between the British and the Irish people who occupy this island.

He can encourage other people of his ilk and stature to break the silence, argue with open-minded unionists about the ineffectiveness of staying ‘schtum’ in a debate that has its own momentum, and the desirability of a respectful engagement, and calm the fears of those who think that a new and different Ireland will be a nightmare for unionism.

With his other face he could challenge the Irish on this island that a new shared island means just that – sharing it with people who feel and view themselves as British, and who fear that their culture and their persona would be wiped out.

Comment: I don't believe that John Taylor's comments will make any difference to a United Ireland. Too much credence is being given to a former politician who dis little to nothing regarding reconciliation. To even attempt to move forward towards a new Ireland/United Ireland there must be serious genuine movement on reconciliation between the Orange and Green.

With a dysfunctional Stormont under Sinn Fein and the DUP I cannot see any reconciliation taking place.

Reconciliation would mean the two largest parties losing votes and therefore losing their self serving version of government.

As someone from the unionist community I can't think of anything positive from John Taylor during his time as a politician or afterwards.

For decades we have heard from many different politicians on their opinions of a United Ireland and the link with the UK. Fortunately its not the politicians who decide, its the people.

Strangely John Taylor was seen as a hard liner unionist when sitting in government, doing otherwise would not have gotten him the votes to be elected. He wasn't on his own there as opposing politicians played the same card.

Now we are seeing some playing the Irish unity card while others dismiss it.

A question John Taylor needs to ask himself is that if he was a current sitting unionist politician would he make those comments?

As someone who has met many politicians on my quest for justice for my murdered son young Raymond I ask myself which politician, if any, can I trust or believe? In John Taylor's case even though I have never met him I know the answer to that. The road to "Damascus" isn't just about religion as some would believe.

Knife-edge vote blocks Irish street sign beside Stormont

Abdullah Sabri, Belfast Telegraph, March 6th, 2026

ALL PROPOSALS ARE APPROVED EXCEPT STORMONT PARK AND ONSLOW GARDENS

An application for an Irish language street sign beside the Stormont Estate has been blocked by a Belfast City Council committee by a single, deciding vote, despite meeting the threshold of support required by the narrowest of margins.

Stormont Park was one of six locations the People and Communities committee was tasked with assessing during their meeting on Wednesday night.

Just off the Upper Newtownards Road, it is situated beside the grounds that are home to Parliament Buildings, as well as Prince of Wales Avenue, the mile-long stretch of road that MLAs take to get to the Assembly.

Stormont Park's proposed name in Irish was Páirc Chnoc an Anfa.

A total of 83 residents of the street were surveyed and 69 responded.

Some 13 homes (15.6%) were in favour of the erection of a second street name plate — meeting the 15% level of support by just 0.6%.

But more than two-thirds, 56 residents (67.4%), were opposed.

Alliance Party councillor Jenna Maghie proposed that the council approve all streets except for Stormont Park and Onslow Gardens.

The latter, with the Irish name of Gairdíní Onslow, had seen 29 (25.2%) occupiers in favour and 41 (35.6%) against. One resident said they had no preference.

Ms Maghie said the proposal was based off of “what we've done with previous results that have come in like this”.

“We'd like to propose we go ahead with all of them except Onslow and Stormont Park, where there's more against than there is in favour, despite that 15% threshold,” she added.

DUP chair had casting vote

However, Sinn Fein councillor Róis-Máire Donnelly proposed that the committee approve all applications, as they met the criteria.

A subsequent knife-edge vote went in favour of Ms Maghie's proposal to reject the signage in Irish for the two east Belfast streets.

The vote was tied (nine votes for; nine against), with the committee chair, DUP councillor Fred Cobain, casting the deciding ballot.

The streets that received approval on Wednesday were Kimberley Street and St Johns Place, both near the Ormeau Road; Indiana Avenue, off the Cavehill Road; and Mountainview Drive in west Belfast.

The council recorded some local resistance, after receiving letters opposing the policy which they believe “lacks legitimacy”.

One resident from Stormont Park argued that the 15% approval rate was “not democratic” and felt that the application for a bilingual street sign was “politically motivated”.

Meanwhile, another Stormont Park occupant urged the council to raise the minimum threshold, because the current system “is purpose-built to create division and resentment, not foster community cohesion”.

They added that they “urge the council to reconsider and review the policy as a matter of fundamental democratic principle and to replace it with a process that is fair, legitimate and truly representative of the will of the community”.

One local from Onslow Gardens criticised the policy which “has the effect of deploying Irish as a device to mark out territory in an already divided city”.

The last time the erection of Irish street signs was blocked was last summer, after opposition from the DUP and Alliance to a proposal in Shandon Park in east Belfast. However, the following full council meeting saw the decision reversed when a combination of unionist and Alliance votes was not enough to stop support for the signs from the rest of the chamber. The sign was later vandalised with an angle grinder.

The most recent batch of applications will also be placed on the council's agenda at its monthly meeting in April to be considered by all councillors.

Unionists oppose Ulster-Scots road signs over 'unfair' threshold

TANYA FOWLES, LOCAL DEMOCRACY REPORTER, Belfast Telegraph, March 6th, 2026

Unionist councillors have voiced their opposition to the first Ulster Scots road signs in Fermanagh and Omagh District.

While the signs were broadly welcomed in the council chamber, they cannot be installed yet as translations of the road names — some of which “originate in Gaelic” — still have to be confirmed.

Both unionist parties were opposed, arguing the current process of a 15% threshold is unfair, regardless of the language.

Figures presented to the council's environmental services committee showed 16 roads were surveyed in the latest tranche and all met the threshold. These comprise 14 Irish language and two Ulster Scots. Council official John Boyle, however, explained the Ulster Scots translations “are still to be confirmed and we are working with the Ulster Scots Agency and the Ulster Scots and British Commissioners Office”.

Sinn Fein councillor John Feely proposed the adoption of the Irish language signs but said “we are unable to move on to the two Ulster Scots at this stage as the names have yet to be confirmed”.

Seconding this, party colleague Tommy Maguire said while unable to approve the Ulster Scots names yet, “it's going to be an extremely difficult process as some roads originate in Gaelic”.

“I'm interested to see how that is to be reflected in Ulster Scots.

“It's not that I am for one minute opposing, but it's going to be complicated and I wait with interest to see how it is achieved.” Mr Boyle remarked: “Often the Irish language translation and Ulster Scots translation are very much aligned... and we are waiting to see what the experts say.

“We hope to have the translations by next month.”

SDLP councillor Adam Gannon noted these were the first two Ulster Scots applications, which was “to be welcomed. It's good to see diversity”.

15% threshold contested

Ulster Unionist councillor John McClaughry registered his dissent, saying “we don't agree with the policy of 15%, no matter what the language is”.

This was supported by the DUP's Aaron Elliott, who added: “Our position has always been that the threshold should be higher for all streets.”

Party colleague Shirley Hawkes enquired: “If a road currently has dual language of English and Irish, but the residents were predominantly against (Irish), can they now register to also have Ulster Scots? Are we going to end up with three languages?”

Mr Boyle replied: “There is potential within the policy which allows that. It is silent on the number of languages on any one road sign. In other words, it can be more than one.”

Sinn Fein councillor Dermot Browne asked: “Is it simply Irish and Ulster Scots, or can other languages be accessed?”

Mr Boyle confirmed any language can be considered and would be subject to the same process.

Concluding, Mr Browne requested an update on the current policy as he said there are questions around it.

Mr Boyle agreed, telling members it is due for renewal in the next mandate and “we hope to have a revised draft by the end of the year”.

£13k bill for Paddy’s Day breakfast in Washington

CONOR COYLE, Irish News, March 6th, 2026

TAXPAYERS were handed a hospitality bill of over £13,000 for the annual St Patrick’s Day breakfast hosted by the Northern Ireland Bureau in Washington last year, despite the event not being attended by the first minister.

The five-figure spend was part of figures provided to The Irish News by The Executive Office on the hospitality spends accumulated by its overseas bureaux in Washington, Brussels and Beijing in the last year.

Earlier this year, figures provided by TEO showed that its three overseas bureaux had spent £400,000 on hospitality in the last five years.

Appearing in front of a Stormont scrutiny committee in January, officials from the three bureaux defended the hospitality spends as “a strategic investment in access, influence, relationship building”, while also fielding questions over a lack of communication to the public over what the bureaux do.

Asked to break down the spend in the last year by the bureaux of items more than £250, the FOI response showed the largest individual spend on hospitality was £13,307 by the Washington bureau for its St Patrick’s Day breakfast.

The 2025 event held at the exclusive Ned’s Club in Washington was attended by Ms Little-Pengelly alongside a number of DUP party colleagues, NI secretary Hilary Benn and various officials and businesses.

Hospitality spend ‘a slap in the face to everyone’

Also in attendance was former DUP MP, Ian Paisley Jr, who lost his seat at the 2024 General Election.

However, the annual trip to Washington was boycotted by Sinn Féin, including deputy First Minister Michelle O’Neill, Alliance and the SDLP over President Donald Trump’s stance on the ongoing war in Gaza.

The annual St Patrick’s Day breakfast is due to take place again later this month, with the deputy first minister describing it as an opportunity “to showcase the executive’s priorities”.

However, Ms O’Neill and her party colleagues have said they will once again not be travelling to Washington due to US President Donald Trump’s stance on the war in Gaza.

Separate Sinn Fein trip to US

Last year, the first minister did travel to North Carolina in March alongside the deputy first minister, the week before St Patrick’s Day “to showcase the local economy and develop key relationships across the US”..

The FOI response shows a further £8,000 was billed to the taxpayer by the NI Bureau in Washington to purchase a “diplomatic table” at the annual Ireland Funds Gala in Washington DC in the same week last year.

The hospitality spend comes in addition to the travel and accommodation costs covered for the Washington trip by The Executive Office.

In 2024, the cost for this for the first minister and deputy first minister and their officials was more than £54,000.

St Patrick’s Day events at the other two overseas bureaux in Brussels and Beijing also racked up significant bills for the taxpayer.

An ‘Ulster Fry’ for 190 attendees at the Brussels breakfast last year cost The Executive Office £5,578, while catering for 150 at an event in Chsna cost over £6,000.

The spend accumulated by the three bureaux also included events attended by students from the north on visits to the area, film screenings featuring the work of local artists and other cultural events.

A spokesperson for The Executive Office said: “Our overseas offices play an important role in strengthening our international profile, deepening diplomatic and economic relationships, and creating opportunities for trade, investment, education and cultural exchange.

“All departmental expenditure is considered in line with the principles set out in Managing Public Money NI, and mindful of the pressures on the public purse.”

Slap in the face

Gerry Carroll, People Before Profit MLA, said some of the spending recorded by the bureaux and The Executive Office is a “slap in the face” for many in the north struggling with the cost of living crisis.

“Some of this spend is entirely justified, including hospitality for young filmmakers, students and athletes,” Mr Carroll said.

“However, the eyewatering sums spent on wining and dining the US capitalist class is a slap in the face to everyone in the north who struggles to feed their family in this endless cost of living crisis.

“The Stormont Executive constantly tells working class communities that there’s simply not enough money in the budget to ensure a decent standard of living for everyone. But clearly, there is always money to be found for cosying up to imperial powers.

“The NI Bureau has serious questions to answer about the necessity of this spend, and which organisations are profiting.”

NI bureau forked out £6k for table at event run by former finance minister

CONOR COYLE, Irish News, March 6th, 2026

THE Northern Ireland Bureau in Washington paid £6,000 for a “diplomatic table” at an economic development conference run by a former Sinn Féin finance minister.

The taxpayer spend by the bureau, which sits under The Executive Office led by Michelle O’Neill and Emma Little-Pengelly, was included in figures provided by the department on hospitality spend by its three overseas bureaux.

Earlier this year, figures provided by TEO showed that its three foreign bureaux in Washington, Brussels and Beijing had spent £400,000 on hospitality in the last five years.

A Freedom of Information request by The Irish News asked for an itemised list of all hospitality expenditure incurred by the three agencies over £250 in the last year.

One of the largest spends by the Washington bureau was £5,980 on the diplomatic table to “host key stakeholders” at the Golden Bridges Conference on economic development in the north west city region, held at Babson College, Massachusetts in November 2025.

The conference is run by Aisling Events, a company which was co-founded and directed by Máirtín Ó Muilleoir, former Sinn Féin MLA, Stormont finance minister and Belfast Lord Mayor.

A number of other Sinn Féin figures travelled to speak at the event in Boston, including current Economy Minister Caoimhe Archibald.

Other speakers at the event included Charlie Mc-Conalogue TD, Irish Minister of State at the Department of Culture, Communications and Sport and other Fianna Fáil colleagues.

During a speech delivered at the conference, Ms Archibald thanked Mr Ó Muilleoir and Aisling Events for organising the conference.

According to the event company’s website, the conference has the aim of “deepening the relationship between Northwest Ireland and Boston/Massachusetts”.

“Over the past 17 years, we’re proud to say that many lasting friendships — and many productive transatlantic exchanges — have sprung from our efforts to bring together leaders from both sides of the pond,” an advertisement for the conference said.

A table for nine people at the 2025 Golden Bridges Conference were on sale for £1,707 + VAT, with the £6,000 spend from the NI Bureau at the event roughly in line with the purchase of three tables and a total of 27 people.

The Executive Office did not respond to a request for comment on the Golden Bridges conference, but said “all departmental expenditure is considered in line with the principles set out in Managing Public Money NI” and that it was “mindful of the pressures on the public purse.”

Sinn Féin and Mr Ó Muilleoir were both approached for comment.

Sinn Fein still richest party with £2.2m in donations and public funds

ANDREW MADDEN, Belfast Telegraph, March 6th, 2026

Northern Ireland political parties accepted just over £2.2m in donations and public funds last year, according to the Electoral Commission.

This includes £435,891 declared in the last quarter of 2025, up slightly from the same period in 2024, when £431,373 in donations and public funding was reported.

In quarter four of 2025, Sinn Fein reported the most income through these sources, with £144,183. By contrast the DUP received £104,320, and the SDLP received £84,372.

The Alliance Party reported £65,140 and the UUP received £24,563 over this period. NI's smaller parties, the TUV and People Before Profit, reported £6,859 and £6,453, respectively.

In addition to donations from benefactors and private individuals, parties receive money through the House of Commons, the Assembly and the Electoral Commission.

Parties get money from the Assembly through the Financial Assistance for Political Parties (FAPP) Scheme, based on the number of MLAs they have, while the Stormont Opposition — currently the SDLP — receives some additional financial assistance.

Through the House of Commons, Westminster parties primarily receive funding through policy development grants, while Opposition parties also receive what is known as 'short money' to help them carry out their parliamentary work.

British Govt is biggest donor

The Electoral Commission gives parties money through policy development grants. Under Electoral Commission rules, donations over £11,180 must be reported to the commission, or smaller donations from the same source that together meet the threshold.

During 2025, local parties received a total of £2,259,849 in donations and public funding. Of the £435,891 reported in quarter four of last year, the vast majority of this, £382,157, was in public funds, compared to £53,734 in donations.

In terms of donations, Sinn Fein reported £25,696, which was all from Republican Merchandising, a Dublin-based company run by the party that sells books, postcards, mugs, flags and other items.

The Alliance Party received £20,538 from the Joseph Rowntree Reform Trust, while the SDLP received a total of £7,500 in three donations from Tony Kilduff, an Irish entrepreneur whose company owns solar farms in Northern Ireland.

Cahir Hughes, head of the Electoral Commission in Northern Ireland, said while the political finance arrangements are robust, they could be improved.

“The UK political finance system has high levels of transparency, and we know that voters are interested in where parties get their money from,” he said.

“This publication is an important part of delivering this information for voters. However, we know there are parts of the system that need strengthening, and we have been calling for changes to the law for some time. The UK government's proposed reforms to the political finance regime in the Representation of the People Bill have the potential to improve the strength of donation controls and help ensure voters can have confidence in the political finance system.

“We will continue to work with the UK government so that any changes are evidence based and workable in practice.”

The Representation of the People Bill is currently making its way through the legislative process and includes measures aimed at strengthening political finance controls and heightened enforcement of political finance laws.

SDLP makes call for ‘more resilient’ all-island economy

GRÁINNE NÍ AODHA, Irish News, March 6th, 2026

THERE is a need to fix “frictions” between systems north and south in order to boost the all-island economy, the SDLP has said.

The party said efforts need to begin now to create a “more resilient” all-island economy as it launched a policy paper in Dublin.

The party said that while the debate around a united Ireland “inevitably focuses on the fiscal subvention”, Northern Ireland’s current fiscal position should not be projected “forward as if it were fixed in perpetuity”.

The SDLP launched the policy, Success by Design – Preparing for a New Ireland, at the Merrion Hotel in Dublin yesterday.

It recommends a series of so-called “no-regrets actions”, including a joint infrastructure fund, an all-island rail review, a targeted graduate return scheme to “reverse brain drain” and an all-island economic taskforce.

It also said further preparatory work was needed, such as an independent economic assessment that would analyse a fiscal “transition” and look at the implications of different governance models.

Troubles deterred investment

It said the legacy of the Troubles had “deterred private investment” and “distorted public spending priorities”, putting an emphasis on stability and managing risk.

“As a result, Northern Ireland emerged from conflict with many of its underlying structural weaknesses unresolved,” the paper said.

“This contrasted with a more deliberate focus in the south on productivity, enterprise development, export growth and increased foreign direct investment. Over time, these different approaches compounded, producing the divergence evident today.”

The policy points out “frictions” between the CAO and A-level education systems, and “weak” transport connectivity.

It said better alignment of skills systems and labour markets, a co-ordinated approach to enterprise and innovation, and more deliberate regional development are needed to benefit people north and south of the border.

“Crucially, this is not a conversation that can be deferred to some future constitutional moment,” it said.

“The steps required to build a more resilient, productive and inclusive island economy are needed now.”

Unity cannot be about absorbing NI in Republic

SDLP leader Claire Hanna said a united Ireland cannot process of absorption

Launch of the SDLP’s ‘Success by Design – Preparing for a New Ireland’ policy paper at the Merrion Hotel in Dublin yesterday

“It must be carefully designed to raise living standards across the island and to unlock Northern Ireland’s unrealised potential as a contributor to a stronger and more resilient economy. Northern Ireland’s current position is not fixed.

“With sustained investment and deeper co-operation, we can create better jobs, stronger communities and real opportunity for people across this island.”

She added: “We won’t be able to answer every question about what the future will look like but we need to start having those conversations now.

“That’s why the SDLP has brought forward serious proposals around a ministry for a new Ireland in the Irish Government and an economic vision that allows us to take those important next steps.

“This paper is an invitation to plan responsibly, to think boldly and to build an economy that works for everyone who calls this island home.

“The SDLP is ready to realise that ambition and work with others to make it a reality.”

O’Neill says DUP ‘cheerleaders’ for war amid rising oil costs

CLAUDIA SAVAGE, Irish News, March 6th, 2026

THE DUP are “championing and being cheerleaders” for the war in Iran, the first minister has said. Michelle O’Neill said the spike in oil prices is the “real-life implication” of the war in the Middle East, but insisted Sinn Fein and the DUP can work “together whilst having a very different approach to what’s happening internationally”.

Hundreds of people from Northern Ireland have been trapped in the region since last Saturday amid the conflict between Iran and the US and Israel which caused widespread airspace closures in the Middle East, sparking major disruption to flights.

The first minister was criticised by opposition parties for not attending Cabinet Office briefings on the situation in Iran alongside Deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly, while both faced criticism for not issuing a joint-statement.

Ms O’Neill said they had both been getting briefings twice a day.

“My view in terms of the security briefings, ‘so called’, is that I’m not going to be implicit in London’s role in this war. That’s the distinct difference,” she said.

“I can have that view and hold that view, but there’s nothing that I haven’t been informed of in terms of getting people home.”

She told the Press Association that her party and the DUP are “polar opposites” when it comes to international law.

“I’m a supporter of international law. I believe in diplomacy and in peace,” she said.

“What we’ve seen this week are a DUP that are championing this war, and there are real-life implications for that.

“We saw what happened in Iran. I agree, Iran had a regressive regime, a brutal regime, that can be true whilst also not wanting to see – you can’t change a regime by coming in from the skies and attacking and creating a war.”

She added: “So we won’t have an agreed position with the DUP who are championing and being cheerleaders for what’s happening, whilst my view is very, very different.

“My outlook on all of this is always going to be diplomacy and peace and the rule of law in terms of the international standards that are expected of all people.

“But unfortunately, they’ve been on the wrong side of the war against the people in Gaza, and they’re on the wrong side of this argument.”

However, Ms O’Neill said the parties could work together on the “issue of humanitarian aid and getting people home”.

“I’ve spent my week speaking to many families that are concerned about loved ones that are stranded as a direct result of the conflict breaking out,” she said.

“Some people have been, I’m glad to say, on the first flight coming home last night and hopefully another one today, so one to Dublin last night, hopefully one into London today.

“We’re briefed as an executive office, so myself and Emma Little-Pengelly, twice a day in terms of those ongoing developments, we’ve ongoing discussions and engagement with both the British and Irish governments, so we can do all of those things together whilst having a very different approach to what’s happening internationally.”

Following US and Israeli missile strikes on Iran, retaliatory attacks from Iran damaged oil and gas infrastructure across key Gulf states.

The sudden volatility in global oil trade caused home heating oil prices to spike by as much as £100 in the past week alone, which is particularly acute in Northern Ireland, where 62.5% of homes rely on it, compared to the UK average of just over 5%.

Ms O’Neill said people are “really feeling this at a local level”.

“This is a choice to start a war, and the choice that’s been made by the US and by Israel has now meant that there are real-life implications for the people here,” she said.

“And certainly, even I know people in my own family are talking about the price of oil, the price of petrol going up, how are they going to be able to afford these things.

“People are rushing to buy things, to buy oil they can’t afford. That’s the real-life implication of a war.”

The first minister added that oil companies “that are profiting off the backs of ordinary people here should stop” but said it is “not as straightforward as bringing in regulations”.

“I think it’s a more complicated picture, not least because we’re trying to get more people to move away from fossil fuel and away from oil, but I think that where we can regulate, we should be regulating,” she said.

First Minister Michelle O’Neill said ‘we won’t have an agreed position with the DUP who are championing and being cheerleaders for

SDLP want inquiry into snooping on journalists by PSNI

CONNLA YOUNG CRIME and SECURITY CORRESPONDENT, Irish News, March 6th, 2026

THE SDLP has called on the Policing Board to carry out an inquiry into PSNI snooping operations targeting journalists, lawyers and others.

The call comes just days after it emerged several state agencies carried out unlawful surveillance on RTÉ Northern Editor Vincent Kearney over an eight-year period.

The London-based Investigatory Powers Tribunal (IPT) recently heard how Mr Kearney was unlawfully snooped on by MI5, which admitted its role last year, the PSNI and Metropolitan Police between 2006 – 2014 when he worked with the BBC.

IPT members were also told the PSNI “obtained and created a detailed profile” of Mr Kearney that included home and work addresses, landline and mobile telephone numbers, and vehicle registrations.

Personal information collected included his wife’s name, his mother-in-law’s name, and details of who was living with him at the relevant time.

The level of state surveillance placed on Mr Kearney came to light as part of IPT proceedings involving two other Belfast-based journalists, Barry McCaffrey and Trevor Birney, in 2024.

The tribunal later found that the PSNI and the Metropolitan Police acted illegally by spying on both journalists to identify their sources.

Another high-profile journalist, Chris Moore, has also been linked to Mr Kearney’s case, along with the BBC, although he has not been told why.

Last year, a review by barrister Angus McCullough KC revealed the PSNI carried out two identified ‘defensive operations’ involving hundreds of journalists between 2011 and 2024.

The review also confirmed 21 unlawful uses of covert powers to identify journalists’ sources.

Call for Section 60 Inquiry

SDLP Policing Board member Colin McGrath has now called on the Policing Board to launch a Section 60 inquiry, which would allow the oversight body to examine the extent of PSNI snooping.

The PSNI has been illegally spying on journalists

“It is deeply concerning that journalists, lawyers and bereaved victims of Troubles-related incidents appear to have been treated as targets for covert surveillance,” he said.

“Such actions risk breaching the protections that are fundamental to any society governed by the rule of law.

“The SDLP is therefore calling for a Section 60 inquiry to establish the full extent and depth of this surveillance, and to provide clarity and reassurance about the relationship and operational boundaries between the security services and the PSNI in Northern Ireland.”

Mr McGrath said the Policing Board “must now demonstrate its strength and independence by addressing issues that undermine confidence in policing and negatively impact the rule of law.

“Safeguarding the principles underpinning the new beginning to policing is essential,” he added.

During a meeting of the Policing Board yesterday, Mr McGrath asked Chief Constable Jon Boutcher, given what has recently emerged “goes far beyond what McCullough was actually investigating”, did he believe there needs to be “wider investigation” into the PSNI and others?

Mr McGrath later said “if there are other examples that Mr McCullough didn’t pick up on, but the IPT did, and then McCullough is having to go back, that doesn’t inspire confidence in that process”.

In response, Mr Boutcher said he “couldn’t disagree more” with Mr McGrath’s comments, adding there is no need for a public inquiry.

“Let’s wait for the IPT to report,” he said.

“McCullough stayed away from the IPT cases because that was legally the right thing to do.

“Nothing that I have heard suggests that McCullough has missed anything with regard to severity. “There is no need for any public inquiry here. “This isn’t what everybody thought it was.”

Mr Boutcher said there had not been “widespread abuse” and this is what Mr McCullough found.

“And of course we had this group of expert stakeholders to ensure that he was undertaking the work properly,” he said.

“And I think there was, and remains, absolute confidence in his work.”

‘Someone of the highest integrity’

During the meeting, Sinn Féin board member Linda Dillon asked why the PSNI created a profile Mr Kearney, including members of his family, which she said was “particularly concerning”.

Mr Boutcher said: “There was a question given to me about family issues, I don’t think I should comment on that until the report has come out.

“But I think my view of Vincent Kearney is very clear to this board,” he said.

“And he is someone of the highest integrity and there should be no PSNI examination of him and his family.

He also said he considered Mr Kearney “an outstanding journalist.”

“Vincent Kearney has done absolutely nothing wrong,” he said.

“Vincent Kearney has not been a suspect in any investigation or inquiries of the PSNI.

“I have personally extremely high regard, respect and a strong relationship with him as a journalist and I think he does outstanding work.”

Ms Dillon also pressed police on whether any other profiles of journalists and lawyers had been made.

Assistant Chief Constable Davy Beck said that in terms of “further commentary around profiles etc, from my perspective that’s an area I don’t think it would be right and proper to comment on at this stage”.