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Tom Collins

@tcollins.bsky.social
436 followers 806 following 266 posts

Scribbler, Irish News columnist, dad. Emeritus journalism prof at Stirling University.

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Reposted by Tom Collins
Dr Anke Marsh @ankemarsh.bsky.social · 05/09/2026
Just so we are clear: The 83yo priest on the left is a terrorist. The balaclava-clad men on the right are protestors with legitimate concerns
A photo from the BBC of an older woman, with grey hair, being led away by police. A photograph of a line of men in black clothes and balaclavas blocking the port at Dover.
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Robert Hutton @roberthutton.co.uk · 04/09/2026
With all respect to the BBC, the reason this story "matters" is not about whether it distracts from Reform's conference. It "matters" because it is important our leaders are not conspiring to break the law.
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Tom Collins @tcollins.bsky.social · 17/08/2026
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Tom Collins @tcollins.bsky.social · 14/07/2026
www.irishnews.com/opinion/tom-... My column in today’s @irishnews.com online and in the shops. Basic message. Men over 50 need to get their prostate checked.
irishnews.com
Tom Collins: I knew Dermot Murnaghan, and his dying message could save your life
Dermot Murnaghan’s death from prostate cancer is a reminder of the importance of a simple health check for men
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bleary @bleary.off-the-records.com · 08/07/2026
Zelensky is a comedian who ran as a joke and ended up fighting a superpower in the bloodiest war since WWII. I hope Count Binface is ready for that responsibility.
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Josiah Mortimer @josiahmortimer.bsky.social · 08/07/2026
This is absolutely shameful - from both Tice and the Telegraph
Tice, via lawyers, threatened to injunct the Guardian to stop it publishing these details.

Without responding to any of the questions put to him, Tice then appears to have shared the allegations contained in the Guardian’s requests for comment with the Telegraph, which wrote them up without credit or contact ahead of publication.
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Anna Isaac
@Annaisaac
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1h
Exclusive:  More Reform UK transactions worth millions reported to National Crime Agency
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Anti-Reform @antireform.bsky.social · 08/07/2026
Guaranteed Reform UK & Farage tactic: when in doubt, tell a load of lies posing as 'the whole world's against me' victim though a far right politician setting Rupert Murdoch up as the villain may not be such a good idea ... 'So he's gone after Murdoch good and proper...' via Paul Elston
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Tom Collins @tcollins.bsky.social · 07/07/2026
www.irishnews.com/opinion/tom-... My column in today’s @irishnews.com online and in the shops
irishnews.com
Tom Collins: Failure to secure justice for Lyra McKee shames us all
Code of silence speaks volumes about where we are almost 30 years from an agreement which was supposed to create a society at peace with itself
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Tom Collins @tcollins.bsky.social · 06/07/2026
Nature should be at the heart of all new housing plans www.thetimes.com/article/5cb8...
thetimes.com
Nature should be at the heart of all new housing plans
Britain needs more houses but we need places people are proud to call home and that means a focus on life-affirming green spaces
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London Review of Books @lrb.co.uk · 05/07/2026
‘Michael Longley was always drawn to the possibility of peril: he possessed what Eavan Boland called “a vision of risk”.’ Seamus Perry on the ‘neither English nor Irish completely’ poet. www.lrb.co.uk/the-paper/v4...
lrb.co.uk
Seamus Perry · The poet slams his door: Likeable Michael Longley
Michael Longley, who was all too familiar with protracted writer’s block, often spoke of precariousness in the sense...
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Michael Quinn @quinnfreelance.bsky.social · 01/07/2026
"What use is an arts minister who doesn’t support the arts?" My latest for @thestage.co.uk on the arts funding crisis in Northern Ireland with the indifferent Gordon Lyons overseeing another real-terms cut that threatens artists and audiences alike. www.thestage.co.uk/opinion/nort...
thestage.co.uk
Michael Quinn on Northern Ireland's arts funding crisis
With Northern Ireland's arts sector facing more standstill funding, director Michael Quinn says the time for the industry to make its voice heard is now
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Tom Collins @tcollins.bsky.social · 01/07/2026
www.theguardian.com/money/2026/j...
theguardian.com
I’m paying £450 a month for a Peugeot EV I can’t drive
The car lease company won’t rescind my contract because it says the vehicle is driveable. The only problem is, it won’t even charge
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Tom Collins @tcollins.bsky.social · 30/06/2026
www.irishnews.com/opinion/tom-... @irishnews.com My column today.
irishnews.com
Tom Collins: If Ireland is ever to be free, it must put country before party
One of the biggest impediments to progress on reunification is the tension between party politics
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Tom Collins @tcollins.bsky.social · 23/06/2026
www.irishnews.com/opinion/tom-... my column in today’s @irishnews.com online and in the shops
irishnews.com
Tom Collins: Andy Burnham offers zero hope for zombie north’s future
Burnham offers zero hope for zombie north’s future
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The Empty City @davidallengreen.bsky.social · 20/06/2026
Every single Prime Minister since 1974 has either taken office or left office mid-term, between general elections. Sometimes even both. Starmer being replaced mid-term is not constitutionally unusual. What would be unusual is if he fought and then lost a general election having been elected at one.
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George Eaton @georgeeaton.bsky.social · 19/06/2026
Reform have now lost six by-elections in a row in England, Scotland and Wales. Their national poll rating is 26% – below Labour in 1983 – and Farage’s approval rating is -37. They’re very far from the voice of the people and need to stop being treated as such.
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Tom Collins @tcollins.bsky.social · 19/06/2026
I see Keir Starmer has lost another by-election
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Kevin M. Kruse @kevinmkruse.bsky.social · 18/06/2026
"So ... so I said ... why not sign your treaty here, at Versailles?"
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Tom Collins @tcollins.bsky.social · 17/06/2026
www.irishnews.com/opinion/tom-... Yesterday’s column in @irishnews.com read it online
irishnews.com
Tom Collins: Let me tell you why Elon Musk is tweeting about Belfast
Every minute X is pumping out misinformation on behalf of right-wing populists sowing dissent to ease their path to power
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Peter Geoghegan @petergeoghegan.bsky.social · 11/06/2026
We’ve now had two nights of violence in Belfast and yet almost nobody talking about loyalist paramilitaries, the marching season etc Look at where violence is. These are very particular parts of Belfast And yet hear more about ‘Protestants and catholics coming together against migrants’ than this
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Michael Quinn @quinnfreelance.bsky.social · 11/06/2026
Respect to Centre Stage and Lyric Theatre, Belfast for the courageous decision not to abandon last night's or this evening's performances of Bold Girls in the face of unwarranted violence and intimidation. Proud to be associated with both. My news story for @thestage.co.uk…
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Adil Ray @adilray.bsky.social · 11/06/2026
If Muslims or members of the Asian and Black community had set fire to white people’s homes with children running for their lives, do you think we would be discussing legitimate concerns or focussing on who radicalised them and ideological and contributing cultural factors?
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Peter Geoghegan @petergeoghegan.bsky.social · 11/06/2026
The houses of ethnic minorities in Belfast didn’t ’go on fire’ last night - as my radio has told me - they were set alight
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Tom Collins @tcollins.bsky.social · 09/06/2026
www.irishnews.com/opinion/tom-... Today’s column in @irishnews.com online and in the shops
irishnews.com
Tom Collins: Why our politicians have to face up to the need for a united Ireland
With an underperforming economy, crumbling infrastructure and failing health service, it is clear the north has failed and a new approach is needed
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Tom Collins @tcollins.bsky.social · 09/06/2026
www.irishnews.com/opinion/tom-... My column today, online and in the shops
irishnews.com
Tom Collins: Why our politicians have to face up to the need for a united Ireland
With an underperforming economy, crumbling infrastructure and failing health service, it is clear the north has failed and a new approach is needed
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Joanne Harris @joannechocolat.bsky.social · 05/06/2026
UK publishing generated £7.4 billion in revenue last year. Compare that to: Premier League football: £6.6 billion Home entertainment: £5.6 billion UK film industry: 2.8 billion Now tell me again why authors don't deserve fair contracts and better pay.
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Tom Collins @tcollins.bsky.social · 02/06/2026
www.irishnews.com/opinion/tom-... my column in today’s @irishnews.com online and in the shops
irishnews.com
Tom Collins: Why the Pope is right about the threat of AI
Pope Leo’s warning must be heeded. It’s time to panic
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Michael Quinn @quinnfreelance.bsky.social · 30/05/2026
Remembering Roma Tomelty on what would have been her 81st birthday. A huge figure in Northern Irish theatre; a joy to know, a privilege to have worked with. Delighted to be directing Bold Girls as her company, Centre Stage's 40th anniversary production at the Lyric www.thestage.co.uk/obituaries--...
thestage.co.uk
Roma Tomelty
One of the most prominent figures in Northern Irish theatre over the last six decades
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Michael Quinn @quinnfreelance.bsky.social · 29/05/2026
In case you missed it, Hannah Carnegie and Annie McIlwaine discussing Centre Stage's Bold Girls at the Lyric Theatre, Belfast from June 9-14 on BBC Radio Ulster's The Ticket – from 31'18". Four shows SOLD OUT, only 34 seats left across the remaining four performances. www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/...
bbc.co.uk
The Ticket - Matt Benson, Sue Divin, Roger McGough, Belfast Book Festival, ANDepic & Bold Girls Short - BBC Sounds
From blockbuster movies to comedy gigs, Kathy Clugston presents the guide to going out.
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Cassie Evans @cassiecodes.bsky.social · 26/05/2026
I'm so tired of being expected to read things that no one has bothered to write.
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Tom Collins @tcollins.bsky.social · 26/05/2026
www.irishnews.com/opinion/tom-... My column in today’s @irishnews.com online and in the shops
irishnews.com
Tom Collins: Queen’s Catholic Chaplaincy is a special place that puts its faith in young people
Impossible to overestimate the importance Catholic Chaplaincy has played in the lives of countless young men and women who have passed through Queen’s University
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Michael Quinn @quinnfreelance.bsky.social · 21/05/2026
Essential read: Newry Reporter's interview with Newry's own Mairead McKinley – Nora in Centre Stage's Bold Girls. Delighted to bring this wonderful actress back to a Northern Ireland stage where she belongs. Tickets available on Lyric Theatre, Belfast website. www.newryreporter.com/news/people/...
newryreporter.com
Mairead back on home soil in Bold Girls role at Lyric Theatre
​Acclaimed Newry actress Mairead McKinley has traded a life in London for one on home turf where she will tread the boards at Belfast’s Lyric Theatre next month.
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Michael Quinn @quinnfreelance.bsky.social · 19/05/2026
Delighted to announce an extra performance of Centre Stage's Bold Girls at Lyric Theatre, Belfast on Sunday June 14 at 3pm. Congrats to the wonderful cast – Annie McIlwaine, Mairead McKinley, Caroline Curran, Hannah Carnegie – and company. New tickets available at: lyrictheatre.co.uk/whats-on/bol...
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Tom Collins @tcollins.bsky.social · 19/05/2026
Scotland’s Creative workers deserve respect, opportunity and security, sign the petition to cement Fair Work in the art of Scotland! www.megaphone.org.uk/petitions/no...
megaphone.org.uk
No more Creative Standards - Cement Fair Work in the Art of Scotland
Scotland stands at a crossroads. Our creative industries contribute over £5 billion to our economy and are the heartbeat of our national identity, yet the workers behind this success are being pushed ...
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Tom Collins @tcollins.bsky.social · 19/05/2026
www.irishnews.com/opinion/tom-... My column in today’s @irishnews.com online and in the shops
irishnews.com
Tom Collins: Voters are right to expect more of their politicians
The political system here has all the appearances of a democracy but it is all a chimera
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Michael Quinn @quinnfreelance.bsky.social · 17/05/2026
Sad to hear of soprano Felicity Lott's death, a radiant figure vocally and physically both on and off the concert platform and opera stage. A superb interpreter of Richard Strauss, here's her sublime Vier Letzte Lieder from 1986 with @rsno.bsky.social and Neeme Järvi. www.youtube.com/watch?v=hFqm...
youtube.com
Dame Felicity Lott; "VIER LETZTE LIEDER"; Richard Strauss
YouTube video by Lieder & Opera Greats
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Michael Quinn @quinnfreelance.bsky.social · 15/05/2026
Always flattering to write programme notes for the National Concert Hall in Dublin, especially for tonight's standout concert from stellar talents, violinist Hilary Hahn and pianist Tom Poster, featuring music by Ravel, Boulanger, Debussy and Fauré.
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Andy Brown @andybrown1951.bsky.social · 13/05/2026
If anyone thinks that Wes Streeting is going to inspire Britain and turnaround Labour's fortune then look hard at his relations with Mandelson and his record of managing Palantir's exploitation of the NHS. He isn't the messiah. He is a very naughty boy. www.theguardian.com/politics/202...
theguardian.com
Wes Streeting plans to resign and mount leadership challenge, allies say
Sources say health secretary intends to trigger leadership election as early as Thursday
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Michael Quinn @quinnfreelance.bsky.social · 13/05/2026
Theatre in the Dark event to promote audio described performances at Derry’s Millennium Forum in collaboration with @rnib.bsky.social and @rnibni.bsky.social. My @britishtheatreguide.info news story:
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John Rentoul @rentouljohn.bsky.social · 13/05/2026
The pantomime of parliament has never looked more absurd www.independent.co.uk/voices/parli...
independent.co.uk
The pantomime of parliament has never looked more absurd
Every moment Labour’s leadership ‘look behind you!’ antics continue is a moment that takes the party further from winning back its northern heartland councils and its Green London boroughs, writes Joh...
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Michael Quinn @quinnfreelance.bsky.social · 13/05/2026
Abigail Youngman's adaptation of Beryl Bainbridge's The Bottle Factory Outing with Maxine Peake, Diane Morgan, Sue Johnston and Jonathan Keeble, produced by Beth O'Dea, on BBCS Sounds is a joyful example of BBC Radio Drama at its most entertaining. www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/...
bbc.co.uk
Drama on 4 - The Bottle Factory Outing by Beryl Bainbridge - BBC Sounds
Diane Morgan and Maxine Peake celebrate and perform Beryl Bainbridge's darkly comic novel.
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Jessica Simor KC @jmpsimor.bsky.social · 12/05/2026
Incremental change. www.gov.uk/government/n...
gov.uk
Political Peerages May 2026
The King has been graciously pleased to signify His intention of conferring Peerages of the United Kingdom for Life upon the undermentioned:
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Tom Collins @tcollins.bsky.social · 12/05/2026
www.irishnews.com/opinion/tom-...
irishnews.com
Tom Collins: New Celtic leaders must move to put UK out of its misery
The electorate has given Michelle O’Neill, John Swinney and Rhun ap Iowerth a mandate to rid themselves of Westminster interference
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Rachel Sylvester @rachelsylvester.bsky.social · 12/05/2026
It’s over for Starmer because he never knew why he wanted to be PM. Now Labour must focus on policy not personality - my piece for @theobserveruk.bsky.social observer.co.uk/news/politic...
observer.co.uk
It’s over for Keir Starmer – how has it come to this?
Although he vows to go on, the prime minister has lost the support of his cabinet and much of the country
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Tom Collins @tcollins.bsky.social · 12/05/2026
www.irishnews.com/opinion/tom-... My column in today’s @irishnews.com online and in the shops
irishnews.com
Tom Collins: New Celtic leaders must move to put UK out of its misery
The electorate has given Michelle O’Neill, John Swinney and Rhun ap Iowerth a mandate to rid themselves of Westminster interference
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Stephen McGann @stephenmcgann.uk · 11/05/2026
The biggest majority in the modern era, and terrified of your own shadow for two years. It beggars belief. I've never known any govt. to have less to lose, and never known a greater need for political honesty than now. But, hey, best stay cautious. You don't want to become unpopular do you?
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Larry the Cat @number10cat.bsky.social · 11/05/2026
When you need to deliver the most important speech of your life to save your Premiership but remember you're dreadful at public speaking...
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Tim Bale @timbale.bsky.social · 10/05/2026
Whatever you think of these two Labour veterans, it's hard to think of a better illustration of quite how tin-eared Keir Starmer (or whoever suggested this to him) is. Why would anybody in their right mind think this was even part of the answer to his or Labour's problems? Absolutely extraordinary.
bbc.co.uk
Sir Keir Starmer makes Gordon Brown an envoy as he seeks reset after Labour election losses
Sir Keir Starmer is attempting to shore up his position after his party suffered heavy election losses.
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George Eaton @georgeeaton.bsky.social · 08/05/2026
On this “good night for the Tories” narrative, there is no world in which the main opposition party making net losses is a good night.
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weegingerdug @weegingerdug.bsky.social · 08/05/2026
Eluned Morgan, Labour first minister in Wales has lost her seat. Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland all now have govts which reject Westminster rule. In a normal country that would provoke a constitutional crisis, but in the UK the Labour govt and London centric media will try and ignore it.
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