Reposted by Tom CollinsDr Anke Marsh @ankemarsh.bsky.social · 05/09/2026Just 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 522037941
Reposted by Tom CollinsRobert Hutton @roberthutton.co.uk · 04/09/2026With 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. 12750381201
Tom Collins @tcollins.bsky.social · 14/07/2026www.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.comTom Collins: I knew Dermot Murnaghan, and his dying message could save your lifeDermot Murnaghan’s death from prostate cancer is a reminder of the importance of a simple health check for men 011
Reposted by Tom Collinsbleary @bleary.off-the-records.com · 08/07/2026Zelensky 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. 241421239
Reposted by Tom CollinsJosiah Mortimer @josiahmortimer.bsky.social · 08/07/2026This is absolutely shameful - from both Tice and the Telegraph 25942348
Reposted by Tom CollinsAnti-Reform @antireform.bsky.social · 08/07/2026Guaranteed 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 35429168
Tom Collins @tcollins.bsky.social · 07/07/2026www.irishnews.com/opinion/tom-... My column in today’s @irishnews.com online and in the shopsirishnews.comTom Collins: Failure to secure justice for Lyra McKee shames us allCode 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 032
Tom Collins @tcollins.bsky.social · 06/07/2026Nature should be at the heart of all new housing plans www.thetimes.com/article/5cb8...thetimes.comNature should be at the heart of all new housing plansBritain needs more houses but we need places people are proud to call home and that means a focus on life-affirming green spaces 110
Reposted by Tom CollinsLondon 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.ukSeamus Perry · The poet slams his door: Likeable Michael LongleyMichael Longley, who was all too familiar with protracted writer’s block, often spoke of precariousness in the sense... 0112
Reposted by Tom CollinsMichael 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.ukMichael Quinn on Northern Ireland's arts funding crisisWith 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 001
Tom Collins @tcollins.bsky.social · 01/07/2026www.theguardian.com/money/2026/j...theguardian.comI’m paying £450 a month for a Peugeot EV I can’t driveThe car lease company won’t rescind my contract because it says the vehicle is driveable. The only problem is, it won’t even charge 000
Tom Collins @tcollins.bsky.social · 30/06/2026www.irishnews.com/opinion/tom-... @irishnews.com My column today.irishnews.comTom Collins: If Ireland is ever to be free, it must put country before partyOne of the biggest impediments to progress on reunification is the tension between party politics 010
Tom Collins @tcollins.bsky.social · 23/06/2026www.irishnews.com/opinion/tom-... my column in today’s @irishnews.com online and in the shopsirishnews.comTom Collins: Andy Burnham offers zero hope for zombie north’s futureBurnham offers zero hope for zombie north’s future 000
Reposted by Tom CollinsThe Empty City @davidallengreen.bsky.social · 20/06/2026Every 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. 1429386
Reposted by Tom CollinsGeorge Eaton @georgeeaton.bsky.social · 19/06/2026Reform 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. 21169692244
Reposted by Tom CollinsKevin M. Kruse @kevinmkruse.bsky.social · 18/06/2026"So ... so I said ... why not sign your treaty here, at Versailles?" 468320986926
Tom Collins @tcollins.bsky.social · 17/06/2026www.irishnews.com/opinion/tom-... Yesterday’s column in @irishnews.com read it onlineirishnews.comTom Collins: Let me tell you why Elon Musk is tweeting about BelfastEvery minute X is pumping out misinformation on behalf of right-wing populists sowing dissent to ease their path to power 000
Reposted by Tom CollinsPeter Geoghegan @petergeoghegan.bsky.social · 11/06/2026We’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 1223179
Reposted by Tom CollinsMichael Quinn @quinnfreelance.bsky.social · 11/06/2026Respect 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… 011
Reposted by Tom CollinsAdil Ray @adilray.bsky.social · 11/06/2026If 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? 14375932372
Reposted by Tom CollinsPeter Geoghegan @petergeoghegan.bsky.social · 11/06/2026The houses of ethnic minorities in Belfast didn’t ’go on fire’ last night - as my radio has told me - they were set alight 562708603
Tom Collins @tcollins.bsky.social · 09/06/2026www.irishnews.com/opinion/tom-... Today’s column in @irishnews.com online and in the shopsirishnews.comTom Collins: Why our politicians have to face up to the need for a united IrelandWith an underperforming economy, crumbling infrastructure and failing health service, it is clear the north has failed and a new approach is needed 000
Tom Collins @tcollins.bsky.social · 09/06/2026www.irishnews.com/opinion/tom-... My column today, online and in the shopsirishnews.comTom Collins: Why our politicians have to face up to the need for a united IrelandWith an underperforming economy, crumbling infrastructure and failing health service, it is clear the north has failed and a new approach is needed 000
Reposted by Tom CollinsJoanne Harris @joannechocolat.bsky.social · 05/06/2026UK 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. 432138620
Tom Collins @tcollins.bsky.social · 02/06/2026www.irishnews.com/opinion/tom-... my column in today’s @irishnews.com online and in the shopsirishnews.comTom Collins: Why the Pope is right about the threat of AIPope Leo’s warning must be heeded. It’s time to panic 000
Reposted by Tom CollinsMichael Quinn @quinnfreelance.bsky.social · 30/05/2026Remembering 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.ukRoma TomeltyOne of the most prominent figures in Northern Irish theatre over the last six decades 121
Reposted by Tom CollinsMichael Quinn @quinnfreelance.bsky.social · 29/05/2026In 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.ukThe Ticket - Matt Benson, Sue Divin, Roger McGough, Belfast Book Festival, ANDepic & Bold Girls Short - BBC SoundsFrom blockbuster movies to comedy gigs, Kathy Clugston presents the guide to going out. 011
Reposted by Tom CollinsCassie Evans @cassiecodes.bsky.social · 26/05/2026I'm so tired of being expected to read things that no one has bothered to write. 241393165
Tom Collins @tcollins.bsky.social · 26/05/2026www.irishnews.com/opinion/tom-... My column in today’s @irishnews.com online and in the shopsirishnews.comTom Collins: Queen’s Catholic Chaplaincy is a special place that puts its faith in young peopleImpossible to overestimate the importance Catholic Chaplaincy has played in the lives of countless young men and women who have passed through Queen’s University 021
Reposted by Tom CollinsMichael Quinn @quinnfreelance.bsky.social · 21/05/2026Essential 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.comMairead back on home soil in Bold Girls role at Lyric TheatreAcclaimed 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. 011
Reposted by Tom CollinsMichael Quinn @quinnfreelance.bsky.social · 19/05/2026Delighted 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... 121
Tom Collins @tcollins.bsky.social · 19/05/2026Scotland’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.ukNo more Creative Standards - Cement Fair Work in the Art of ScotlandScotland 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 ... 000
Tom Collins @tcollins.bsky.social · 19/05/2026www.irishnews.com/opinion/tom-... My column in today’s @irishnews.com online and in the shopsirishnews.comTom Collins: Voters are right to expect more of their politiciansThe political system here has all the appearances of a democracy but it is all a chimera 010
Reposted by Tom CollinsMichael Quinn @quinnfreelance.bsky.social · 17/05/2026Sad 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.comDame Felicity Lott; "VIER LETZTE LIEDER"; Richard StraussYouTube video by Lieder & Opera Greats 011
Reposted by Tom CollinsMichael Quinn @quinnfreelance.bsky.social · 15/05/2026Always 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. 021
Reposted by Tom CollinsAndy Brown @andybrown1951.bsky.social · 13/05/2026If 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.comWes Streeting plans to resign and mount leadership challenge, allies saySources say health secretary intends to trigger leadership election as early as Thursday 1411734
Reposted by Tom CollinsMichael Quinn @quinnfreelance.bsky.social · 13/05/2026Theatre 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: 011
Reposted by Tom CollinsJohn Rentoul @rentouljohn.bsky.social · 13/05/2026The pantomime of parliament has never looked more absurd www.independent.co.uk/voices/parli...independent.co.ukThe pantomime of parliament has never looked more absurdEvery 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... 1210533
Reposted by Tom CollinsMichael Quinn @quinnfreelance.bsky.social · 13/05/2026Abigail 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.ukDrama on 4 - The Bottle Factory Outing by Beryl Bainbridge - BBC SoundsDiane Morgan and Maxine Peake celebrate and perform Beryl Bainbridge's darkly comic novel. 001
Reposted by Tom CollinsJessica Simor KC @jmpsimor.bsky.social · 12/05/2026Incremental change. www.gov.uk/government/n...gov.ukPolitical Peerages May 2026The King has been graciously pleased to signify His intention of conferring Peerages of the United Kingdom for Life upon the undermentioned: 3123
Tom Collins @tcollins.bsky.social · 12/05/2026www.irishnews.com/opinion/tom-...irishnews.comTom Collins: New Celtic leaders must move to put UK out of its miseryThe electorate has given Michelle O’Neill, John Swinney and Rhun ap Iowerth a mandate to rid themselves of Westminster interference 02614
Reposted by Tom CollinsRachel Sylvester @rachelsylvester.bsky.social · 12/05/2026It’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.ukIt’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 5173
Tom Collins @tcollins.bsky.social · 12/05/2026www.irishnews.com/opinion/tom-... My column in today’s @irishnews.com online and in the shopsirishnews.comTom Collins: New Celtic leaders must move to put UK out of its miseryThe electorate has given Michelle O’Neill, John Swinney and Rhun ap Iowerth a mandate to rid themselves of Westminster interference 021
Reposted by Tom CollinsStephen McGann @stephenmcgann.uk · 11/05/2026The 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? 26741167
Reposted by Tom CollinsLarry the Cat @number10cat.bsky.social · 11/05/2026When you need to deliver the most important speech of your life to save your Premiership but remember you're dreadful at public speaking... 3986355
Reposted by Tom CollinsTim Bale @timbale.bsky.social · 10/05/2026Whatever 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.ukSir Keir Starmer makes Gordon Brown an envoy as he seeks reset after Labour election lossesSir Keir Starmer is attempting to shore up his position after his party suffered heavy election losses. 159719
Reposted by Tom CollinsGeorge Eaton @georgeeaton.bsky.social · 08/05/2026On this “good night for the Tories” narrative, there is no world in which the main opposition party making net losses is a good night. 310226
Reposted by Tom Collinsweegingerdug @weegingerdug.bsky.social · 08/05/2026Eluned 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. 11212102