theirishtimes--2020-01-11--Michael Maguire: ‘The past is not going away in Northern Ireland’

During his seven years as the Police Ombudsman for Northern Ireland Michael Maguire managed to find time to write a book .
“ It ’ s a political thriller involving corruption among businessmen , politicians and police officers , ” he explains .
Is it rooted in fact ?
He won ’ t be drawn on that question in this interview , where he prefers to talk about his role as the independent , impartial investigator of complaints against the PSNI , a post from which he retired last summer .
“ It ’ s a novel , ” he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and one that is still waiting for a publisher .
Still , as Police Ombudsman , dealing with allegations , past and present , against police officers , navigating tricky policing and political obstacles , and fending off attempts to emasculate or limit the power of his watchdog office , he would have experienced some of the murkier aspects of Northern Ireland that would have served his fiction well .
At times the job was like “ trench warfare , ” he acknowledges .
Maguire is a native of south Belfast .
Now @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Troubles and was chief inspector of the Criminal Justice Inspectorate in Northern Ireland from 2008 to 2012 .
Before that , he worked in private industry in management consultancy .
He was the third Police Ombudsman in the North .
The first was Nuala O ’ Loan , a fiercely independent official who established the standing of the office with two landmark reports : the first finding that police mishandled the investigation of the Real IRA 1998 Omagh bombing in which 29 people were killed ; and the second that found there was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ murder gang from Mount Vernon in north Belfast .
Her successor , the former Canadian Mountie Al Hutchinson , had an unhappy time , some of his findings upsetting families who made complaints against the police , particularly the Loughinisland families .
Here Maguire explains that because of continuing legal issues he can ’ t talk about the 1994 Loughinisland attack , in which six men were gunned down by the UVF while watching an Ireland vs Italy World Cup match on television .
In 2016 Maguire found there was police collusion in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ conclusion five years earlier by Al Hutchinson that there was insufficient evidence of collusion .
In 2018 the Belfast High Court rejected a claim by retired RUC officers that he exceeded his powers over the Loughinisland investigation , a decision that is being appealed .
Hence Maguire ’ s reticence .
Equally , he can ’ t comment about other high-profile historic cases he had hoped to complete before retirement such as the police investigation of the UDA killings of five Catholics at Sean Graham bookmakers on the Ormeau Road in Belfast in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” 1993 UDA murders of eight people at the Rising Sun bar in Greysteel , Co Derry .
Reports into these cases were due to be published in 2019 but then it emerged that additional PSNI information about the investigations was not disclosed , and the cases were put back again while this new material was considered .
Maguire says it was difficult having to tell the families of the postponement .
The frustration over such cases probably explains his hesitation when asked if he enjoyed his seven years in the post .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ enjoy ’ is the right word , ” he finally says .
“ It is a job the like of which I have never done before and the like of which I will probably never do again .
It carried its challenges .
I think it has been rewarding as a job , and that is probably the better answer .
It has been rewarding.
” Maguire ’ s successor is Marie Anderson , the former Northern Ireland Ombudsman who dealt with complaints about public services , local government standards and judicial appointments @ @ @ @ @ @ @ feels he handed over the office to her in “ better shape ” than he got it .
Maguire , who comes from a nationalist background , had to field criticism from the PSNI rank-and-file representative body the Police Federation and from some unionist politicians .
He rejects any suggestions of antipathy to the police .
He retired at the end of June at the same time as George Hamilton stood down as the PSNI chief constable .
Earlier in his tenure Maguire felt forced to initiate legal action against Hamilton ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ refusal to hand over sensitive intelligence files to Maguire ’ s office .
That was resolved when a more co-operative Hamilton became chief constable in 2014 .
Publicly Maguire and Hamilton appeared to have had quite a fraught relationship , chiefly over historic cases , although privately , Maguire says , they got on well .
In June , Maguire got a CBE from Queen Elizabeth in her birthday honours list while Hamilton was knighted .
The Police Federation had no encomiums to offer Maguire .
Its chairman Mark Lindsay spoke of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and its “ biased viewpoint towards serving and retired officers ” .
Maguire rejects this claim .
“ Everybody appreciates that the police do a very good job ; there is no question about that .
But they have incredible powers , powers of arrest , powers to search and the power to take someone ’ s life , ” he says .
“ As a citizen I have always felt that the role of the office is to position yourself between the police and the citizens , to be able and to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the police , to investigate them thoroughly and objectively , and to come back with the answers .
“ I have always taken the position that a report that says that police have done no wrong is as important as one that criticises the police.
” Maguire challenges too the allegation propagated by some republicans that the Royal Ulster Constabulary was rotten to the core .
“ Some people concoct that narrative but I don ’ t agree with it .
Not everything the RUC did was right , and there were things @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Clearly that is the case .
That does not mean that everybody is tarred with the same brush ; it clearly doesn ’ t. ” He feels the past is the albatross around the neck of his office and of the PSNI .
“ I imagine that George Hamilton would agree with this but dealing with the past has damaged relations between the police and the Police Ombudsman ’ s office , because of the nature of the debate , ” he says .
Maguire mentions how he and his office have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ allegations of police collusion .
But he points out that , of the ombudsman ’ s 24 historic reports , only three referred to collusion : the investigation into the aforementioned UVF Mount Vernon gang ; Loughinisland ; and the IRA Claudy bombings in 1972 where nine people were killed .
In the Claudy case , the then ombudsman Al Hutchinson found that there was collusion in that the RUC , the British government and the Catholic Church protected a Catholic priest , Fr James Chesney , who was allegedly involved in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ Just three reports is hardly an obsession , ” says Maguire .
Maguire and Hamilton were at one in their desire to hand over historic cases to a separate body : for instance , an Historical Investigations Unit , as proposed in the December 2014 Stormont House Agreement – notwithstanding that former chief constable Hugh Orde expressed serious reservations about how effective such a unit would be .
Maguire feels his former office , and also the PSNI , should be dealing with the present , not the past .
“ If @ @ @ @ @ @ @ investigations would be taken from us and from the police , and allow police and the ombudsman deal with contemporary matters , ” he says .
“ The ones who are suffering , who are seeing the impact of this , are the families who get letters from the ombudsman saying we are not going to be able to deal with your case for another 10 years .
That ’ s where the reality of this hits home.
” Maguire had an overall staff of 120 investigating 2,500-3,000 cases each year and an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of those were sorted out informally with the ombudsman ’ s office more officially investigating about 1,100 cases each year .
Between 23-28 per cent of those complaints against police are upheld .
When he took over in 2012 he had 40 staff investigating 170 historic cases .
Just before he retired he had fewer than 30 staff dealing with 430 historic cases on an annual budget of £2 million .
“ That means that families have to wait much longer for results .
That can ’ t be right ; there needs @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it.
” “ The way we in Northern Ireland are dealing with the past is broken , ” he adds .
“ The past is not going to go away .
There needs to be a better way on how to deal with it .
I would have a serious concern : there are second and third generations families now asking , say , what happened their father or grandfather .
That will continue , so we need a different way of dealing with it .
“ Let not the perfect be the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ never be perfect but it will be better than what we have .
That means a better funded and more comprehensive approach and a more consistent approach across the board to dealing with the past.
” Maguire , who has three grown-up children from a previous marriage , remarried in 2015 .
As well as lectureships at Queen ’ s University , Belfast and recently in Australia he has his writing .
He has an interest in art , likes cycling and travel and visiting his holiday home on the Fanad peninsula in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be idle in the years ahead .
Asked if has any advice for his successor , Marie Anderson , he is succinct , “ Do the right thing , however difficult that is .
There are occasions when you have to be critical of the police , and there are occasions when you have to say to the families that the narrative they accepted down the generations is simply not true .
Anchor yourself in the evidence .
”

During his seven years as the Police Ombudsman for Northern Ireland Michael Maguire managed to find time to write a book. "It's a political thriller involving corruption among businessmen, politicians and police officers," he explains.
Is it rooted in fact? He won’t be drawn on that question in this interview, where he prefers to talk about his role as the independent, impartial investigator of complaints against the PSNI, a post from which he retired last summer.
“It’s a novel,” he stresses, a work of fiction, and one that is still waiting for a publisher.
Still, as Police Ombudsman, dealing with allegations, past and present, against police officers, navigating tricky policing and political obstacles, and fending off attempts to emasculate or limit the power of his watchdog office, he would have experienced some of the murkier aspects of Northern Ireland that would have served his fiction well.
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At times the job was like “trench warfare,” he acknowledges.
Maguire is a native of south Belfast. Now 60, he grew up through the Troubles and was chief inspector of the Criminal Justice Inspectorate in Northern Ireland from 2008 to 2012. Before that, he worked in private industry in management consultancy.
Maguire explains that because of continuing legal issues he can't talk about the 1994 Loughinisland attack
He was the third Police Ombudsman in the North. The first was Nuala O’Loan, a fiercely independent official who established the standing of the office with two landmark reports: the first finding that police mishandled the investigation of the Real IRA 1998 Omagh bombing in which 29 people were killed; and the second that found there was police collusion with the Ulster Volunteer Force murder gang from Mount Vernon in north Belfast.
Her successor, the former Canadian Mountie Al Hutchinson, had an unhappy time, some of his findings upsetting families who made complaints against the police, particularly the Loughinisland families.
Here Maguire explains that because of continuing legal issues he can’t talk about the 1994 Loughinisland attack, in which six men were gunned down by the UVF while watching an Ireland vs Italy World Cup match on television. In 2016 Maguire found there was police collusion in the case, effectively overturning a key conclusion five years earlier by Al Hutchinson that there was insufficient evidence of collusion.
In 2018 the Belfast High Court rejected a claim by retired RUC officers that he exceeded his powers over the Loughinisland investigation, a decision that is being appealed. Hence Maguire’s reticence.
Equally, he can’t comment about other high-profile historic cases he had hoped to complete before retirement such as the police investigation of the UDA killings of five Catholics at Sean Graham bookmakers on the Ormeau Road in Belfast in 1992 and the “trick or treat” 1993 UDA murders of eight people at the Rising Sun bar in Greysteel, Co Derry.
Investigations
Reports into these cases were due to be published in 2019 but then it emerged that additional PSNI information about the investigations was not disclosed, and the cases were put back again while this new material was considered. Maguire says it was difficult having to tell the families of the postponement.
The frustration over such cases probably explains his hesitation when asked if he enjoyed his seven years in the post. “I am not sure if ‘enjoy’ is the right word,” he finally says. “It is a job the like of which I have never done before and the like of which I will probably never do again. It carried its challenges. I think it has been rewarding as a job, and that is probably the better answer. It has been rewarding.”
Maguire’s successor is Marie Anderson, the former Northern Ireland Ombudsman who dealt with complaints about public services, local government standards and judicial appointments.
Maguire, despite the hold-ups, feels he handed over the office to her in “better shape” than he got it.
Maguire, who comes from a nationalist background, had to field criticism from the PSNI rank-and-file representative body the Police Federation and from some unionist politicians. He rejects any suggestions of antipathy to the police.
He retired at the end of June at the same time as George Hamilton stood down as the PSNI chief constable. Earlier in his tenure Maguire felt forced to initiate legal action against Hamilton's predecessor Matt Baggott over Baggott's refusal to hand over sensitive intelligence files to Maguire's office. That was resolved when a more co-operative Hamilton became chief constable in 2014.
He feels the past is the albatross around the neck of his office and of the PSNI
Publicly Maguire and Hamilton appeared to have had quite a fraught relationship, chiefly over historic cases, although privately, Maguire says, they got on well. In June, Maguire got a CBE from Queen Elizabeth in her birthday honours list while Hamilton was knighted.
The Police Federation had no encomiums to offer Maguire. Its chairman Mark Lindsay spoke of the “strained relationship” with his office and its “biased viewpoint towards serving and retired officers”.
Maguire rejects this claim. “Everybody appreciates that the police do a very good job; there is no question about that. But they have incredible powers, powers of arrest, powers to search and the power to take someone’s life,” he says.
“As a citizen I have always felt that the role of the office is to position yourself between the police and the citizens, to be able and to have the power to ask questions of the police, to investigate them thoroughly and objectively, and to come back with the answers.
“I have always taken the position that a report that says that police have done no wrong is as important as one that criticises the police.”
Allegations
Maguire challenges too the allegation propagated by some republicans that the Royal Ulster Constabulary was rotten to the core. “Some people concoct that narrative but I don’t agree with it. Not everything the RUC did was right, and there were things not even RUC officers would stand over. Clearly that is the case. That does not mean that everybody is tarred with the same brush; it clearly doesn’t.”
He feels the past is the albatross around the neck of his office and of the PSNI. “I imagine that George Hamilton would agree with this but dealing with the past has damaged relations between the police and the Police Ombudsman’s office, because of the nature of the debate,” he says.
Maguire mentions how he and his office have been accused of having an obsession with allegations of police collusion. But he points out that, of the ombudsman’s 24 historic reports, only three referred to collusion: the investigation into the aforementioned UVF Mount Vernon gang; Loughinisland; and the IRA Claudy bombings in 1972 where nine people were killed. In the Claudy case, the then ombudsman Al Hutchinson found that there was collusion in that the RUC, the British government and the Catholic Church protected a Catholic priest, Fr James Chesney, who was allegedly involved in the bombings in the Co Derry village.
“Just three reports is hardly an obsession,” says Maguire.
Maguire feels his former office, and also the PSNI, should be dealing with the present, not the past
Maguire and Hamilton were at one in their desire to hand over historic cases to a separate body: for instance, an Historical Investigations Unit, as proposed in the December 2014 Stormont House Agreement – notwithstanding that former chief constable Hugh Orde expressed serious reservations about how effective such a unit would be.
Maguire feels his former office, and also the PSNI, should be dealing with the present, not the past. “If that were to be implemented the historic investigations would be taken from us and from the police, and allow police and the ombudsman deal with contemporary matters,” he says.
“The ones who are suffering, who are seeing the impact of this, are the families who get letters from the ombudsman saying we are not going to be able to deal with your case for another 10 years. That’s where the reality of this hits home.”
Complaints
Maguire had an overall staff of 120 investigating 2,500-3,000 cases each year and an annual budget of £9 million. Most of those were sorted out informally with the ombudsman’s office more officially investigating about 1,100 cases each year. Between 23-28 per cent of those complaints against police are upheld.
When he took over in 2012 he had 40 staff investigating 170 historic cases. Just before he retired he had fewer than 30 staff dealing with 430 historic cases on an annual budget of £2 million. “That means that families have to wait much longer for results. That can’t be right; there needs to be a better way of doing it.”
“The way we in Northern Ireland are dealing with the past is broken,” he adds.
“The past is not going to go away. There needs to be a better way on how to deal with it. I would have a serious concern: there are second and third generations families now asking, say, what happened their father or grandfather. That will continue, so we need a different way of dealing with it.
“Let not the perfect be the enemy of the good. It will never be perfect but it will be better than what we have. That means a better funded and more comprehensive approach and a more consistent approach across the board to dealing with the past.”
Maguire, who has three grown-up children from a previous marriage, remarried in 2015. As well as lectureships at Queen’s University, Belfast and recently in Australia he has his writing. He has an interest in art, likes cycling and travel and visiting his holiday home on the Fanad peninsula in Donegal, so he won’t be idle in the years ahead.
Asked if has any advice for his successor, Marie Anderson, he is succinct, “Do the right thing, however difficult that is. There are occasions when you have to be critical of the police, and there are occasions when you have to say to the families that the narrative they accepted down the generations is simply not true. Anchor yourself in the evidence.”


Church services

Armagh - St Patrick ’ s Church of Ireland -- Sunday services at 10am ( Holy Communion ) , 11am ( Sung Eucharist ) and 3:15pm ( Choral Evensong ) .
Mon to Sat at 9:30am ( Said Matins ) and 12:30pm ( 1st Wednesday of every month ) .
Opening times for visitors are 9am to 4pm ( Nov-March ) and until 5pm ( April-Oct ) .
Group tours must be pre-arranged with the Cathedral Steward .
You will be most welcome to join us at any of our Sunday or daily services or just to spend time either @ @ @ @ @ @ @ beautiful architecture .
The Very Rev Gregory Dunstan , Dean of St Patrick ’ s Church of Ireland Cathedral , Armagh City -Further information is available by , visiting : www.stpatricks-cathedral.org Belfast Cathedral ( St Anne ’ s ) Eucharist at 8am , 10am and 11am and Choral Evensong at 3.30pm .
The cathedral is open for private prayer from 8am-6pm on Monday to Saturday and from 8am-4pm .
on Sunday .
There will always be a quiet area available .
The cathedral is open for cultural visits on Monday to Saturday from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ) , and from 1pm-3pm on Sundays .
( It will be closed to visitors during services ) .
People of all traditions and all faiths are welcome to join us , Dean Stephen Forde .
Visit : www.belfastcathedral.org Christ Church Cathedral , Dublin City -- Eucharist at 11am and Choral Evensong at 3:30pm .
Weekday services at 10am ( morning prayer ) 12 midday ( Peace Prayers ) and 12:45pm ( Eucharist ) .
On Monday and Friday at 5pm , there is a Said Evening Prayer .
During term time , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Saturdays and Choral Evensong at 6pm on Wednesdays and Thursdays .
Sung service times may vary , especially out of cathedral choir terms .
Visit christchurchcathedral.ie for further information and for visiting times .
A warm welcome awaits you , The Very Revd Dermot Dunne , Dean of Christ Church Cathedral .
Cork City ( St Finn Barre ’ s ) Sunday Services are at 8am ( Said Eucharist ) , 11:15am ( Choral Eucharist ) and 3:30pm ( Choral Evensong ) .
Weekday and Saturday Services are at 10am ( Morning Prayer @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ) .
Evening Prayer is at 5:15pm from Tuesday to Thursday and on Friday there is a Coral Evensong at 6:15pm .
The Cathedral is also open to visitors from 9:30am to 5:30pm from Monday to Saturday and outside of service times on Sundays .
Very Rev .
Nigel Dunne ( Dean of Cork ) .
For more information , visit : https : //corkcathedral.webs.com/ Derry/Londonderry ( Saint Columb ’ s Cathedral ) Services are at 8am ( Holy Communion ) 11am ( Cahoral Eucharist on 1st and 3rd Sundays , and Coral @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ( Choral Evensong ) .
The Daily Office is said at 10.30am Mon , Wed , Thur and Fri ( The Litany ) in The Baptistery .
The Eucharist is celebrated on Tuesday at 10.30am in The Bishop William Alexander Chapel .
( For any changes to our regular services , please check the magazine online ) .
www.stcolumbscathedral.org The cathedral is widely recognised locally , nationally and internationally for its active promotion of ecumenical and bridge-building activities .
This role is reflected in the regard in which the building is held as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to all sections of the community .
The Very Reverend Raymond Stewart , Dean Downpatrick -Down Cathedral -Sundays at 11:30am and Thursdays at 10am with Holy Communion .
You are very welcome to visit Down Cathedral .
Monday to Saturday , between 9.30am and 4pm .
It is situated within a short walk from Downpatrick town centre and is adjacent to The Saint Patrick Centre .
Down Cathedral is first and foremost a place for prayer and worship , not only for the local congregation and people of the Church of Ireland Diocese @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and beyond who cherish the faith of Patrick .
It is in effect a house of prayer for all nations .
VISIT downcathedral.org for further information Dun Laoghaire , Co Dublin The Methodist Church , Northumberland Avenue , Dun Laoghaire .
Sunday Service 11am .
All Welcome .
For further details www.dlmc.org Enniskillen -St Macartin ’ s Cathedral -- Services are at 9am ( Holy Communion ) 11am ( Holy Communion on first and third Sundays , Morning Prayer on second and fifth Sundays , and Morning Prayer/Family Service on fourth Sundays ) @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Prayer on first , second third Sundays and Holy Communion on fourth Sundays and a Celebration of Wholeness and Healing on fifth Sundays ) .
Weekday services are at 11am on Thursdays ( Holy Communion ) and other services are as announced .
Visitors are welcome outside of service times , and admission is free -you will be most welcome .
The Very Rev Kenneth R J Hall , Dean of St. Macartins Cathedral .
For further information , visit www.enniskillencathedral.com Ferns , Co Wexford ( St Edan ’ s Cathedral ) Services @ @ @ @ @ @ @ morning .
On the third Sunday of each month we begin at 10:30am ( Family Eucharist ) .
The cathedral is open daily to visitors and you will be most welcome .
The Very Revd Leslie Forrest ; Rector and Dean .
Tel : 053 9366 124 National Cathedral of Saint Patrick , Dublin THE FIRST SUNDAY AFTER THE EPIPHANY - 9.15 EUCHARIST said in the Lady Chapel .
11.15 CHORAL MATINS sung by the Cathedral Choir ( Boys and Mens voices ) - Responses : Clucas , Sanford in C , Psalm @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Lo star led chiefs , Preacher : The Revd R. Warren , M.A.
, Prebendary of Tipperkevin .
12.15 EUCHARIST said in the Lady Chapel .
15.15 CHORAL EVENSONG sung by the Cathedral Choir Responses : Shephard , Howells : The Gloucester Service , Psalm 67 , Howells : Here is the little door , Preacher : The Revd R. Warren , M.A.
, Prebendary of Tipperkevin .
16.30 SEIRBHS NA NNA said in the Lady Chapel .
MATINS is sung at 9.00 and EVENSONG at 17.30 Monday to Friday .
EUCHARIST is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and Saturday .
For further information visit www.stpatrickscathedral.ie or telephone 01 453 9472 .
All Saints Church , Belfast is located on University Street ( near to Queens University ) and Sunday Services are at 11am and 7:30pm .
We are proud to be hosting UniChurch Belfast every Sunday evening .
This is a new initiative that has a more relaxed feel and contemporary style .
Join them for coffee at 7:15pm with the church service starting at 7.30pm.You will be most welcome .
Rev Trevor Johnston .
Visit www.ascbelfast.com All Saints Church @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and 10am each Sunday .
On the 4th Sunday of each month there is a Family Service at 10am .
Wednesdays at 10am ( Eucharistic Service ) .
An evening service is held on the 2nd Sunday of each month ( Wholeness and Healing Service ) .
We are located on the Howth Road , next to Raheny Village , Dublin 5 .
All Welcome .
Rev .
Norman McCausland .
Visit http : //allsaintsraheny.org for more information Bangor Parish Church Traditional Service at 10am and Contemporary Service at 11:30am ; with refreshments @ @ @ @ @ @ @ located at the junction of Hamilton Road and Castle Street , Bangor , Co. Down .
For more information , visit : bangorparishchurch.org.uk Church of St John the Baptist is located at Seafield Road , West , Clontarf , Dublin 3 .
Sunday 12th January at 8:30am ( Holy Communion ) and 10:30am ( Morning Prayer ) and Sunday Club in the Parish Centre .
Wednesday morning services take place in the Parish Centre at 10:30am .
All are welcome to join us for tea and coffee after 10:30am services .
Rev ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Church of St John the Evangelist -Sunday Service is at 11:30am and all are welcome .
We are located at Coolock , Dublin 5 , between the Oscar Traynor Road and Malahide Road ; next to the Odeon Cinema .
Rector : Rev .
Norman McCausland .
Further details are found at www.coolock.dublin.anglican.org Glasnevin ( St Mobhi ) Baptism of Christ : NO SERVICE .
See Finglas .
Howth , Co Dublin ( St Mary ’ s Parish ) Sundays at 9:30am ( Morning Prayer ) and 11am ( Holy Communion ) .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ of each month and Family Communion Service at 11am on 4th Sunday -this service has a Sunday Special group for young children during school term time .
Midweek Service on Wednesdays at 10:30am .
We look forward to seeing you , Canon Kevin Brew ( Rector ) .
Visit : www.stmaryshowth.com Immanuel Church , Dublin City , meets every Sunday at 11am in the Irish Church Missions building , 28 Bachelors Walk , Dublin 1 .
We extend a warm welcome to people from every race and nation and background .
Pastor Kieron @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : www.immanuelchurchdublin.org Kill O The Grange , Dublin -we are an evangelical church , belonging to the Church of Ireland , and rooted in the community .
We aim to make worship , learning from the Bible , mission and being open to the Holy Spirit , a priority in our life together .
Services are on Sundays at 8:30am ( Holy Communion ) and 10:30am ( All Age Service ) .
Wednesdays at 10:30am ( Holy Communion Service ) .
Visit http : //kotg.ie to find out more .
Rev .
Alan @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s -Church of the Sloes ) 11am at Kenmare Place , Killarney , Co. Kerry .
Family Service is on the first Sunday of the month , and Parish Communion on all other Sundays.. All are Welcome .
Visit : http : //churchofthesloes.ie/ Santry ( St Pappan ) Baptism of Christ : NO SERVICE .
See Finglas .
St James Church , Crinken , Bray , Co Wicklow -Morning Worship at 11am .
Rector , Trevor Stevenson .
We aspire to be a blessing to the community in which we live , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Jesus .
We are located on the old Dublin Road half way between Bray and Shankill .
For more information , visit : www.crinken.ie St John the Evangelist , Park Avenue , Sandymount Sunday 12th January - The Baptism of our Lord : Sung Eucharist 11 a.m. Wednesday 15th January : Holy Eucharist 11 a.m. www.sandymount.dublin.anglican.org Whitechurch Parish 8.00 a.m. , Holy Communion .
10.30 a.m. , Holy Communion .
* Note Sunday Club re-starts this day .
11.30 a.m. , Healer Prayer Union .
7.00 p.m. , A Late Evening Office @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Communion .
10.30 a.m. , Epiphanytide Carol Service of Carols and Readings , with theme of ‘ The Light of the World ’ .
* Sunday Club .
3.30 p.m. , Annual ‘ Week of Prayer for Christian Unity ’ service , Divine Word Church , Marlay Grange .
Note , No evening service this day .
About The Presbyterian Church in Ireland -- The Presbyterian form of the Christian faith is best described as Reformed ; with its strong emphasis on the Sovereignty of God , the Kingship of Christ and the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ information , and for a full list of congregations around the whole island of Ireland , visit : www.presbyterianireland.org Adelaide Road Presbyterian Church , Dublin City 11am .
All Welcome , Rev Sam Mawhinney .
Church is located at the intersection of Earlsfort Terrace and Adelaide Road , Dublin 2 .
Supervised creche is available .
To find out more , visit : www.adelaideroadchurch.ie Aghada and Trinity Churches , Cork ... 10am at Church Road , Upper Aghada , Co. Cork ( about 20 mins south of Midleton ) and 11:45am at Little @ @ @ @ @ @ @ York Street ) .
All are welcome .
Rev Richie Cronin .
Visit our websites : Facebook.com/AghadaPresbyterian and www.presbyteriancork.com All Saints Church , Belfast is located on University Street ( near to Queens University ) and Sunday Services are at 11am and 7:30pm .
We are proud to be hosting UniChurch Belfast every Sunday evening .
This is a new initiative that has a more relaxed feel and contemporary style .
Join them for coffee at 7:15pm with the church service starting at 7.30pm.You will be most welcome .
Rev Trevor Johnston .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ 10am , with tea and coffee after the service .
We are located on the Dublin Road , about 1/2 mile ( 800m ) north of the Avoca Bridge .
Programme for children during the service .
All are welcome .
Visit us at http : //arklowpresbyterianchurch.com Athy and Carlow Presbyterian Churches 10am at Dublin Road , Athy and 11:30am at Athy Road , Carlow Town .
( known locally as Scots Church ) .
Carlow Presbyterian Church has a midweek fellowship night on Wednesdays at 8pm .
Rev .
Stephen Rea .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Bray ( St Andrews ) 11:30am at corner of Eglinton Road and Quinsborough Road , Bray , Co. Wicklow .
All Welcome .
Reverend Andrew Gill Bushmills , Co Antrim 10:30am , Main Street , Bushmills .
Rev Nancy Cubitt .
Whether you are visiting Bushmills or have always lived in the area , you will be most welcome at Bushmills Presbyterian Church .
Visit : bushmillspresbyterian.co.uk Cahir Presbyterian Church , Co Tipperary 12 noon .
All Welcome .
We are located at Abbey Street , Tipperary Road ( just before the railway @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Rev William Montgomery ( Minister of Fermoy Presbyterian ) 086 3729 144 Cavan Presbyterian Church 11:15am .
Rev G.J .
Mackarel .
Located at junction of Town Hall Street and Farnham Street , Cavan Town .
All Welcome Christ Church , Rathgar , Dublin -Sunday at 9:30am ( Sacrament of Holy Communion ) and 11am ( Morning Worship ) .
Rev .
Purvis Campbell .
Located at the junction of Rathgar Road and Highfield Road , Rathgar , Dublin 6 .
Everyone welcome .
To find out more , visit www.christchurchrathgar.org Christ Church @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
11am at Sandymount Green , Dublin 4 -all welcome .
Reverend K P Meyer Clones Group of Presbyterian Churches -serving the Monaghan and Fermanagh border region .
Ballyhobridge and Clones at 10am and 11am on the 2nd and 4th Sunday of each month .
Stonebridge at 11am on 1st and 3rd Sunday , and Newbliss at 12:15pm each and every Sunday .
There is a United Family Service on the 5th Sunday of appropriate months -held in rotation -in either the Ballyhobridge , Clones or Stonebridge .
For further information , visit @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and Scots , Dublin Sunday Service is at 11am ; with a programme for children during the service .
We are located opposite Clontarf Road DART Station .
Rev Lorraine Ritchie All Welcome .
Visit www.clontarfchurch.ie or our Facebook page Corboy and Mullingar 10am at Corboy -located off the N4 between Edgeworthstown and Longford Town -and 11:30am at Raithin ; opposite Educate Together National School , Mullingar .
Rev Daniel Reyes-Martin .
For more information , visit : corboypresbyterian.com and/or mullingarpresbyterian.com -we would be delighted to welcome you Corraneary , Ervey and Bailieborough @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Virginia Road , Bailieborough .
11:15am at First Bailieborough Presbyterian Church ( Corglass ) and 12:30pm at Corryneary Presbyterian Church .
For further details visit : www.trinitybailieborough.com or contact Rev .
Daryl Edwards ( Convener ) .
Tel : 049 5555 456 Donabate Presbyterian Church , Co Dublin 10:30am .
Rev .
Andy Carroll .
We meet at Donabate and Portrane Community Centre .
Everyone is welcome .
Visit www.donabatepc.org to find out more and for directions Donegal Town 11:30am at Meetinghouse Street , Donegal .
Rev Stephen Richmond .
All Welcome .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ 9721 113 Drogheda Presbyterian Church 10:30am , Rev Damien Burke .
All Welcome .
We are located at Colpe Road , Drogheda ( South ) Co. Meath .
Visit www.droghedapresbyterian.ie -for regular updates , visit : www.facebook.com/droghedapresbyterianchurch Enniskillen Presbyterian Church 11am ( with creche available from 10:40am ) .
We are located at East Bridge Street , Enniskillen .
Our aim is to be a church which glorifies God ; by enabling people to become mature disciples of Jesus Christ .
We would love to see you at our Sunday services , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ David Cupples .
Visit : eknpres.org to find out more .
Fermoy , Co Cork -we meet on Sunday mornings at 10am for worship , teaching , prayer and fellowship .
Our mission is to make disciples of Jesus by regularly meeting together to pray , study the Bible , worship and share our lives with each other and the local community .
All are welcome .
Rev William Montgomery .
To find out more , visit our Facebook page : www.facebook.com/fermoypresbyterian Galway City -United Methodist and Presbyterian Church is located at Victoria @ @ @ @ @ @ @ next to the Victoria Hotel .
We meet at 11:30am and all Welcome .
For further details , visit our website : http : //unitedchurchgalway.ie Glennan and Monaghan ( Ballyalbany ) Glennan Church meets at 10:30am at Glaslough , Co Monaghan and Ballyalbany Church meets at 11:45am for tea and coffee followed by the service at 12 noon .
Ballyalbany is located on the northern side of Monaghan Town .
All are welcome .
Rev .
Stephen McNie .
For more information and how to find us , visit : www.facebook.com/glennan.church or www.facebook.com/ballyalbany @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Road , Greystones ; opposite St. Bridget ’ s School .
Rev Gary Mc Dowell .
All Welcome .
To find out more , visit : www.greystonespc.org Howth and Malahide Presbyterian Church -Sunday 12th January at 10am in Malahide and in Howth at 11:45am .
Rev Alastair Dunlop .
Everyone is welcome to join us , as we share in the Good News of our Lord Jesus Christ .
Creche facilities are available , as well as a programme for children during the service .
You are welcome to stay with us for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Visit : www.hmpchurch.org to find out more KELLS Bective Street , Kells , Co. Meath .
Morning worship 10.30am led by Rev .
Alan McQuade .
Visitors are very welcome .
There ’ s a cup of tea/coffee available after the Service for all .
Kilkenny City 11:30am ( Tea and Coffee served from 10:45am ) .
All Welcome .
Further information available at : www.kilkennychurch.com Killala , Ballina and Ballymote Rev Molly Deatherage .
10am ( Killala Presbyterian Church , Co. Mayo ) , 11:15am ( Ballina Presbyterian Church , Co. Mayo @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Co. Sligo ) .
All welcome .
Visit : facebook.com/ballinapresbyterian/ or Tel : 086 0330 196 Limerick City -United Presbyterian and Methodist .
11:30am .
Rev V Lynch .
All welcome .
We are located at 51 O Connell Street , Limerick City ; and known locally as Christ Church Lucan Presbyterian Church 10:30am , Main Street , Lucan , Co. Dublin .
Rev .
Richard Houston .
For more information , visit ; www.lpc.ie Maynooth Presbyterian Church is known locally as Maynooth Community Church ; and meets together for worship on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Centre , Maynooth .
On the first Sunday of the month we celebrate the Lords Supper ( Communion ) .
Rev Keith McCrory .
Free parking is available in the underground car park and the service takes place on the 1st Floor .
To find out more , visit http : //maynoothcc.org Monaghan ( First ) Sunday Worship at 11:30am .
Rev Alan S McQuade .
First Monaghan Presbyterian Church is located at Dublin Street , Monaghan Town .
All welcome .
Visit : www.facebook.com/firstmonpres/ Mountmellick and Tullamore 10am at Mountmellick Methodist Church @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at High Street , Tullamore .
Rev .
William Hayes .
We are a warm , open , multi-national and welcoming church made up of people dedicated to serving Jesus in our community ; and telling others about his love for them .
All are welcome .
For further information , visit : mountmellickpresbyterian.org or tullamorepresbyterian.org Naas Presbyterian Church , Co Kildare Sundays at 11am , Rev Mark Proctor .
The church building is near the Post Office on Main Street , opposite the Town Hall .
For further information , visit our @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Co Down 11am and evening service at 7pm , Main Street , Newcastle , Co. Down .
Rev Andrew Boreland .
All are welcome .
Visit : facebook.com/newcastlepresbyterianchurch Portadown ( First ) , Co Armagh Sunday 12th January at 11am and 6:30pm .
( Prayer meeting in Session Room at 5:45pm ) .
We are a Christ-centred , Bible-believing and prayer-focused Church .
We meet at Watson Street , Portadown , and you can be assured of a warm welcome .
Rev .
Robin Brown .
To find out more , visit @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Sundays at 11:30am at Church Street , Sligo Town .
Rev David Clarke .
CAFFE ( Coffee And Fellowship For Everyone ) afterwards in the church hall .
A warm welcome awaits you .
For further details , visit : facebook.com/sligopresbyterianchurch Smithborough Presbyterian Church , Co Monaghan 10am .
Rev .
Alan McQuade .
We are located 6 miles ( 10km ) west of Monaghan Town on the N54 toward Clones .
On arrival in Smithborough , turn right toward Roslea ( just before the petrol station ) and we are located a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ You will be most welcome .
Visit Facebook ( Smithborough Presbyterian Church ) to find our more .
Wexford and Enniscorthy churches meet on Sunday 12th January at 10am at Ann Street , Wexford Town , ( Beside the Post Office ) and 12 noon at Mill Park Road , Enniscorthy .
Rev David Conkey .
There is a prayer time 20 minutes before each service .
For regular updates , and to find out more , visit our new website : https : //wexfordchurch.com or our Facebook page : facebook.com/wexfordpresbyterians Belfast Central @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 11am -Rev J Parke .
For further information , visit : belfastcentralmission.org or our Facebook page : facebook.com/SandyRowMethodistChurch Christ Church , Sandymount -United Presbyterian and Methodist Church .
11am at Sandymount Green , Dublin 4 -all welcome .
Reverend K P Meyer Dublin Central Mission , Abbey Street Sunday Service at 11am and weekly healing services at 1:05pm on Wednesdays .
Visit dublincentralmission.ie to find out more .
Dundrum Methodist Church Services at 10am ( Worship Service ) and 11.30am ( Contemporary Service ) .
There is one service at 11am on the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are welcome , Rev .
Stephen Taylor .
For more information , visit dundrummethodist.com Galway City -United Methodist and Presbyterian Church is located at Victoria Place ; just off Eyre Square and next to the Victoria Hotel .
We meet at 11:30am and all Welcome .
For further details , visit our website : http : //unitedchurchgalway.ie Limerick City -United Presbyterian and Methodist .
11:30am .
Rev V Lynch .
All welcome .
We are located at 51 O Connell Street , Limerick City ; and known locally as Christ Church Monaghan Methodist @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 1st and 3rd Sundays and at 11:30am on 5th Sunday ( United Service Augher , Aughnacloy , Ballynanny Monaghan rotating venue .
Contact 087 2787 517 or 048 8676 2639 for details .
Sutton Methodist Church , Dublin 10am at corner of Howth Road and Church Road , Sutton , Dublin 13 .
Service of Worship and Sunday school .
We warmly invite you to join with our Church family as we meet together on Sunday mornings to worship and praise God for all He has done for us .
Please stay after @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and fellowship .
Revd David Nixon .
Visit : www.irishmethodist.org/suttonmethodist The Association of Baptist Churches in Ireland is a Gospel Partnership of 117 independent local churches who have voluntarily agreed to work together .
These churches represent a Baptist community of over 20,000 across Ireland -North and South .
For further information and for a full list of congregations , please visit : www.baptistsinireland.org Calvary Church , Castlebar , Co Mayo -we meet at Anchor House , 9 Humbert Mall in the centre of Castlebar .
Sunday Service is at 11am , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
There is also an after-school Bible Club for children on Tuesdays from 4-5pm .
Pastor Stephen Childs .
All Welcome .
Visit www.calvarychurchcastlebar.ie Calvary Church , Charlestown , Co Mayo meets in the Charlestown Community Enterprise Building for Sunday Service at 11am , and for Bible study at 8pm on Wednesdays .
Pastor David Murphy .
All Welcome .

CATHEDRALS
Armagh - St Patrick's Church of Ireland --Sunday services at 10am (Holy Communion), 11am (Sung Eucharist) and 3:15pm (Choral Evensong). Mon to Sat at 9:30am (Said Matins) and 12:30pm (1st Wednesday of every month). Opening times for visitors are 9am to 4pm (Nov-March) and until 5pm (April-Oct). Group tours must be pre-arranged with the Cathedral Steward. You will be most welcome to join us at any of our Sunday or daily services or just to spend time either in quiet reflection or looking at the beautiful architecture. The Very Rev Gregory Dunstan, Dean of St Patrick's Church of Ireland Cathedral, Armagh City -Further information is available by, visiting: www.stpatricks-cathedral.org
Belfast Cathedral (St Anne's) Eucharist at 8am, 10am and 11am and Choral Evensong at 3.30pm. The cathedral is open for private prayer from 8am-6pm on Monday to Saturday and from 8am-4pm. on Sunday. There will always be a quiet area available. The cathedral is open for cultural visits on Monday to Saturday from 9am-5pm (last audio tour at 4.30pm), and from 1pm-3pm on Sundays. (It will be closed to visitors during services). People of all traditions and all faiths are welcome to join us, Dean Stephen Forde. Visit: www.belfastcathedral.org
Christ Church Cathedral, Dublin City --Eucharist at 11am and Choral Evensong at 3:30pm. Weekday services at 10am (morning prayer) 12 midday (Peace Prayers) and 12:45pm (Eucharist). On Monday and Friday at 5pm, there is a Said Evening Prayer. During term time, Compline begins at 6pm on Tuesdays and Saturdays and Choral Evensong at 6pm on Wednesdays and Thursdays. Sung service times may vary, especially out of cathedral choir terms. Visit christchurchcathedral.ie for further information and for visiting times. A warm welcome awaits you, The Very Revd Dermot Dunne, Dean of Christ Church Cathedral.
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Cork City (St Finn Barre's) Sunday Services are at 8am (Said Eucharist), 11:15am (Choral Eucharist) and 3:30pm (Choral Evensong). Weekday and Saturday Services are at 10am (Morning Prayer) and 12 noon (The Eucharist). Evening Prayer is at 5:15pm from Tuesday to Thursday and on Friday there is a Coral Evensong at 6:15pm. The Cathedral is also open to visitors from 9:30am to 5:30pm from Monday to Saturday and outside of service times on Sundays. Very Rev. Nigel Dunne (Dean of Cork). For more information, visit: https://corkcathedral.webs.com/
Derry/Londonderry (Saint Columb's Cathedral) Services are at 8am (Holy Communion) 11am (Cahoral Eucharist on 1st and 3rd Sundays, and Coral Matins on 2nd 4th Sundays) 4pm (Choral Evensong). The Daily Office is said at 10.30am Mon, Wed, Thur and Fri (The Litany) in The Baptistery. The Eucharist is celebrated on Tuesday at 10.30am in The Bishop William Alexander Chapel. (For any changes to our regular services, please check the magazine online). www.stcolumbscathedral.org The cathedral is widely recognised locally, nationally and internationally for its active promotion of ecumenical and bridge-building activities. This role is reflected in the regard in which the building is held as a religious venue, which is acceptable to all sections of the community. The Very Reverend Raymond Stewart, Dean
Downpatrick -Down Cathedral -Sundays at 11:30am and Thursdays at 10am with Holy Communion. You are very welcome to visit Down Cathedral. Monday to Saturday, between 9.30am and 4pm. It is situated within a short walk from Downpatrick town centre and is adjacent to The Saint Patrick Centre. Down Cathedral is first and foremost a place for prayer and worship, not only for the local congregation and people of the Church of Ireland Diocese, but for all those in Ireland and beyond who cherish the faith of Patrick. It is in effect a house of prayer for all nations. VISIT downcathedral.org for further information
Dun Laoghaire, Co Dublin The Methodist Church, Northumberland Avenue, Dun Laoghaire. Sunday Service 11am. All Welcome. For further details www.dlmc.org
Enniskillen -St Macartin's Cathedral --Services are at 9am (Holy Communion) 11am (Holy Communion on first and third Sundays, Morning Prayer on second and fifth Sundays, and Morning Prayer/Family Service on fourth Sundays). Evening service at 7pm (Evening Prayer on first, second third Sundays and Holy Communion on fourth Sundays and a Celebration of Wholeness and Healing on fifth Sundays). Weekday services are at 11am on Thursdays (Holy Communion) and other services are as announced. Visitors are welcome outside of service times, and admission is free -you will be most welcome. The Very Rev Kenneth R J Hall, Dean of St. Macartins Cathedral. For further information, visit www.enniskillencathedral.com
Ferns, Co Wexford (St Edan's Cathedral) Services are at 10am each Sunday and Wednesday morning. On the third Sunday of each month we begin at 10:30am (Family Eucharist). The cathedral is open daily to visitors and you will be most welcome. The Very Revd Leslie Forrest; Rector and Dean. Tel: 053 9366 124
Gorey 11.00am Morning Worship,Rev Katherine Kehoe
National Cathedral of Saint Patrick, Dublin THE FIRST SUNDAY AFTER THE EPIPHANY - 9.15 EUCHARIST said in the Lady Chapel. 11.15 CHORAL MATINS sung by the Cathedral Choir (Boys and Mens voices) - Responses: Clucas, Sanford in C, Psalm: 63 vv 1-5, Crotch: Lo star led chiefs, Preacher: The Revd R. Warren, M.A., Prebendary of Tipperkevin. 12.15 EUCHARIST said in the Lady Chapel. 15.15 CHORAL EVENSONG sung by the Cathedral Choir Responses: Shephard, Howells: The Gloucester Service, Psalm 67, Howells: Here is the little door, Preacher: The Revd R. Warren, M.A., Prebendary of Tipperkevin. 16.30 SEIRBHS NA NNA said in the Lady Chapel. MATINS is sung at 9.00 and EVENSONG at 17.30 Monday to Friday. EUCHARIST is said at 11.05 on Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday. For further information visit www.stpatrickscathedral.ie or telephone 01 453 9472.
CHURCH OF IRELAND
All Saints Church, Belfast is located on University Street (near to Queens University) and Sunday Services are at 11am and 7:30pm. We are proud to be hosting UniChurch Belfast every Sunday evening. This is a new initiative that has a more relaxed feel and contemporary style. Join them for coffee at 7:15pm with the church service starting at 7.30pm.You will be most welcome. Rev Trevor Johnston. Visit www.ascbelfast.com
All Saints Church, Dublin -Eucharistic Service is at 9am and 10am each Sunday. On the 4th Sunday of each month there is a Family Service at 10am. Wednesdays at 10am (Eucharistic Service). An evening service is held on the 2nd Sunday of each month (Wholeness and Healing Service). We are located on the Howth Road, next to Raheny Village, Dublin 5. All Welcome. Rev. Norman McCausland. Visit http://allsaintsraheny.org for more information
Ardamine Group, Co Wexford Monamolin 9.00am (Morning Prayer) Kiltennel 10.15am (Holy Communion) Kilnamanagh 11.45am (Holy Communion)
Bangor Parish Church Traditional Service at 10am and Contemporary Service at 11:30am; with refreshments served between each service. We are located at the junction of Hamilton Road and Castle Street, Bangor, Co. Down. For more information, visit: bangorparishchurch.org.uk
Church of St John the Baptist is located at Seafield Road, West, Clontarf, Dublin 3. Sunday 12th January at 8:30am (Holy Communion) and 10:30am (Morning Prayer) and Sunday Club in the Parish Centre. Wednesday morning services take place in the Parish Centre at 10:30am. All are welcome to join us for tea and coffee after 10:30am services. Rev'd Lesley Robinson. Visit: clontarf.dublin.anglican.org/
Church of St John the Evangelist -Sunday Service is at 11:30am and all are welcome. We are located at Coolock, Dublin 5, between the Oscar Traynor Road and Malahide Road; next to the Odeon Cinema. Rector: Rev. Norman McCausland. Further details are found at www.coolock.dublin.anglican.org
Cork Carrigaline Union. 930am- Holy Communion - St John's Monkstown. 11am- Morning Prayer -St Mary's Carrigaline. Every Wednesday at 1030am Holy Communion St Mary's Carrigaline. www.carrigalineunion.org
Enniscorthy (St Mary's Church) 11:30am with Holy Communion. Church Street, Enniscorthy, Co. Wexford
Finglas (St Canice) Baptism of Christ: 11.30 All-age Service
Glasnevin (St Mobhi) Baptism of Christ: NO SERVICE. See Finglas.
Howth, Co Dublin (St Mary's Parish) Sundays at 9:30am (Morning Prayer) and 11am (Holy Communion). Family Service at 11am on 2nd Sunday of each month and Family Communion Service at 11am on 4th Sunday -this service has a Sunday Special group for young children during school term time. Midweek Service on Wednesdays at 10:30am. We look forward to seeing you, Canon Kevin Brew (Rector). Visit: www.stmaryshowth.com
Immanuel Church, Dublin City, meets every Sunday at 11am in the Irish Church Missions building, 28 Bachelors Walk, Dublin 1. We extend a warm welcome to people from every race and nation and background. Pastor Kieron Lynch. For more details, visit: www.immanuelchurchdublin.org
Kill O The Grange, Dublin -we are an evangelical church, belonging to the Church of Ireland, and rooted in the community. We aim to make worship, learning from the Bible, mission and being open to the Holy Spirit, a priority in our life together. Services are on Sundays at 8:30am (Holy Communion) and 10:30am (All Age Service). Wednesdays at 10:30am (Holy Communion Service). Visit http://kotg.ie to find out more. Rev. Alan Breen, Rector
Killarney (St Mary's -Church of the Sloes) 11am at Kenmare Place, Killarney, Co. Kerry. Family Service is on the first Sunday of the month, and Parish Communion on all other Sundays.. All are Welcome. Visit: http://churchofthesloes.ie/
Rathmichael Parish 08.30 hrs. Holy Communion. 11.00 hrs. Family Service. 19.00 hrs. Holy Communion.
Santry (St Pappan) Baptism of Christ: NO SERVICE. See Finglas.
St Columba's College 8.00 pm Holy Communion. Preacher: the Chaplain.
St James Church, Crinken, Bray, Co Wicklow -Morning Worship at 11am. Rector, Trevor Stevenson. We aspire to be a blessing to the community in which we live, and we hope to grow as followers of Jesus. We are located on the old Dublin Road half way between Bray and Shankill. For more information, visit: www.crinken.ie
St John the Evangelist, Park Avenue, Sandymount Sunday 12th January - The Baptism of our Lord: Sung Eucharist 11 a.m. Wednesday 15th January: Holy Eucharist 11 a.m. www.sandymount.dublin.anglican.org
St Matthias, Killiney - Ballybrack 09.00 Holy Communion, 10.30 Holy Communion. Wednesday 10.30 Holy Communion.
Whitechurch Parish 8.00 a.m., Holy Communion. 10.30 a.m., Holy Communion. * Note Sunday Club re-starts this day. 11.30 a.m., Healer Prayer Union. 7.00 p.m., A Late Evening Office.
Whitechurch Parish 8.00 a.m., Holy Communion. 10.30 a.m., Epiphanytide Carol Service of Carols and Readings, with theme of 'The Light of the World'. * Sunday Club. 3.30 p.m., Annual 'Week of Prayer for Christian Unity' service, Divine Word Church, Marlay Grange. Note, No evening service this day.
PRESBYTERIAN
About The Presbyterian Church in Ireland --The Presbyterian form of the Christian faith is best described as Reformed; with its strong emphasis on the Sovereignty of God, the Kingship of Christ and the authority of the Bible. For more information, and for a full list of congregations around the whole island of Ireland, visit: www.presbyterianireland.org
Adelaide Road Presbyterian Church, Dublin City 11am. All Welcome, Rev Sam Mawhinney. Church is located at the intersection of Earlsfort Terrace and Adelaide Road, Dublin 2. Supervised creche is available. To find out more, visit: www.adelaideroadchurch.ie
Aghada and Trinity Churches, Cork ...10am at Church Road, Upper Aghada, Co. Cork (about 20 mins south of Midleton) and 11:45am at Little William Street, Cork City (off York Street). All are welcome. Rev Richie Cronin. Visit our websites: Facebook.com/AghadaPresbyterian and www.presbyteriancork.com
All Saints Church, Belfast is located on University Street (near to Queens University) and Sunday Services are at 11am and 7:30pm. We are proud to be hosting UniChurch Belfast every Sunday evening. This is a new initiative that has a more relaxed feel and contemporary style. Join them for coffee at 7:15pm with the church service starting at 7.30pm.You will be most welcome. Rev Trevor Johnston. Visit www.ascbelfast.com
Arklow Presbyterian Church meets at 10am, with tea and coffee after the service. We are located on the Dublin Road, about 1/2 mile (800m) north of the Avoca Bridge. Programme for children during the service. All are welcome. Visit us at http://arklowpresbyterianchurch.com
Athy and Carlow Presbyterian Churches 10am at Dublin Road, Athy and 11:30am at Athy Road, Carlow Town. (known locally as Scots Church). Carlow Presbyterian Church has a midweek fellowship night on Wednesdays at 8pm. Rev. Stephen Rea. All are welcome. Visit: www.carlowscotspc.ie
Blackrock St Andrew's 9.45a m.Reverend Andrew Gill.Junior Church and Creche.All welcome.
Bray (St Andrews) 11:30am at corner of Eglinton Road and Quinsborough Road, Bray, Co. Wicklow. All Welcome. Reverend Andrew Gill
Bushmills, Co Antrim 10:30am, Main Street, Bushmills. Rev Nancy Cubitt. Whether you are visiting Bushmills or have always lived in the area, you will be most welcome at Bushmills Presbyterian Church. Visit: bushmillspresbyterian.co.uk
Cahir Presbyterian Church, Co Tipperary 12 noon. All Welcome. We are located at Abbey Street, Tipperary Road (just before the railway bridge) For more details, contact Rev William Montgomery (Minister of Fermoy Presbyterian) 086 3729 144
Cavan Presbyterian Church 11:15am. Rev G.J. Mackarel. Located at junction of Town Hall Street and Farnham Street, Cavan Town. All Welcome
Christ Church, Rathgar, Dublin -Sunday at 9:30am (Sacrament of Holy Communion) and 11am (Morning Worship). Rev. Purvis Campbell. Located at the junction of Rathgar Road and Highfield Road, Rathgar, Dublin 6. Everyone welcome. To find out more, visit www.christchurchrathgar.org
Christ Church, Sandymount -United Presbyterian and Methodist Church. 11am at Sandymount Green, Dublin 4 -all welcome. Reverend K P Meyer
Clones Group of Presbyterian Churches -serving the Monaghan and Fermanagh border region. Ballyhobridge and Clones at 10am and 11am on the 2nd and 4th Sunday of each month. Stonebridge at 11am on 1st and 3rd Sunday, and Newbliss at 12:15pm each and every Sunday. There is a United Family Service on the 5th Sunday of appropriate months -held in rotation -in either the Ballyhobridge, Clones or Stonebridge. For further information, visit our website: http://clonesgrouppresbyterianchurches.btck.co.uk
Clontarf and Scots, Dublin Sunday Service is at 11am; with a programme for children during the service. We are located opposite Clontarf Road DART Station. Rev Lorraine Ritchie All Welcome. Visit www.clontarfchurch.ie or our Facebook page
Corboy and Mullingar 10am at Corboy -located off the N4 between Edgeworthstown and Longford Town -and 11:30am at Raithin; opposite Educate Together National School, Mullingar. Rev Daniel Reyes-Martin. For more information, visit: corboypresbyterian.com and/or mullingarpresbyterian.com -we would be delighted to welcome you
Corraneary, Ervey and Bailieborough Churches 10am at Trinity Presbyterian Church, Virginia Road, Bailieborough. 11:15am at First Bailieborough Presbyterian Church (Corglass) and 12:30pm at Corryneary Presbyterian Church. For further details visit: www.trinitybailieborough.com or contact Rev. Daryl Edwards (Convener). Tel: 049 5555 456
Donabate Presbyterian Church, Co Dublin 10:30am. Rev. Andy Carroll. We meet at Donabate and Portrane Community Centre. Everyone is welcome. Visit www.donabatepc.org to find out more and for directions
Donegal Town 11:30am at Meetinghouse Street, Donegal. Rev Stephen Richmond. All Welcome. Visit: donegaltownpresbyterianchurch.com or Tel: 074 9721 113
Drogheda Presbyterian Church 10:30am, Rev Damien Burke. All Welcome. We are located at Colpe Road, Drogheda (South) Co. Meath. Visit www.droghedapresbyterian.ie -for regular updates, visit: www.facebook.com/droghedapresbyterianchurch
Enniskillen Presbyterian Church 11am (with creche available from 10:40am). We are located at East Bridge Street, Enniskillen. Our aim is to be a church which glorifies God; by enabling people to become mature disciples of Jesus Christ. We would love to see you at our Sunday services, and promise you a warm welcome. Rev David Cupples. Visit: eknpres.org to find out more.
Fermoy, Co Cork -we meet on Sunday mornings at 10am for worship, teaching, prayer and fellowship. Our mission is to make disciples of Jesus by regularly meeting together to pray, study the Bible, worship and share our lives with each other and the local community. All are welcome. Rev William Montgomery. To find out more, visit our Facebook page: www.facebook.com/fermoypresbyterian
Galway City -United Methodist and Presbyterian Church is located at Victoria Place; just off Eyre Square and next to the Victoria Hotel. We meet at 11:30am and all Welcome. For further details, visit our website: http://unitedchurchgalway.ie
Glennan and Monaghan (Ballyalbany) Glennan Church meets at 10:30am at Glaslough, Co Monaghan and Ballyalbany Church meets at 11:45am for tea and coffee followed by the service at 12 noon. Ballyalbany is located on the northern side of Monaghan Town. All are welcome. Rev. Stephen McNie. For more information and how to find us, visit: www.facebook.com/glennan.church or www.facebook.com/ballyalbany
Greystones, Co Wicklow 11am at Trafalgar Road, Greystones; opposite St. Bridget's School. Rev Gary Mc Dowell. All Welcome. To find out more, visit: www.greystonespc.org
Howth and Malahide Presbyterian Church -Sunday 12th January at 10am in Malahide and in Howth at 11:45am. Rev Alastair Dunlop. Everyone is welcome to join us, as we share in the Good News of our Lord Jesus Christ. Creche facilities are available, as well as a programme for children during the service. You are welcome to stay with us for tea and coffee after each service. Visit: www.hmpchurch.org to find out more
KELLS Bective Street, Kells, Co. Meath. Morning worship 10.30am led by Rev. Alan McQuade. Visitors are very welcome. There's a cup of tea/coffee available after the Service for all.
Kilkenny City 11:30am (Tea and Coffee served from 10:45am). All Welcome. Further information available at: www.kilkennychurch.com
Killala, Ballina and Ballymote Rev Molly Deatherage. 10am (Killala Presbyterian Church, Co. Mayo), 11:15am (Ballina Presbyterian Church, Co. Mayo) and 2pm (Ballymote Presbyterian Church, Co. Sligo). All welcome. Visit: facebook.com/ballinapresbyterian/ or Tel: 086 0330 196
Limerick City -United Presbyterian and Methodist. 11:30am. Rev V Lynch. All welcome. We are located at 51 O Connell Street, Limerick City; and known locally as Christ Church
Lucan Presbyterian Church 10:30am, Main Street, Lucan, Co. Dublin. Rev. Richard Houston. For more information, visit; www.lpc.ie
Maynooth Presbyterian Church is known locally as Maynooth Community Church; and meets together for worship on Sundays at 10:30am at Manor Mills Shopping Centre, Maynooth. On the first Sunday of the month we celebrate the Lords Supper (Communion). Rev Keith McCrory. Free parking is available in the underground car park and the service takes place on the 1st Floor. To find out more, visit http://maynoothcc.org
Monaghan (First) Sunday Worship at 11:30am. Rev Alan S McQuade. First Monaghan Presbyterian Church is located at Dublin Street, Monaghan Town. All welcome. Visit: www.facebook.com/firstmonpres/
Mountmellick and Tullamore 10am at Mountmellick Methodist Church (Parnell Street) and 12 noon at High Street, Tullamore. Rev. William Hayes. We are a warm, open, multi-national and welcoming church made up of people dedicated to serving Jesus in our community; and telling others about his love for them. All are welcome. For further information, visit: mountmellickpresbyterian.org or tullamorepresbyterian.org
Naas Presbyterian Church, Co Kildare Sundays at 11am, Rev Mark Proctor. The church building is near the Post Office on Main Street, opposite the Town Hall. For further information, visit our Facebook page: www.facebook.com/NaasPCI
Newcastle Presbyterian Church, Co Down 11am and evening service at 7pm, Main Street, Newcastle, Co. Down. Rev Andrew Boreland. All are welcome. Visit: facebook.com/newcastlepresbyterianchurch
Portadown (First), Co Armagh Sunday 12th January at 11am and 6:30pm. (Prayer meeting in Session Room at 5:45pm). We are a Christ-centred, Bible-believing and prayer-focused Church. We meet at Watson Street, Portadown, and you can be assured of a warm welcome. Rev. Robin Brown. To find out more, visit: www.firstportadown.org
Sligo Presbyterian Church meets on Sundays at 11:30am at Church Street, Sligo Town. Rev David Clarke. CAFFE (Coffee And Fellowship For Everyone) afterwards in the church hall. A warm welcome awaits you. For further details, visit: facebook.com/sligopresbyterianchurch
Smithborough Presbyterian Church, Co Monaghan 10am. Rev. Alan McQuade. We are located 6 miles (10km) west of Monaghan Town on the N54 toward Clones. On arrival in Smithborough, turn right toward Roslea (just before the petrol station) and we are located a further 100 metres on the right. You will be most welcome. Visit Facebook (Smithborough Presbyterian Church) to find our more.
Wexford and Enniscorthy churches meet on Sunday 12th January at 10am at Ann Street, Wexford Town, (Beside the Post Office) and 12 noon at Mill Park Road, Enniscorthy. Rev David Conkey. There is a prayer time 20 minutes before each service. For regular updates, and to find out more, visit our new website: https://wexfordchurch.com or our Facebook page: facebook.com/wexfordpresbyterians
METHODIST
Belfast Central Mission, Sandy Row Sunday Service at 11am -Rev J Parke. For further information, visit: belfastcentralmission.org or our Facebook page: facebook.com/SandyRowMethodistChurch
Christ Church, Sandymount -United Presbyterian and Methodist Church. 11am at Sandymount Green, Dublin 4 -all welcome. Reverend K P Meyer
Dublin Central Mission, Abbey Street Sunday Service at 11am and weekly healing services at 1:05pm on Wednesdays. Visit dublincentralmission.ie to find out more.
Dundrum Methodist Church Services at 10am (Worship Service) and 11.30am (Contemporary Service). There is one service at 11am on the first Sunday of the month. All are welcome, Rev. Stephen Taylor. For more information, visit dundrummethodist.com
Galway City -United Methodist and Presbyterian Church is located at Victoria Place; just off Eyre Square and next to the Victoria Hotel. We meet at 11:30am and all Welcome. For further details, visit our website: http://unitedchurchgalway.ie
Limerick City -United Presbyterian and Methodist. 11:30am. Rev V Lynch. All welcome. We are located at 51 O Connell Street, Limerick City; and known locally as Christ Church
Monaghan Methodist Church Rev Rowan Zeelie. 10:30am on 1st and 3rd Sundays and at 11:30am on 5th Sunday (United Service Augher, Aughnacloy, Ballynanny Monaghan rotating venue. Contact 087 2787 517 or 048 8676 2639 for details.
Sutton Methodist Church, Dublin 10am at corner of Howth Road and Church Road, Sutton, Dublin 13. Service of Worship and Sunday school. We warmly invite you to join with our Church family as we meet together on Sunday mornings to worship and praise God for all He has done for us. Please stay after the service for a cup of tea/coffee and fellowship. Revd David Nixon. Visit: www.irishmethodist.org/suttonmethodist
BAPTIST
The Association of Baptist Churches in Ireland is a Gospel Partnership of 117 independent local churches who have voluntarily agreed to work together. These churches represent a Baptist community of over 20,000 across Ireland -North and South. For further information and for a full list of congregations, please visit: www.baptistsinireland.org
EVANGELICAL
Calvary Church, Castlebar, Co Mayo -we meet at Anchor House, 9 Humbert Mall in the centre of Castlebar. Sunday Service is at 11am, and Bible study is at 7:30pm on Thursdays. There is also an after-school Bible Club for children on Tuesdays from 4-5pm. Pastor Stephen Childs. All Welcome. Visit www.calvarychurchcastlebar.ie
Calvary Church, Charlestown, Co Mayo meets in the Charlestown Community Enterprise Building for Sunday Service at 11am, and for Bible study at 8pm on Wednesdays. Pastor David Murphy. All Welcome.


theirishtimes--2020-01-11--A cold snap election or spring polling fever? It’s Leo Varadkar’s call

Walking back from his meeting with Leo Varadkar on Thursday evening through the corridors that run from Government Buildings to Leinster House , Micheál Martin shared a joke with his chef de cabinet , Deirdre Gillane .
The sound of laughter carried further than usual because of the funereal silence .
With the Oireachtas not scheduled to resume after Christmas until next Wednesday , few were around the Dáil .
Fewer still were there after 7pm .
Some of those TDs who did travel to Leinster House this week emptied their offices in anticipation of an impending election .
Others @ @ @ @ @ @ @ actually run again or instead retire .
Martin was relaxed as he returned to his office .
Neither he nor Varadkar carried the air of wrestling with a decision .
Meanwhile , their TDs became increasingly convinced as the week wore on that a February election is likely .
However , the meeting itself had been inconclusive .
Both men outlined their positions on wrapping up the confidence and supply agreement which sees Fianna Fáil underpin the Fine Gael-led minority government .
Martin is understood to have told colleagues afterwards that he could @ @ @ @ @ @ @ which was probably exactly what the Taoiseach wanted .
They will meet again next week .
Varadkar wants a Martin guarantee of actual support for the Government – instead of just abstaining – on some Dáil votes and his backing for a number of policies , including property tax reform , in exchange for an agreed election date .
The demand is politically impossible for Martin to accept , perhaps intentionally so , although both Varadkar and Martin say an agreed list of legislation can be passed before voters are asked to go @ @ @ @ @ @ @ put down a no-confidence motion against Minister for Health Simon Harris in early February , putting further pressure on Varadkar .
More likely , Varadkar will seek a dissolution of the Dáil on his own terms and without any agreement with Fianna Fáil .
Varadkar , however , has given little away in private .
Ministers have attempted to second-guess his intentions from conversations with him , whilst also trying to figure out if any of their Cabinet colleagues knew more than they do .
Speaking after the Cabinet meeting in Marino this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fear that they were out of the loop was assuaged by the fact that others were clearly just as clueless about the Taoiseach ’ s plans .
TDs asked after the whereabouts of President Michael D. Higgins , should a visit to the Park be necessary The President , as it happens , was on a short holiday break , returning to Ireland on Saturday .
Ministers , like all others , were instead left to look for hints that the ground is being readied for an election – such as the tweaking @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Friday of €77 million in sports grants for larger infrastructural projects .
In some instances , more cash was found over and above the official sports grants list .
Connacht Rugby was unhappy that it was getting €10 million for its stadium , not €20 million .
Pressure was exercised .
The extra €10 million was found just minutes before the grants were announced .
Thoughts have already turned to the campaign to come .
A presidential Leo-versus-Micheál-style contest will suit both .
Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael TDs welcomed the news that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ debate , believing that will help squeeze support for smaller parties .
For now , people in Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil believe they are neck and neck .
Advantage will be hard won , though this week ’ s Royal Irish Constabulary controversy has been a gift for Fianna Fáil , and left Fine Gael TDs trying to explain that they would not commemorate the Black and Tans .
Though they enjoyed Fine Gael ’ s discomfort immensely , Fianna Fáil TDs do not think it will decide voters ’ minds on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ best thing in three years for geeing up our grassroots , ” said one frontbench member .
Fianna Fáil TDs , like their members , are eager to be let off the leash to attack Fine Gael after years of keeping it in office .
“ This is a choice : either them or us , ” said one TD , although it will not be so simple .
Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil are unlikely to poll above a combined 60 per cent , with Sinn Féin , Labour , the Greens @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Fine Gael in middle-class areas ) and others competing for votes and seats .
In response to Fine Gael claims that Fianna Fáil is lacking in serious policy , senior figures in Martin ’ s party say they will only launch their policy offering during the election campaign proper .
Those in Government believe a short campaign is too late to land policies and say voters need to be introduced to new proposals over months , not days .
“ They aren ’ t Apple – it isn ’ t launching an iPhone @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that Fianna Fáil has yet to outline why voters should actually support Martin , instead of just rejecting Varadkar .
The voices of caution in Fine Gael , who believe Varadkar should hold on until the spring before going to the polls , point to hospital waiting lists and the difficulties associated with a winter election , such as recruiting canvassers on cold nights .
Fine Gaelers have long compared the coming contest to the 2007 election , when what was believed to be an unpopular Fianna Fáil-led government held on for a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ If we were to believe the top-of-the-head brigade , the election will be about how s**t everything is , ” remarked one Government figure , before pointing towards the strength of the economy and the Government ’ s handling of Brexit .
“ When [ the ] election is actually a reality , public opinion will reset , ” said one senior Fine Gael figure .
“ That can go for you or against you.
” A senior Fianna Fáiler countered that “ it ’ s not always about the economy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ party that the main battlegrounds will be housing and health .
The winning and losing of the election may be in defining the ground on which it is fought .
Fine Gaelers tell themselves that , just as in 2007 , the swing back to the Government may not come until the final week of the campaign .
If the danger of a winter election lies in overcrowded hospitals , then the benefit is in Brexit .
Fine Gael is already emphasising its Brexit team of Varadkar , Simon Coveney and Helen McEntee @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Johnson may pursue a hard Brexit .
A potential Johnson-Varadkar meeting in Belfast to mark the restoration of Stormont is mooted in Fine Gael circles , and European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen will also visit Dublin next week .
If an election is called in the coming days , Brexit could frame the beginning of the election , as well as the end .
A polling day of February 7th or 14th would see Brexit actually take place in the final , crucial weeks of a campaign , with Britain leaving @ @ @ @ @ @ @ against all the noise , supposition , conjecture and debate , the choice – to go now , or wait until spring – is Varadkar ’ s alone .

An Taoiseach Leo Varadkar gave little away in response to questions on the general election date when he spoke to media ahead of a meeting of the Fine Gael parliamentary party in Dublin. Video: John Cassidy
Walking back from his meeting with Leo Varadkar on Thursday evening through the corridors that run from Government Buildings to Leinster House, Micheál Martin shared a joke with his chef de cabinet, Deirdre Gillane.
The sound of laughter carried further than usual because of the funereal silence. With the Oireachtas not scheduled to resume after Christmas until next Wednesday, few were around the Dáil. Fewer still were there after 7pm.
Some of those TDs who did travel to Leinster House this week emptied their offices in anticipation of an impending election. Others confessed to weighing up whether they will actually run again or instead retire.
Martin was relaxed as he returned to his office. Neither he nor Varadkar carried the air of wrestling with a decision. Meanwhile, their TDs became increasingly convinced as the week wore on that a February election is likely.
READ MORE
However, the meeting itself had been inconclusive. Both men outlined their positions on wrapping up the confidence and supply agreement which sees Fianna Fáil underpin the Fine Gael-led minority government.
Martin is understood to have told colleagues afterwards that he could not read Varadkar’s intentions – which was probably exactly what the Taoiseach wanted. They will meet again next week.
Varadkar wants a Martin guarantee of actual support for the Government – instead of just abstaining – on some Dáil votes and his backing for a number of policies, including property tax reform, in exchange for an agreed election date.
The demand is politically impossible for Martin to accept, perhaps intentionally so, although both Varadkar and Martin say an agreed list of legislation can be passed before voters are asked to go to the polls.
Further pressure
Rural Independents will put down a no-confidence motion against Minister for Health Simon Harris in early February, putting further pressure on Varadkar. More likely, Varadkar will seek a dissolution of the Dáil on his own terms and without any agreement with Fianna Fáil.
Varadkar, however, has given little away in private. Ministers have attempted to second-guess his intentions from conversations with him, whilst also trying to figure out if any of their Cabinet colleagues knew more than they do.
Speaking after the Cabinet meeting in Marino this week, one senior figure said their fear that they were out of the loop was assuaged by the fact that others were clearly just as clueless about the Taoiseach's plans.
TDs asked after the whereabouts of President Michael D. Higgins, should a visit to the Park be necessary The President, as it happens, was on a short holiday break, returning to Ireland on Saturday. Ministers, like all others, were instead left to look for hints that the ground is being readied for an election – such as the tweaking of election tickets and the announcement on Friday of €77 million in sports grants for larger infrastructural projects.
In some instances, more cash was found over and above the official sports grants list. Connacht Rugby was unhappy that it was getting €10 million for its stadium, not €20 million. Pressure was exercised. The extra €10 million was found just minutes before the grants were announced.
Thoughts have already turned to the campaign to come. A presidential Leo-versus-Micheál-style contest will suit both. Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael TDs welcomed the news that both will take part in a head-to-head debate, believing that will help squeeze support for smaller parties.
Neck and neck
For now, people in Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil believe they are neck and neck. Advantage will be hard won, though this week's Royal Irish Constabulary controversy has been a gift for Fianna Fáil, and left Fine Gael TDs trying to explain that they would not commemorate the Black and Tans.
Though they enjoyed Fine Gael’s discomfort immensely, Fianna Fáil TDs do not think it will decide voters’ minds on polling day. “It was the best thing in three years for geeing up our grassroots,” said one frontbench member.
Fianna Fáil TDs, like their members, are eager to be let off the leash to attack Fine Gael after years of keeping it in office. “This is a choice: either them or us,” said one TD, although it will not be so simple.
Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil are unlikely to poll above a combined 60 per cent, with Sinn Féin, Labour, the Greens (seen as a particular threat to Fine Gael in middle-class areas) and others competing for votes and seats.
In response to Fine Gael claims that Fianna Fáil is lacking in serious policy, senior figures in Martin’s party say they will only launch their policy offering during the election campaign proper.
Those in Government believe a short campaign is too late to land policies and say voters need to be introduced to new proposals over months, not days.
"They aren't Apple – it isn't launching an iPhone," said one source, adding that Fianna Fáil has yet to outline why voters should actually support Martin, instead of just rejecting Varadkar.
The voices of caution in Fine Gael, who believe Varadkar should hold on until the spring before going to the polls, point to hospital waiting lists and the difficulties associated with a winter election, such as recruiting canvassers on cold nights.
Third term
Fine Gaelers have long compared the coming contest to the 2007 election, when what was believed to be an unpopular Fianna Fáil-led government held on for a third term after a late campaign swing.
“If we were to believe the top-of-the-head brigade, the election will be about how s**t everything is,” remarked one Government figure, before pointing towards the strength of the economy and the Government’s handling of Brexit.
“When [the] election is actually a reality, public opinion will reset,” said one senior Fine Gael figure. “That can go for you or against you.”
A senior Fianna Fáiler countered that “it’s not always about the economy”, with a belief in the party that the main battlegrounds will be housing and health.
The winning and losing of the election may be in defining the ground on which it is fought. Fine Gaelers tell themselves that, just as in 2007, the swing back to the Government may not come until the final week of the campaign.
If the danger of a winter election lies in overcrowded hospitals, then the benefit is in Brexit.
Fine Gael is already emphasising its Brexit team of Varadkar, Simon Coveney and Helen McEntee, and Varadkar has warned that Boris Johnson may pursue a hard Brexit.
A potential Johnson-Varadkar meeting in Belfast to mark the restoration of Stormont is mooted in Fine Gael circles, and European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen will also visit Dublin next week.
If an election is called in the coming days, Brexit could frame the beginning of the election, as well as the end.
A polling day of February 7th or 14th would see Brexit actually take place in the final, crucial weeks of a campaign, with Britain leaving the EU on January 31st.
But against all the noise, supposition, conjecture and debate, the choice – to go now, or wait until spring – is Varadkar’s alone.


theirishtimes--2020-01-11--After sandwich board ban, council will soon have pub owners over a barrel

Dublin ’ s publicans are facing a ban on placing barrels outside their premises following the success of the crackdown on sandwich boards in the city .
Since September , city businesses have had to apply for permission to erect advertising sandwich boards on the street .
Almost 150 unlicensed boards have been seized by the council .
Council chief executive Owen Keegan said he was “ delighted ” by the success of the crackdown on sandwich boards , which he said was aimed at ridding the streets of “ unauthorised clutter ” and not a money-making exercise .
Mr @ @ @ @ @ @ @ blitz , to end the unauthorised use of barrels for customers to drink or smoke outside pubs .
“ We are delighted with how the sandwich boards regulations have gone .
They have been very successful at removing unauthorised clutter which has caused obstructions to the public footpaths , ” Mr Keegan said .
“ Now we need to concentrate on other elements which are causing problems and I am particularly unhappy about the use of beer barrels , which are taking over the footpath in some areas .
They are also encouraging @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is a matter of concern to me.
” The number of barrels placed outside pubs , particularly in the city centre , had increased in recent years , he said , with some drinks companies giving out free barrels which doubled as on-street advertising .
The barrels would likely be licensed in the same manner as sandwich boards , Mr Keegan said .
The advertising boards are only permitted in places where they cause no obstruction to the footpath and are banned entirely outside protected structures , such as Georgian buildings , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ) .
O ’ Connell Street , Grafton Street , Capel Street , Dawson Street and the area between Grafton Street and South Great George ’ s Street are all within ACAs .
Suburban areas including Phibsborough , Sandymount and Ranelagh are also covered by the designation .
Donall O ’ Keeffe , chief executive of the Licensed Vintners Association , said he would be opposed to a barrel ban .
“ The council has had no consultation with us in relation to this .
These barrels provide customers with outdoor space and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the city.
” He said given the fees publicans already pay to the council for outdoor tables and chairs , it was excessive to ask that they pay additional barrel fees .

A barrel outside a pub in Temple Bar, Dublin. ‘These barrels provide customers with outdoor space and add a lot to the atmosphere of the city,’ said Donall O’Keeffe of the Licensed Vintners Association. Photograph: iStock
Dublin’s publicans are facing a ban on placing barrels outside their premises following the success of the crackdown on sandwich boards in the city.
Since September, city businesses have had to apply for permission to erect advertising sandwich boards on the street. Almost 150 unlicensed boards have been seized by the council.
Council chief executive Owen Keegan said he was "delighted" by the success of the crackdown on sandwich boards, which he said was aimed at ridding the streets of "unauthorised clutter" and not a money-making exercise.
Mr Keegan is now planning a beer barrel blitz, to end the unauthorised use of barrels for customers to drink or smoke outside pubs.
READ MORE
“We are delighted with how the sandwich boards regulations have gone. They have been very successful at removing unauthorised clutter which has caused obstructions to the public footpaths,” Mr Keegan said.
The barrels would likely be licensed in the same manner as sandwich boards, Mr Keegan said
“Now we need to concentrate on other elements which are causing problems and I am particularly unhappy about the use of beer barrels, which are taking over the footpath in some areas. They are also encouraging on-street drinking in the city, which is a matter of concern to me.”
On-street advertising
The number of barrels placed outside pubs, particularly in the city centre, had increased in recent years, he said, with some drinks companies giving out free barrels which doubled as on-street advertising.
The barrels would likely be licensed in the same manner as sandwich boards, Mr Keegan said. The advertising boards are only permitted in places where they cause no obstruction to the footpath and are banned entirely outside protected structures, such as Georgian buildings, and in 23 architectural conservation areas (ACAs).
O'Connell Street, Grafton Street, Capel Street, Dawson Street and the area between Grafton Street and South Great George's Street are all within ACAs. Suburban areas including Phibsborough, Sandymount and Ranelagh are also covered by the designation.
Donall O'Keeffe, chief executive of the Licensed Vintners Association, said he would be opposed to a barrel ban.
“The council has had no consultation with us in relation to this. These barrels provide customers with outdoor space and add a lot to the atmosphere of the city.”
He said given the fees publicans already pay to the council for outdoor tables and chairs, it was excessive to ask that they pay additional barrel fees.


theirishtimes--2020-01-11--Dispute delaying abortion investigation goes to mediation

A mediator is to be appointed in a last-ditch effort to resolve disagreements that have delayed the investigation of an abortion carried out at the National Maternity Hospital last year .
Both the hospital and the couple involved have agreed to the involvement of a mediator to help resolve disagreements that have delayed by more than seven months the promised review into the circumstances of a termination carried out after an incorrect test result .
The mediator , expected to be a prominent senior barrister , will begin work on the case shortly .
Minister for Health Simon Harris has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the couple , probably later this month , according to their solicitor Caoimhe Haughey .
In the case , the couple received two test results indicating their baby had a fatal foetal anomaly , but a later test result , received after the termination had been carried out , showed it had no genetic condition .
The woman was seen by only one obstetrician , despite legislation saying she should be examined by two .
After details of the termination emerged , the hospital agreed last May to hold an investigation into the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are serious issues requiring further inquiry , the proposed investigation has yet to begin .
The couple have objected to the composition of the review panel proposed by the hospital and have argued the investigating team should comprise experts who have no previous professional links to hospital staff , such as consultants from continental Europe .
The hospital has rejected this proposal , though it has agreed that the couple be allowed to nominate additional experts to the review panel .
There have also been disagreements over the provision of medical records in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ difficulties providing printed and complete copies of the woman ’ s electronic health file .
The hospital will this weekend host an international symposium on adverse pregnancy outcomes in the first trimester , including the diagnosis of foetal malformations during this period .
Ms Haughey said the symposium was “ very significant ” in the context of the tragedy that had happened and her clients had a “ very sincere interest ” in the discussions that would take place .
She said she expected to issue two separate writs in the name of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ what happened around the termination last March .

The National Maternity Hospital and the couple have agreed to the involvement of a mediator to help resolve disagreements that have delayed by more than seven months the promised review into the circumstances of the termination. File photograph: Bryan O’Brien
A mediator is to be appointed in a last-ditch effort to resolve disagreements that have delayed the investigation of an abortion carried out at the National Maternity Hospital last year.
Both the hospital and the couple involved have agreed to the involvement of a mediator to help resolve disagreements that have delayed by more than seven months the promised review into the circumstances of a termination carried out after an incorrect test result.
The mediator, expected to be a prominent senior barrister, will begin work on the case shortly.
Minister for Health Simon Harris has agreed to have a second meeting with the couple, probably later this month, according to their solicitor Caoimhe Haughey.
READ MORE
In the case, the couple received two test results indicating their baby had a fatal foetal anomaly, but a later test result, received after the termination had been carried out, showed it had no genetic condition. The woman was seen by only one obstetrician, despite legislation saying she should be examined by two.
After details of the termination emerged, the hospital agreed last May to hold an investigation into the circumstances. Despite both sides agreeing there are serious issues requiring further inquiry, the proposed investigation has yet to begin.
Review panel
The couple have objected to the composition of the review panel proposed by the hospital and have argued the investigating team should comprise experts who have no previous professional links to hospital staff, such as consultants from continental Europe.
The hospital has rejected this proposal, though it has agreed that the couple be allowed to nominate additional experts to the review panel. There have also been disagreements over the provision of medical records in their entirety which have been complicated by difficulties providing printed and complete copies of the woman’s electronic health file.
The hospital will this weekend host an international symposium on adverse pregnancy outcomes in the first trimester, including the diagnosis of foetal malformations during this period.
Ms Haughey said the symposium was “very significant” in the context of the tragedy that had happened and her clients had a “very sincere interest” in the discussions that would take place.
She said she expected to issue two separate writs in the name of the mother and father shortly arising from what happened around the termination last March.


theirishtimes--2020-01-11--Health service hiring equivalent of two extra managers a week

The health service is appointing the equivalent of two additional managers every week at a time of recruitment restrictions elsewhere in the health service , new official figures show .
There were 1,428 people employed at national director , assistant national director , general manager , grade VIII or other senior manager level at the end of November 2019 , according to figures provided to Fianna Fáil by the HSE .
Fianna Fáil health spokesman Stephen Donnelly said this represented an increase of 51 on the number of managers employed in the health service at the end of June .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ pause , which the Minister is denying is in place , is crippling the hospital network , the HSE is having no difficulty in recruiting managerial staff .
It is incredible .
“ New HSE director Paul Reid said in November that the agency had too many managers , and layoffs will begin in the New Year – I sincerely hope this will be the case.
” Mr Reid told The Irish Times on Friday that proposals for a voluntary leaving programme in the HSE would be ready by April .
“ We @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in place .
Some jobs that are highly specialised are being approved , a minor number of jobs approved at centre level .
Our numbers are going up overall across the system ; if you look at recruitment , up about 2,100 for the year , of that number the vast majority now focus on clinical medical care .
“ We ’ re beginning to see the dial turned where we want it much stronger.
” In a written reply to a parliamentary question , the HSE said that as of the end @ @ @ @ @ @ @ or 119,532 whole-time equivalents ) directly employed in the provision of health and social care services by the HSE and the various voluntary State-funded bodies known as Section 38 organisations .
“ These staff and services need to be administered and managed and the large majority of management , clerical and administrative staff ( 84 per cent ) are employed in the front-facing services of hospital , ambulance , community health and wellbeing , screening , environmental health , primary care reimbursement etc , and the remainder in central areas such as finance @ @ @ @ @ @ @ eHealth , cancer control , clinical strategy etc ) together with health business services ( recruitment , estates , procurement and payroll etc ) .
” The HSE said frontline staff had to be supported by other services .
“ For example , clerical support enables medical consultants operate more efficiently by scheduling care , diagnostics , appointments etc .
No hospital can operate without a manager to look after budgets , staff and buildings .
No public health department can prepare for emergencies or plan for a flu pandemic , nor can @ @ @ @ @ @ @ or payroll.
” The HSE also said staff at national director , assistant national director , general manager and grade VIII level accounted for just one in more than 100 of all personnel .
The HSE figures show there were 45 more personnel employed at general manager and grade VIII level in November than in June , with six additional staff classified as “ other senior manager ” grade .
There was one fewer assistant national director in November than in the previous June .
The Government has insisted that there is not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that more than 2,000 staff were taken on last year .
However , nurses have strongly criticised restrictions in place for taking on additional personnel .

HSE CEO Paul Reid and Minister for Health Simon Harris. Mr Reid said that proposals for a voluntary leaving programme in the HSE would be ready by April. Photograph: Alan Betson/The Irish Times
The health service is appointing the equivalent of two additional managers every week at a time of recruitment restrictions elsewhere in the health service, new official figures show.
There were 1,428 people employed at national director, assistant national director, general manager, grade VIII or other senior manager level at the end of November 2019, according to figures provided to Fianna Fáil by the HSE.
Fianna Fáil health spokesman Stephen Donnelly said this represented an increase of 51 on the number of managers employed in the health service at the end of June.
“So, while the current recruitment pause, which the Minister is denying is in place, is crippling the hospital network, the HSE is having no difficulty in recruiting managerial staff. It is incredible.
READ MORE
"New HSE director Paul Reid said in November that the agency had too many managers, and layoffs will begin in the New Year – I sincerely hope this will be the case."
Mr Reid told The Irish Times on Friday that proposals for a voluntary leaving programme in the HSE would be ready by April.
“We’ve put a lot of controls in place. Some jobs that are highly specialised are being approved, a minor number of jobs approved at centre level. Our numbers are going up overall across the system; if you look at recruitment, up about 2,100 for the year, of that number the vast majority now focus on clinical medical care.
“We’re beginning to see the dial turned where we want it much stronger.”
Directly employed
In a written reply to a parliamentary question, the HSE said that as of the end of November there were 137,737 personnel (or 119,532 whole-time equivalents) directly employed in the provision of health and social care services by the HSE and the various voluntary State-funded bodies known as Section 38 organisations.
No hospital can operate without a manager to look after budgets, staff and buildings
“These staff and services need to be administered and managed and the large majority of management, clerical and administrative staff (84 per cent ) are employed in the front-facing services of hospital, ambulance, community health and wellbeing, screening, environmental health, primary care reimbursement etc, and the remainder in central areas such as finance, human resources, ICT (including eHealth, cancer control, clinical strategy etc) together with health business services (recruitment, estates, procurement and payroll etc).”
The HSE said frontline staff had to be supported by other services.
“For example, clerical support enables medical consultants operate more efficiently by scheduling care, diagnostics, appointments etc. No hospital can operate without a manager to look after budgets, staff and buildings. No public health department can prepare for emergencies or plan for a flu pandemic, nor can any of our services exist without recruitment or payroll.”
National director
The HSE also said staff at national director, assistant national director, general manager and grade VIII level accounted for just one in more than 100 of all personnel.
The HSE figures show there were 45 more personnel employed at general manager and grade VIII level in November than in June, with six additional staff classified as “other senior manager” grade.
There was one fewer assistant national director in November than in the previous June.
The Government has insisted that there is not a blanket recruitment moratorium in place and that more than 2,000 staff were taken on last year. However, nurses have strongly criticised restrictions in place for taking on additional personnel.