Lightnews — Scholar-powered news

James McCarthy

@jamesmccarthy97.bsky.social

1K followers 270 following 220 posts

Political Reporter | Belfast Live and Daily Mirror NI | DMs open RTs ≠ endorsements | Views are my own etc [email protected]

Posts Media Videos Starter Packs

Pinned

James McCarthy @jamesmccarthy97.bsky.social · Mar 26

Get the latest political news straight to your inbox!

Sign up to our Party Lines newsletter where each Monday I bring you the latest indepth politcal analysis and Fridays bring you your weekly round-up of some of the top politcal stories.

Sign up here: tinyurl.com/yfr8b6hz

James McCarthy @jamesmccarthy97.bsky.social · 1d

The Ulster Unionist Party leader was speaking to Belfast Live ahead of his party conference this weekend

UUP 'stable and ready' for next election, says Mike Nesbitt

The Ulster Unionist Party leader was speaking to Belfast Live ahead of his party conference this weekend

www.belfastlive.co.uk

James McCarthy @jamesmccarthy97.bsky.social · 3d

Puberty blocker ban 'part of a series of attacks on Trans people' says Hanna

Puberty blocker ban 'part of a series of attacks on Trans people' says Hanna

Claire Hanna was responding to a question on whether her party would have supported the move if it had held a ministerial post.

www.belfastlive.co.uk

James McCarthy @jamesmccarthy97.bsky.social · 3d

Opinion: Claire Hanna gives the SDLP its first glimmer of revival in years

Opinion: Claire Hanna gives the SDLP its first glimmer of revival in years

"Last year, I wrote that the SDLP’s survival depended on whether it had the will to revive itself. Under Claire Hanna, there is evidence that it has found that will."

www.belfastlive.co.uk

James McCarthy @jamesmccarthy97.bsky.social · 5d

As the SDLP gathers for its annual conference this weekend, party leader Claire Hanna is eager to put constitutional change at the heart of discussions.

'Planning for a New Ireland must start now' says Claire Hanna

"We think setting arbitrary dates is not that helpful … but we are also very, very clear that it's entirely compatible with the Good Friday Agreement to properly plan and engage now.”

www.belfastlive.co.uk

James McCarthy @jamesmccarthy97.bsky.social · 7d

As the SDLP gathers for its annual conference this weekend, party leader Claire Hanna sat down for a chat with me and insists the mood inside the party is shifting and rediscovering a sense of purpose

SDLP leader Claire Hanna says party is finding momentum after 'tough years'

"Politics isn't just about a soft play area for the MLAs to go and keep them occupied during the week."

www.belfastlive.co.uk

James McCarthy @jamesmccarthy97.bsky.social · 8d

Charity set up in memory of Katie Simpson hit out at MLA's TikTok comments

Charity set up in memory of Katie Simpson hit out at MLA's TikTok comments

'For a public representative to undermine a mother who has endured the trauma of losing her child is deeply disappointing and disrespectful'

www.belfastlive.co.uk

James McCarthy @jamesmccarthy97.bsky.social · 8d

What a week it has been, after being shortlisted for Commentator Of The Year at the Media Freedom Awards last week, today, I have been named on the Press Awards 30 Under 30!

James McCarthy @jamesmccarthy97.bsky.social · 9d

Dubbed a 'smacking ban' by some, MLA Michelle Guy insists her amendment is about closing a loophole to protect children from assault

MLA insists Justice Bill amendment 'not a smacking ban'

Dubbed a 'smacking ban' by some, MLA Michelle Guy insists her amendment is about closing a loophole to protect children from assault

www.belfastlive.co.uk

James McCarthy @jamesmccarthy97.bsky.social · 11d

Opinion: PM's Brit Card proposal proves Stormont can still speak with one voice

Opinion: PM's Brit Card proposal proves Stormont can still speak with one voice

"If Stormont could bottle this kind of unity, we’d have a functioning society by next week."

www.belfastlive.co.uk

James McCarthy @jamesmccarthy97.bsky.social · 12d

It's an honour to have been shortlisted for Commentator Of The Year at the Society of Editors Media Freedom Awards.

Each week, I try to make sense of the biggest stories in NI politics and at times it can feel like you're howling at the wind.

So a wee bit of recognition goes a long way!

James McCarthy @jamesmccarthy97.bsky.social · 22d

Stormont's Standards Commissioner quits after one week in post

Stormont's Standards Commissioner quits after one week in post

MLA's approved his appointment last Monday

www.belfastlive.co.uk

James McCarthy @jamesmccarthy97.bsky.social · Aug 30

With a budget of £100, I went 'wild in the aisles' onboard the Stena Line Dublin to Holyhead service to see just how their duty free shopping compares to high street prices.

We went on a duty-free shopping trip and saved £90 on high street prices

With a budget of £100, we went wild in the aisles on board the Stena Line Dublin to Holyhead service to see what bargains we could find

www.belfastlive.co.uk

James McCarthy @jamesmccarthy97.bsky.social · Aug 30

Catherine Connolly's visit to West Belfast this week was a calculated move aimed squarely at Sinn Féin

Opinion: Sinn Féin delays proving a pain in the Áras for Catherine Connolly

"Connolly's visit to West Belfast this week was a calculated move aimed squarely at Sinn Féin"

www.belfastlive.co.uk

Reposted by James McCarthy

Belfast Live @belfastlive.co.uk · Aug 29

Reach has outperformed other local publishers, achieving unrivalled dominance in Northern Ireland’s media market

Belfast Live continues to dominate the market according to new NI TGI data

www.belfastlive.co.uk

James McCarthy @jamesmccarthy97.bsky.social · Aug 28

While the recent ban made it illegal to prescribe puberty blockers, a Belfast Live investigation has uncovered that anyone who procures or is in possession of the medication could be prosecuted

www.belfastlive.co.uk/news/norther...

NI transgender kids could be prosecuted for possessing puberty blockers

While the recent ban made it illegal to prescribe the medication, a Belfast Live investigation has uncovered that anyone who procures or is in possession of the medication could be prosecuted

www.belfastlive.co.uk

James McCarthy @jamesmccarthy97.bsky.social · Aug 18

Concerns have been raised that majority of Invest NI grants awarded in area have gone to businesses within 1.5-mile radius of their North Eastern regional office

Concern as most grants handed to businesses within 1.5 miles of Invest NI office

Concerns raised that majority of Invest NI grants awarded in area have gone to businesses within 1.5-mile radius of their North Eastern regional office

www.belfastlive.co.uk

James McCarthy @jamesmccarthy97.bsky.social · Aug 7

Oh great... Now I want cheese and pineapple on a stick!

James McCarthy @jamesmccarthy97.bsky.social · Aug 7

The resident, who did not wish to be named, told Belfast Live the mural would devalue homes in the area

Resident up in arms as ‘ugliest bridge in Ireland’ painted ‘Sinn Féin green’

The resident, who did not wish to be named, told Belfast Live the mural would devalue homes in the area

www.belfastlive.co.uk

James McCarthy @jamesmccarthy97.bsky.social · Aug 1

BREAKING: Missing NI man Robert Kincaid has been found alive in Paris his family have confirmed to Belfast Live

Missing NI man Robert Kincaid found alive in France

Belfast Live understands that he is currently receiving emergency medical treatment

www.belfastlive.co.uk

James McCarthy @jamesmccarthy97.bsky.social · Jul 31

LATEST: Multiple flights booked in the name of missing Belfast man Robert Kincaid

Multiple flights booked in the name of missing Belfast man Robert Kincaid

Despite a missing persons report having been filed with the PSNI and relayed to Interpol, French authorities claimed they had no record of the report

www.belfastlive.co.uk

James McCarthy @jamesmccarthy97.bsky.social · Jul 29

Jon Borrows was one of four candidates interviewed for the role

Former senior PSNI officer Jon Borrows selected as new UUP North Antrim MLA

Mr Borrows was one of four candidates interviewed for the role

www.belfastlive.co.uk

James McCarthy @jamesmccarthy97.bsky.social · Jul 29

At this stage, it remains unclear if the French authorities have launched a formal investigation into Robert Kincaid's disappearance

What we know so far about NI man missing in France

At this stage, it remains unclear whether a formal investigation is underway as the family say they are "extremely worried"

www.belfastlive.co.uk

James McCarthy @jamesmccarthy97.bsky.social · Jul 27

Robert Kincaid was last seen at Charles De Gaulle Airport where he missed his flight. His phone has been answered on two occasions by individuals unknown to his family.

Family preparing to fly to France to search for Belfast man missing for 10 days

Robert Kincaid was last seen at Charles De Gaulle Airport, where he failed to board his flight to Dublin

www.belfastlive.co.uk

James McCarthy @jamesmccarthy97.bsky.social · Jul 27

This week, I sat down with HIV Consultant Dr Carol Emerson to find out more about PrEP and how it is reducing the number of new diagnoses

PrEP: The drug being used to eradicate new HIV diagnoses in NI by 2030

We sat down with HIV Consultant Dr Carol Emerson to find out more about PrEP and how it is reducing the number of new diagnoses

www.belfastlive.co.uk

James McCarthy @jamesmccarthy97.bsky.social · Jul 25

In 1988 at the age of 22, John Blair became the first openly gay politician to be elected in Northern Ireland. Today he serves as Deputy Speaker in the Assembly

'I felt like the only gay in the village', says NI's first openly gay politician

Through the dark days and the abuse, he says the real reward has always been the simple moments of solidarity, such as a nod on the doorstep or a kind word in a church hall

www.belfastlive.co.uk