Northern Ireland

The multi-party talks process is going nowhere fast, according to East Londonderry MP Willie Ross, who is determined that the unionist community will resist Tony Blair's attempts to forge a settlement. By Carolyn Farrar

The Stormont talks are unlikely to succeed. The only real doubt is whether violence will return. By Fionnuala O Connor

Where politics once stagnated, events in Northern Ireland now chase each other helter-skelter. As Magill went to press, a new joint government document turned recent perceptions head over heels. Fionnuala O'Connor charts the doubts behind the instant reactions.

Bernadette Sands is no publicity seeker. Since the launch of dissident republican group The 32 County Sovereignty Committee, of which she is vice-chairperson, she has had hundreds of requests for media interviews. That's hardly surprising. Bobby Sands, the dead IRA hunger-striker, is the modern republican movement's greatest icon. When his sister criticises the peace process and, by implication, the strategy of the Sinn Féin leadership, it's big news.

On August 29, 1996, shortly before the CLMC's death threat against him expired, Emer Woodful interviewed LVF leader Billy Wright in his Portadown home.

The murder of LVF leader Billy Wright has ignited the most violent spell in the North's recent history and threatened the peace process. He may well have considered it an appropriate legacy. By Emer Woodful

On 30 January 1972, 14 civilians were shot dead by the British army. They had been taking part in a civil rights march in Derry, protesting against internment without trial. Lord Widgery was highly selective in the evidence he used in his official report on the matter—and some of the accounts he chose to include were highly suspect. The victims' families have campaigned for justice ever since. Their case is too strong to ignore any longer. By Eamonn McCann

The Democratic Unionist Party would prefer a Civil War to acquiescence in a role for the Dublin Government in the affairs of Northern Ireland after the Anglo-Irish summit. Fintan O'Toole spoke to DUP activists about the depth of their opposition to the Anglo-Irish deal and their willingness to resort to violence.

That there are dangers in any Anglo-Irish deal is obvious, but not so obvious that it goes without saying. That there are dangers in not pursuing an agreement is equally obvious. The task at hand for the British and Irish political establishments is to weigh the dangers against the possible gains. For the Irish govern men t in particular compelling reasons have to be found for running the risk of massively increased civil unrest in Northern Ireland and possible violent action aimed at the Republic.

In recent weeks, the American Senate have had hearings relating to a proposed extradition treaty between Britain and the US. Dominic McGlinchey, extradited from the Republic eighteen months ago is appealing his conviction for murder. Two months ago, John Quinn was freed by a London court following extradition from Dublin last March. Very soon, even more controversial cases are likely to come before the courts.