Editor, The Impartial Reporter. UK Weekly Newspaper of the Year ‘24. Award-winning investigative journalist (Amnesty International; Society of Editors). Author.
I am investigating the defective blocks scandal in Ireland for a new book. Thousands of homes are falling down in several counties because of failures and a lack of accountability. If you have information or want to share your story in confidence, DM me. Pls share!
Covid-skeptic Joe McCarron (75) didn't think the disease would kill him. Blinded by conspiracy theories, he allowed himself to be taken from ICU. Now he’s dead. In tomorrow's Sunday Independent, I investigate the people behind spreading Covid mistruths in Donegal — and name them.
Thanks for all the kind messages about my work both privately and publicly. For the avoidance of doubt: I have no agenda. I believe in giving people a voice. And I have never had to stand on a bin to make my point.
My exclusive investigation into Stephen Nolan in today’s Irish News:
▪️ He sent BBC staff ‘sexually explicit’ images of later convicted sex offender
▪️Show environment led to two BBC staff requiring counselling
▪️Internal messages that shed light on relationship with loyalist
In awe of all those in the emergency services from both sides of the border who helped in Donegal. The many neighbours who pulled people to safety seconds after the blast. The clergy who tended to the dead. They are all heroes. And they will need support in the time ahead, too.
Thread: Anti-vax, anti-mask, anti-lockdown, anti-media activists are hell-bent on spreading misinformation on Covid-19. Reality check time (again): Challenge authorities, oppose restrictions, refuse vax. That’s your right. But spread dangerous falsehoods and you may be exposed.
Exclusive: Nicola Gallagher tells her story in tomorrow’s Sunday Independent:
- She speaks about those Rory Gallagher domestic abuse claims
- How her family told the GAA ‘but they did nothing’
- How she thought about ending her life over the abuse she says she suffered
We're thrilled to welcome Bernadette McAliskey to The Impartial Reporter as our latest columnist. Insightful discussions on social inequalities, rural exclusion, education, transport, immigration, and her inclusive vision for this island. Photo: Press Eye.
My exchanges with Sinéad were short-lived but memorable. One time after turning down my interview requests, I noticed she was asking for donations to help a donkey sanctuary. I donated. The next day she emailed: “Thanks, Mr Edwards — but when a woman says no, she means no”.
Noah Donohoe (14) was found naked in a storm drain six days after going missing. In tomorrow’s Sunday Independent, his mother Fiona reveals he was found with a head injury and tells me why she believes the PSNI probe into his death is flawed. How did the Belfast teen end up dead?
Revealed: Nicola Gallagher’s father sent FIVE emails to Derry GAA about Rory Gallagher’s alleged abuse. Internal audit blames ‘deactivated’ address for failure to respond — but address was still main point of contact until a few days ago. My report.
Joe McCarron was encouraged to leave hospital despite having Covid. He then died. In tomorrow’s Sunday Independent, his wife Una speaks out for the first time and reveals how he was brainwashed by anti-vaxxers and how it was Dolores Cahill who told her to get him out of hospital.
BBC Northern Ireland journalists are planning to address concerns about the BBC's coverage of the Stephen Nolan stories from last week. Multiple sources indicate they will discuss this with management and the NUJ. "Our newsroom's integrity has plummeted," remarked an insider.
Dear
@BorisJohnson
,
Come to County Fermanagh and I'll introduce you to:
* The lorry drivers who zip across the Border carrying milk, concrete, food several times a day
* The pharmacist who delivers medicine to the south
* The undertaker who transports bodies back and forward 24/7
Stephen Nolan sent *two* sexually explicit images to *several* work colleagues, not only a "long-term friend and peer outside of work" as he claimed on his radio show on Friday. Today’s Irish News.
Thanks for watching
#QuinnCountry
. It took four years but I think it was worth the wait. Superb work by colleagues Trevor Birney and Andrew Tully and all the team. Great to be involved. And if Alan Dukes is reading this: I have no links to the provos or the B-Specials.
Nicola Gallagher in her own words: How she once loved Rory Gallagher, but thought of ending her life. Why she feels empowered to speak up. How Derry GAA were informed of the abuse claims by her family ‘but did nothing’. Read my interview with Nicola here:
Exclusive: Nicola Gallagher tells her story in tomorrow’s Sunday Independent:
- She speaks about those Rory Gallagher domestic abuse claims
- How her family told the GAA ‘but they did nothing’
- How she thought about ending her life over the abuse she says she suffered
After a week of falsehoods from a full-time troll, I wanted to express my gratitude to all those who have contacted me. Thanks to the sources who helped with my Irish News series exploring the BBC’s Nolan Show. Not *one* source — but more than a dozen.
#JournalismIsNotACrime
Horrified to learn that healthcare staff in Fermanagh have been warned not to speak to media if they have any concerns surrounding Covid-19. If you work in health here let me tell you: do not feel powerless or afraid. I am here to help you and I protect all my sources. DM me.
Thrilled to have won UK Weekly Journalist of the Year at
@EditorsUK
's Regional Press Awards for my investigation into child sexual abuse in Fermanagh for
@impartialrep
. I dedicate this award to the 70+ alleged victims who bravely broke their silence. They must never be forgotten.
Whether you agree or disagree with her politics
@DUPleader
is only human. Some of the tweets on here [about the way she looks, etc] are just nasty. That’s not freedom of expression it is abuse, and I know her children can see them. It is an issue for other female politicians too.
Sunday World reveal how Rory Gallagher is back coaching in the GAA after domestic abuse claims. I have been asking Ulster GAA and Monaghan GAA about this for three weeks but they haven’t bothered responding. Maybe they will now.
Some personal news: After 11 years at
@impartialrep
, I have decided to leave this great newspaper to pursue a new career opportunity. I have loved every moment and will miss it, my colleagues and readers very much. Looking forward to sharing news of my new job very soon.
Bittersweet news: I'm leaving the Sunday Independent. I'll miss my colleagues and all those I met along the way who made it an unforgettable experience. But I am thrilled to announce I am going home to take the helm as Editor of my old paper, The Impartial Reporter. I can’t wait.
Excited to be joining The Sunday Independent. To work at the same paper once graced by reporters like fearless Veronica Guerin will be a privilege. Look forward to highlighting social injustices, shining a light on darkness and giving people of all backgrounds a voice. DMs open!
This horrible person threatened to behead me. Yet it was not considered a crime by the police. I had to increase my security and the police monitored my home for six weeks. I still have a panic button installed. And here he is still at it. When will the authorities take action?
Exclusive: Anti-vaxxer Dolores Cahill is on the run and hiding in a remote location to avoid arrest after failing to turn up to a Dublin court. My special report on Ireland’s most prolific conspiracy theorist and why she fears prospect of prison in tomorrow’s Sunday Independent.
Last week I was accused of being part of a republican cabal determined to overthrow loyalism for my Nolan story. This week I am a union flag waving loyalist for signing up Foster. To be clear: I will give space to all voices and I will write all stories without fear or favour.
This is the image of 2020: the burial of Fermanagh woman Anne Best who died from Covid-19 in March. Her husband of 51 years had to stay at home. No funeral, no goodbye. This photo by
@JohnMcVittyPix
shocked the island of Ireland. Those flouting the rules should have another look.
I may have been born a Protestant, but I have always embraced different cultures. I am as content at a GAA match or listening to Irish as I am at the Twelfth. I speak to all politicians regardless of background. I would be failing as a journalist (and a human being) if I didn’t.
So, the story — according to one Belfast newspaper — is not the content of the interview by Doug Beattie but the GAA background of its interviewer Joe Brolly and how that might play with the unionist electorate. I do not like critiquing other papers but this is bizarre.
‘Beheading’ tweet sent by a loyalist to Queen’s human rights law professor. Sunday Independent has reviewed dozens of intimidating messages sent to Queens academic Colin Harvey by loyalists. His crime? Expressing an opinion. Now the PSNI is investigating.
Loyalist troll who sent "intimidating" messages to Queen's University Belfast academic Colin Harvey is being investigated by the Police Service of Northern Ireland. In tomorrow’s Sunday Independent, the professor of human rights law speaks out about the struggle of toxic Twitter.
The Belfast teen who never came home. Noah Donohoe was found dead last June — six days after going missing. Could the PSNI have done more to locate him before it was too late? In today’s Sunday Independent, his mother Fiona tells me why she will not stop until she has answers.
LISTEN - ‘I loved her’: Husband of Fermanagh’s first Covid-19 victim misses wife’s burial. This is Anne Best's story with permission from her family and photography by
@JohnMcVittyPix
: via
@impartialrep
Judging by my email inbox, there is clearly a concerted effort by some anti-vaxx campaigners to send me abuse. I haven't been called a 'bollix' in a while. A good time now, I suppose, to say I'll be exploring Covid misinformation in tomorrow's Sunday Independent. Details later.
At start of week I was warned by a Covid conspiracy theorist that I will be prosecuted (for what, I am still not quite sure). Middle of the week I was called a “disgrace” to my county. By end of week I was told a Nuremberg trial will be held for me. Anyone know a good lawyer?
Just to confirm the Police Service of Northern Ireland is now investigating a number of threatening messages directed at me. Gardai will also be informed and action will be taken against those behind defamatory remarks. Thankful for swift response by police and Mediahuis.
So, the story — according to one Belfast newspaper — is not the content of the interview by Doug Beattie but the GAA background of its interviewer Joe Brolly and how that might play with the unionist electorate. I do not like critiquing other papers but this is bizarre.
During last night’s DUP meeting in Belfast, Jeffrey Donaldson claimed the UDA had “threatened” some of his team while he was campaigning to become party leader, multiple sources tell me.
@Independent_ie
Ex-Garda John White insisted until his death last year he had warned gardaí about plot to bomb Omagh in 1998. Now three senior investigators who worked on probe say he was telling the truth — the State knew. In tomorrow’s Sunday Independent, I explore Omagh’s fight for the truth.
Thrilled to have won this Amnesty International award for
@impartialrep
’s investigation into child sexual abuse in Fermanagh. Thanks to the judges, all my former colleagues and every alleged victim who came forward to tell their story.
#JournalismMatters
He has done it again.
@PaddyKielty
's interview with
@moneillsf
was a conversation, not an interrogation. His approach and thoughtful questions brought out the best in his guest. Well done,
@RTELateLateShow
.
Dolores Cahill: her role in Covid-sceptic Joe McCarron leaving hospital, links to far-right extremist Antonio Mureddu, web of Covid mistruths and pandemic-linked businesses. My investigation into Ireland's most prolific Covid conspiracy theorist in tomorrow’s Sunday Independent.
‘They looked into each other’s eyes and welled up’: How David Trimble used his final weeks alive to say farewell to those who walked the path of peace with him. In today’s Sunday Independent, Bertie Ahern and others reflect on their last moments with him.
Irish is already in use in Arlene Foster's constituency in Fermanagh with bilingual signs, children attending Irish school Bunscoil an Traonaigh and packed out weekly Irish classes. And nobody has fallen out yet.
Tonight, I've been informed by former police sources that senior members of the PSNI were allegedly monitoring my communications with them. Journalism is not a crime.
Police in Northern Ireland undertook six-monthly trawls of the phone data of “troublemaker” journalists to see if they were in contact with officer sources, a tribunal has heard.
So, as you can see, this isn’t about ‘propaganda’ or taking the government line. It’s about exposing harmful behaviour. If you have information on Covid conspiracy theorists, anti-vaxxers and those who are spreading dangerous falsehoods DM me or email redwards
@independent
.ie.
In today’s Sunday Independent, how PSNI refused to pay overtime to help in search for Noah Donohue:
▪️Cited ‘missing person fatigue’
▪️Refusal may have hindered response
▪️Fresh concerns over PSNI seeking public interest immunity — which is only invoked for national security
I asked Derry GAA why it did not respond to Nicola Gallagher’s father when he raised domestic abuse allegations with them a year ago. They did not answer that. Read Nicola’s story in her own words here:
Exclusive: Nicola Gallagher tells her story in tomorrow’s Sunday Independent:
- She speaks about those Rory Gallagher domestic abuse claims
- How her family told the GAA ‘but they did nothing’
- How she thought about ending her life over the abuse she says she suffered
A leader is one who knows the way, goes the way, and shows the way. Congratulations to our friend
@FrBrianDarcy
on being award an OBE for services to cross community relations. A true visionary and leader.
EXCLUSIVE: Orange Order ‘covered up’ child sex abuse. Two Fermanagh women claim they were abused by Orangemen when they were children and the Orange Order knew but did nothing. My special investigation in tomorrow's
@impartialrep
.
Received a ‘D’ in my 11+. I was so disappointed. I recall that sinking feeling, aware my friends outperformed me. Soon, we'd be headed to different schools. GCSEs posed a similar challenge. But I was determined to keep going. To anyone who needs to read this: You will find your
In a private exchange requesting that The Stephen Nolan Show follow up a story, Jamie Bryson asked producer: “Any chance of giving that a touch? I purposefully threw in that there was sectarianism to light a fuse under it.” My report for The Irish News.
A friendly appeal to all in the DUP: I am taking today off so if you could sit tight until at least Monday that would be great. I have filed the fourth version of a story for tomorrow. No Saturday drama, please. And if you don’t do it for me, do it for
@BBCJayneMcC
. Yours, R.
I adore Paddy, and he knows it. He's real and genuine, and when he steps onto that stage on Friday night he is representing all of us ‘up the road’. He proves that genuine warmth, honesty, and affection for our neighbours transcend all boundaries. Good luck, fella!
You may not agree with
@DUPleader
's politics - or the rest of the Democratic Unionists - and that is fine. Shout about it. Let your voice be heard. Challenge the views. But STOP with the nasty, personal comments about this woman. Or any female in the limelight.
#IWD2019
How a small army of anti-vaxxers is waging ‘war’ on civil society:
- Threats of house ‘arrests’
- Intimidating letters to schools
- Addresses of public figures shared online
- Threats to ‘hang’ politicians
My investigation for today’s Sunday Independent
I don’t intend to tweet too much more on this. All that’s left to say is:
- Thanks for all the support
- All threats being reported to PSNI
- I will continue to expose Covid mistruths with the kind support of my colleagues because …
- We believe in responsible journalism
Noah Donohoe’s mother Fiona wants conspiracy theorists to stop claiming her 14-year-old son was murdered. Falsehoods mostly fuelled by an ugly undercurrent of sectarianism are causing pain. She deserves answers. Those with agendas need to wise up. Tomorrow’s Sunday Independent.
Thoughts with my colleague and all journalists who face these despicable threats: Terror group east Belfast UVF believed to be behind 'sickening' threat to Sunday World reporter.
Honoured to lead a newspaper that amplifies diverse voices without bias. Thanks Arlene Foster, Bernadette McAliskey, Fr. Brian D’Arcy, and Denzil McDaniel. More announcements soon as we reshape not only our Opinion section but our entire approach. Expect more stories that matter.
BBC Northern Ireland staff still await communication from senior management regarding allegations involving Stephen Nolan. Sources indicate that Adam Smyth is set to address staff in Belfast next week, marking two weeks since the initial stories were published in the Irish News.
Huge reaction to Nicola’s story across the island. I have received lots of messages about some of the issues Nicola has raised. Also claims of a toxic culture within the GAA, though I am sure the organisation would reject that. If you have a story/info, DM/email me in confidence.
Exclusive: Nicola Gallagher tells her story in tomorrow’s Sunday Independent:
- She speaks about those Rory Gallagher domestic abuse claims
- How her family told the GAA ‘but they did nothing’
- How she thought about ending her life over the abuse she says she suffered
It’s here! Northern Ireland’s new newspaper in shops now. Proud to be part of the Sunday Independent and here’s why: ‘Our pages will be open to those who identify as Irish, British, or both — and the growing number of people do not identify with any of the labels of the past’.
The strange world of Covid conspiracy theorist Dolores Cahill: her role in Donegal man leaving hospital, links to far-right extremist Antonio Mureddu, web of Covid mistruths and pandemic-linked businesses. My investigation in today’s Sunday Independent.
Sooner or later journalists working in Northern Ireland (me included) need to accept that it is a complete waste of time trying to engage with the Northern Ireland Office. Despite the importance of holding it and its various ministers to account, it is a pointless exercise.
Noah Donohue’s death: Report reveals PSNI refused to pay overtime to help search. My report for tomorrow’s Sunday Independent. Plus DUP MLA to lead clergy delegation in call for alternative Covid-19 vax. Jamie Dornan interview, columns by
@SJAMcBride
and
@JoeBrolly1993
and more.
Back to the day job. I am thrilled to announce that legendary Fermanagh-born photographer Bobbie Hanvey is joining
@impartialrep
. He will share his remarkable 50-year collection of photographs and stories with our readers every week.
Hundreds of nasty messages today from those who are anti-vaxx, anti-lockdown, anti-media. Many of them menacing. I have always said govt decisions on Covid should be challenged by journalists. But so too should those spreading dangerous mistruths and posting threats like this.
I am honoured and privileged to have been appointed Deputy Editor of The Impartial Reporter. And I am delighted that I will still be reporting just as I have been for 10 years. It is an exciting time and a wonderful opportunity.
Thanks to
@JohnMcVittyPix
for capturing the emotion of this: Fermanagh’s first Covid-19 victim as she was laid to rest today. A final act of love, missed by her husband who could not attend. This is why photographers like John are the backbone of newspapers like
@impartialrep
.
Anti-vaxxers waging ‘war’ on civil society in Ireland. Who are the groups now targeting those tackling Covid-19 and who are they after? In tomorrow’s Sunday Independent, I investigate those behind new campaign — and name them. And why they are ‘prosecuting’ me under ‘common law’.
Busy but rewarding day now that my Orange Order child abuse 'cover up' story is out in the open. Delighted for those alleged victims who have waited decades to be heard. Thanks to BBC NI, UTV, U105, Q Radio and all my other colleagues for supporting
@impartialrep
's journalism.
Met
@ArleneFosterUK
today at the very place I first interviewed her 13 years ago. We spent years fighting the bit out, though never fell out. Criticise her politics if you must, but no denying she was a first class ambassador for Fermanagh which is frequently ignored by Belfast.
Most journalists thrive on reporting diverse opinion. But that is a challenge when those views could potentially put others at harm, particularly during a pandemic. That’s why I have spent months exposing the dark and destructive world of Covid-19 conspiracy theorists in Ireland.
Thinking of June Edwards who has left us in the way she lived her life: peacefully and gently. A humble woman who embodied the idea that Christian faith demands not just words but deeds and who believed in a place far greater than here. Farewell, Grandma — for now.
In a world full of adversity it is incredible that a politician has phoned me to complain that I did not mention their attendance at a funeral. Call lasted 10 mins. Is that the most important issue right now? The self-serving nature of some public representatives is staggering.
Anne Best died on March 26 and her husband Tom couldn’t attend her funeral yards from the home they shared in Fermanagh. During that same period of time Dominic Cummings was able to drive 260 miles away. Here’s what Tom told me at the time:
@impartialrep
While you were eating your breakfast or getting up, a healthcare worker in Fermanagh was crying in her bathroom as she got ready for another day on the frontline. She’s scared. She could meet your loved one today, tomorrow or this week. She wants you to stay at home. More:
How Covid-19 has helped dangerous far-right activist groups grow in Ireland. In her first interview since a National Party member was sentenced for attacking her,
@IzzyKamikaze
tells me why she fears someone will be killed by one of these groups. Tomorrow's Sunday Independent.
Thanks for the many messages of support this week. Our thoughts have to remain with all those sex abuse victims who have been failed so badly in Fermanagh. My reports have been described as "gutter journalism" by a politician on social media. Sorry but I have only just started.
A beautiful, emotional ending to
#DerryGirls
. Reminds those of us living in this wee place just how far we have come and how much is at stake if we lose that vision. For Erin and all the other wains. Thanks,
@LisaMMcGee
.
Christian station partly funded by State has broadcast Covid mistruths by Dolores Cahill, Anne McCloskey, Dee Wall and Ivor Cummins. In tomorrow’s Sunday Independent, I look at Life FM, explore faith vs. science and speak to the missionary who refused the vaccine and almost died.
The reality is there are people throughout Ireland and elsewhere who believe the vaccine is actually a microchip attached to the brain and that medical staff want to kill our children. Many are using their platform to influence vulnerable people in believing Covid-19 is a hoax.
I was told that I would “never be a journalist” if I didn’t go to university. I was mocked by a teacher who used to call me “Mr. Journalist” in front of my classmates just to poke fun at my aspirations. I didn’t go to university but I did become a journalist. And I am loving it.
When I was 14, my careers teacher told me journalism was too competitive and I’d never make it. It’s the only one of my former schools never to have invited me to speak at Prize Day. Funny that. 😂
Having some actor nobody has heard of send offensive tweets about a woman he has never met regarding a decision in a place he doesn't live in just so he can encourage a pile on sums up the cesspit that is this site. The tweets directed at
@naomi_long
, as a result, are disgusting.
Then in September, I explored the story of the sceptic who died from Covid. Joe McCarron was so ill he could not breathe, yet a shadowy group talked him into leaving a Donegal hospital. Extremist Antonio Mureddu said the hospital wanted to kill him. Wrong.