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ubet88 casino Conor McGregor and Logan Paul mega-fight rumored for India: $250M payday on the lineThe Russian government does not plan to fine people for visiting banned websites with the help of Virtual Private Network (VPN) services, the country’s media regulator, Roskomnadzor, has told RT. The technology allows users to create a secure connection between their device and the server, as well as hiding their IP addresses and bypassing firewalls and blocks. Earlier this month, Roskomnadzor issued a draft order that would require telecom operators to provide it with data on internet users who visit blocked websites. If the legislation is adopted, the regulator will reportedly be able to monitor any attempts to bypass firewalls or access blocked websites using VPNs. On Wednesday, Hi-Tech Mail news outlet reported that the order would allow the regulator to fine people for using VPN, citing IT experts. Yuri Gizatullin, founder of TIQUM IT firm, told the news outlet that Roskomnadzor has the technical means to do so, but noted, however, that such measures would “raise questions” about data privacy. According to Roskomnadzor, it has no intention of fining VPN users. “There is a gross error in such assumptions,” the regulator stated, noting that its draft order targeting VPNs “does not and cannot introduce fines.” “The said draft order of Roskomnadzor does not touch upon the use of VPN services,” it added, slamming the report as “fake.” Anton Nemkin, a member of the State Duma Committee on Information Policy, Technology and Communications, also denied the report. He explained that the measure would be nearly impossible to introduce, as the line between legal and illegal use of VPNs is difficult to determine. The issue of introducing penalties for the use of VPN services and possibly banning them has been raised in Russia repeatedly. Since the start of the military operation in Ukraine in February 2022, Western nations have banned multiple Russian news organizations, accusing them of spreading ‘disinformation’, while allowing anti-Russia propaganda to appear on their websites and social media. Russia responded by blacklisting a number of Western media outlets and platforms. Citing anti-Russian sentiments, misinformation, and censorship of Russian media outlets, Roskomnadzor banned access to sites such as Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and outlets like the BBC and Deutsche Welle. However, these websites are still widely accessible in Russia through VPN services. While VPN services have not been banned in the country, in March this year, Roskomnadzor restricted the advertising of them. In November, it also banned the distribution of scientific and statistical information about VPN services, with the exception of those that provide secure remote access. The regulator has also been blocking VPN services that violate its rules.The ouster of Syrian dictator, Bashar al-Assad came as a wakeup call for Iran, which has otherwise overcome many challenges since the 1979 revolution. It is time for Tehran to examine whether it has missed some of the objectives of the revolution. At the same time three weeks after the December 8 development, somber realization dawned upon the Muslim world in general, and Sunnis in particular, which welcomed the downfall of the barbaric ruler of Syria. The emergence of Israel and the United States as major players has alarmed them. First, take up the case of post-Revolution Iran, which survived many counter-revolution activities in the initial years. Its chief Justice and second most powerful man then Sayyed Mohammad Hussaini Beheshti, four ministers, 27 MPs, and about 45 other top officials were killed in a bombing on June 28, 1981, and then two months later on August 30 both its President (Mohammad Ali Rajai) and Prime Minister (Javad Bahonar), died in another massive explosion caused by the anti-revolution elements. The incidents took place at the height of the war with Iraq, which caused massive destruction and loss of lakhs of lives. These incidents were the outcome of the infighting between Islamists on one hand and secular, independent, and Left-leaning groups on the other. At the time of the revolution against Raza Shah, they were united. The spiritual head, Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini who brought about the revolution sided with the Islamists. Yet Iran not only managed to confront this crisis—and many others later—with great aplomb. This did not deter the country from carrying out its mission against Israel and America in the Levant. Soon Hezbollah came into existence. On October 23, 1983, it carried out two massive suicide attacks on US and French forces stationed in Lebanon killing 241 and 58 soldiers respectively. The Iraqi dictator Saddam Husain, who attacked Iran with the help of the West was two decades later hanged by the same masters. But Iran survived the savagery caused by him and emerged as a scientific and military powerhouse. This was so even though it had to face Western sanctions, freezing of its bank accounts, and isolation. Until 1991 Soviet Union was another Superpower and a Communist country that had invaded neighbouring Afghanistan on December 27, 1979 Iran maintained distance from it too. The relationship with the rump Russia improved only after the dismemberment of the Soviet Union. Today its leaders are confident that the country will manage to come out successfully from the present uncertainty caused by the abrupt withdrawal from the Syrian theatre. But it would be premature to come to any conclusion. Yet Iran, it appears, has failed to achieve some of the primary objectives of the revolution. Or if it has achieved them, the ruling establishment could not propagate them because of inherent shortcomings. As it was compelled by the circumstances—violent foreign aggression and sabotage from within—it was left with no alternative but to fight for survival. Perhaps in the process, it could not fully succeed in spreading the real message of Islam: “Enjoining or prescribing virtue (maroof) and forbidding vice (munkar).” Or if it has done so, it could not get the due space in the global sphere. The problem with Iran is that it got bad publicity and its own propaganda machinery is not so strong to present its perspective. This was so notwithstanding the fact that in the initial years, especially before the advent of the internet, Iranian magazines, journals, and other periodicals were used to counter the West. The country has left many European powers behind so far as development in science and technology is concerned, yet hardly anyone highlights this aspect. That its drones are used by Russia, which itself was a Superpower till 1991, is an acknowledgment of the fact. However, the Iranians failed to market their achievements. The media in the larger Sunni world too were reluctant to highlight its feats. In contrast, Turkey got better treatment. Besides, Khomeini at the time of the revolution espoused the cause of Mostazafeen (poor, oppressed, and disabled people) of the world. In the initial years, good works were done in this direction. Khomeini himself established the Mostazafan Foundation, a few days after the February 11, 1979 Revolution. It is not that Iran has not done enough in these directions. But whatever it had done, it had not got the due coverage. Instead, a picture of the villain has been sketched. Unlike Turkey, another powerful Muslim country, Iranians showed enormous resilience, There is not just one Recep Tayyip Erdogan, but an unlimited number of figures who carried the message of revolution even though almost the entire top brass of leadership was wiped out in two huge bombings in 1981 (as mentioned above). But it is also a fact that at times the Iranian regime showed obstinacy in dealing with the situation. Even the good friends within the country are not heard. Though it is true that in comparison to other countries of the entire region, public criticism of the policies of the government is tolerated sometimes the establishment has overreacted to the situation and has suppressed the voice of dissent. Iran is facing a grave challenge. Though its proxies in Gaza and Lebanon have given up resistance—may be a tactical retreat–yet Houtis or Ansarallah of Yemen continue to carry on the fight and are targeting the American, Israeli, and British navies in and around the Red Sea causing huge loss of revenue and business. Though these countries have carried out heavy bombardment on Yemen, the latter has struck or sank many naval vessels and claimed to have even targeted the USS Abraham Lincoln, an aircraft carrier, last November. The US denied that it was hit, yet it is a fact that Abraham Lincoln was withdrawn from the scene. As late as last week a Yemeni hypersonic missile hit Israel. However, these achievements of Yemen-Iran are not getting due coverage for obvious reasons.

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x YouTube Video Listen to our archived episodes: Pandora | LibSyn | YouTube Support the show: Patreon | PayPal: 1x or monthly | Square Cash * David Waldman knows what tomorrow’s pre-recorded KITM is about but isn’t telling. He trusts Greg Dworkin to keep mum, but didn’t tell me because everyone knows I’d just blab it all to you... like this: Luigi Mangione was not selected as Time “Person of the Year”. Luigi might not get another chance as why have another “Person of the Year” after this one ? Why have another “year” after this one ? Dictator cosplay is just like real as long as enough people believe . In fact, that is how all dictatorships work . (Follow Ben Wikler on Threads .) Trump appointed Governor-Senator Kari Lake as director of Voice of America . Well, he can’t do that, but he did . Not enough people clapped to keep South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol aloft. Opposition parties will just keep impeaching him until it sticks . Yoon caught social media brain rot , a disease plaguing the entire world. Still-President Joe Biden commuted 1,500 sentences and issued 39 pardons yesterday. KITM staff aren’t included, but still hopeful. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez is poised to become the top Democrat on the House Oversight Committee . Ideology might not drive money, but it is best if it doesn’t turn it down . The North Carolina Gop traded hurricane relief for Democratic power ... and MTG thought Dems created hurricanes! In Washington, Gops want two reconciliation bills , prosperity for things they like, austerity for things they don’t. Bulletin: Nighttime invaders have been sighted in the skies over Grovers Mill, New Jersey. Reports indicate that Homeland Security has become involved as a State Senator calls for a state of emergency. More reporting as this story develops . The majority of Brexit voters are getting tired of the “Brexit” part of that Brexit thing that they voted for. " Catherine’s Learning Barn ” is in remembrance of Sandy Hook school victims, and a celebration of their ideals.The British Columbia government is increasing tax incentives for both local and international film and TV projects in an effort to attract more major productions to the province. Premier David Eby said the tax credit for international projects made in B.C. will jump from 28 to 36 per cent, and an incentive for Canadian-content productions will increase from 35 to 36 per cent. There’s also a special bonus to attract blockbuster productions with budgets of $200 million. Speaking on Thursday at the Martini Town studio, a New-York-themed backlot in Langley, B.C., Eby said tax incentives are the province’s “competitive advantage” and increasing them will help the industry that has been battered by the pandemic, labour disruptions and changes to industry practices. “This is a sector that’s taken some hits. The decision by major studios to ... reduce some of their budgets on production, the impact of labour disruptions, other jurisdictions competing with British Columbia for these productions with significant subsidies for the industry, means that we need to respond,” Eby said, the Manhattan street scene behind him decorated for Christmas. “We need to make sure that we continue to be competitive.” Government numbers show the film industry generated $2.7 billion in GDP in 2022 — roughly one per cent of provincial GDP — and $2 billion in 2023, a year affected by strike action and a decrease in global production A government statement says the incentives begin with productions that have principal photography starting Jan. 1, 2025, and projects with costs of greater than $200 million in B.C. will receive a two per cent bonus. Gemma Martini, chair of industry organization Screen BC and CEO of Martini Film Studios, told the news conference that it has been a “tumultuous” year for film and television, which supports tens of thousands of jobs. “It is clear that British Columbia is a well respected and preferred global production partner, but we must be able to compete at the bottom line,” she said. “We expect, we know, our government’s announcement will put B.C. back in the game to earn our true ‘Hollywood north’ reputation.” Foreign film and TV work makes up an average of 80 per cent of total production spending in B.C., and the government says maintaining strong international relationships is critical for the industry to continue to thrive. The government says it also intends to restore regional and distant-location tax credits that were cut last year for companies with a brick-and-mortar presence outside of Metro Vancouver, the Fraser Valley and Whistler and Squamish. Eby first promised to increase the tax credits as part of his election campaign earlier this year. Just days after the new B.C. cabinet was announced in November, a delegation that included Finance Minister Brenda Bailey and Arts and Culture Minister Spencer Chandra Herbert travelled to California to pitch B.C.’s film and TV industry. Chandra Herbert told the news conference that during the trip they met industry representatives who are now looking at B.C. “in a bigger way” because of the new incentives. He said the additional two per cent bonus for productions over $200 million is a way to encourage larger productions to come and stay in B.C. “This is a way of making sure that the workers in this industry, and the companies, know that we’re here for them for the long term. You can make these investments long term. You can grow the industry today, tomorrow and into the years ahead,” he said. This report by The Canadian Press was first published Dec. 12, 2024. Ashley Joannou, The Canadian Press

Sheldon Museum of Art director Susan Longhenry is aiming to bring the community back to the University of Nebraska-Lincoln museum with new hours, traveling exhibitions and public programming. Shortly after she became director of the Sheldon Museum of Art in August 2023, Susan Longhenry walked from her Haymarket home to the University of Nebraska-Lincoln campus on a Husker football Saturday. She wasn’t going to work. Sheldon had, for years, been closed on home gamedays, out of concern about security of the art and because of too many Husker fans coming into the museum not to see the art but to use the restrooms. “I just wanted to see for myself what campus was like,” Longhenry said. “I didn't know if I would see kind of dangerous things happening. I just saw a joyous community gathering. And I looked up and saw it against the dark Sheldon. That moment, I really committed to trying to engage with that experience as much as possible.” Some of that commitment to community engagement also grew out of a series of conversations with Sheldon “stakeholders” — collectors and board members, university faculty and staff, artists and community members — that Longhenry held over her first few months in Lincoln. People are also reading... “What I heard out of that was a very interesting sense of duality, that at various points in the life of the museum, it had been totally focused on the campus audience, the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, and at other points that have been focused on the Lincoln community and perhaps less so on the campus,” Longhenry said. “I heard that recently, there had been more of a focus on the campus, and I heard a hunger from the Lincoln community to be more engaged with the museum again. That has driven all of our decisions since.” That near-exclusive focus on the campus began a decade ago when Wally Mason became Sheldon director and chief curator. Switching the museum’s exhibition schedule to match the academic calendar, Mason appointed a curator of academic engagement who worked with faculty and staff across the university, presented exhibitions from the permanent collection aimed at students and studies and largely ended programming, like a Day of the Dead celebration, that targeted off-campus audiences. Longhenry, however, doesn’t see a reason to divide campus and community. That, she said, is particularly the case for Lincoln and the UNL museum with its Philip Johnson building paid for in the 1960s with funds from the Sheldon family and its collection acquired largely from donations, purchases from bequests and by the Nebraska Art Association, the museum’s decades-long support group. “Fortunately for me, that's a false duality," Longhenry said. “I believe that the magic power of the academic museum is that we are a nexus where the campus and the community come together.” In fact, Longhenry explored the campus/community nexus when she led Marquette University’s Haggard Museum of Art in a strategic program focusing on community assets and citizen participation that she recounted for the American Alliance of Museums. So Longhenry changed Sheldon’s hours, not only on football Saturdays but by opening during UNL’s winter break and on Sundays. Appropriately, in April, Sheldon invited the community to celebrate the new hours with Sundaes at Sheldon. Sheldon Museum of Art Director Susan Longhenry (center) serves ice cream during Sundaes at Sheldon, celebrating the museum opening on Sundays. “It’s been important for access, but it also sends a message,” Longhenry said. “If your hours are aligned with when people can actually come, I think that’s much more welcoming.” The new hours are also, in a sense, symbolic of the changes that Longhenry is bringing to Sheldon. “I believe firmly in centering visitors and asking yourself, ‘What's it like to walk into a museum for the first time, if you don't know it,’” Longhenry said. “We realize that we have this incredibly inspiring space that is beloved by many, but it can be a little intimidating. So we made some changes. “We want to make sure that, first of all, we’re open when you can come and when you walk in the door, you feel welcomed, that you have the tools you need to have a great experience.” That has led to moving the welcome desk, strengthening the visitor center and changes in signage. It has also seen the return of public events. On Halloween, the Sheldon Museum of Art provided flashlights to visitors for exploring darkened galleries housing the exhibition “Uncanny Encounters: The Disturbing, Surreal, and Supernatural in American Art.” Shedon Museum of Art visitors look at artwork using flashlights during "Uncanny Halloween." The "Uncanny Halloween" event drew a couple of hundred people who “really looked at the art,” taking their time to study paintings and sculptures using the flashlights, said Ann Gradwohl, Sheldon’s public relations and marketing manager. The stakeholders also expressed a desire for the return of traveling exhibitions to the Sheldon. That last traveling exhibition at the museum was a 2019 show of paintings by Maine artist John Walker. “I think the broader context (of the desire for traveling exhibitions) is the role that this museum has always, since 1888, played in terms of bringing great art to the people of Nebraska — and the people here want to experience it," Longhenry said. “So it's a balance.” Half of that balance is evident in the permanent collection galleries, where many of Sheldon’s iconic pieces, including Edward Hopper’s “Room in New York,” Mark Rothko’s “Yellow Band,” Willem de Kooning’s “Woman” and Norman Rockwell’s “The County Agricultural Agent” can be seen in the thematically installed spaces. “We have a great collection here, and one of the things I did do is bring back 'collection highlights,' which is the idea that we do have people who travel here who want to see the Hopper, they want to see the Rothko, it should not be in storage,” Longhenry said. “So we have brought back the idea of having some of the most iconic works of art that will be installed thematically.” The other half of the balance will be seen Feb. 7, when “Exploding Native Inevitable,” a traveling exhibition organized by the Bates College Museum of Art, comes to the Sheldon. “Exploding Native Inevitable” is an exhibition of the work of 12 contemporary Native artists and two collaboratives, accompanied by an ongoing program of dance, film, music, performance, readings, storytelling and video. Omaha artist Sarah Rowe, who is of Lakota and Ponca descent, is a member of the New Red Order collective and will have work in the show. “We're also bringing in an exhibition of work by Grace Hartigan, and that's in 2026,” Longhenry said. “We stake our claim on having a great collection of work by the New York School artists. But its women are not as represented as they could be, and she, in particular. This is just going to be a gorgeous show with big paintings.” Hartigan, one of the five “Ninth Street Women” who abandoned life as a New Jersey housewife and mother to become one of the boldest painters of mid-century abstract expressionism, is not represented in Sheldon’s acclaimed collection of 20th- and 21st-century American art. “There are some obvious choices that I would love to make in the future,” Longhenry said of the potential purchase of a Hartigan painting. “I think it’s important to be strategic. To be honest, I don't think it should be just what I happen to like. We're going to take a much more strategic approach to developing a collections plan. For the most part, I want to look at strengths, look at gaps, decide whether we're going to build on strengths or are we going to try to fill gaps?” “I will say that we've got an incredible strength with modern and contemporary American art. I do want to kind of interrogate that canon and what do we mean by American art?” she said. “I know there have been points in Sheldon's history where that has happened. I certainly want to do that.” One area that Longhenry said Sheldon will explore and almost certainly make purchases is in new media and its intersection between digital production and fine art. Sheldon has been reluctant to collect video art since the form appeared in the mid-1960s and has not actively pursued or exhibited new media works. “The explanation I've heard is because the building has trouble supporting it,” Longhenry said. “I feel like we can get around that. I think if we are developing an important collection — and this is nationally and internationally important — I think we have overlooked that aspect of it and we need to take a look at that.” On Jan. 21, Sheldon visitors can get a sampling of new media possibilities with the opening of “Infinite Hopper: An Algorithmic Journey Through Light and Space.” Created by Dan “NovySan” Novy, a UNL assistant professor of emerging media arts, the exhibition uses generative technology to produce an endless flow of Hopper-inspired imagery that never repeats or loops, integrating Sheldon’s works by the artist, especially “Room in New York.” That exhibition is also, Longhenry pointed out, evidence that Sheldon is not turning its back on the campus. And, with its creation by a professor, and a cadre of film and new media students, it should draw another audience to the museum. And, Longhenry said, she’s got no issue with anyone who wants to stop at Sheldon to use the facilities any time, asking “Why wouldn’t you want people to use the restroom?” The 10 most valuable pieces of public art in Lincoln 1. Ascent, Tower Square Artist Jun Kaneko's glass tower, Ascent, lights up the Lincoln Community Foundation Tower Square at 13th and P streets. It is valued at $1,150,000. 2. Harvest, Pinnacle Bank Arena "Harvest," which stands in front of Pinnacle Bank Arena at Canopy and R streets is valued at $1,022,000 and was paid for using money set aside for artwork during the arena's original planning. The artist is Michael Carpenter. 3. Standing Bear Sculpture, Centennial Mall Sculptor Ben Victor (behind) watches as descendants of Chief Standing Bear help to unveil his sculpture on Centennial Mall. The sculpture is valued at $150,000. 4. Groundwater Colossus, Union Bank Groundwater Colossus, the giant brick head by New York sculptor James Tyler, is made of more than 300 individually shaped bricks. It stands at Union Plaza and is valued at $125,000. 5. Buffalo, Pioneers Park "Buffalo" by George Gaudet, stands at the east entrance of Pioneers Park off Coddington Avenue. 6. Iron Horse Legacy Mural, Haymarket The Iron Horse Legacy Mural in Bill Harris Iron Horse Park by Jay Tschetter in the Haymarket is valued at $200,000. Another Tschetter's mural is on the F Street Community Center. 7. Mountain Monarch, Pioneers Park Mountain Monarch, by Rich Haines, stands at the Pioneers Park north entrance, off West Van Dorn Street. The sculpture is one of two at Pioneers Park that make the top 10 most valuable list of public art in Lincoln. 8. Pitch, Roll & Yaw, Lincoln Airport Pitch, Roll & Yaw, a sculpture by Lincoln artist Shannon Hansen, is lifted into place at the entrance to the Lincoln Airport in July 2015. The piece, in the shape of a giant paper airplane, is valued at $120,000. 9. Reflection, Salt Creek Roadway The sculpture "Reflection," by Albert Paley, sits at Ninth Street and Salt Creek Parkway. The sculpture previously was on display in New York as part of the "Paley on Park Avenue" exhibition. It is valued at $100,000. Palo Alto I Sculptor and artist John Buck unveils his public art installation, "Palo Alto 1", during a dedication ceremony in May 2016 in the Rotary Strolling Garden, 27th Street and Capitol Parkway. The pieces is valued at $72,000. Reach the writer at 402-473-7244 or kwolgamott @journalstar.com . On Twitter @KentWolgamott Stay up-to-date on what's happening Receive the latest in local entertainment news in your inbox weekly! Entertainment reporter/columnist {{description}} Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items.

100 Years Ago, 1924: The usual Christmas party given by the Salvation Army to the needy children in this city will be held tomorrow night in the Princess Theatre, Seventh and Sproul streets. A Christmas tree of mammoth proportions will be trimmed for the occasion, and the Tall Cedars band will help to make the evening a joyous one for the small guests. Santa Claus, in the person of Mayor Samuel E. Turner, will distribute gifts to several hundred children. Games will be played during the evening, carols will be sung and ice cream, cakes and candy will be served. 75 Years Ago, 1949: Registration for 1950-51 kindergarten classes in the Chester public schools will be opened on Monday, Jan. 9, from 1 to 4 p.m., it was today announced by Dr. Catherine E. Geary, director of elementary education. Enrollments will be taken in the five schools with kindergartens — Clayton, Martin, Lincoln, Washington and Wetherill — at any time after 1 p.m. Jan. 9 until the opening of the next school term. 50 Years Ago, 1974: Free food is in big demand these days. Pharmacist Harry Mudrick found that out Saturday when an overflow crowd of about 1,400 children came to his 24th annual Christmastime turkey dinner at the West Branch YMCA, Seventh and Yarnall streets. The program began in 1951 when Mudrick delivered six food baskets to the city’s needy. The following year he delivered 50 baskets, and the next year he began holding the annual dinner. The dinner, traditionally held for the needy, was open to all comers this year because of the economic pinch everyone is feeling. 25 Years Ago, 1999: Guns, generators and jugs of water are disappearing from shelves of local stores as quickly as the new millennium approaches, and proprietors wonder how long they’ll be able to match the demand. Dusty Rhoads, owner of the Dusty Rhoads Guns & Sporting Goods store in Marcus Hook, said electrical generators are gone and rechargeable lanterns and MRE’s (meals-ready-to-eat) are going fast. At the Genuardi’s in Springfield, batteries and flashlights are still for sale but the water stock may be drying up soon. 10 Years Ago, 2014: Eddystone council decided on two projects to submit to Delaware County Council for consideration to receive Community Development Block Grant funds. Councilwoman Beth Gross suggested a series of “Welcome to Eddystone” signs, replacement of street signs and an electronic message sign in front of borough hall to inform residents of upcoming municipal meetings and events. “Not everyone reads their (borough) emails every day,” Gross said. — COLIN AINSWORTHASML INVESTOR ALERT: Robbins Geller Rudman & Dowd LLP Announces that ASML Holding N.V. Investors with Substantial Losses Have Opportunity to Lead Investor Class Action Lawsuit

Extensive confidential documents in the lead-up to the collapse of Northern Ireland’s institutions in 2002 have been made available to the public as part of annual releases from the Irish National Archives. They reveal that the Irish Government wanted to appeal to the UK side against “manipulating” every scenario for favourable election results in Northern Ireland, in an effort to protect the peace process. In the years after the landmark 1998 Good Friday Agreement, a number of outstanding issues left the political environment fraught with tension and disagreement. Mr Trimble, who won a Nobel Peace Prize with SDLP leader John Hume for their work on the Agreement, was keen to gain wins for the UUP on policing, ceasefire audits and paramilitary disarmament – but also to present his party as firmer on these matters amid swipes from its Unionist rival, the DUP. These issues were at the front of his mind as he tried to steer his party into Assembly elections planned for May 2003 and continue in his role as the Executive’s first minister despite increasing political pressure. The documents reveal the extent to which the British and Irish Governments were trying to delicately resolve the contentious negotiations, conscious that moves seen as concessions to one group could provoke anger on the other side. In June 2002, representatives of the SDLP reported to Irish officials on a recent meeting between Mr Hume’s successor Mark Durkan and Prime Minister Tony Blair on policing and security. Mr Blair is said to have suggested that the SDLP and UUP were among those who both supported and took responsibility for the Good Friday Agreement. The confidential report of the meeting says that Mr Durkan, the deputy First Minister, was not sure that Mr Trimble had been correctly categorised. The Prime Minister asked if the SDLP could work more closely with the UUP ahead of the elections. Mr Durkan argued that Mr Trimble was not only not saleable to nationalists, but also not saleable to half of the UUP – to which Mr Blair and Northern Ireland Secretary John Reid are said to have laughed in agreement. The SDLP leader further warned that pursuing a “save David” campaign would ruin all they had worked for. Damien McAteer, an adviser for the SDLP, was recorded as briefing Irish officials on September 10 that it was his view that Mr Trimble was intent on collapsing the institutions in 2003 over expected fallout for Sinn Fein in the wake of the Colombia Three trial, where men linked to the party were charged with training Farc rebels – but predicted the UUP leader would be “in the toilet” by January, when an Ulster Unionist Council (UUC) meeting was due to take place. A week later in mid September, Mr Trimble assured Irish premier Bertie Ahern that the next UUC meeting to take place in two days’ time would be “okay but not great” and insisted he was not planning to play any “big game”. It was at that meeting that he made the bombshell announcement that the UUP would pull out of the Executive if the IRA had not disbanded by January 18. The move came as a surprise to the Irish officials who, along with their UK counterparts, did not see the deadline as realistic. Sinn Fein described the resolution as a “wreckers’ charter”. Doubts were raised that there would be any progress on substantive issues as parties would not be engaged in “pre-election skirmishing”. As that could lead to a UUP walkout and the resulting suspension of the institutions, the prospect of delaying the elections was raised while bringing forward the vote was ruled out. Therefore, the two Governments stressed the need to cooperate as a stabilising force to protect the Agreement – despite not being sure how that process would survive through the January 18 deadline. The Irish officials became worried that the British side did not share their view that Mr Trimble was not “salvageable” and that the fundamental dynamic in the UUP was now Agreement scepticism, the confidential documents state. In a meeting days after the UUC announcements, Mr Reid is recorded in the documents as saying that as infuriating as it was, Mr Trimble was at that moment the “most enlightened Unionist we have”. The Secretary said he would explore what the UUP leader needed to “survive” the period between January 18 and the election, believing a significant prize could avoid him being “massacred”. Such planning went out the window just weeks later, when hundreds of PSNI officers were involved in raids of several buildings – including Sinn Fein’s offices in Stormont. The resulting “Stormontgate” spy-ring scandal accelerated the collapse of powersharing, with the UUP pulling out of the institutions – and the Secretary of State suspending the Assembly and Executive on October 14. For his part, Irish officials were briefed that Mr Reid was said to be “gung ho” about the prospect of exercising direct rule – reportedly making no mention of the Irish Government in a meeting with Mr Trimble and Mr Durkan on that day. The Northern Ireland Secretary was given a new role and Paul Murphy was appointed as his successor. A note on speaking points for a meeting with Mr Murphy in April showed that the Irish side believed the May elections should go ahead: “At a certain stage the political process has to stand on its own feet. “The Governments cannot be manipulating and finessing every scenario to engineer the right result. “We have to start treating the parties and the people as mature and trusting that they have the discernment to make the right choices.” However, the elections planned for May did not materialise, instead delayed until November. Mr Trimble would go on to lose his Westminster seat – and stewardship of the UUP – in 2005. The November election saw the DUP emerge as the largest parties – but direct rule continued as Ian Paisley’s refused to share power with Sinn Fein, which Martin McGuinness’ colleagues. The parties eventually agreed to work together following further elections in 2007. – This article is based on documents in 2024/130/5, 2024/130/6, 2024/130/15