Today we lead with an excoriating assessment of Stormont's handling of Covid as one of 'delay, dysfunction and a dereliction of duty'.

Also, David Roy sits down for the first of a two-part chat with the inimitable KNEECAP who talk Glasto, Gaza and 'pub activations'.

Kneecap: ‘It’s easy for middle class people to tell us to boycott festivals’

David Roy sat down with the Irish language hip-hop trio ahead of the release of their debt album

David Roy KNEECAP

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Watch: Little Amal arrives in Belfast, the 12-foot tall puppet of a ten-year-old Syrian refugee represents children fleeing war, violence and persecution. The Irish News Little Amal (The Walk) Belfast City Council Arts Ekta #LittleAmal #Belfast

📽🎞 Docs Ireland
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Dublin Monaghan bombings documentary May-17-74 captures 50 years of hurt and frustration irishnews.com/entertainment/…

Today's The Irish News: I have learned that the PSNI revealed sensitive information, including bank details, to Jamie Bryson in yet another data breach by the force.

Full story here: irishnews.com/news/northern-…

Always great to speak to Gary Numan, one of the nicest people in 'pop'. I suspect Belfast is in for a real nostalgic treat next Friday night at Limelight Belfast
#garynuman
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With his own singular bands and countless engineering credits, there’s no name that appears throughout my record collection more than Steve Albini; his influence still informs how I make and release music today. 61 is no fucking age at all. RIP indeed.

I'm deeply saddened to hear the news of Steve Albini’s passing. Steve was a real gift to music and helped both The Wedding Present and Cinerama develop our sound and transform our identity. He was also a genuine person and a complete pleasure to be around.

Shocked and saddened to hear that legendary recording genius and musician Steve Albini has passed away.
My condolences to his friends and family.
I've put a link to Colm Laverty's film in the bio.
RIP 💔
📸 by Colm Laverty

The Doctor will see you now, Derry - or rather, tonight at the Millennium Forum. Break a leg/wrist, John!
official_jcc #johncooperclarke
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Stage time 815 ish tonight …Belfast - The Deers Head…

Great interview with Conor O'Brien! Thanks to David Roy🙏 Catch up with Villagers live instores starting Tower Records Dublin this Friday, Cool Discs - Derry (17/5), @bendingsounds (18/5)

Waxing lyrical about the ever evolving live magic of #BruceSpringsteen in today’s The Irish News Two hour #BossNight special on BBC Radio Ulster & BBC Sounds from 8pm. irishnews.com/entertainment/…

Luckily, the other 10% is pretty damn good...
#NoiseAnnoys Villagers
Bending Sound Records Tower Records Dublin
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It's time...

#CQAF24 #dayone #festival #belfast

#required

It was a pleasure speaking to artist Colin Davidson about his moving Troubles-related portrait exhibition #SilentTestimony , now showing at National Portrait Gallery. This feature will also be in tomorrow's print edition...
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Well worth a watch as your 'Friday night film' choice for this week, nice to hear the big man sounding more like himself for a change too...
#liamneeson #inthelandofsaintsandsinners #netflix
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Justice for Gerry!