When he died just weeks before our February election the constitutional politician Seamus Mallon’s backstory and achievements were unknown, or at least underappreciated, by a swathe of our electorate.

By the time the starter calls the field to order for the Cheltenham Gold Cup, just before 3.30pm on Friday, March 13, we may well have downgraded that old conundrum — how many angels can dance on the head of a pin? — to a first-round four-marker.

Whoever we vote in, they could be making legislation that impacts our lives from now until 2025, says Joyce Fegan. How will they behave? Have they a record in action and finding unity in diversity?

Seamus Mallon, who will be buried in his beloved Markethill in South Armagh today, may not quite be numbered in that trinity of the greatest Irishmen of modern times.

They enjoyed a long, fruitful if occasionally fraught relationship. One concentrated on securing international support for their cause while the other — Mallon — concentrated on Belfast and Lon don, Dublin too.

By playing number two to John Hume, Seamus Mallon may not get the place in history he deserves, writes Fergus Finlay

RTÉ last night broadcast the first of Olivia O’Leary’s two documentaries on Daniel O’Connell. When the programme-makers first considered the project, they could not have

The Government’s decision to meet Gerry Adams after the IRA ceasefire showed “indecent haste”, British government officials have said.

Members of the US political dynasty the Kennedys are to visit Ireland to open an exhibition about the late Dot Tubridy, who was a family friend.

Just as the Victoria Cross — though solely a British award — is recognised globally as the foremost recognition of valour in wartime so, too, the Nobel Peace Prize has gained international acceptance as the world’s most revered award for the advancement of human rights.

The Good Friday Agreement brought the framework for peace, but it hasn’t been an easy ride. Political Correspondent Fiachra Ó Cionnaith looks back on the key moments of the first 20 years of the peace process.

Fifty years ago today Martin Luther King was assassinated at the Lorraine Motel in Memphis.

DUP leader Arlene Foster has threatened to seek the appointment of “direct rule ministers” in Northern Ireland “early in the new year” unless the near year-long Stormont stalemate is brought to an end in the coming weeks.

Margaret Thatcher’s chief legal adviser believed prosecutions would “go as high as chief superintendent” within the RUC over an alleged shoot-to-kill policy in Northern Ireland, newly released secret files reveal.

My grand-uncle drilled with the UVF in Donegal in 1912, writes Victoria White.

While intensive and daily negotiations about peace were going on, the IRA planned and executed a terrible atrocity. Adams honoured the bomber, writes Fergus Finlay

In a film about John Hume’s pivotal role in ending terrorism on this island, launched last week, Bill Clinton describes Hume as “Northern Ireland’s Martin Luther King”. 

Gerry Adams has said he understands how victims of IRA violence feel, as he prepares to step aside after 34 years as leader of Sinn Féin.

Esther McCarthy speaks to film director and producer Maurice Fitzpatrick about his documentary on Northern Ireland peace campaigner John Hume

Ireland should begin preparing for “peaceful reunification” to address the long-term consequence of Brexit, an Oireachtas committee has urged.

Latest: Newly elected Mayor of Limerick City and County, Stephen Keary has said he "will be Mayor of Limerick for all of the people of Limerick."

A rhino breeder in South Africa is planning an online auction of rhino horn, capitalising on a court ruling that opened the way to domestic trade despite an international ban imposed to curb widespread poaching

Jeremy Corbyn has condemned the IRA's bombing campaign after coming under severe pressure about his links to the organisation.

Economic pragmatism played a huge part in Martin McGuinness’ transformation from IRA leader to peace-seeking statesman, writes Kyran Fitzgerald.

Derry has been moved by many republican funerals through the decades of strife and conflict, but yesterday’s spectacle was bigger than any one tradition. 

Once an IRA leader, Martin McGuinness left his past behind to become one of the major players in Northern Ireland’s peace process.

Legal trade in rhinoceros horns could save the species from extinction — or hasten their demise, says Rachel Nuwer.

I never dreamed that I could be anything as fabulous as a performer. It was beyond my wildest dreams.

One of the advantages those who so recently, though not that recently, disavowed 30 years of violence to pursue a role in participatory democracy enjoy is that younger voters may not remember how a terrorist campaign can undermine and divide a society. 

Gallery owners, art critics, fellow painters, and muses have paid tribute to painter Basil Blackshaw following his death at the age of 83.

From laying down the roots for dairy groups to establishing credit unions, it’s time to also honour the pioneers who helped this island to flourish, writes Kyran Fitzgerald. 

The Dunnes Stores strike began on July 19, 1984.

John Hume wanted to have talks with the IRA Army Council in what senior government officials thought was a plan for a public and damaging confrontation.