Articles
Shellshock in Ireland: 'The bottom fell out of the world'
Once the European Union's beacon of prosperity, Ireland has buckled under the weight of its collapsed property market.
If I was a wordsmith - but then again, no, Bernie
When we see the verses of pop song lyrics written down, they frequently make little sense or reveal such appalling use of English that the natural response is to wince.
Getting lost in Midfield is just not a substitute
second home If I pick my way around a collection of nondescript modern houses called Midfield Drive, I can locate the spot where I spent, year after year, cheering Sunderland,
Accentuating the positive in the richness of English
Others may be better equipped to say whether accents, and snobbishness about them, really are more widespread in the UK and Ireland than in other countries.
Make way for the chairwoman (and the spokeswoman)
Some of the boldest departures from the accepted style of individual newspapers are accomplished gradually, almost by stealth.
Let normality prevail
The word leapt from a headline as I turned the page. I was aghast, and had no doubt most of my colleagues would share my dismay.
Famous win is still tale of the century
No member of the Toon Army, as supporters of Newcastle United like to be called, will thank me for drawing wider attention to tomorrow's centenary of one of the most momentous league games in English football history.
Softening the impact when English worlds collide
One of the trickier issues that presented itself as I composed a style guide for The National concerned what should be done about Americanisms.
The club for your life should be a family affair
My team: You do not, or should not, choose a club to support in the way you select from a menu or rack of clothes. Clubs choose you.
The National's style guru on minding our paper's language
About one year ago, I was asked to write a style guide for The National with the intention of encouraging uniformity of expression throughout a new newspaper aimed at an intelligent, English-speaking readership
Rained on his parade
Beneath the sort of heavy downpour that makes English summers so special, I felt not the least impulse to skip and sing
Mansour to replace Man City directors
The team led by Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed in the takeover of Manchester City prepares to introduce new directors to the board.
Hold fast the passport
One of the worst things you can do in the Arab world, a wise colleague declared with only a minimum of exaggeration, is to lose your passport
Getting on with getting on
If I already admit that the prospect of becoming a grandfather makes me feel old, how on earth will I cope two days from now
Driven - or driving - mad
I am sure some westerners acquire not only their 4x4s, but a cavalier disdain for courtesy and safety.
