Tom Kelly

Tom Kelly

Columnist

Tom is a columnist and commentator on politics, media, and Anglo-Irish relations. He writes a regular column for The Irish News, drawing on his background in politics and public relations. Tom previously served on the Northern Ireland Policing Board and worked in government communications. He studied at the University of Ulster, earning a degree in Marketing, and has been honored with an honorary doctorate from the university. When he's not writing, Tom enjoys following Tottenham Hotspur Football Club and Down GAA.

Running from Office is 2024′s best political book

Former Irish cabinet minister Eoghan Murphy shares his honest reflections about his time in public office in Running from Office - Confessions of Ambition and Failure in politics. It's the best politics book of the year, says Tom Kelly

By Tom Kelly

Tom Kelly: Buckle up for a bumpy ride with the dangerous MAGA cult

The next four years will make the fearful McCarthy era seem like a walk in the park

By Tom Kelly

Tom Kelly: The indulgent loyalist paramilitary gravy train has to stop

Despite bagging millions from the public purse, the penny has yet to drop for loyalist paramilitaries that they should have gone away

By Tom Kelly

Tom Kelly: Budget presents greatest test for Starmer and Labour

Despite woes in balancing the books, the public will want to feel better

By Tom Kelly

Tom Kelly on an early Halloween nightmare for Sinn Féin

Tom Kelly on the Halloween nightmare for Sinn Féin

By Tom Kelly

Tom Kelly: It’s embarrassing to watch the DUP indulge the LCC

Try as they will loyalist agitators can’t eat a flag

By Tom Kelly

Tom Kelly: It’s your SDLP now, Claire - seize the day

New SDLP leader brings energy to party and must now reach out to people

By Tom Kelly

Paul Givan was ridiculously naive and unbelievably stupid to meet the LCC - Tom Kelly

It’s difficult to comprehend in a civilised society how anyone could raise rational objections to the building of an educational facility

By Tom Kelly

Labour can’t keep calling for change, it needs to make it a reality - Tom Kelly

Starmer needs to harness the extraordinary talents of his entire team

By Tom Kelly

Finucane inquiry can shine a light on the ‘deep state’ and unearth answers for all victims - Tom Kelly

There’s a thin line between collusion and infiltration

By Tom Kelly

Racism stems from an unfounded fear but mostly it’s a result of ignorance and bigotry - Tom Kelly

Tom Kelly column on providing a warmer welcome for everyone

By Tom Kelly

The new SDLP and UUP leaders need to jointly offer an alternative to the DUP and Sinn Féin’s loveless marriage - Tom Kelly

Proper bridge-building between the north’s two main traditions is essential

By Tom Kelly

All hail Jon Boutcher for shining a light on executive and civil service inertia - Tom Kelly

The NI Civil Service needs reformed from top to bottom

By Tom Kelly

Political leadership is a precarious position - Tom Kelly

Political wisdom is a better measuring stick than political longevity

By Tom Kelly

Tom Kelly: Fine words at Stormont won’t butter any parsnips

Police need whatever resources are required to keep all our citizens safe

By Tom Kelly