It used to be church leaders were the only people who issued a ‘new year message’, but since the 1960s, copying the British monarch’s radio (later TV) address, politicians everywhere have muscled in on the tradition.

They’re all at it. Not just the British prime minister but the leader of the Opposition, the main party leaders, and in the last 25 years the leaders of UK devolved administrations.

Here, Michelle O’Neill and Gavin Robinson kicked off on New Year’s Eve. You’d think they were talking about two different countries which in fact is the reality of the way they see the north.

However, when it comes to addressing the real world prospects for 2026, O’Neill won hands down.

A tale of two new year messages - and one load of claptrap

Stormont is not working and the SDLP needs to stop going it alone

Robinson’s message was the meaningless claptrap which is his speciality. Get this: “My hope for 2026 is a change of direction towards realism over radicalism and politics grounded firmly in common sense.” Puh-leeze. Spot any specifics there?........

© The Irish News