THE development of a properly modernised northern rail network offers massive potential to both urban and rural districts, even though it has been surrounded for many decades by a striking amount of politics and intrigue.

While any expansion needs careful planning at all levels, as well as the kind of cross-party backing which will be difficult to achieve, there is still an overwhelming economic and environmental case for significant investment in the sector.

There is also a timeless magic about trains, brought home to me during a visit earlier this month to the UK’s National Railway Museum in York, which is home to a remarkable range of exhibits from across these islands.

York is more than twice the size of Derry, but there are firm comparisons between the two famously walled cities in terms of their roles in history and the unique charms which they have always retained.

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A major difference is that trains are very much at the heart of the........

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