Happy Xmas (war is over)

War is over, if you want it. Or so John and Yoko told us.

Sadly, there are some in Northern Ireland who appear to want it to continue.

Last night a man suffered terrible gunshot wounds in an attack in west Belfast, apparently carried out by so-called dissident republicans in what appears to be a so-called 'punishment attack'.

As I speak, train services in Belfast have come to a standstill due to a security alert near a central railway station. Today may be the peak of the Christmas office shindig season, but it looks like some people want to party like it's 1979.

Of course, politics and nonviolent campaigning can seem frustratingly slow in bringing results, and those results aren't always to everyone's pleasing. But the peaceful path to political and social change has got to be better than the alternative of leaving young men crippled at Christmas.

I'll leave you for now on a happier note, with festive wishes in the words of Lennon…

A very Merry Xmas
And a happy New Year
Let's hope it's a good one
Without any fear

Adds: And speaking of John Lennon, it's still not too late to order for this brilliant John Lennon covers album, Instant Karma, recorded for Amnesty International and  featuring U2, REM, Snow Patrol, Green Day and anothert two dozen artistes. Great Christmas present for the music fan in your midst!)