Mr Ulster 
What I do
I am a peace journalist, because I believe in transforming conflict-driven narratives. I am editor of Shared Future News, which reports on peacebuilding in Northern Ireland. I am a co-founder and editor of FactCheckNI, Northern Ireland's first fact-checking service that works improve civic discourse. I also support the conflict resolution work of the Forum for Cities in Transition in Belfast.
My interests include Northern Ireland, peacebuilding, photography, and politics. You can also read my work at Northern Slant and Slugger O'Toole.
Transforming memories of war into memories of peace: Imagine Peace #GRWeek18
Transforming memories of war into memories of peace: Imagine Peace #GRWeek18 by Allan LEONARD for Shared Future News 18 September 2018 Imagine Peace is a photography exhibition launched at Belfast Exposed as part of Good Relations Week, featuring artists Ingrid Guyon and Antonio Amador with their Colombian peacebuilding subjects.
Another fine edition of our human books: Living Library #GRWeek18
Another fine edition of our human books: Living Library #GRWeek18 by Allan LEONARD for Shared Future News 17 September 2018 As part of Good Relations Week 2018, Belfast City Council hosted its seventh annual Living Library event, where public visitors come in to borrow a “human book” — a person who sits across from you […]
Sustaining hope for peace: Global Conflict 2018 #GFA20
Sustaining hope for peace: Global Conflict 2018 #GFA20 by Allan LEONARD for Shared Future News 23 August 2018 In partnership with the University of Chicago and its Pearson Institute, Queen’s University Belfast hosted a two-day conference, “Global Conflict: The Human Impact”. This report recounts the first day’s events, which focussed on sharing learning from the […]
Developing respect in our politics: Leaders’ debate @FeileBelfast
Developing respect in our politics: Leaders’ debate @FeileBelfast by Allan LEONARD for Shared Future News 8 August 2018 The high level of respect displayed by the audience and speakers at St Mary’s University College for a leaders’ debate organised by Féile Belfast belied that of the current political situation in Northern Ireland.
Wheelchair Mum
I had a couple of hours to pass while waiting for my new spectacles to be fitted. Walking about Belfast city centre, I captured a few moments of street photography. But I missed the image of the day. Approaching Donegall Place from Castle Lane, suddenly a woman in a wheelchair, aged in her 30s, turned […]
“To change the riverflow of history”: Constitutional pasts and futures @UCDdublin #GFA20
“To change the riverflow of history”: Constitutional pasts and futures @UCDdublin #GFA20 by Allan LEONARD for Shared Future News 8 May 2018 Political and legal scholars, peacemakers and peacebuilders convened at the Royal Irish Academy to review and discuss potential constitutional relationships between Ireland and the United Kingdom, especially vis-a-vis Northern Ireland and the Belfast/Good […]
