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Epstein’s Northern Ireland Connections Under Scrutiny
A massive trove of documents made public this week has provided new insight into the connections between Jeffrey Epstein and several notable political and public personalities.
A massive trove of documents made public this week has provided new insight into the connections between the late financier and convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein and various high-profile individuals in politics and public life worldwide.

Among the documents, released by the US Department of Justice, are references to individuals with ties to Northern Ireland, including those who have held prominent positions in the region.
It is essential to note that being mentioned in these documents does not imply any wrongdoing, as many individuals previously named in similar releases have denied any involvement in Epstein's activities.
Behind the headlines and documents are the victims of Epstein, who died in prison in 2019 while awaiting trial on sex trafficking charges, leaving a trail of devastation in his wake.
The following are the connections to Northern Ireland that have been identified in the documents released so far.
A former US Senator, who played a key role in the Northern Ireland peace process, had previously stated that he ceased contact with Epstein after learning of his conviction in 2008.

However, emails recently made public appear to contradict this claim, suggesting that the senator maintained contact with Epstein beyond the stated cutoff point.
Additionally, the documents include references to an earlier allegation that the senator had a sexual encounter with Virginia Giuffre, one of Epstein's victims, which the senator has consistently denied.
Queen's University Belfast has severed ties with the senator, who served as the university's chancellor from 1999 to 2009, although no wrongdoing has been established; meanwhile, Belfast City Council is considering revoking his Freedom of the City honor due to concerns over his links to Epstein.
The senator has denied all allegations of wrongdoing and expressed regret for his association with Epstein, stating that he was unaware of Epstein's "illegal or inappropriate conduct with underage women".
Former Irish Prime Minister Bertie Ahern expressed uncertainty about the nature of the allegations against the senator, citing the redactions in the FBI files, which make it unclear whether the senator and Epstein indeed maintained contact after 2008.
Ahern added, "If they did, it was inappropriate, but the situation is not entirely clear."
The latest revelations about Lord Mandelson's relationship with Epstein have put pressure on Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, threatening to impact his tenure.

Lord Mandelson, who served as Northern Ireland Secretary from 2000 to 2001, was appointed as a US ambassador by the prime minister just over a year ago but has since been removed from the position, with Sir Keir accusing him of withholding information about his relationship with Epstein during the vetting process.
The newly released documents have shed more light on the interactions between Lord Mandelson and Epstein, a convicted sex offender.

The documents include an exchange about strippers on the day Epstein was released from prison in 2009, a joke about Lord Mandelson's personal life, and emails suggesting that he shared sensitive market information with Epstein in 2009 while serving as Business Secretary.
A criminal investigation has been launched into Lord Mandelson regarding allegations of misconduct in public office.
Although Lord Mandelson has not commented on the matter, it is understood that he maintains he has not acted criminally and was not motivated by financial gain, having previously expressed regret for continuing his relationship with Epstein after his conviction and apologized to Epstein's victims.
Shaun Woodward, a former Labour MP and Northern Ireland Secretary from 2009 to 2010, is mentioned in the emails.

In a 2009 email exchange, Ghislaine Maxwell informs Epstein that she plans to have dinner with Woodward.
In September 2010, Epstein's personal assistant, Lesley Groff, asks him if it would be interesting to invite Woodward to an event, mistakenly referring to him as the former Prime Minister of Northern Ireland, a position that has not existed since 1972.
Woodward stated that he has never spoken to, met, or wanted to meet Jeffrey Epstein and was not invited to do so.
Woodward acknowledged knowing Ghislaine Maxwell, saying, "Everyone in government knew her because she was Bob Maxwell's daughter, and it was impossible not to know Robert Maxwell if you were involved in politics."
Woodward emphasized that the focus should be on the victims of Epstein's abuse, saying that people are being "distracted" by the involvement of high-profile individuals.
Another email in the released documents, between Epstein and Prince Andrew, mentions Lord Swire, a Minister of State for Northern Ireland from 2010 to 2012.

According to the email, Lord Swire asked a direct question about Prince Andrew's continued friendship with Epstein.
The email, from May 2010, states that Lord Swire inquired about the nature of Prince Andrew's relationship with Epstein, who had already served time for soliciting and procuring a person under 18 for prostitution and was a registered sex offender.
The email also touches on Lord Mandelson, indicating an instance where Prince Andrew appeared to be sharing information from ministerial conversations with Epstein.
At the time, Epstein had already been convicted and was a registered sex offender.

A notable sports figure from Northern Ireland mentioned in the documents is former Formula One driver Eddie Irvine.

Irvine had previously spoken about his friendship with Ghislaine Maxwell and, in 2020, stated that he "wouldn't be surprised" if he was in Epstein's contact book, adding that he was unaware of their criminal activities.
In 2003, prior to Epstein or Maxwell's convictions, a man named David Wassong emailed Maxwell, asking if she would provide him with "names and numbers of people to play with in Ireland".
Maxwell responded by sharing Irvine's contact information and introduced the former Ferrari driver to other acquaintances the same year, according to the emails.
In September 2003, Maxwell wrote to Jonathan Keidan, asking if he could help secure Irvine a ticket to a Dave Matthews concert.
Keidan replied that the tickets were difficult to obtain but that he would make some phone calls to try to secure one.
In a 2020 interview, Irvine discussed attending parties organized by Epstein and Maxwell in New York and Miami, where he met Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor's accuser, Virginia Giuffre, although he believed she was around 20 years old at the time.
Irvine described Maxwell as "super sweet and a super nice lady" and stated that he spoke to her and Epstein from time to time.
He said, "When I was around, it was just a normal dinner or party; there would be people turning up, and some wouldn't, but I had no idea about the other stuff."
Irvine emphasized that he had never visited Epstein's island, home, or been on his plane.
He maintained that his interactions with Epstein and Maxwell were limited to social events and that he was unaware of their illicit activities.
According to information provided to Talkback, Paul Tweed, a solicitor based in Belfast, represented Jeffrey Epstein in 2011.

Email correspondence reveals that Tweed, Epstein, and Epstein's publicist, Mike Sitrick, engaged in detailed discussions about media coverage in the UK, including Epstein's efforts to dispute being labeled a "paedophile" and his hope that Sarah Ferguson, then the Duchess of York, would issue a statement to counter this description.
Tweed provided guidance on the potential content of such a statement, offering his legal expertise.
This email exchange appears to have been prompted by a message from Sarah Ferguson.
In a separate email, Paul Tweed is quoted as proposing a strategy for addressing comments allegedly made by Sarah Ferguson regarding Epstein.
It is worth noting that Paul Tweed has also acted as a lawyer for Sarah Ferguson and has maintained a personal friendship with both her and Prince Andrew.
In a statement to BBC News NI, Paul Tweed explained, "In 2011, I provided limited advice to Jeffrey Epstein, exchanging emails and phone calls with him, although we never met in person."



Tweed further stated, "Our professional relationship ended after several months due to various factors, including Epstein's disagreement with the advice I offered."
In a related development, DUP MP Carla Lockhart called for a comprehensive review after alleging that Jeffrey Epstein had visited Hillsborough Castle at least once, making this statement during a House of Commons session on Wednesday.

News
Keanu Reeves’ John Wick Video Game Revealed at PlayStation Event
The iconic hitman has made previous appearances in games, however, the version developed by Saber will mark the first instance where the character is voiced by Reeves.
A video game adaptation of the John Wick franchise, which has grossed over $1 billion worldwide, is in development, with Keanu Reeves set to lend his likeness and voice to the project.

The game, currently titled "Untitled John Wick Game", is being developed by Saber Interactive, the studio behind Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2, in collaboration with Chad Stahelski, director of the John Wick film series.
A trailer for the game, expected to serve as a prequel to the film series, was unveiled during PlayStation's "State of Play" event on Thursday.
The event also featured announcements for remakes of several major game franchises, including the God of War trilogy, as well as a special 30th-anniversary edition of the classic platformer Rayman.
The John Wick film series, which has earned over $1 billion globally, follows the story of a retired assassin, played by Keanu Reeves, as he seeks vengeance in a world of high-stakes action.
Although the character of John Wick has appeared in games before, this will be the first time Keanu Reeves has provided his voice for the role.
Reeves has previous experience in the gaming industry, having played a key role in the hit game Cyberpunk 2077 as the character Johnny Silverhand.
According to Matthew Karch, CEO of Saber Interactive, the development team is "honored" to be working with Chad Stahelski and Keanu Reeves to bring the John Wick universe to life in a AAA game.
The game's story will be an original narrative designed for mature audiences, featuring a mix of familiar characters from the film series and new ones.
Jenefer Brown, president of global products at Lionsgate, the producer of the John Wick films, expressed the company's goal of capturing the "intense action" and "distinctive fight choreography" that define the franchise.
The reaction to the game's announcement has been largely positive among fans on social media.
However, some fans have expressed concerns about the potential impact on Saber Interactive's other projects, including the long-awaited remake of the classic Star Wars game Knights of the Old Republic.
Christopher Dring, editor-in-chief of The Game Business, believes that the John Wick game is a strong fit for Saber Interactive, given the studio's experience with action-oriented IPs and its ability to release multiple games across various genres.
Dring notes that Saber Interactive operates as a collective of studios working on multiple IPs, allowing it to release a diverse range of games annually.
During the same event, Sony announced that Santa Monica Studios is working on remakes of the first three God of War games, building on one of the platform's most successful franchises.

Although a release date for the God of War remakes was not provided, Sony did announce a surprise side-scrolling prequel game, Sons of Sparta, which is available now.
The event also offered a first look at Townfall, the latest installment in the Silent Hill series, set on the fictional island of St. Amelia, which draws inspiration from Scotland.
A 30th-anniversary edition of the classic platformer Rayman was also announced, featuring five versions of the 1995 game, along with a near-immediate release.
Loic Gounon, brand producer for the Rayman games, discussed the anniversary edition with the BBC, highlighting the inclusion of a new documentary that explores the making of the original game, as well as accessibility features designed to enhance the experience for modern players.
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Tottenham set to appoint temporary boss ahead of permanent summer hire
Tottenham expect to appoint an interim manager to oversee the team for the rest of the season by this weekend, with plans to make a permanent appointment in the summer.
The task of finding a successor to Thomas Frank has fallen to Johan Lange and Vinai Venkatesham, who are overseeing the selection process.
Tottenham Hotspur intends to appoint an interim manager to see out the current season, with a view to making a more permanent appointment during the summer months.
The dismissal of Thomas Frank occurred earlier this week, at a time when the team was five points clear of the relegation zone.
According to sources close to BBC Sport, Tottenham Hotspur is expected to finalize an agreement with an interim manager before the team resumes training on Monday.
Following their early exit from the FA Cup in the third round, Tottenham has a nine-day break before facing Arsenal in the north London derby on February 22.
With no match scheduled for this weekend, the first-team squad has been given a brief break and is set to return to training on Monday.
The club is aware that the mid-season transfer window presents limited options, and it may be more feasible to secure a long-term manager at the end of the campaign.
An in-depth examination of Thomas Frank's tenure reveals the challenges he faced in winning over players and fans.
A closer look at Frank's time at Tottenham highlights the risks involved in his appointment and the ultimate failure of his tenure.
Although the search for an interim manager is still ongoing, the successful candidate will be considered for the permanent position if they perform well in the role.
Former Tottenham manager Mauricio Pochettino is a potential candidate to take the reins on a permanent basis, particularly since his contract with the US men's national team is set to expire after the World Cup this summer.
Another candidate being considered is Roberto De Zerbi, who recently parted ways with French club Marseille by mutual consent.
For the latest news, analysis, and fan perspectives on Tottenham, please refer to our dedicated section.
If you have any questions about Tottenham, feel free to ask and we will do our best to provide you with the information you are looking for.
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Aberdeen to unveil new manager soon with Docherty set to take assistant role
Aberdeen has bolstered its interim management team with the return of Tony Docherty, who previously served as an assistant manager, to support Peter Leven, amid anticipation of a permanent appointment announcement that sporting director Lutz Pfannenstiel had indicated would be made “imminently”.
Ross County parted ways with Tony Docherty in December, and he has now taken on a new role.
Aberdeen have brought in former assistant manager Tony Docherty to support Peter Leven's interim management team, despite sporting director Lutz Pfannenstiel indicating that a permanent appointment was imminent.
Docherty's return to Aberdeen comes just a week after Eirik Horneland, a former coach of Rosenborg, Brann, and Saint-Etienne, emerged as a top contender to succeed Jimmy Thelin, who was sacked earlier.
As Aberdeen delays making a full-time appointment, speculation surrounding Eirik Horneland's availability has arisen, with reports suggesting the 50-year-old Norwegian may not be able to take on the role until summer.
Since Jimmy Thelin's dismissal on January 4, Lutz Pfannenstiel has been leading the search for a replacement, and he confirmed that Tony Docherty would be joining the team to assist Peter Leven during the interim period.
Dundee Utd are facing a challenging schedule, with four matches in 14 days set to take place on a weather-affected pitch.
According to Stavrum, Eirik Horneland's coaching style, characterized by intensity, would be a good fit for Aberdeen.
Tony Docherty initially joined Aberdeen in 2013 as part of Derek McInnes' management team and spent eight years at the club.
Before his stint at Aberdeen, Docherty served as McInnes' assistant at Kilmarnock and later managed Dundee and Ross County, but his time at Ross County ended in December when he was let go with the team at the bottom of the Championship.
Lutz Pfannenstiel praised Tony Docherty's experience, stating that he has a deep understanding of the club and will be a valuable asset during the transition period.
Pfannenstiel highlighted Docherty's extensive knowledge of the Scottish Premiership, gained through his experience as both a coach and manager, which will be beneficial to the team in the short term.
The club's managerial search is nearing its conclusion, and an announcement regarding the new head coach is expected soon, according to Pfannenstiel.
Peter Leven, who is serving as caretaker manager for the third time, expressed his enthusiasm for Tony Docherty's appointment.
Leven welcomed Docherty's return, stating that his experience will be a significant boost to the team, particularly during the upcoming matches.
Leven noted that Docherty was eager to join the team and that his presence will provide valuable support during both training sessions and matches.
Eirik Horneland left his position at Saint-Etienne in early February, at which point his team was fourth in France's second tier.
If Aberdeen decides to wait until summer for Horneland to take over, it will be similar to the six-month delay that occurred when Jimmy Thelin joined the club from Elfsborg in the summer of 2024.
For the latest news, analysis, and fan perspectives on Aberdeen, visit our dedicated page.
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