Comments on: The Slugger Awards 2008 – up-and-coming politician of the year

By: apotho

apotho — Tue, 30 Sep 2008 19:04:48 +0000

McCrea doesn’t know when to stop cashing cheques is more to the point which is definitely working against him.

Sticking with the UUP though – my vote would be for John McCallister

By: Ulsterman

Ulsterman — Mon, 29 Sep 2008 22:57:26 +0000

The Shamilton, John O’Dowd, Daithí McKay and Basil McCrea all strong candidates. McCrea doesnt know when to stop talking though which may work against him!

By: jacksayeraliveandwell

jacksayeraliveandwell — Sun, 28 Sep 2008 14:27:17 +0000

Simon Hamilton yes – a hard worker; on top of his many briefs and he has a sense of humour, but Basil McCrea? – just because Basil McCrea tells everyone that he will be the next leader, doesnt actually mean that he will be leader

Are Official Unionsts that desperate? I actually don’t believe they are.

Speaking without notes is a skill indeed, but surely what you say is more important!

Beyond the media and self generated hype, Basil hasn’t been performing particularily well at committee and at times, he has undermined his own arguements about Grammer Schools with his hyperbole and scaremongering.

Sammy Wilson did a far better job when he had the education brief – at least he seems to KNOW something about education.

By: o'malley

o'malley — Sun, 28 Sep 2008 14:12:08 +0000

ian mccrea may actaully do well in cookstown but he really hasnt made his mark in the Assembly – so councillor of the year rather than MLA or upcoming?

David Trimble – you are having a laugh. glass

By: When left & right are wrong

When left & right are wrong — Sat, 27 Sep 2008 22:37:51 +0000

For a return that defies believe (and perhaps even the laws of nature) i believe Lord David Trimble should be on this list. His reemergence onto the political scene can only be bested by Dirty Den’s ressurrection on Eastenders.

By: When left & right are wrong

When left & right are wrong — Sat, 27 Sep 2008 22:23:34 +0000

Michelle McIlveen! Great committee attender and always comes ready to make a real contribution to proceedings. Unlike those around her, Michelle chooses her words carefully and always has brevity on her side, but, as my mother always says, it’s the quiet ones you have to look out for. She’s a real asset to her party and I’m sure she will continue to perform well on the political stage.

By: Mack

Mack — Thu, 18 Sep 2008 01:19:40 +0000

Ian McCrea MLA is my pick. He was the Chairman of Cookstown District Council until June and has provided an excellent constituency service and deals with many local issues which are more important than bigger polical issues.

By: Nilad

Nilad — Tue, 12 Aug 2008 17:24:11 +0000

What about the SDLP’s Cllr Colin McGrath? He is only 32 and the youngest ever Chairman of Down District Council and also the Vice Chairman of the SDLP.

I think the greens might find he as Council Chairman he is slightly harder working then Mr Enright?

Young, enthusiastic and displaying excellent leadership capabilities – my vote is for Colin.

By: RK

RK — Mon, 11 Aug 2008 18:52:58 +0000

Dawn Purvis – clear, calm and a credit. Liking Naomi Long but can’t think of reasons other than boy can she hold her own! Not being ageist but don’t think you can get away from talking about Daithi McKay across all fronts – local council and at Stormont, he certainly doesn’t let go of an issue. Moving away from the work, will last weeks footage end up being the best media clip?!

By: It was Sammy McNally what done it

It was Sammy McNally what done it — Fri, 08 Aug 2008 17:47:38 +0000

Baes on the media.

I will go for Robbo and John O’Dowd ( in that order) – neither are new but have arrived in their elevated positions and performed excellently.

The 2 wee fellahs Dave Ford and Reggie ( in that order ) for the new down-and-disappearing awards.

By: hiro protangonist

hiro protangonist — Thu, 07 Aug 2008 03:24:44 +0000

My votes/nominations would go to

John McCallister would get the nod as a newish politicians who you can actually listen to.

But then Naomi Long has made big strides this year completely out playing her ‘leader’ but she isnt exactly new.

However my first choice would be Dawn Purvis – as within a year and a bit she has had to try and fill David Ervine’s shoes and then within a month of that win an election and then function within an assembly with no help or allies.

By: Máirseáil Uí Néill

Máirseáil Uí Néill — Wed, 06 Aug 2008 20:24:20 +0000

I see Vincent Parker is Sinn Féin’s new rep in Balmoral.

He’ll make an excellent candidate for them at the next council election!

By: Blackmouth

Blackmouth — Wed, 06 Aug 2008 01:25:26 +0000

In all seriousness, I think Simon Hamilton deserves the award closely followed by Basil McCrea, the next leader of the Official Unionists.

By: Mark McGregor

Mark McGregor — Wed, 06 Aug 2008 00:26:17 +0000

Basil McCrea – can talk without notes that must put him straight in the top 10%. Plus unlike wee Jeff he’s happy walking around his constituency without a shadow packing heat (one of the most pathetic things I’ve ever seen in a count centre).

By: austin

austin — Tue, 05 Aug 2008 22:50:23 +0000

moderator, I am at a loss as to why my nomination from last night was removed?

By: nectar

nectar — Tue, 05 Aug 2008 22:20:39 +0000

Deirdre self praise is no praise : )

By: graduate

graduate — Tue, 05 Aug 2008 21:02:46 +0000

Deirdre Nelson new(ish) councillor in Ballymena. Bright,apparently hard-working and capable potential MLA material. Ran 2007 Assembly elections and did ok for a first timer in a difficult situation given “magnificent 7″ in Ballymena. One to watch.

By: Blackmouth

Blackmouth — Tue, 05 Aug 2008 20:42:27 +0000

Has to be Michael Shilliday, his insightful articles and free-spirited refusal to blindly toe a party line in his posting are an inspiration to us all…..

By: Mark McGregor

Mark McGregor — Tue, 05 Aug 2008 20:28:02 +0000

Bernice Swift for sticking to her principles, refusing to be silenced or sidelined and continuing to represent her electorate as an independent.

By: Mick Fealty

Mick Fealty — Tue, 05 Aug 2008 20:14:35 +0000

Thanks BP!

Guys,

The nominations should come with reasons and a bit of background. Numbers won’t help win the award, but qualitative reasons might.

CL:

From the post above:

“Again, just a reminder. The Slugger Awards are about promoting a better quality of politics in Northern Ireland. It’s not a forum to continue long-held grudges or a general cynicism about politics. Sluggers’ normal light-touch moderation policy will be tightened up on this one, so please try to keep it positive.”

In short, this particular comment zone is not freely available for discussion. It is for nominations. Which is why both your comments were clipped.