DUP and the MEP candidancy…
Ignited over at Redemptions’s Son has an unconfirmed rumour that Nigel Dodds is going to run as the DUP’s candidate for next year’s European elections. That’s an interesting thought, but as the selection meeting has yet to take place probably previous. Not that there hasn’t been a great deal of internal speculation over who might (or might not) go for it. Two other names being bandied about are Jeffrey Donaldson and Arlene Foster. But it is not clear that any of them really want it, since Brussels is considered to be the political equivalent of Siberia (clearly an unfair analogy since the beer, the food and the culture are to die for). It might also be worth noting that the party might try another Allister trick and effectively bring someone (businessman/woman?) in from the outside?
Does no one mind that our elected reps seem to hold down so many jobs at once and are still looking for more? How does one person serve the needs of their constituents adequately at local, Executive, parliamentary and European level?
In this case Daisy, I think you may be relieved to hear that I believe legislation has been passed prohibiting people from holding the jobs of MP and MEP, though someone may need to confirm this?
I doubt if the outsider is a possiblity given the fight they will have with Allister. The DUP have to lance this particular boil and certainly could not risk a novice at this time.
For Dodds to run he will have to give up Westminster probably to allow Diane to run in North Belfast and there would have to be a query over how he could head up a department and be an MEP at the same time.
Anyone know what the system is for replacing an MEP if they step down?
Question: I know that the SDLP have selected Alban Maginness as their candidate, but have the UUP and SF confirmed that Nicholson and deBrun will be re-standing for them?
Yes Jim Nicholson standing for UUP
Anyone know if the TUV have nominated anyone?
“Brussels is considered to be the political equivalent of Siberia”, Gregory Campbell, surely ? ;>
“Yes Jim Nicholson standing for UUP”
Again?!!!! I remember being told that he was going to be chucked in place of someone else – maybe Tom Elliot or even Reg himself – both would be better candidates. Shocking stuff – at every election since 19!
‘Anyone know what the system is for replacing an MEP if they step down?’
By election.
In GB because they have lists they just move down the party list. We do not have that in NI
can we have a post on the breakout programme on bbc last night. as i republican i didnt mind but i was shocked at how one sided the programme was. from my point of view, it was accurate but it was shocking to see the bbc treat an ira operation so “fairly”.
Driftwood
re. Anyone know if the TUV have nominated anyone?
There is an another “unconfirmed rumour” that it is Turgon.
ps What would a confirmed rumour be?
Dodds would be the ideal candidate for the DUP, if he wanted it. Not only would he be Allister’s intellectual equal, he is, from all accounts (I’ve never met him), a far more rounded human being. Allister may be a very effective as an attack dog, but his social skills leave a lot to be desired.
Dodds would be certain to top the poll, and I suspect Allister would be behind Nicholson.
Watchman,
“Dodds would be certain to top the poll, and I suspect Allister would be behind Nicholson. ”
SF should top the poll if there are 3 Irish Scots running.
Don’t rule out Willie McCrea in the DUP running just yet. He was the main contender last time around before Punt brough Jim Allister in over Willie’s head. Willie was none too well pleased.
Seems tailor made for Iris to go and explain her unique concept of government to our European neighbours.
Actually I need a job myself where do I get an application form?
A confirmed rumour would be a statement from the party.
Can’t you idiots dig deep and find someone who doesn’t believe the world was created 6,000 years ago? What is wrong with you all?
[aside]Campbell is definitely running [jpg]
Jeez – Willie McCrea would be some fun – could be even more damaging to Unionism that the big-fellah himself – and Iris would be top class entertainment as well – but I suspect Robbo has have more sense. Has he?
Can’t you idiots dig deep and find someone who doesn’t believe the world was created 6,000 years ago? What is wrong with you all?
There’s nothing wrong with religious conviction. Just how relevant is the earth’s creation to the role of MEP?
Oh dear: “There’s nothing wrong with religious conviction. Just how relevant is the earth’s creation to the role of MEP?”
Well, we live in a “country” where kids of all religions and none were denied a chance to play on a swing because of creationist belief and people with “religious conviction”. I guess many people might think it’s worth knowing, before an election, whether any candidate would contemplate advocating this perverse thinking.
Donaldson wants to get out and he might risk a European pot shot even in a five horse race. This will free him from the DUP straight jacket into which he most stupidly jumped and came face to face with either Orange Robbo or the alternative Gerry the Terrible. What a terrible proposition every morning when you stand on yesterday’s empty beer crate in front of the bathroom mirror. It’s enough to drive anyone onto the Beare and start all over again. Apparently there’s plenty of the Devil’s brew round the Dupper’s Arms in Dromore.Just time to get a few scoops down then away to Banbridge Council’s hospitality shabeen.
steve48:
For Dodds to run he will have to give up Westminster probably to allow Diane to run in North Belfast and there would have to be a query over how he could head up a department and be an MEP at the same time.
We love double jobbing. Paisley was a DUP leader, FP leader, MLA, MEP and MP all at the same time and managed to be relatively capable at them all, going by his election results. Dodds will just at a ministry to that list, but so what ?
billie-joe remarkable: Well, we live in a “country” where kids of all religions and none were denied a chance to play on a swing because of creationist belief and people with “religious conviction”.
And adults were denied the chance to buy a drink from a pub. Though a moments thought should convince you that a belief in creationism is utterly irrelevant to either case.
If you merely object to people making laws based on their religious convictions, then say so. There’s still plenty of that all across this island.
Dodds – won’t do it because Jeffery will be next leader if he goes off to Europe.
Donaldson – won’t do it because he is much too ambitious to go off to Europe for 4 years.
Foster – same as Donaldson plus she has a young family.
That leaves er…
For what it’s worth. Jim Allister seems to think his DUP opponent in the election will be Simon Hamilton. In a recent press release: “If Simon has serious aspirations about being the DUP vote-splitting candidate in the European election, then he’d be advised to learn some basic facts about cattle.”
Hey Duncan, hang around – Sarah Palin will soon be building her campaign team for 2012.
Anyone know if the TUV have nominated anyone?
It doesn’t look like there many alternatives after which of the dozen disgruntled and obscure councillors would anyone vote for.
Jim Allister was a political nobody and was brought in from the cold by the DUP but they should have known he was a cantankerous serial resigner and left him where he was. Diane Dodds will make a very capable MEP and will get elected.
The few genuine people with genuine concerns who support TUV should talk to the DUP and discuss their concerns and I believe they will realise that the party’s strategy while not perfect is the best option available