Well that’s the theory… In reality the polls are still bouncing around too much to really judge whether they’d be needed to make a difference, but James Forsyth argues that Sinn Fein’s abstentionist seats bring down the Tories requisite target number of seats…
The words of Brian O’Nolan, variously Brian Ó Nualláin, Myles na gCopaleen, Myles na Gopaleen and, of course, Flann O’Brien. That O’Nolan was referencing his own dissolute student days at UCD only mildly distracts from the prophetic undertone of his words: I paid no attention whatsoever to books or study and regarded lectures as a [...] read our review »
John Laird (Lord Laird of Artigarvan) is unionism’s jester. His memoir A Struggle To Be Heard ” by a True Ulster Liberal” (from Slugger’s shop on Amazon here) might serve more as a heavy stocking filler than anybody’s idea of a main present. In it he wears the masks of comedy and tragedy to turn the [...] read our review »
There was an interesting connected story on this a couple of weeks ago in the Scottish Press.
http://tinyurl.com/yawyjux
Apparently the SNP are looking for meetings with Plaid Cymru and the N.Irish parties to form an informal “Celtic Bloc” in the next parliament. Obviously in event of a hung parliament such a bloc of 20 seats upwards would be in a very strong position to influence affairs. Whta was interesting from a NI point of view was that the SNP were also planning to talk with the Unionist parties here.
Obviously the MPs elected under the Conservatives and Unionist banner will be taking the Tory whip, so that just leaves the DUP and possibly the TUV.
They’d probably have to rename it the Celtic/Rangers Bloc but you can see the advantages of such an arrangement from the DUP point of view. Wonder if those talks have begun yet?
They could name it the Rancel block Oneil or the culturally *sort of* Celtic/Germanic slaves but really Celticy block.
Salmond of course is far far far too shrewd to admit he may be courting the DUP or even SF, but a loose arrangement post election when numbers become apparent might be a goer. With SF not sitting in the HOC and therefore not taking part in the votes I don’t see much point really.
If it was so tight that SF’s MPs made a difference then the government wouldn’t last a year anyway. In any case it’s a matter for the British.
PE
Salmond of course is far far far too shrewd to admit he may be courting the DUP or even SF, but a loose arrangement post election when numbers become apparent might be a goer
When (rather than if), he gets in touch I don’t think either the SNP or DUP will be broadcasting it from the roof tops. Also, I can’t see too much meeting of minds on cultural issues. Economically though, both want the same thing and that is “Westminster swinging from the end” of their own particuliar part of the UK’s rope.
Even with the SF abstentionists, at the minute with the bookies looking at a 20-30 Conservative majority there’s all the point in the world for at least an informal alliance.
“Celtic Bloc” I’m pissing myself laughing already.
SDLP take the labour whip, meaning the SNP has SF or DUP to deal with… DUP won’t go near a ‘nationalist party’ and as much as I’d love to see SF act like a real political party and take their seats, I doubt SNP voters would take too well to the alliance.
Now, I too recall pieces on just such a topic. Most recently only yesterday. It went something like this, in connection with Alan Watkins’s piece in the Sindy:
Now, I wonder who the egregious “Malcolm” could be ?
Oneil
>>Also, I can’t see too much meeting of minds on cultural issues.
Like I’ve said before I’d pay money to be at that particular meeting.
Labour NImaan
>>..I doubt SNP voters would take too well to the alliance.< <
Actually SF themselves wouldn't be seen as toxic, no more than Salmonds public friendship with Paisley post St.Andrews. The SNP just won't be seen to be interfering in any way the dying embers of Scotlands anti-Catholic past.
Malcolm
>>..even a minority government can govern. All it needs is a bit of flexibility, choosing which battles to fight, squaring sections of the Opposition, keeping your own troops on side.<<
I believe that some serious politico’s have been watching and learning from serious politicians in Holyrood. It really begs the question, what will you do without us when we are gone?