Horseman RIP…
I was very sad to learn yesterday of the death last Monday of Horseman, the blogger behind the brilliantly named Ulster’s Doomed blog… He was tenacious, intelligent, probing and utterly committed to bringing about the end of Northern Ireland by peaceful and largely intellectual means.
I never knew him personally, even though he was a very long time reader (and not always a fan!) of Slugger O’Toole. For his commitment, energy and, above all passion, he will be much missed, even by those with whom he so profoundly disagreed.
I can think of no better tribute than to link to his last post (Swedenise Us), which indicates the intelligent instincts of the man, when he suggested how we might judge the best in politicians:
In Sweden 43.8% of people have a ‘rather favourable’ opinion of their politicians, compared with an EU average of 12.4%. And only 18.4% of Swedes have a ‘rather unfavourable’ opinion, against the EU average of 55.4%.
Swedes are not foolish people, and are no more likely to be fooled by their politicians than anyone else, so what these results show is that Swedish politicians are simply better than any others. If their voters have a positive opinion of them it must be because they are more honest, more diligent, more representative and more efficient than any others.
And, of course, good politicians lead to good politics and good governance – and these lead, almost inevitably, to a more responsive state in which the needs of the people are served better than elsewhere. No wonder Sweden is close to the top of the list in almost every international comparison, whether it is looking at freedom, affluence, education, development or happiness.
Of course like many of the things we jibbed each other over it’s a case of ‘chicken and egg’ Horse, chicken and egg. But on this one at least, we finally got to broadly agree with one another…
Our thoughts are with his partner and family…
As I have been away and am only this morning catching up on threads I missed….I have to say that this news this morning has truly stunned me. I only discovered “Ulster Is Doomed” about six weeks ago and I found the insight and forensic nature of the blog to be a welcome departure from the crudity associated with so many blogs.
His opinions mirrored my own in many ways…..with even a similarity in “screen name” and on one memorable occasion we blogged the exact same sentiment within a few minutes of each other.
I had been clicking on “Ulster is Doomed” for a few days now, unaware of this tragedy.
Most importantly, it is a family tragedy…..and my sympathy and good wishes to his family.
I was a regular reader for a couple of years. I finally started Googling for information when I couldn’t stand the idea of this fine endeavour being offline much longer. I am dismayed and sorry indeed to hear that Horseman, about whom I sadly know nothing at all, is no longer with us. Please post a note and a link to any obituaries; to this post at least.
He was clearly a scholar and a gent. His writings may yet encourage a few who have spread the grey wing to return. Nothing else I read since leaving 30 odd years ago was remotely as persuasive of the moral case for a fully inclusive and pluralist society, and of its inevitability.
Although the blog was partisan it was anti-tribal in a way that was wonderfully full of confidence in the future.
Condolences to his family and may he rest in peace.
PJ
I see your comment in my inbox but not on the site here.
However
If you want more details about Horseman you can email me.
Fiona.bxl@gmail.com
Just found out! What can I say?
Has anybody taken this up?
Link?
Try this new blog MPG
http://endgameinulster.blogspot.com/
Cheers!
Well, endgameinulster is not much of a substitute is it?
Not so far anyway.
But we live in hope.
Very sad to here this
. His blog was awesome and I was trawling through the archives for the past week. I wondered why he hadn’t updated it since June. Now I know 
.
I am very sad to hear of this. I had noticed that he had not posted anything since June and was wondering what had happened. I was looking forward to his analysis of the 2011 Census once the data started to come it.
Rest in peace…
I’ve been Horseman’s blog since the start of the year and found it essential and addictive reading. I’ve been trying to figure out why he hasn’t updated in so long and I am dismayed to hear this news. My condolences to his wife Fiona and his family. RIP Horseman.