Advertise
-
Books
-
A poem for the day – Launching the Whaler Juan Peron
A Belfast epic, and one of my oldest poems, the opener of my first collection, Grub. The gist of the story was found in Moss & Hume’s Shipbuilders to the World: 125 Years of Harland and Wolff, Belfast, 1861-1986, which tells how Eva Peron was due to launch a huge whaling vessel in Belfast, built [...] read our review » -
Do Words Matter?: Book Review of Political Discourse and Conflict Resolution – Debating Peace in Northern Ireland
I share many of the concerns of Andy Pollak, whose recent post ‘My Response to the Slugger Begrudgers’ zeroed in on the ‘relentless flow of negativity’ of some Slugger commentators. Pollak’s post was largely concerned with the medium of the blog. Indeed, I think the anonymity of the online world encourages extreme discourse and allows [...] read our review »
-
“You can see Newton’s mind at work…”
To add to the open access treasure trove at the Royal Society, Cambridge University Library is putting online some of its collection of books, maps, manuscripts and journals. We have called the first phase of our work on the Cambridge Digital Library the Foundations Project, which runs from mid-2010 to mid-2013 and has been made possible [...] read our review »
-
Comment on Where next for the Ulster Unionist Party?
on 5 January 2011 at 1:07 pm
His departure raises questions about the ability of the UUP to function as a party effectively. Perhaps Michael can elaborate (?). That’s ofcourse if he hasn’t joined the Tories?
McClarty is one of many who have left in recent months and I believe that there are more to come.
McClarty will not win in East Londonderry but risks taking a proportion of the UUP vote. I think they retain the seat but on transfers.
Go to comment
Comment on Strong words
on 18 December 2010 at 10:14 am
Rates will rise in line with inflation meaning that there will not be an actual increase in the Regional Rate.
McCallister was stupid to make that remark. No point defending the indefensible. Has UUP party policy changed now?
Go to comment
Comment on South Belfast Orange and Black call for agreement
on 12 April 2010 at 2:34 am
Paula Bradshaw has made this statement today in relation to this story:
“Conservatives and Unionists candidate for South Belfast, Paula Bradshaw, has stated that she has always been ready to support an agreed candidate in South Belfast, but such a candidate must be able to demonstrate the same cross-community credentials and record of service to the community as demonstrated by the agreed candidate in Fermanagh/South Tyrone.
Paula Bradshaw: “The Conservatives and Unionists project is about a much more inclusive form of Unionism, not aligned with any particular community background, but rather open to anyone who feels Northern Ireland should have a full role in UK affairs. It is about ending our semi-detached status from the UK mainstream on behalf of everyone in Northern Ireland, so that we can all have full-time MPs giving us a voice on issues such as taxation, defence and welfare provision.
“I have always said that I would stand aside for an agreed candidate if asked to do so by my Party Leader, but this would only apply if such a candidate were able to demonstrate the same cross-community credentials, record of service to the local community and ability to work with all parties as demonstrated by Rodney Connor in Fermanagh and South Tyrone.
“Despite the DUP’s obsession with ‘Unionist Unity’, it has been raised with me only in letters and emails which can clearly be traced back to the DUP itself. On the doorsteps, people want to know what I am going to do about jobs, pensions and education. Those are the real issues of concern to people, and the real issues upon which this election should be fought.
“It was precisely on this basis that I put my own name forward for selection in South Belfast. I stand in this election on my record, working with the community locally, delivering on the issues which matter to them, and promoting good relations at every turn.
“It is because of this, I feel, that I have received widespread support for my campaign not just from both the parties which endorsed me as their candidate, but from many people who are non-aligned politically. It was because I would be able to attract such support that, I believe, I was selected in the first place, and it is clear from the response we have received that we can win the seat no matter what other parties decide to do.”
ENDS”
See her campaign facebook page.
Some people have referred to it.
Go to comment
Comment on United Unionist Force?
on 11 April 2010 at 11:16 pm
It’s about Northern Ireland and Unionism – nothing wrong with promoting your political ideology just like others do.
Go to comment
Comment on United Unionist Force?
on 11 April 2010 at 10:49 pm
oneill
There is a need for an open conversation within Unionism to discuss all of these issues whilst not moving away from our aim: retaining the Union and maximising the Unionist vote.
Infighting and the arguments that are being thrown around by elements of Unionism only go to discourage and depress Unionist voters. Unionists want unity, leadership (on behalf of all parties), agreement not fighting, and vision. This can be offered if agreement is sought between the parties here in NI. Unionism must be settled and at peace with itself in moving forward.
Go to comment
Comment on United Unionist Force?
on 11 April 2010 at 10:32 pm
“I wonder if mr charles could clarify, under this new arrangement he seems to thing will happen will all candidates have to be independents with no previous links to either political party?
Posted by unionistvoter on Apr 11, 2010 @ 03:34 PM”
Please feel free to call me Andrew!
If you’re referring to this coming General election where joint party candidates cannot be agreed then fielding an independent is an option just like in Fermanagh South Tyrone.
Outside of this election – i.e. the future, it could involve joint party candidates or by where an arrangement between the parties including a joint logo or slogan etc is tied to candidates under one banner.
I do not know what has been going on behind the scenes but it could offer a positive way forward for Unionism.
Go to comment
Comment on United Unionist Force?
on 11 April 2010 at 8:45 pm
Harry J
I don’t think the UUP in SB are opposing unity – I believe it is the Tories.
Chekov
Ball not man – focus on the point and theme of the thread – not the personality.
Your attack simply reflects on you not me.
What do you think of creating a strong vision for Unionism?
Go to comment
Comment on United Unionist Force?
on 11 April 2010 at 8:31 pm
Lottanonsense
I know and welcome those moves but have a look at the South Belfast News last week where Paula Bradshaw, their candidate in South Belfast denied the fact that any talks took place. I understand that she may not have been party to these talks, but surely she must have known given the fact that Unity has been in the headlines for months now.
I understand that Paula wants to be the candidate – I admire her determination, but we must think about what is best for Unionism. South Belfast doesn’t have the advantage East Belfast, East Londonderry or any other ‘Unionist’ constituency has. It’s diversity of opinions and vibrancy as a constituency has to be admired but we are all Unionists and believe in the same thing – Unionism.
The SB UUP Association have got to be praised for their actions. This represents very positive and mature thinking – I know of many decent and admirable people within the Association. At this late stage I do not know if there will be a last minute agreement but time is obviously of the essence.
I also understand and respect Paula’s ambition and position. However we must do what is right for the Unionist people in promoting our ideology, vision and identity.
Go to comment
Comment on United Unionist Force?
on 11 April 2010 at 8:21 pm
oneill
Hi. Yes diversity is a strength of Unionism – and closely linked to Protestantism but it is also a difficulty. Furthermore given the fact that we are in the Union people are more likely to question the way forward etc and turn off politics whereas nationalists yes question the way forward but they are united in the fact that they oppose the Union and want a United Ireland. We have a more difficult task in that we are in the Union and want it to stay that way.
The UUP for many years represented that board church of Unionism. I am not so sure that it does anymore as Unionist opinion is now dispersed amongst the UUP, DUP, TUV and the rest that stay at home and take no part in politics. Why? Because they’re pissed off.
There needs to be a vision that brings Unionism forward and what a better time to do this in coming to the one hundredth anniversary of the signing of the Ulster Solemn League and Covenant. This will bring about confidence within the Unionist electorate.
There doesn’t necessarily have to be any formal arrangement between the parties and Unionists but an understanding as to where we’re going and where we want to be would be a first step.
Go to comment
Comment on United Unionist Force?
on 11 April 2010 at 8:12 pm
There needs to be a conversation within Unionism which is open and transparent as to the way forward.
Individual parties doing deals with parties outside the jurisdiction of Northern Ireland are a waste of time at this moment. We need to sort out the issues we have here within Unionism in NI first.
I understand the UUP’s move towards the Tories – it’s basically what Trimble advocated from day one – ‘normal politics’. But it does not recognise what people in NI need or the views within Unionism.
Many in the UUP, as demonstrated by ‘unionistvoter’, will oppose any move to a new United Unionist Force within Unionism. These views were apparent when the UUP Executive met to discuss the Hatfield talks and likelihood of a closer relationship between the UUP and DUP. This idea was opposed by the Executive many of whom are still annoyed by the DUP and their rise within Unionism. They are also suspicious of getting closer with the DUP and therefore want to put clear blue water between themselves.
However people out there want the Unionist parties to work together rather than constant infighting. A united and strong Unionism is the way forward.
The UUP’s move with the Tories is confusing to the electorate who only want to see Unionism, as a whole, punch above its weight. They ask: why the Tories, why not the DUP?
The UUP and DUP are parties representing the majority of Unionist opinion in NI so surely working together would be a positive move?
Reg has shown that he cannot do this but maybe we should take the lead from the UUP and DUP Fermanagh South Tyrone Associations’ and work together. James Cooper was understandably furious after losing out by 50 odd votes in 2001 to Gildernew. If he can get past this surely we can all do the same? That is a good vision for Unionism.
Go to comment
Comment on United Unionist Force?
on 11 April 2010 at 7:03 pm
I agree Moderate Unionist. It will surely be a positive move for Unionism.
Go to comment
Comment on United Unionist Force?
on 11 April 2010 at 6:30 pm
John Burns of the Sunday Times – a poor journalist?
Go to comment
Comment on North Antrim an area of great tension
on 16 August 2009 at 8:07 pm
edukator
apology accepted
“I don’t suppose it ever occured to you that nationalists in Rasharkin might be afraid – of loyalist parmailitaries.”
I accept that. But I have information that would back up what I say.
When contacted last week he wouldn’t allow the media to speak directly to the residents’. Instead he said he would speak for them.
Go to comment
Comment on Beacon for hope?
on 15 July 2009 at 7:03 pm
Peter
It’s a Protestant Fraternal organisation what do you expect?
soandso/Peter
And Gerry Kelly did blame the Orange listen to his opening sentence why didn’t he just start straight into the dissidents … oh wait they’re people he is losing
Go to comment
Comment on Beacon for hope?
on 15 July 2009 at 4:00 pm
Peter
I will direct you to the Reformation.
There is a lot of debate as to whether Catholics are Christians.
Protestants believe that the teachings of the Catholic Church are misguided and wrong.
Just for your information.
Re. oldhack and Allison Morris … I was aware a journalist from the Irish News was attacked but wasn’t sure whether it was indeed Allison.
This was a very unfortunate event caused by Republicans and I wish Allison all the very best in recovery.
I know Allison to be a very hard working and dedicated journalist and it is unfortunate that she was caught up in the middle of this violence.
Go to comment
Comment on Beacon for hope?
on 15 July 2009 at 3:54 am
Interesting West1 where abouts?
Go to comment
Comment on Beacon for hope?
on 15 July 2009 at 3:35 am
Well Peter …
St. Patrick was indeed a Christian jumped on by the Catholic Church and Irish Free State to unite their community and cement their ‘Irishness’. Separate parades are held across NI. Indeed Belfast County as others hold an annual St. Patricks Day service with a parade usually held in Ballymena (I think) on the 17th March.
St. Patricks’ Day has unfortunately become one-sided but slowly being neutralised … mind you the flags don’t help.
As for the Boyne the Pope actually gave his backing as he hated and feared James and France.
I understand that you may not see my point of view but lets just say that history has managed to get distorted by Politicians and Politics.
Go to comment
Comment on 12th July: how was it for you…?
on 15 July 2009 at 3:10 am
John Anon
Yes I sympathise with you but how do you stop this kinda thing?
One observation was the lack of portaloos however as with any public event management is the key.
People are going to drink, ofcourse they are … but its up to the law enforcers to confiscate and prosecute.
Go to comment
Comment on Beacon for hope?
on 15 July 2009 at 2:57 am
oldruss
“Your mention the Parades Commission, but isn’t it pretty much a toothless tiger?”
Nonsense ask any Orangeman and he’ll tell you otherwise.
As for your claim about paramilitary flags I certainly saw none in the field and only one along the route on the way back being waved by onlookers at the top of Tates Ave. Nothing to do with the Orange.
I am sure there is plenty of Republican flags flown on St Patricks Day or at Republican parades.
The media usually have the habit of being anti-Orange and playing on the negatives. The reality is that the BBC Twelfth programme is the most viewed out of all the programmes in NI.
This Twelfth was certainly the best in many many years.
To my knowledge I only heard of trouble initiated by Republicans and have spend most of the day responding to such attacks. Attacks in Ardoyne, Rasharkin and Dunloy all initiated by Republicans … something Gerry Kelly blames on the Orange. An easy excuse never mind the little Republican scumbags out on the streets throwing stones and bottles at Police or the destruction of Orange halls or houses. For me giving media coverage to such disturbances is bad … lets focus on the positive. The crowds out yesterday demonstrate that the Orange are here to stay. Tourists where all over the place, including many at my lodge tent and on the route.
Such negative scenes do this place no favours.
I understand that certain elements come out on the Twelfth and a little bit more work needs done but look what has been achieved the last few years.
Go to comment
Comment on Beacon for hope?
on 14 July 2009 at 9:35 pm
Yes Chris … that’s what the Parade’s Commission is for where residents’ can submit objections etc and they come to a decision.
Go to comment