Slugger O'Toole

Glenn B was born in 1967 west Belfast & raised 100m from what became the Peace line. A mature graduate he secured a wide life experience in first the British Army followed by local Politics where he was an Officer of the Ulster Unionist Party and a member of the wide team leading to GFA there after entering International Business full time. A former member of Council for NICCI and an ambassador for Ethical Trade he has a passionate belief that commerce is the life blood of society and people. In private life he is a committed husband & father where in down time he raises funds for cancer charities or appreciates the arts, travel, fine wine, good food, good company & truthful, passionate political or commercial debate

Latest comments from Glenn B (see all)

Glenn B has commented 16 times (0 in the last month).

1. Comment on What does the Irish flag mean to you?
   on 2 April 2013 at 4:22 pm

   It’s the flag of the present day Irish Republic, 1 of 2 jurisdictions on the Island of Ireland and thus the National flag of the larger State on the Island.

   Regrettably, last 40 years it has become associated with the armed actions of Republican paramilitaries who used it as ’cause’ for inflicting great suffering, hurt and pain on a largely civilian casualty list. Symbolically, for many, it is oppression, terror, suffering & pain.

   I don’t believe it represents all the peoples living on the Island of Ireland.

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2. Comment on Interview with Noel Doran as Irish News widens circulation gap with Belfast Telegraph
   on 23 February 2013 at 4:26 pm

   Printed news, like printed books, is, alas a declining necessity in this era of on-line or other digital media.

   The BT has taken the biggest slump because it historically held the largest portion of the market which included ‘ancillary’ sales for example, buying petrol or groceries + get the Tele where as the Irish News & Newsletter held a more sustainable ‘punter’ base. The declining ability to home deliver the Tele at a reasonable cost also affected it’s sales.

   All 3 papers have a declining readership and many such newspapers throughout the globe are facing the same difficulty.

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3. Comment on Time for Unionism to find a place for the Irish National flag in Northern Ireland
   on 19 February 2013 at 8:55 am

   I disagree and reject the blinkered rationale that the true losers in the partition settlement were the ‘ghosts at the feasts’ – the northern nationalists. It is a historical, recorded fact that Irish Unionists in the southern state where decimated post partition – death, injury, land grabs, expulsion ensured the removal of the ‘Irish-British’ people in the 26 counties. It was such action that generated fear, that exists to this day, of the ‘Free State’ and it’s National flag within Northern Unionism.

   I also disagree that Unionism secured an outright victory with partition. Irish Unionism fought for Ireland to remain in the Kingdom and at worse for 9 counties not the 6 which created the new region of the UK named Northern Ireland. Lord Edward Carson detested the Government of Ireland Act and it was partition creating this state that forced Carson’s conscience to abandon ‘Ulster Unionism’.

   Not withstanding, I accept that a minority of people in Northern Ireland hold an allegiance to either the southern state or the creation of a new all Island identity. A minority within that minority still seek to eradicate the Irish-British of this Island and such ideology has no place, at all, in the positive relationships that can be built here.

   The constitutional position of this region is enshrined in the GFA until the democratic wish of the people here wish to change it thus love or loathe the national flag of the UK, the Union Flag is (presently) the only flag I agree should be flown for civic or ceremonial occasions, and given 84% of Councils in Britain fly designated days I don’t see designated days as an erosion of my British-Irish identity or culture. As a Veteran I also never flew the flag 24/7 while in service and thus don’t accept the argument that it needs to fly 24/7-365 to maintain my ‘britishness’.

   I do however recognize that my Irish-Gael-Celt (in Northern Ireland) cultured neighbors view the Union flag differently, and thus as a gesture of good will acknowledging political times have indeed changed as well as a symbol of consensual politic at work, I would have no issue with the Irish National Flag & the EU flag flying alongside the Union Flag on designated days. Irish, British, European – the predominant peoples ‘identity’ that make up this Island archipelago of Western Europe.

   On the flip side…. I am but 1 man, Irish because I was born on this Island of ours, British because my culture & sovereignty is such & fiercely a provincial Ulsterman….. oh yeah, and a political persuader to the positives of being an integral part of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland but I don’t need a Union Jack or a Tri Colour to express any of that.

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4. Comment on Your Predictions for Northern Ireland Politics in 2013?
   on 2 January 2013 at 11:39 pm

   Predictions of Guru-Glenn:
   a) Elements of the greener than green strand of patriot Irish Republicanism will continue to wage TUAS against elements of Loyalism, antagonizing an already frustrated, impoverished, inward looking minority.
   b) Elements of Sinn Fein ‘mind control department’ will continue to lie denying the facts of PIRA atrocities sticking to the mantra “it was the Brits, the RUC, the Brit Army and oh agh them awful death squads who did it all”.
   c) Sinn Fein will continue it’s ‘friendly lets all hold hands outreach’ while insulting the silent majority of victims with increasing lobbying and support for groups demanding inquiries by this HMG regarding the questionable past of other HMGs as such demands create a hierarchy of victim-hood & at the same time demean, devalue and ridicule the majority of lives which where lost to PIRA action.
   d) The IG will continue to hold ‘NI’ at an arms distance smiling & cajoling when they must. They’ll continue to deny their role in promoting violent Irish Republicanism and bleat loudly about a united Ireland while inwardly thinking”parasites”.
   e) HMG will continue to roll it’s eyes at ‘NI’ and demand ‘get real’ on inquiries as the recession continues and funding reduces, reduces & oh yeah, reduces.
   f) FM will continue to wallow in his ‘superior air’. It doesn’t matter that only 38% of Unionism is voting as long as that 38% is voting DUP. The riff-raff that cannot be arsed voting are not part of his plan to see the DUP through 2015 elections then 2016 commemorations as he zeroes on 2021 and his retirement on the anniversary of the Orange State creation.
   g) dFM will continue to play the ‘bearings of office’ well while wishing the ‘dissidents’ would go away, you know. He’d love to evolve Sinn Fein further but the street play keeps him having to sometimes play at ‘wee Marty the Hawk’ thus points (a) through (c) above
   h) Unless he pulls a rabbit out of a hat, Mike The Ego Nesbitt will go.
   i) Political Unionism will not reach out to those disenfranchised in their communities increasing alienation and rage that will lead to street play especially come the Marching Season (thank god the holidays are booked).
   j) Those in ‘Unionist or Nationalist Politics’ as a business will continue to do well from the gravy train.
   k) The G8 summit will happen and ‘wee Seamie’ from the ‘New IRA’ will make a load of hoax telephone bomb warnings and possibly a few UVBTs just to say to dFM and the West Belfast TD “we haven’t gone away, ya know”
   l) Derry will have a fantastic 2013 in all ways and ‘wee Billy’ will continue to demand “it’s Londonderry, say it or your denying us our rights” while ‘wee Seamie’ from the ‘New IRA’ will make a load of hoax telephone bomb warnings and possibly a few UVBTs just to say to dFM and the West Belfast TD “we haven’t gone away, ya know”
   That’s all for now, folks.

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5. Comment on Kearney of Sinn Fein’s “reconcilation” pitch deserves a considered response
   on 27 October 2012 at 10:49 am

   Any ‘unionist’ (and I am politically of that set) who doubts conditions in the new state of Northern Ireland 1921 – 69 should read “The Indivisible Island” by Gallagher which they should balance with “Factory of Grievances” by Buckland then contemplate.

   The end of sectarianism is in the hands of every person living here. How hard is it to stop being “I”? Lose the ego of “I”, “me” & “them”. Learn other political, religious or ethnic views in place (both here & beyond these shores). Honor and respect that rich diversity? This will deepen your own roots and secure a wide vision?

   Change begins within and there are growing number who have evolved beyond the bullshit of the past. Their viewpoint and changing perspective in society is inevitable.

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6. Comment on Kearney of Sinn Fein’s “reconcilation” pitch deserves a considered response
   on 25 October 2012 at 3:43 pm

   A lot of what Kearney stated was accurate. The DUP are anti-GFA: they opposed the Agreement & still do. There are elements to the Agreement they have absolutely no interest in following through on and therein lies one reason why the ‘nitty gritty’ of real Government is not happening.

   Another reason is the unashamed rhetoric that often comes from representatives of the Republican movement which are devoid of basic human compassion. I had hoped that Kearney would have stated an unambiguous apology for the hurt & pain ‘armed struggle’ created on the countless innocent victims of PIRA – such a brave step would not compromise Republican ideology yet such remorse is not forthcoming. I believe SF lost an opportunity.

   On the main issues -
   I think we should hold a border poll – get it done asap and put it to bed for 25 years (at least). A border poll will not bring about an electoral consent for disengagement from Britain.

   Here, here on removal of the NIO and the SoS – local people governing local people – I am all for that (when it’s not a mandatory government with 2 politically opposing ideologies playing ‘piss up the wall’ contests with one another).

   Transfer all power here. I’d love to see this Mandatory rickety-wheel balancing the books for real. You know if we’ve broken shoes we go to a cobbler, if we’re ill we go to the doctor yet for some reason most vote ‘orange’ and ‘green’ and wonder why our political system is screwed. Individuals unqualified for any responsible action of Government in power, so yep, devolve all power and watch the sewage system block at Stormont but also be prepared for worse situation than now.

   Finally, I, personally will debate with any man or woman regardless of their politic, religion or creed. I’ll discuss and using powers of persuasion win of lose debates but I won’t rattle of auto-cratic soundbites, intimate violence is correct or threaten violence. When are we meeting for coffee Declan?

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7. Comment on Where is the Protestant community today? Discussion in East Belfast on Thursday evening, along with preview of Paisley & Me
   on 23 October 2012 at 7:03 pm

   Protestant this, Catholic that, Unionist them, Republican us – I honestly feel that as a society we suffer amnesia and go around and around in sectarian circles of one up man ship.

   The overwhelming majority of people on this Island (both jurisdictions) voted for the GFA which became the building block for the evolving, political dispensation in Northern Ireland, and the relationship between the people of these Islands (Britain & Ireland).

   It gave, as a right (article 1) the choice for anyone to choose their National allegiance – British, Irish or indeed both. It cemented the principle of consent – the only people that can change the Constitutional position of Northern Ireland are the “British” and “Irish” people of Northern Ireland.

   For now, the only threat to the Union of Great Britain and Northern Ireland is the Referendum in Scotland because if Scot Nationalists win then the Union is no more (no matter how some may dress the breakup).

   As a Unionist I don’t fear democracy. If at a time in my future the democratic will of the people here see’s society opting for a New Ireland (for what ever reason) then so be it I’ll be there playing a positive part (likely lobbying for Commonwealth membership) and creating a-new with my fellow Northerners (we actually can teach those southerners a thing or two!) …. but what will not happen is unification into the existing, politically inept, economically failed (26 county) Irish Republic – not now, not in 50 years.

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8. Comment on “The peace process was always intended to be about more than an absence of violence…”
   on 23 October 2012 at 2:30 pm

   The problem in the “Northern Ireland Administration” is simply that you have a mandatory foundation that locks in two opposing political ideologies who are hungry for power?

   Outside the ‘orange’ and ‘green’ sectarian reality that the Mandatory Government created, we have the DUP who are anti-GFA: They lobbied and voted against the Agreement (there are elements of the Peace Agreement that they’ve no interest in, what so ever).

   Sinn Fein are pro-GFA: Endorsed and lobbied for the Agreement and with vigor seek all elements to the Agreement implemented in full as a political process evolves.

   There are no caveats in place to assure deliverance and the modus operandi of Government restricts new thinking or the progressive agenda required for real social-economic change or reform. A real shared future as equals dies in the political game of one up man ship.

   Martin’s comments are playing to his home audience. They have more to do with fear at the electoral apathy by FF voters or, worse, the transfer of allegiance to the rising socialist star now vocally made by Gerry “the popular soundbite engineer” Adams.

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9. Comment on Where is the [working class] Protestant Community today? (panel discussion)
   on 22 October 2012 at 12:52 pm

   Alan, again, an excellent piece of reporting.

   It is unfortunate that Loyalist working class areas have been unable to bring forth a leader as articulate as the late Billy Michell or Davy Ervine to give voice and hope to those that presently feel unheard. Fate played a cruel role in both men’s untimely passing.

   It is a reality that ‘protestants’ and ‘unionists’ in general, historically, don’t vote for paramilitaries – is it a coincidence today that John Kyle and Hugh Smyth are the PUPs only representatives (both untarnished by militarism) or that the UPRG have no elected representatives?

   Add to that, the reality that the DUP are anti-GFA: they opposed & voted against it and there are elements of the Agreement they have absolutely no interest in promoting.

   This all makes for a polluted, ad-hoc representation which will only be made if it suits ‘party’ policy. It is certainly not consistent community service.

   My own personal view is that there should be no Loyalist Paramilitaries – just as PIRA changed semblance and exited stage left, the UVF and UDA need to go away. Stating that a mandate comes from ‘the silence of guns’ is not a reality today that is acceptable to wider society. Stand down.

   Those that are genuinely interested in politics for real and about providing service to their community then need to reorganize and get back to the provision of ground truth community services for the areas in which they live or work. They need to tackle social injustices and eradicate sectarian ignorance. The people will respond to authentic civil duty, and vote. Indeed, they’re crying out for it.

   At that point, those presently unheard will secure a voice that can challenge the Political Establishment and bring about the much needed social reform so desperately required in our ravaged working class communities.

   In agreeing to enter a mandatory government with Sinn Fein it is correct that politicians today acknowledge the courageous step Ian Paisley took however Ian was 1 man in a huge sequence of political dancing that occurred at the time, and none of us should pause for too long in admiration because there are countless unseen faces of the peace process and political settlements who did much more.

   All focus today should be on supporting communities where lack of education, lack of vision, lack of investment or social infrastructure is prevalent. While that is happening, myths, taboos & legacies of the most recent Troubles or history need discussed, debated, contemplated and rationalized. Then and only then will people in these communities feel as one with wider society.

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10. Comment on #Creationism to be included in the [#GiantsCauseway] exhibition, as a grant condition.
    on 16 October 2012 at 9:19 pm

    Anyone who has visited the center knows the ‘creationist’ view point is but 1 small part to the wider presentation … It’s not promoted or highlighted over or above science, merely a wee add on, put in place to satisfy the DUPciples of the 1 true God, Allah…. whoops I mean Jehovah, sorry ‘The Lord’

    Those really interested in challenging this should now be organizing our 2 largest communities (the Chinese and Indian) to be demanding their creationist view point for inclusion.

    Indian scripture was recorded 10000 years ago (ish) so automatically puts the Jew-Christians out and it clearly explains a process of evolution….. Om Shanti, Shanti, Om Shanti, Shanti, Om…..

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