Slugger O'Toole

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Latest comments from Mary Ann Evans (see all)

Mary Ann Evans has commented 23 times (0 in the last month).

1. Comment on Identifying the 14 ahead of an apostolic departure?
   on 3 February 2010 at 3:00 pm

   Does the DUP leadership still have those alleged resignation letters DUP candidates signed before the last election?

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2. Comment on Will they, won’t they: Day 98 and climbing…
   on 3 February 2010 at 3:40 am

   Nolan is tweeting that “two DUP sources” inform him that last night’s meeting was to seek assurances over this summer’s marching season. He concludes, “they are gettin happier about long term”.

   Never thought Nolan an optimist before!

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3. Comment on Gordon regrets…
   on 1 February 2010 at 7:27 am

   MU – sorry if your feelings are hurt by a portayal of Mo as a woman. If you see that as stereotyping NI – yes – I can see that. But the drama was about Mo and didn’t / couldn’t go in to the details of how hard she worked on the problems she had to deal with here.

   Such a programme would require more than 2 hours – more like 400 years. We’ve plenty of ham actors who are more than able to keep that drama alive – they’re local MLAs and MPs and Democracy Live has them on the screen every week. Sometimes they make the news – but never for having achieved anything (unless you count Trimble & Paisley dancing on the Garvaghy Road).

   The part of the programme that I thought most moving was when Mo couldn’t distinguish between what was her and what was the cancer. It described something I’d not thought of before – that cancer can rob you of more than physical life.

   I think – cancer or no – Mo was instrumental in achieving the GFA. Some here will curse her for it.

   For myself, I can remember the referendum and Mo’s position that I look to the future. I remember thinking “this offends my sense of right and wrong” – but voted “yes” because she’d empowered me to choose – to choose to take an opportunity for a peace that my children could benefit from.

   Now, I’m less disturbed about having done so – my children are now adults living in a peaceful NI. Personally, I still struggle with letting murderers out of jail – but my kids aren’t interested. They’ve Catholic and Protestant friends, they’re enjoying life and can enjoy an orange march and the West Belfast Festival – though they much prefer the Festival.

   My transition was influenced by Mo – but more by the GFA that local politicians endorsed as something they’d lead. They have utterly failed to do so – so – I guess Mo deserves her place in NIs history.

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4. Comment on Gordon regrets…
   on 1 February 2010 at 6:55 am

   From a human perspective, after such a moving dramatisation of Mo’s last years, this statement may seem understandable.

   Brown had ample opportunity to repair fences with Mo before she died. I hope he did so and that this statement isn’t a cynical ploy to court public favour.

   It’s a pity Mo was removed from NI where she’d achieved so much but – in hindsight – it made her reputation. Had she stayed she would likely have been referee to NI’s intransigence that still has the GFA gasping for life. I doubt she could have steered it on a different course.

   Her removal did firm up Mandelson’s reputation for being a conniving prick.

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5. Comment on “And still we waited..”
   on 31 January 2010 at 1:36 am

   Eamonn Mallie tweeting Poots: “We’re looking at tidying some things tonight and there is more work to be done on Monday” It looks like outline of deal?

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6. Comment on Questions that need to be answered. Maybe.
   on 27 January 2010 at 6:00 am

   Pigeon Toes – thanks for your post. I’d hate to think I’d lost sight of the problem – but – I couldn’t have asked for a more articulate description than that you posted.

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7. Comment on Questions that need to be answered. Maybe.
   on 27 January 2010 at 4:57 am

   Nevin – yes – London & Dublin may feel disappointed and put out – with reason but the ambiguity that has us here has their fingerprints on it.

   I’m curious – 1966 and 2016 – what are you pointing to? 2016 being the start of the 4th mandate (assuming the Assembly exists beyond the next weeks)?

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8. Comment on Questions that need to be answered. Maybe.
   on 27 January 2010 at 4:43 am

   Why would SF broaden the talks? What is your motive for suggesting they should Mick?

   There’s a “triple lock” on P&J – only 2 parties hold the key. Wouldn’t broadening the talks be a sign of distrubuting blame? Unlike the 1st mandate when the UUP and SDLP hadn’t the seats – SF & the DUP do.

   If the preverbial hits the fan – this fact needs considered.

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9. Comment on Questions that need to be answered. Maybe.
   on 27 January 2010 at 4:32 am

   JohnJoe – Mallie is reporting that the DUP is in the Hillside Bar but the UUP went to the Plough.

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10. Comment on Questions that need to be answered. Maybe.
    on 27 January 2010 at 4:31 am

    JohnJoe – Mallie is reporting that the DUP is in the Hillside Bar but the UUP went to the Plough.

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