Slugger O'Toole

Latest comments from Politico68 (see all)

Politico68 has commented 163 times (0 in the last month).

1. Comment on What does the Irish flag mean to you?
   on 6 April 2013 at 3:20 pm

   When i look at the flag i am reminded that I am an Irishman and proud of the high esteem in which my country is held throughout the world. When I see the flag being flown at a rock concert in London, a paddies day parade in Tokyo, a sporting event in Sydney a religious ceremony in Rome; I smile. I am reminded that for most of the world, irishness is associated with warmth, fun, Love, Celebration, History and fair play. The flag for me can be compared to a bright light or a beautiful sunrise, a beacon of civilisation because regardless of what might be said about my flag or my people, the world knows we are Irish, and loves us just for that reason.

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2. Comment on The Unionist Forum: What is it?
   on 21 December 2012 at 2:07 am

   The flag is gone, not coming back. Now move along there please people.

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3. Comment on The Unionist Forum: What is it?
   on 19 December 2012 at 1:06 am

   i dont know why any unionist would even show up for that by election, its a safe SF seat

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4. Comment on The Unionist Forum: What is it?
   on 18 December 2012 at 10:37 pm

   Another bloody Unionist implosion, great, thats all we need !!

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5. Comment on A referendum on Irish unity is more likely than you think
   on 18 December 2012 at 5:39 pm

   Unionism might drive Catholics into the area of real consideration for a UI if they dont get their act together. The convergence in the population shows that the time is approaching for a shared future to mean a shared space with both national symbols and ideologies fiven parity of esteem and proper equality. This nonsense over who the ‘Northern Irish’ are is simply a diversionary tactic. We ahve two national blocks who identify as either predominantly British or predominantly Irish. Whatever efforts are made to skew the stats to suit a subjective view does not change the trajectory of the political landscape one iota.

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6. Comment on Aaron & Brian’s Sunday View: the Census
   on 17 December 2012 at 10:14 pm

   David Crookes,

   I have no doubt that the events of the eighties were a turning point in terms of Anglo Irish relations and in particular between Unionism and the British government but that was thirty years ago and the environment has changed for the better on almost every level. The AIA reflected a growing frustration within the British establishment at the refusal of Unionists to engage to reasonably on the issue if NI. In any event, it cannot be said that we would have managed to negotiate peace if there had not been a foundation to build which is pretty much what the AIA provided.

   In terms of JA, I would think it would be at best Naive and at worst negligent to believe that the growth in political Nationalism will not warrant substantial change in the political dynamic of the North over the next number of years. For any sort of JA to be acceptable it would have to have the consent of a majority of NI citizens. Catholics may not be overwhelmed at the prospect of a UI but refuse them JA with absolute, political, cultural equality and you might find a UI could become a lot more palatable.

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7. Comment on Aaron & Brian’s Sunday View: the Census
   on 17 December 2012 at 12:32 pm

   Mick,

   You dismiss the concept all too readily. McGarry and O’Leary cover the issue quite comprehsively in their book of 1993, the politics of Antagonism. They have another book on it too but I cant remember the name. They eventually agreed the consociationalism was the best way forward but I think there could be a swing back to the idea of JA in the coming years.It is very possible that Dublin and London could divide central powers between themselves Defence, Foreign affairs, Currency, et. While Stormont assumes Devo Max. As for the debate around the possibilities, I would relish the opportunity to get stuck in. I think the problem here is that Unionism is really only interested in a ‘British’ Northern Ireland whilst some Nationalist just want an ‘Irish’, time to think outside the box for both sides.

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8. Comment on Aaron & Brian’s Sunday View: the Census
   on 17 December 2012 at 2:31 am

   USA,

   I think that continuing with the status quo or a UI is not a good idea. They should all settle for joint Authority then put the whole thing to bed forever.

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9. Comment on Aaron & Brian’s Sunday View: the Census
   on 17 December 2012 at 2:27 am

   Sim,

   If u look at the EURO elections which are a much better barometer because they are a ‘straight Race’, in 1994 Unionists got 54% against Nats 39%. 15 years later (2009) it was 49% U. 42% N. If that pattern continues the EURO elections in 2024 would show U – 44%, N – 45%. Whatcha think? Basically level?

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10. Comment on Aaron & Brian’s Sunday View: the Census
    on 17 December 2012 at 2:10 am

    Simtrib,

    Your numbers dont add up mate. If the Catholic population has increased by 80,000, and 1.7% of the entire population are from the A8 (31,000), if you subtract the two u get a native Catholic growth number of 49,000, no? Moreover, if the school census reads 51/43 in favour of Catholic background does this not indicate the potential for a slim Catholic majority. In the 1998 Ass election Unionists got 52% of the vote while Nats got 40.%. In 2011 it was U-47%, Nats – 42%. So what am I missing here? If that pattern continues in 2023 u will have U- 42% Nats – 44%. The stats are from Nicholas Whytes site.

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