Month: January 2005

In today’s Belfast Telegraph, Robert McCartney, UKUP, asks the question that the Irish and British Governments are currently contemplating – “Where do we go from here?”. He has some radical ideas of his own, but, as he acknowledges, “It is not suggested that these proposals are any more than a possible, somewhat bare, framework and a tentative answer to the question“. Few though could argue with his starting position – “The answer [to that question] depends on who you are, … Read more

Alex Kane argues that the British government has engineered most of the outworkings of the Belfast Agreement on the basis that Unionists have no breaking point. As a result it has focused all efforts in billateral negotiation with Sinn Fein and the IRA, to the exclusion of all other players. He argues it is time for Unionism to call the governments’ bluff. By Alex Kane Speaking in the Dail on Wednesday afternoon, Bertie Ahern said; “What I find really offensive…is … Read more

CONGRATULATIONS to Ulster Unionist adviser Steven King, who recently married his partner in Canada, according to the Mirror (no link). In the same story, the DUP’s Ian Paisley Jr has strongly criticised the whole concept of a civil partnership – something King defended on the BBC’s Hearts & Minds not so long ago. Paisley Sr was so incensed by the idea of legislation on ‘gay marriage’ being extended to Northern Ireland that he demanded and got a postponement of the … Read more

THE One Small Step campaign steps up a gear with the launch of an advertising campaign aimed at breaking down racist and sectarian attitudes in Northern Ireland. Featuring the voice of Belfast-born actor Kenneth Branagh, the TV campaign will run throughout February. One Small Step chairman Trevor Ringland said: “The One Small Step campaign believes that Northern Ireland’s future must be a shared one and that the only way to achieve this is if we all try to overcome the … Read more

Ruth Dudley Edwards argues that the controversy over Mary McAleese’s comments and her subsequent acceptance that in Northern Ireland hatred was inculcated in Catholics as well as Protestants may have unearthed an opportunity for Northern Ireland’s nationalists to finally recognise their own prejudices against Prods (sorry, that should obviously read: Protestants). As an aside, I note that the reading at Mass yesterday was from Matthew 5:1-12, otherwise known as the beatitudes. adminA slightly inhuman presence that bans bad comments and … Read more

Aha, Hollywood lurks in the wings waiting to ‘cash in’ on the story around the Northern job. Author Cliff Goodwin may have his work cut out to create a plot that’s ‘acceptable to all sides’ of the debate around whodunnit, by the time set for its due publication date next summer. adminA slightly inhuman presence that bans bad comments and works late at night to remove the wrinkles in Slugger’s technical carpet. You will need to know about the comments … Read more

Sorry for the slow blogging today. I’m in Belfast but otherwise committed. Hope the others can keep you entertained. Don’t forget to vote for Slugger at the Satin Pajama Awards – where we’re still in contention for two categories: Best Political Blog; and the Best UK based blog. adminA slightly inhuman presence that bans bad comments and works late at night to remove the wrinkles in Slugger’s technical carpet. You will need to know about the comments policy to stay … Read more