We’ve had word that Jeffrey Peel has been suspended from his role as Vice Chair Of the Conservative Party in Northern Ireland at the behest of the Party Board and its Chairman Eric Pickles, although Jeffrey will continue as an ordinary member. It’s thought that the move was made for breaches of protocol in communication. We’ll see now whether the planned interview with Mr Peel for the Politics Show goes out.. Jim Fitzpatrick writes in his warmer:
On Sunday’s Politics Show we speak to Jeffrey Peel about his decision to resign. We also investigate the growing financial hole in the Executive’s budget – Robin has more on that on our programme website.
What started as a proverbial storm in the blogosphere teacup last weekend is now mainstream news… Both parties will hope that it stops here. For their part, the Conservatives have acted decisively in the end. However the impression given by all of this partnership is of, if not a house divided, then one that is a long way from being in a common mind about what it all means…
See also: Alan in Belfast; Mark Devenport; Conservative Home; Ulster’s Doomed; Seymour MajorIf this deal has any chance of yielding visible success in the European Election, both parties will need to shown some leadership, discipline and central control. At the very least they cannot afford another self inflicted wound. That this spat blew up and was fanned by members of both parties within the blogosphere demonstrates some of the follies and dangers that come with online engagement too.
Mick is founding editor of Slugger. He has written papers on the impacts of the Internet on politics and the wider media and is a regular guest and speaking events across Ireland, the UK and Europe. Twitter: @MickFealty
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