Free Willy!
LEEDS Castle is exactly what you imagine a fairytale castle should look like Slugger O'TooleA general account used for the daily threads and other things.
Slugger O'Toole
Nothing to fear, but fear itself..?
MICK Hume argues that the target of terrorism is often not physical, but exploits our worst fears. At a time when many distrust how their government deals with threat, he writes: “As we recoil in horror from what has been happening in Russia, let us try to remember that the corrosive culture of fear poses the greatest threat to our own and our children’s future in a free society.” Slugger O'TooleA general account used for the daily threads and other …
Smoke signals or smoke and mirrors?
According to an AP report carried on UTV, the centre parties are dropping heavy hints that there may actually be progress being made at Leeds Castle. SDLP leader Mark Durkan has told the assembled press corps that “”People are running out of arguments they have had on a number of issues for holding back”, while the UUP’s David Trimble is urging the PIRA to make a new and detailed statement on weapons without delay, “the sooner we hear it and …
Adams: a deal is inevitable
On his way into Leeds Castle this morning, Gerry Adams has told reporters that a deal is inevitable between his party and the DUP. Although clearly he was not committing to a timeline for such an accord it would, he suggested, take shape within the confines of the Belfast Agreement. Slugger O'TooleA general account used for the daily threads and other things.
Adams could destablise the DUP?
This fascinating op-ed in the Belfast Telegraph sees most of the negotiating cards stacked with Gerry Adams. It argues that his internal position within the party and the wider movement is unassailable. It further suggests the DUP has mismanaged its constituency’s expectations of a deal, that Adams might look in that area for further advantage over Unionism: “…should Adams decide to play for high stakes, he would either come away with a deal or he would have revealed a great …
Books.
Frank Delaney lists his Slugger O'TooleA general account used for the daily threads and other things.
DUP reidh chun cumhacht a roinnt?
“M Slugger O'TooleA general account used for the daily threads and other things.
Flash
Slugger O'TooleA general account used for the daily threads and other things.
Hey Ho Let's Go!
Not, strictly speaking, within the remit of the site, but allow me a little latitude. Johnny Ramone, real name John Cummings, one of the founder members of the punk of all punk bands, tributes. A moment’s silence, followed by raucous celebration of the life and music of the man with a plan. 1-2-3-4! Slugger O'TooleA general account used for the daily threads and other things.
Ireland most expensive in Europe
Joe Humphreys in the Irish Times reports on the latest annual statement on prices and costs from the National Competitiveness Council. Consumer price inflation in Ireland has risen at twice the rate of the Euro zone average since 1999 and the average price of Irish goods and services by 22 per cent above the EU average in the same period. Statement and full report can be found here Selected quotes from the Irish Times article “Ireland is now ‘almost on …
Irish interests best served in English?
Having lost (albeit temporarily) our archives, I’m not sure if I have already posted this spirited argument against the campaign to have Irish recognised as an official language in the EU. Slugger O'TooleA general account used for the daily threads and other things.
Morgan retires at 37
Martin Morgan, the SDLP’s candidate in the recent European elections and former Lord Mayor is to retire from active politics when the local elections are held in Belfast next May. It will undoubtedly be a blow for a party that in recent years has consciously tried to build the profile of its younger members. Slugger O'TooleA general account used for the daily threads and other things.
Negotiations: the cost of further inaction
Gary Kent looks at a number of related issues in the run up to negotiations at Leeds Castle. He warns that the inability of the main political parties to come to an agreement has already had major cumulative and detrimental effects, and that these only stand to increase in the face further and prolonged inaction. By Gary Kent Northern Ireland Slugger O'TooleA general account used for the daily threads and other things.
The aim of the game
According to the Irish Times Slugger O'TooleA general account used for the daily threads and other things.
Time is short?
The Guardian runs through some of Ian Paisley Snr’s more famous, and infamous, moments in the spotlight in its profile of the current leader of the DUP today. “The lifelong outsider now leads unionism” according to the Guardian and, echoing Malachi O’Doherty’s Belfast Telegraph piece from a few weeks ago, points out that “any agreement must carry Paisley’s stamp if it is to be sold to the unionist people”. But it’s not all soft-focus for Ian Paisley Snr. The article …
Writing next Tuesday's headlines?
Whilst we’re all sitting around twiddling thumbs, I thought it might be fascinating to see what readers (and other bloggers) imagined what the headline reports will be next week when the final outcome of the Leeds Castle talks is finally revealed. No prizes, but endless glory if your most improbable scenario wins! Enjoy!! Slugger O'TooleA general account used for the daily threads and other things.
Peace process: critical questions
Eric Waugh is in top form this evening. A long term critic of the practical working of the Belfast Agreement, he outlines what the opening gambit of unionist negotiators should be: – The first principle is that more of the same will not do. – Not a scintilla of a goody should be bestowed on tick. Cash on delivery must be the rule. – The overblown machine should be shorn of its fat and the Assembly of 108 cut by …
Policing and security are the crux
Reuters man Alex Richardson with a brief outline of one of the most contentious issues facing the parties: policing and security. Slugger O'TooleA general account used for the daily threads and other things.
Sinn F
Sinn Fein has called for the British government to call off survellence operations after a bug was founding a meeting room in Connelly House. Gerry Adams has asked for a line to be drawn under the conduct of all future such operations. Slugger O'TooleA general account used for the daily threads and other things.
The loneliness of a long distance politician…
David Trimble is upbeat, and given the nature of past events, verging on the statesman-like going into the Leeds Castle negotiations, saying that he hopes this will be the last lap of talks before a final and stable agreement. Slugger O'TooleA general account used for the daily threads and other things.