Andrew Charles Over on O’Conall Street, Conall argues that the DUP proposals are a return to ‘majority rule’. Obviously I disagree … its simply a return to democratic, accountable and efficient Government which is surely something we’re all working towards? Common sense surely particularly when we face budget savings? Andrew CharlesLong time political hack
On my thread about the SDLP chances, poster Chris made an interesting point. One which I suspect we’re all thinking about, but know the answer. Anyway I thought it would open a good discussion. My response to Chris is below.Chris’ point: “I think you are putting forward two conclusions – that people here will vote based on the ‘tribal’ identities and then that people won’t vote for Alban based on their attitude to Europe. It’s hard to reconcile those two …
This morning I attended the SDLP Bloggers breakfast. It was a reasonably good showing, an event when you meet some faces behind the world of the World Wide Web. I will not direction conversation here away from Mick’s post earlier other than to say that I thought it was a good event with a decent showing. I would raise my glass to the SDLP for what I thought was a very good idea. Anyway, I wanted to give some analysis …
Just watched Hearts and Minds … anyone else think Jim ‘Twenty-years MEP’ Nicholson was being assisted with cue cards? It seems strange, he didn’t have much of a clue what was going on. He looked like a virgin candidate, contesting his first election ever. No offence to the man, but he has been an MEP for twenty years! Where is the knowledge and experience we’ve been promised? All in all a terrible performance for a so called experienced MEP. Perhaps …
Just watched the first Political Party Broadcast by the DUP. Thought it was good with an appeal to the middle-classes as well as traditional Unionists. The issues at the heart of Europe were given top priority; farming – CAP, milk quota issues etc, fishing quotas and our British sovereignty – with the growing threat of a Federal Europe. Unionism was top of the agenda. Maintaining a strong, confident Unionist team to defend our interests at Stormont and within Europe. No …
BBC’s Robert Preston says that we can now relax a bit and be confident that our biggest banks our on the road to recovery, but the days of easy money are not here yet. Andrew CharlesLong time political hack
Much debate has been going on a couple of threads (particularly here and here) about the Conservative and Unionist New Force. Debate has erupted about the difference between the Alliance Party and Conservatives and Unionists. The question arose about the ‘new’ UUP, can they deliver ‘non-tribal’ politics, can they change the political landscape of NI and can they offer the people of NI a real new alternative? I suppose what I am getting at, will they succeed at changing the …
As electioneering gets underway and the posters are plastered up to entertain us all as we drive I noticed that Jim Nicholsons campaign slogan is: ‘Vote for Change’ When I saw this I had to ponder over it for a while saying to myself – ‘but hes been an MEP for twenty-years!’ Have the Tories done such a great job that they have re-modeled, rejuvenated and transformed auld Jim into some strange new inspiring person? Nah cos the picture is …
The words spoken by Sinn Fein Councillor Charlene O’Hara after a Bobby Sands memorial was damaged in Twinbrook, Belfast at the weekend. A fair assumption? I suspect that many would disagree. I also suspect that many nationalists would take issue with her reference to him being ‘one of the greatest Irishmen that ever lived’ too. Whilst someone taking their own life is shocking and disturbing, the use and abuse by Sinn Fein of this man is incredible. Particularly after accusations …
Reading in the Newsletter today (page 8) that Conservative Jeff Peel has lost his appeal against the Party decision to suspend him. He said that it would not stop him seeking office elsewhere in the party, as he was considering office in his local party next week at their AGM. Also, according to Sir Reg Empey South Antrim Assembly member David Burnside is said to be being replaced ‘within the next few weeks’. Sir Reg was responding to an attack …
The posters are up, the nomination papers handed it, and the so much anticipated European election campaign begins. On the 4th June the people will have their say. The most prominent thing people will have on their minds for this election is, how will Jim Allister do? However the biggest threat to the government this election is apathy. Jim Allister is just another thorn in the side of Unionism.Devolution has been restored and for the first time in a long …
For those of you who obsess over elections check out electoral calculus. Should there be a general election tomorrow the Conservatives would be returned with a majority of 18 and a lead of 105 seats over Labour according to the current poll (as of 30th April 2009). It would be interesting to see what the polls are like after the budget (if anyone has seen any please feel free to post). Rumours circulating around Westminster suggest that if Labour doesn’t …
Over on Tory Story NI author Seymour Major is calling for the UUP’s sole MP, Lady Hermons head if she does not fall in line with the new regime. A question being asked by many is: will she stay or will she go? Her absence was once again noticed at the party’s AGM on Saturday past. Andrew CharlesLong time political hack
Yesterday a rally held in Belfast protesting at job losses focused on what the government can do for workers. It only attracted a crowd of 200. However is protesting really the way forward? Surely we’ve left the riots and protests behind us in the last century? Losing a job and being stuck in unemployment in the current econmic state is depressing. Afterall, unemployment isn’t easy (for those who want to work). However maybe people should be proactive. We cannot rely …
Former Tory donor, Stuart Wheeler, who was expelled from the Conservative Party for donating money to the UK Independence Party has said more than 80 percent of Tory MP’s ‘feel let down over Europe’. His ‘defection’ to the UKIP came as Pro-European Ken Clarke returned to the frontbench as Shadow Business Secretary. It seems that in the run up to the European election in June this issue may become more prominant, an issue that may continue to divide the Conservatives. …
The DUP has come in for attack this week over their expenses claims. Party Chairman Lord Morrow of Clogher Valley has defended the party’s reputation saying: “The DUP uses any and all allowances that we receive from Westminster and Stormont for the service of our constituents or to enable us to carry out assembly and parliamentary duties. We have the largest network of advice centres in Northern Ireland working for people on the ground.” He has also turned the spotlight …
Despite bad news today about job losses at Ulsterbus (Londonderry) and Nortel (Newtownabbey), several hundred jobs have been created at Asda. This appears to have been missed by the media but see here and below. South Antrim Assembly member and Antrim Councillor Trevor Clarke has today welcomed Asda to Antrim. He said that this new store will not only offer consumers better choice, but also provide the town with hundreds of jobs. Trevor Clarke said: “I have been in discussions …
Antrim Guardian are reporting that UUP Leader Sir Reg Empey has been speculated to fall into the South Antrim Assembly seat (held by David Burnside) in a bid for the Westminster poll, due to be held no later than May next year. Local members suggest that they would welcome him with ‘open arms’. However the battle appears to be between Antrim Councillor’s, Adrian Watson and Danny Kinahan. Andrew CharlesLong time political hack
BBC reporting that the 17-year-old youth has been charged with Constable Carroll’s murder. Confirmed by other sources too. BBC’s take: “The youth is also charged with having a firearm with intent to endanger life and membership of a proscribed organisation, the Continuity IRA. He is to appear at Lisburn Magistrates Court on Tuesday morning. The 17-year-old also faces a further charge of collecting information likely to be of use to terrorists.” From website. Comment: Whilst it is good to see …
As noted over on O’Conall Street the CIPR Awards took place last night at the Europa Hotel in Belfast. Full list below. Highlights: The Irish News won daily paper of the year, again, in I think the seventh year running (?). Ken Reid, UTV won Broadcast and Specialist Journalist – down to his interview with Paisley announcing his retirement. CityBeat won News programme of the year. Belfast Telegraph won website of the year. David Gordon won News Journalist of the …
