Andrew Charles

Has all hell broken loose?

Andrew Charles on March 10, 2009, 2:42 am

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As if the weekends event wasn’t enough, today we have had two security alerts in two different areas of Northern Ireland (Lurgan and Cookstown) with reports tonight of a policeman being shot in Lurgan. Has all hell broken loose? Obviously a group or individual has yet to claim responsibility for any of today’s events but something is seriously going on. Update: BBC report one dead. The Times Online reporting that it happened in a predominantly Catholic area of Craigavon. One …

Suspect device

Andrew Charles on March 9, 2009, 11:45 pm

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A suspect device has been found at Sinn Fein’s office in Cookstown. Sinn Fein had this to say: Sinn Féin MLA Francie Molloy has confirmed that a pipe bomb has been found at the Sinn Fein office in Cookstown. Mr Molloy said: “I am very concerned about the discovery of this device at our office in Cookstown. While it is unclear whether the pipe bomb is viable I understand that local people will be justifiably angry that this busy constituency …

Newsround

Andrew Charles on March 9, 2009, 3:36 pm

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The Times is reporting that there were two armed guards on duty whom failed to fire back. However a senior army officer has defended them saying that they would have put more lives at risk. The Sun is reporting, that one of the pizza delivery boys was ‘saved’ by one of the soldiers, who subsequently died as a gunman shot him whilst laying on top of the pizza boy. The soldiers told the boys to get down and one of …

Reflections on a bad day for Northern Ireland

Andrew Charles on March 9, 2009, 5:04 am

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Anyone with a moral bone in their body would have been shocked at last night’s horrific events. I only heard of the news this morning, and was left in a state of shock and sadness. Two, possibly three people losing their lives at the hands of Republican gunmen who preyed on these men while they innocently ordered a pizza before they set off for Afghanistan. The first thing on my mind was concern and sadness for the soldiers, who were …

The fight for Europe

Andrew Charles on March 7, 2009, 7:23 pm

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UUP/UCUNF members, elected representatives and commentators have recently been praising the work of Jim Nicholson in the European Parliament. This is obviously a reaction in the run up to the election on June 4th and in the selection of prominant DUP Councillor Diane Dodds as their candidate. Cheerleaders fail to tell us what he has actually achieved in Europe, apart from being returned since 1999 – with a declining vote. The link up with the Tories may gain some votes …

Better safe than sorry?

Andrew Charles on March 7, 2009, 5:45 pm

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I wanted to add some comment up about the deployment of Special Forces in NI. Much debate has focused on the issue over how this story became a story after a day of Hugh Orde being ‘held to account’, then the story broke. Putting this debate to one side and focusing on the issue at hand, the deployment of Special Forces in NI is not one that can be welcomed with open arms, but necessary and acceptable if the Chief …

O’Loan appointed to UN envoy role

Andrew Charles on March 7, 2009, 4:48 pm

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BBC reporting that Dame Nuala O’Loan has been appointed as the Irish special envoy on women and peace-making. Andrew CharlesLong time political hack

Going going gone

Andrew Charles on March 6, 2009, 9:02 pm

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Mick has already blogged about Jeff Peel resigning – is this marriage going to end in divorce? This is an astounding inauspicious start to the ‘new relationship’ as a senior Tory resigns, a man who sat on the committee that crafted this ‘new relationship’. Meanwhile DUP Leader Peter Robinson has called upon UCUNF to abandon their policy of running in every seat in Northern Ireland: “I would urge UCUNF to abandon their policy of running in every seat in Northern …

‘Over but not out’ – NI Tories go offline

Andrew Charles on March 5, 2009, 9:42 pm

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Tory Vice-Chair calls it a day for the NI Tory website. This message appeared on the site today: “I’d like to thank all of you have been so involved in the Conservatives in Northern Ireland web site and blog over the last few years. But it’s now the end of the line. Soon, our team in CCHQ will be rolling out a new Northern Ireland web presence – taking the burden off my shoulders. I will be suspending this site …

An Orangeman about the place?

Andrew Charles on March 4, 2009, 5:41 pm

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Debate has ensued about comments made by NI Tory Jeffery Peel about Orangemen. He was reported to have described the Orange Institution as a “backward-facing, history obsessed, parish pump society”, adding: “[It] is clear that we do have to address the issue of whether members of the Orange Order – or other sectarian organisations – should be permitted to join the Party…” Given that the Orange Order has been central to the Unionist movement since its foundation his comments offer …

Parsley to fight on Alliance European ticket

Andrew Charles on February 28, 2009, 5:28 pm

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Just heard that Ian Parsley, Alliance Councillor in North Down and current Deputy Mayor is to fight for a seat in the European Parliament. UPDATE: Offical statement here Andrew CharlesLong time political hack

Tension in the air?

Andrew Charles on February 28, 2009, 3:22 pm

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Over on Redemption’s Son it is reported that the NI Conservatives have ruled out campaigning using the word ‘Ulster’ attributed to their new electoral/ballot paper name: Ulster Conservative and Unionists – New Force. Redemption’s Son comments: “From my understanding, or at least what I have been led to believe, this is not the case. It was agreed to run as Ulster Conservatives and Unionists. There is a reason for this, and whether the editor believes so or not, he is …

An attack on Sinn Fein and centralisation

Andrew Charles on February 17, 2009, 5:02 pm

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Former Sinn Fein activist, and Slugger contributor – Eoin O Broin launching his second book on Sinn Fein and the Politics of Left Republicanism argues that the party’s insistence on discipline and loyalty must give way to decentralisation if it is to continue to expand its support base. See article from Irish News.Sinn Fein ‘insistence on loyalty could cost votes’ By Bimpe Fatogun 17/02/09 Irish News A LEADING Sinn Fein activist has said the party’s insistence on discipline and loyalty …

Harman warns of BNP victory at Euro poll

Andrew Charles on January 24, 2009, 4:20 pm

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Labours Deputy Leader has warned of a BNP victory at the European elections scheduled for June. This has become a regular statement made by Labour on the eve of elections. A warning to all ‘stay at home’ voters perhaps? However it is a reaction to problems they face (particularly Labour) in their own constituencies. When White-British working-classes are tempted to vote for the BNP in reaction to job losses and an increase in the immigrant population, particularly as we face …

On the rise?

Andrew Charles on January 23, 2009, 3:31 am

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Has anyone else noticed that petrol prices are on the rise? My two local garages (which will remain nameless but are well established businesses) have increased the price of petrol from a cracking 82.9 pence per litre two/three weeks ago to 85.9 pence. As a comparison, heating oil has remained relatively stable costing roughly £300 for 900 litres (for Belfast). Whats the price in your area? Andrew CharlesLong time political hack

Hes back!

Andrew Charles on January 19, 2009, 2:27 pm

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Speculation is correct as Veteran Tory Ken Clarke rejoins the Conservative Front bench! He has been appointed as Shadow Business Secretary, the Ministry held by Labour Veteran and former NI Secretary, Peter Mandelson. Can he save Cameron though? Andrew CharlesLong time political hack

Sorry, I didn’t hear you!?

Andrew Charles on January 15, 2009, 11:08 pm

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I see there’s an e- petition on the No. 10 Downing Street website opposing proposed Government legislation seeking entertainment venues, to include pubs etc to fit noise control devices. Should pubs/clubs fit such devices to save our ears? See Don’t Lose the Music web page for information on Noise and your ears. Andrew CharlesLong time political hack

Sinn Fein plans reshuffle

Andrew Charles on January 8, 2009, 11:04 pm

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It has been reported (see RTE also) that Sinn Fein is planning a major reshuffle of its party leadership, with greater prominence being given to southern representatives, in particular MEP Mary Lou McDonald. Gerry Adams will remain as Party President, but current Vice-President Pat Doherty will step down, with Mary Lou McDonald set to replace him. Following Sinn Feins embarrassing electoral problems in the Republic, in 2007, the party appears to be trying to re market itself south of the …

Independent TD Tony Gregory dies, aged 61

Andrew Charles on January 2, 2009, 10:22 pm

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South of the Border, Independent TD Tony Gregory has died at the age of 61. Andrew CharlesLong time political hack

Sinn Fein-IRA seek truce in 1978?

Andrew Charles on January 2, 2009, 9:41 pm

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“A document from 10 Downing Street released to the UK National Archives under the 30-year rule claims that the IRA sent a message through an intermediary “to the effect that it was time to talk and end the present violence” An article in the Irish Times reports that Sinn Fein sought peace talks with the British Government in early 1978. The information released under the thirty-year rule suggest that the IRA were sending out messages for a truce. Republican, Ruairí …