Belfast Gonzo

Opening Pandora’s box…

Belfast Gonzo on September 28, 2004, 7:39 pm | Readers 0

THE Government is set to announce an expanded role for a police unit to investigate the unsolved murders – including 200 RUC officers – of the Troubles. It would seem that a combination of re-opening criminal investigations, inquiries and the possibility of a ‘Victim’s Forum’, with a possible role for a museum at the Maze Prison site, is how we intend to bring ‘closure’ to the conflict. A Truth and Reconciliation Commission now appears less likely than ever. Belfast Gonzosluggerotoole.com

Daphne was second choice for Lagan Valley showdown….

Belfast Gonzo on September 28, 2004, 5:42 pm | Readers 1

THE Tele reveals that Daphne Trimble was not the UUP’s first choice to stand against Jefrey Donaldson in Lagan Valley – it was former RIR soldier Colonel Tim Collins, of Iraq war fame. This appears to be the second time Collins has rejected an offer to stand for the UUP. Belfast Gonzosluggerotoole.com

Trimble: political pincushion?

Belfast Gonzo on September 28, 2004, 5:21 pm | Readers 0

HE’S been stabbed in the back so many times, David Trimble is something of a political pincushion. The News Letter yesterday revealed last year’s plot to depose the UUP leader. Trimble takes the News Letter’s front page today however, with a call for the DUP to talk to Sinn Fein. Maybe they will fit Gerry and co in after they meet with the leader of that ‘other’ republican party – Taoiseach Ahern. Belfast Gonzosluggerotoole.com

SDLP throws spotlight onto DUP…

Belfast Gonzo on September 24, 2004, 10:36 pm | Readers 0

THE SDLP has published a document in an attempt to rubbish the DUP’s proposals for restoring devolved government. Thanks to Ciaran.I got asked for a password after clicking on this link, but it seems to work fine if you ‘Cancel’ it. Belfast Gonzosluggerotoole.com

Trimble wants spotlight back on republicans…

Belfast Gonzo on September 24, 2004, 10:25 pm | Readers 0

THE UUP have released a paper of proposals which aims to throw the political spotlight back onto republicans. Fred Cobain has his own ideas, involving the UUP in official opposition – leaving the DUP in an Executive with the SDLP and Sinn Fein. Probably a non-runner though. In other Ulster Unionist news, Dermot Nesbitt has announced he will stand against Iris Robinson in Strangford in the next Westminster election. Belfast Gonzosluggerotoole.com

Analysis: Are the SDLP the new DUP..?

Belfast Gonzo on September 23, 2004, 11:24 pm | Readers 54

AS the latest round of political talks to restore devolution fall apart acrimoniously, the parties begin the blame game. SDLP and Sinn Fein fingers are pointing at the DUP, who have returned the favour – though only in the direction of the SDLP.In Martin McGuinness’s statement yesterday, and Conor Murphy’s last night to camera in Parliament Buildings, Sinn Féin has consistently emphasised that “the core principles of the Agreement including power sharing and the All Ireland architecture cannot be undermined”. …

Accountability still under discussion…

Belfast Gonzo on September 22, 2004, 7:12 pm | Readers 3

A SIZEABLE chunk of the discussions in Stormont have continued to focus on the issue of ministerial accountability. Accountability is not necessarily a ministerial straitjacket. Proper accountability is a democratic norm in most liberal democracies, but the Agreement precludes liberal democracy. What we ended up with was a system whereby ministerial sanctions were completely ineffective.The Agreement states that “Ministers will have full executive authority in their respective areas of responsibility”, something that the SDLP and Sinn Fein have, understandably, defended …

Durkan and Trimble most trusted…

Belfast Gonzo on September 22, 2004, 5:30 pm | Readers 0

A NEW survey has indicated that Mark Durkan is the most trusted leader in Northern Ireland, and David Trimble the second. Slugger regular and Trimble aide Alex Kane doesn’t seem to share that confidence in the UUP leader though. Perhaps there is a reverse corrolation between political support and the degree of public trust in leaders?! Belfast Gonzosluggerotoole.com

Nothing to fear, but fear itself..?

Belfast Gonzo on September 17, 2004, 11:37 pm | Readers 1

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.” Belfast Gonzosluggerotoole.com

Free Willy!

Belfast Gonzo on September 17, 2004, 11:13 pm | Readers 7

LEEDS Castle is exactly what you imagine a fairytale castle should look like – high walls and a moat, towers, a maze in the gardens and high-ranking leaders holding court inside. As the sun shone yesterday, the location for the latest political talks looked idyllic.Of course, the ramparts are equally good at keeping the media’s prying eyes at bay, and the leaders have been wandering in another maze (or maybe even Maze) for years. The journalists who huddle in a …