David McCann 
Along with Amanda Ferguson, Tim Cairns and Allison Morris, we discussed the political issues of the day. David McCannDavid McCann holds a PhD in North-South relations from University of Ulster. You can follow him on twitter @dmcbfs
I was joined by SDLP Councillor and former Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council, John Boyle, as well as Irish News journalist Allison Morris and former BBC NI political editor Stephen Grimason to discuss the life, politics and legacy of John Hume. Recorded and edited by Alan Meban @alaninbelfast. David McCannDavid McCann holds a PhD in North-South relations from University of Ulster. You can follow him on twitter @dmcbfs
The First Minister and DUP Leader, Arlene Foster; Sincere condolences to Pat & the wider Hume family. A giant in Irish nationalism, John left his unique mark in the House of Commons, Brussels & Washington. In our darkest days he recognised that violence was the wrong path & worked steadfastly to promote democratic politics. pic.twitter.com/Ctkdfxa4Au — Arlene Foster #We’llMeetAgain (@DUPleader) August 3, 2020 The Deputy First Minister and Sinn Fein Vice President, Michelle O’Neill Saddened to hear of the death …
The family of John Hume have announced that he has sadly passed away. John was the leader of the SDLP from 1979-2001, We are deeply saddened to announce that John passed away peacefully in the early hours of the morning after a short illness. We would like to extend our deepest and heartfelt thanks to the care and nursing staff of Owen Mor nursing home in Derry. The care they have shown John in the last months of his life …
Interesting article by Aiden Corkery in yesterdays Sunday Business Post on the new Shared Island Unit to be established within the Department of the Taoiseach. In it he quotes the views of the former Fianna Fail TD and advisor, Martin Mansergh Martin Mansergh, the former Fianna Fáil TD and adviser to Bertie Ahern during the Good Friday Agreement, disagreed. He said he believed the new unit would be more focused on the more pragmatic details of north-south cooperation. These included …
The SDLP Leader announced today that the party will create a New Ireland Commission. Speaking about it the Foyle MP said; The only path to uniting the people of this island is through the spirit of partnership, cooperation and reconciliation that the Good Friday Agreement is built on. Delivering a new Ireland demands that we all spill our sweat to forge new enduring relationships between the people of this island and that we demonstrate to everyone that there is an …
With the formation of a new Irish government and as we look toward recovery, I wanted to put together a discussion about Presidential voting rights for the diaspora. My panel had Ben Kelly from the VICA Campaign and Naomi O’Leary from the Irish Times and the Irish Passport Podcast. “Áras an Uachtaráin” by jaqian is licensed under CC BY David McCannDavid McCann holds a PhD in North-South relations from University of Ulster. You can follow him on twitter @dmcbfs
Dáil sitting as new Cabinet ministers unveiled. | Follow live updates: https://t.co/CjTmfEOVQH https://t.co/DQKcWALcyw — RTÉ News (@rtenews) June 27, 2020 Here is the full list The Government of the 33rd Dáil: pic.twitter.com/D4jHcxqp3W — Gavan Reilly (@gavreilly) June 27, 2020 “Dáil Éireann” by justinpickard is licensed under CC BY-SA David McCannDavid McCann holds a PhD in North-South relations from University of Ulster. You can follow him on twitter @dmcbfs
SKY News Ireland Correspondent, David Blevins held a joint interview with Arlene Foster and Michele O’Neill which was aired this morning. RTE’s Tommie Gorman has an interesting piece online today about the relationship between the two and some of the previous power-sharing bids in the past which is worth a read. When devolution returned in January this year, there was no fan fare. On that rainy Saturday standing in the Great Hall, all of us who are nerds were watching …
I wanted to take some time give a different view on the media and in particular the BBC output locally. Now before you say, yes I appear on the airwaves arguing the bit out on a particular issue. But i am genuinely a supporter of public service broadcasting and don’t begrudge the licence fee paying for the type of programmes that we just otherwise wouldn’t see. But the past six years has also given me experience of seeing how Ormeau …
The SDLP Leader, Colum Eastwood has announced the death of the East Derry MLA, John Dallat. His statement John Dallat lived and breathed to serve others. “For over 45 years he was the most loyal servant to the people of East Derry and a fierce friend to everyone in the SDLP. I know I speak for everyone in the party when I say his good humour and wise advice will be sorely missed. “John entered public life at a time …
First Minister @DUPleader confirms that the NI Executive did not receive a briefing from Irish Gov before Dublin published its Roadmap for lifting #covid19 restrictions. — Darran Marshall (@DarranMarshall) May 4, 2020 Many of you will have watched An Taoiseach, Leo Varadkar address the nation about the Irish governments exit strategy from the lock down measures. I am sure there will be other posts to debate that and Northern Ireland’s in the coming weeks but I wanted to focus on …
Our first virtual Slugger TV! This month David McCann explores the impact of coronavirus on the local economy with Tina McKenzie (chair of FSB Northern Ireland), Ryan McAleer (Irish News business journalist) and Paul Gosling (writer and SDLP policy adviser). Edited by Alan Meban. On the Youtube version below you can turn on closed captions to get subtitles. David McCannDavid McCann holds a PhD in North-South relations from University of Ulster. You can follow him on twitter @dmcbfs
I thought I would share some good book reads that could be good for you to just escape from it all. So here are the books I am trying to get through/re read Parkrun by Debra Bourne-This book tells the story of how this started in 2004 and how it has grown to become something huge. I just started this one this morning but it’s been good so far Why Running Matters: Lessons in Life, Pain and Exhilaration From 5K …
A few people had been in touch to ask about sleeping. Again, i am just saying what works for me. So if i ever have a few restless nights a couple of things that work for me is Chamomile Tea-A bout an hour before bed, it helps to relax. Another is try not to overthink your sleep. Your body will let you know this, don’t think it. Have a good book or a journal before you go to sleep. Reading …
Bored yet? A wise man said to me today that boredom is a luxury in life but I understand it can also be a real strain. So here are some video channels that for me are really interesting to watch and learn from. When you have learned something new, you get a real sense of achievement and it will keep you motivated to find out more information. Biographics-This channel is excellent, it has many great videos to tell you about …
Part 3 of the non coronavirus thread. Have you ever tried a body scan? It’s so simple and easy to do. It helps you stop your mind running at 100 miles a minute to just being calm. Although I should point out that it will take some practice for you to get this. Don’t worry if your mind wanders during it, that’s normal. David McCannDavid McCann holds a PhD in North-South relations from University of Ulster. You can follow him …
We can all help save lives. Be part of the #FightBackKeep your distance Wash your handsPlease watch. Please listen #COVID19 #stayathomeNI pic.twitter.com/j5xOGgtUyD — Department of Health (@healthdpt) March 21, 2020 David McCannDavid McCann holds a PhD in North-South relations from University of Ulster. You can follow him on twitter @dmcbfs
We are up with non coronvirus post number 2 and this is for those who want a bit of escapism. Now since we are a political blog, we thought we would have some great political podcasts to share with you. Tomorrow, i will be back to share more mindfulness techniques but for now these are a few things to get you started. As always leave your podcast ideas in the comments below. Also the Irish Passport is a great one …
So I thought about and wondered what can we do on Slugger to help during this time and it dawned on me that giving people a space everyday to not think about the outside world. I am not just posting up random videos. I use mindfulness everyday and am going to for the next few days put up the techniques and things that help me with anxiety. My thinking is if they can help me, maybe they can help somebody …
