Lee Reynolds AOH leader, Jack Meehan, has objected to the participation of the Orange Order in the Smithsonian’s 2007 Folklife Festival part of which focuses on Northern Ireland. The OO is one of 160 local groups invited to participate. However, the Irish American Unity Conference welcomed their participation as part of a balanced programme. Lee Reynolds
On yesterday’s Daily Show, Jon Stewart interviewed Michael Barone (fifth item down) on his new book Our First Revolution. The book argues the importance of the Glorious Revolution in shaping the American Revolution, the Bill of Rights and more. Lee Reynolds
There are only 24 officers from minority ethnic communities in the PSNI, a further 11 officers are needed to match the 2001 census figures for MEC’s. The 2001 figures are considered by many to significantly underestimate the size of the longstanding communities and do not take account of the recent large scale migrations. It was also revealed, regardless of republican objections to the idea, the Polish applicants for PSNI posts did not fare well because of language and ‘familiarity’ with …
During a debate about the Shared Future strategy, the UUP challenged the Alliance party on the potential £1bn savings from tackling segregation. They demanded to know specifically what Alliance proposes to cut or close. Paisley Snr also moved to deal with the fallout from SF’s defeated equality motion and the Hot Press interview.David Burnside and Basil McCrea both wanted Alliance to get down to specifics and name what they would close. McCrea claimed that some 70% of the £1bn are …
The economists’ first predictions are in for the impact of the restoration of devolution. Predictions plus side – Business investment up, consumer spending up, tourism up Predictions minus side – Public services reduced, higher local taxation, no high end FDI jump Arguable as a plus or minus – Reduction of public spending, no shift in economic policy Lee Reynolds
The timing of the Scottish and Welsh pronouncements seems to be becoming clearer. A ten minute rule bill is being introduced that would require women seeking an abortion to recieve compulsory counselling and a 7 day cooling off period because of conerns about long-term mental health. Such bills rarely reach the statute book but it is seen as a tester for a significant upcoming fight, the Human Tissues and Embryos Bill, with both pro-abortion and pro-life MPs planning amendments to …
While a debate rages about the degree of separation of church and state in Scotland and Wales, the government is backing new initiatives for the Muslim faith in the UK, is this a case of state interference in a religion? Lee Reynolds
The Roman Catholic Archbishop for Cardiff has backed the stance of Cardinal O’Brien on communion, abortion and politicians. Lee Reynolds
Among Alex Slamond’s first act was to refuse to Scottish Executive support for Dumfries House, Simon Jenkins argues that this demonstrates: “his nationalism is rooted not in the character, culture and heritage of Scotland but rather in the bid of a factional politician for English money to buy votes and thus win power. The motivation is ambition, not nationalist vision.” He also argues that that: “This is pocketbook devolution. Read the nationalist manifestos and they are little more than shopping …
Patsy McGlone, Chair of the DRD Environment Committee, has called for radical change to rural planning. He revealed figures that less than 500 new developments have been given outline planning permission since the introduction of PPS14, compared with 5000 in the year previous to its introduction. Lee Reynolds
While one local politician has firmly nailed his colours to the mast on the morality of homosexuality, Cardinal Keith O’Brien is demanding Scottish politicians do likewise on the issue of abortion. In a sermon to mark the 40th anniversary of the Abortion Act, he will instruct his members not to vote for pro-abortion politicians and the Church may exclude Roman Catholic politicians from Communion if they vote for pro-abortion measures. The BBC correspondent claims that past Church criticism of the …
The Republic’s election proved a bad one for the smaller parties and independents with a net loss of 16 seats. When boundary proposals were made they were criticised as suiting the larger parties. Was Thursday’s poor results partly a case of the boundary review chickens coming home to roost? Lee Reynolds
The loss of a Dail seat may not be the end of Sinn Fein’s electoral problems in Dublin. The general election figures when applied to the Dublin Euro constituency show Mary Lou McDonald’s seat vulnerable to Fianna Fail and possibly the Greens.FF’s growth puts them in with a strong claim to a second Euro seat. The respective party scores were: Fianna Fail 38.75% Fine Gael 18.74% Labour 14.53% PD’s 4.13% Greens 8.22% SF 6.97% Others 8.61% With a quota of …
AC Milan have avenged their 2005 defeat with a 2-1 victory over Liverpool in Athens. Warning: I may be rather tetchy for the next few days. Lee Reynolds
Brian Arthurs, reportedly a senior republican, has been charged with fraudulently obtaining money and money laundering. (Commentors are reminded that this specific case is now sub-judice.) Lee Reynolds
While the Assembly debated the issue of equality, it was revealed the number of non-Catholics refused jobs in the PSNI under the 50:50 rule has risen to 708. Although it appears the Equality Commission want more of such affirmative action approaches not less. Lee Reynolds
A SF motion calling for the swift introduction of the Single Equality Bill was defeated today by 45 votes to 42. The development of this bill is the responsibility of OFM/DFM. Meanwhile, the Equality Commission uped the ante by demanding affirmative action be included in any future legislation. Lee Reynolds
The new seven member panel to review parades is to hold its first meeting today. Perhaps Ashdown’s recent documentary on Jerusalem and his recommendations provides an insight to his thinking and core approach to the topic. The full documentary is still available free on 4 on demand. Lee Reynolds
Official documents for SF minister Conor Murphy are not to refer to Northern Ireland. An internal memo has told staff of a range of alternative phraseology to be used. Conor Murphy has denied it was his instruction saying he was asked for his preferences. Lee Reynolds
The continuance of PPS14, the planning measure restricting the development of single dwellings in the countryside, is expected to come under severe pressure. The SDLP’s John Dallat has called for its reversal. However, the Alliance party, Green MLA Brian Wilson and the DUP’s Jim Wells are fighting a rearguard action. Anti-campaigners describe it as an attack on rural communities. Supporters believe the large number of unbuilt houses already approved (up to 9500) and the thousands of pending applications not covered …
