Most often on a Sunday
It appears Northern Ireland still boasts the highest levels of regular church attendance in the UK. Lee Reynolds
Lee Reynolds
Search recommences
The search for bodies of the nine remaining ‘Disappeared’ has recommenced. Geoff Knupfer is leading the operation, he led the partially successful Moors murder searches.NINE REMAINING DISAPPEARED Seamus Wright, 25, from west Belfast, abducted in 1972 Kevin McKee, 25, abducted with Seamus Wright Columba McVeigh, 17, from Donaghmore, Co Tyrone, abducted in 1975 Robert Nairac, 29, British soldier abducted in south Armagh, 1977 Brendan Megraw, 22, abducted from west Belfast in 1978 Gerard Evans, 24, went missing from Crossmaglen in …
No Future for UU’s?
David Vance completes his trilogy of articles on Unionism with an essay on the UUP. He does not see bright things in its future instead: I honestly do not think it has a future. The DUP has successfully salami-sliced it from the political right, the Alliance Party has moved in to feed on the soft left…It has no charismatic personalities, it has no unique political perspective, and in fact there is absolutely nothing about it that appeals. Lee Reynolds
Anti-Protestant discrimination renewed
The discriminatory 50-50 recruitment policy of the PSNI was passed in the House of Lords last night. Will the establishment of a power-sharing Executive a few weeks away and the PSNI endorsed by all political parties not have a strong impact upon the recruitment pool? Have events not made the law obsolete and an unnecessary source of resentment? Lee Reynolds
Bums on Executive seats
There is increasing speculation that the four Executive Party leaders will meet to agree the departments each will take, making the later nominations a formality. Hain has indicated he will allow preparatory briefings of the notional ministers. Martina Purdy gives her form guide to who may be included. Interestingly, there may be four female ministers in the full 14 member Executive with Foster, Ritchie and Ruane tipped for full ministries and a possible junior ministry for Martina Anderson. All of …
Will he stay or go?
Jim Allister is to hold a press conference this morning. Is he about to resign or will he state his own opinion but accept the decision of the party? He had previously stated he would accept a decision if there was a full and fair debate within the DUP. Last week, as a party officer and executive member he was included in the internal party discussions of Party Officers and the Executive. Will this have passed his test of full …
The DUP Executive Motion
The resolution of the DUP executive passed yesterday by a reported 90%.”The DUP is always anxious to make progress on a basis that is stable and which can command community confidence. Very significant advances have been made over the years since the DUP was mandated as the voice of unionism and our strategy is still working. We acknowledge that a significant opportunity exists to have devolution returned in a context which can make a real and meaningful improvement in the …
Football round-up
Northern Ireland win 4-1 with another Healy hat-trick. Scotland continue their fine form with a 2-1 win over Georgia. Republic of Ireland fans get some joy with a 1-0 victory over Wales. England fail to perform (again) with a 0-0 draw against Israel. Lee Reynolds
Not enough for Robinson?
The Irish Times sources believe what is presently on offer is not enough to satisfy the concerns of DUP Deputy Leader Peter Robinson. His support is viewed as critical to success. Lee Reynolds
Hain is giving consideration to possibly some form of partial blinking, maybe.
Peter Hain has called for a new Executive to be given space but an Executive must be appointed next Monday. This may explain the Irish Times front page speculation. UPDATE: Downing Street seems to be be having similar considerations. Lee Reynolds
UPRG gets a million
While we wait to see what Gordon does or doesn’t give us the NIO has announced £1m for the UPRG. Lee Reynolds
How not to do it
A lesson on how badly improvements in transport infrastructure can be handled. Lee Reynolds
What is the UUP for?
Alex Kane offers his answer on the UUP’s role and future. He believes: there is room for two mainstream pro-Union parties here, co-operating when necessary, while competing to attract and maximise the total pro-Union vote. He defines the UUP’s future role as: the role of the UUP is to be the voice of pluralist, co-operative unionism…to espouse and promote a philosophical vision and a socio/economic agenda which places the general needs of Northern Ireland above the specific electoral needs of …
Application of precedent
DUP MLA William Hay has called for Derry City Council to remove the Hunger Strike Memorial in the city’s cemetery following the Equality Commission’s ruling on the Dromore Memorial. The Council had previously determined it had no legal basis to remove the statue. Lee Reynolds
Does Gordon want to help?
The discussions on the financial package do not seem to be progressing well. Mitchell Mclaughlin has attacked Gordon Brown, claiming that so far no new money has been offered by the Treasury. Eyes will be on the budget to see any indication of movement, if not, the focus will be on tomorrow’s meeting to see if Gordon pulls a rabbit out of his red box. Finances are tight but the Brown Blair feud wouldn’t extend to sabotaging devolution, or would …
Is the Big Screen big enough for the Big Man?
BBC Newsline has revealed there are now two projects to make a movie about Paisley’s life. The Paisley family is co-operating with one project and Gary Mitchell has been commissioned to write the script. Another Co Down production company has recieved support from the Film and Television Commission to develop a script. It is unknown if Liam Neeson is still interested. Lee Reynolds
The case for the defence
The Retired Police Officers Association has produced a 76 page rebuttal of the Police Ombudsman’s report into the McCord murder. Full report here (Hat tip Supersoupy). Lee Reynolds
The greater threat
David Vance moves his gaze from the UKUP towards the DUP. In his personal experiences he has been impressed by key individuals within it but feels Paisley’s power is too great, the DUP is selfish in its actions to other Unionists and crucially is not truly an Unionist party but a Ulster nationalist one. This alleged lack of commitment to the Union means the DUP, coupled with the lack of credible Unionist political opposition, makes it the greater threat to …
If at first…
Love Ulster has written to Irish authorities about holding a second parade in Dublin and the Irish Examiner is all in favour. Lee Reynolds
The devil is in the detail
Frank Millar believes the deadline is looking unlikely, four DUP MP’s want to test SF’s bona fides for two more months while apparently Peter Robinson is doubtful that a satisfactory deal can be achieved in the remaining days. The idea of appointments now but devolution later seems to be gaining currency. Meanwhile David Adams believes the SDLP and UUP should go for the opposition option. Lee Reynolds