Lee Reynolds Gerry Adams think the Celtic Tiger’s benefits could impact on the Loyalist working class but Chambers Ireland doesn’t like how much working class communities presently benefit. It has criticised the RoI government for prioritising tax cuts for the low paid. Presently 40% of Irish workers do not pay tax income tax, CI believes this should be reduced to 33%. (Hat Tip WT). Lee Reynolds
Two election candidates, Davy Hyland and Billy Leonard, have recieved bullets in the post. Lee Reynolds
New figures on the make-up of the PSNI have been released. 71% were serving members of the RUC. 303 officers of the 9131 officers have experience in other forces particularly the London Metropolitan Police and the Military Police. Only one officer has served previously with the Garda. Lee Reynolds
Both the DUP and UUP have taken out adverts in today’s edition of Andersonstown News (AFAIK the first time this has happened). The Diane Dodds ad is targeted at social conservatives, focusing on the recent LGB regulations that the Churches opposed and pro-life issues. (Full-size ad here). Louie West’s ad takes a broad approach stressing his community work and commitment to a restored Executive. (Full size ad here). These ads raise the question, how can parties start appealing beyond their …
As part of Slugger’s election day coverage, I am taking 8th March off work to provide statistical analysis of results. For this to succeed Slugger wants to recruit volunteer contact points in each of the count centres. We need this contact point to provide us with the full detailed results of the 1st count and if possible subsequent counts. A mobile phone will be essential plus the contact point(s) must be willing to keep an eye on all the counts …
Today’s News Letter carries photographs of Lord Molyneaux canvassing with the DUP’s West Belfast candidate, Diane Dodds, and the three DUP North Belfast candidates. Lee Reynolds
The Attorney General has been granted an injunction against the BBC over a report on the Cash for Honours claims (UPDATE The police asked the AG to act). Some more detail here. Lee Reynolds
“No nation has ever taxed its way to prosperity.” Discuss. Lee Reynolds
It seems the DUP will tie the two big issues in the election. The DUP will require sufficient funds to deal with the water rates issue as a condition for an Executive. Unsurprisingly. the DUP will confirm that their first ministerial choice will be Finance and Personnel, the Department with responsibility for water rates policy. Lee Reynolds
A John Ridley article in Esquire magazine, The Manifesto of Ascendancy for the Modern American Nigger, has reignited a debate among the black community in America. In it he argues that the black community has become trapped in the civil rights narrative and it is disempowering the community as a whole and the underclass in particular. It also means potential role models are eschewed as they don’t fit the line e.g. Powell and Rice. The debate has focused on his …
The republican plot in Milltown has been vandalised in an overnight attack. Lee Reynolds
The Irish News is getting wistful for the old election campaigns and finds the broad consensus within and across the communities as dull. Meanwhile postal vote applications are down by 30%. Lee Reynolds
The PUP’s Party Election Broadcast is now online at Youtube. It is built around the new leader, Dawn Purvis, with strong references to the late David Ervine. It avoids the minutiae of St Andrews and policy emphasising values, vision and aspiration. Their website is to go live again on 28th February1st March at 12 noon. Lee Reynolds
Considering our own difficulties at creating stable government is it time to consider whether we are the lost tribe of Italy? Lee Reynolds
SF’s Martina Anderson has called for the use of local labour clauses by ILEX in Londonderry. These clauses require developers with public or regeneration contracts to provide a certain proportion of jobs for local unemployed or training positions. Despite their use elsewhere the idea has not taken off in Northern Ireland with questions over whether our equality laws do or do not prevent their use plus unofficial deals of ‘local’ employees are often part of protection rackets. With multi-billion investment …
Further questions are being asked about the work of the Historical Enquiry Team. The DUP are concerned a lack of funding is behind the DNA decision while Danny Kennedy is worried that cases referred by the Police Ombudsman may be given greater priority over other cases. An Irish News editorial calling for a truth commission highlighted: thus far has been dealt with in a piecemeal fashion and while some victims may have had their concerns addressed, many more have not. …
It appears the cry of splitters can be put down as a shared tradition, in South Down at least.Links fixed hat tip Nevin. Lee Reynolds
After a failed abduction attempt in Londonderry, the father of the teenager targeted has pointed the finger of blame at mainstream republicans. Update A Sinn Fein councillor has denied it: What I can say on behalf of Sinn Fein is republicans weren’t involved, and I can only speak for Sinn Fein. Interview with the victim and his father here – realpayer needed (Updated because Ian made the point reasonably) Lee Reynolds
Hugh Orde is a fan but questions are being raised about the thoroughness of the Historical Enquiries Team’s work over its lack of action on DNA testing of seized weaponry. It has completed approximatley 10% of its task, 442 cases, but none of these have produced a file to the Public Prosecution Service. Meanwhile, Des Rea, has called for a government to view establishing a commission to examine truth recovery as a priority. Lee Reynolds
The UUP has formally lost its third Chief Executive in four years. Will Corry had been suspended in June 2006 and the issues were being dealt with through lawyers. However, an amicable settlement has now been reached. It seems the UUP plan to abolish the post of Chief Executive. This would indicate those seeking to modernise the structures and practices of the UUP have suffered a setback. Lee Reynolds
