Lee Reynolds At a West Belfast Festival debate Martin McGuinness repeated his May stance on the Army Council and the IMC: “The IRA have clearly gone off the stage and have done so since 2005 but there’s still attempts being made by some people to drag them back on and I think that’s silly.” While the DUP’s Nelson McCausland said he believed it still existed but its removal would be significant. As regards Loyalism, Dawn Purvis, after some confusion on whether there …
The IMC has been asked to produce a report of PIRA structures including the Army Council by the end of the month. In May Martin McGuinness wanted to keep IRA structures off the political agenda. The last statement issued by the IRA leadership was at Easter. Lee Reynolds
A Cambridge review of social attitude studies of the last 30 years shows a new trend in opinions about the impact of women working and the impact on the family. The report’s author claims: “The notion that there has been a steady increase in favour of women taking an equal role in the workplace and away from their traditional role in the home is clearly a myth.” Critics argue that the report shows: “attempts to shoehorn women into workplaces made …
The Irish News reports Dungannon SF councillor, Barry Montheith has resigned from the party (subs reqd). He stated: “This is due to an increased disillusionment with current Sinn Fein strategy. I no longer share the belief that this strategy will lead to Irish Unification….It is not just solely about policing. I am disillusioned with the current political strategy…” He represents Dungannon Town DEA and intends to keep his council seat. Montieth was once SF’s youngest councillor and served a number …
I asked this yesterday and have seen most of the internet coverage today but it still hasn’t been made explicit, will the executive meetings recommence? Anyone know? Lee Reynolds
The DUP and SF have agreed there should be a single police and justice ministry with the minister elected by cross-community vote but neither the DUP or SF will nominate. The timing has not been agreed. David Ford has given an “emphatic no” to Alliance playing any role. UPDATE Anyone know whether or not his means Executive meetings will start again? Lee Reynolds
Over on OurKingdom blog I assess the IIPR’s report on the Barnett Formula, Fair Shares. The thread argues that IPPR replacement proposals have flaws and extra tax powers should be considered for Northern Ireland in the future review. Whatever the principles that should be used to distribute the UK tax take, the report outlines the practical politics of money and the Union. Practical politics which suggest it will be Alex Salmond and the SNP who will be determine whether Barnett …
A member of SF’s Stormont Press Team has quit the party stating: “I have left the party and the press office as I feel that the current programme for government of the Stormont administration will put working-class communities under increased pressure at a time when the current global credit crunch is already hurting this vulnerable group in society. I also feel that the party’s left-wing credentials have been damaged by the above and by a continued courtship with the American …
In the latest in a series of attacks on Newtownbutler Orange Hall, sectarian grafitti and a GAA Flag and bunting were placed on the building. Members of the local GAC helped in their removal (Registration reqd). Lee Reynolds
Noel McAdam presents a counter-argument to why taking the P&J post would be electorally good for Alliance and bad for most other parties. It would involve a volte face on Alliance’s chosen role as ‘unofficial’ opposition and when they ‘helped’ the process before by re-designating they suffered electorally in the 2003 Assembly elections with a drop to 3.7% from 6.5%. Lee Reynolds
The Irish News reports that a special team within HET will investigate the murders of the Mount Vernon UVF gang and the NIO has provided £1m in funding (subs reqd). Lee Reynolds
Former Councillor Basil Johnston has been selected by the UUP to run for the Enniskillen by-election. The BBC says the TUV will decide later this week. There seems little talk of what is happening on the nationalist side or whether SF will face a republican challenge. CORRECTION The statistics quoted on a previous thread about Sylvia Hermon’s voting records for Labour were incorrect. Lee Reynolds
Newton Emerson notes on Sylvia Hermon that: Of the 262 Commons votes she has attended in this parliament, Lady Sylvia Hermon has voted with New Labour precisely 262 times. UPDATE: THIS STAT IS INCORRECT. It appears the 0 rebellions shown on the public whip website was misinterpreted to mean voting with the government when it means this. Lee Reynolds
The GAA Ulster Championship replay has led to talks between police and the organisers of a Royal Black parade in Enniskillen. The evening church parade will did coincide with the aftermath of the game and return of fans to the town. Last year sectarian abuse was shouted by some GAA fans at a similar parade. There were also complaints of on-street drinking by fans during and after the drawn final. Lee Reynolds
Alasdair McDonnell has acused Gerry Adams of trying to bring down the NI Assembly. He accused him of starting a: “…blame game ahead of a Sinn Féin inspired crisis at the heart of government. No one is being fooled by Adams’s strategy which would see the Assembly down by Christmas and everyone can see how he is trying to ensure his party, who must take the lion’s share of the responsibility, do not bear the brunt of the blame.” Lee …
Both the DUP and SF have comfirmed that Alliance taking the Policing and Justice Ministry is one of the options being examined. This option had previously been ruled out by Sinn Fein. However, the piece identifies two barriers, the SDLP are next in line for a Ministry under D’hondt and Alliance are demanding changes to the operation of the Executive. Whatever the ins and outs of the negotiations and whether this is the easiest way to achieve a deal, does …
The Sunday Times profiles the work to track down the IRA’s millions. In co-ordinated and ongoing work by the Irish Criminal Assets Bureau and the Serious Organised Crime Agency have seized £39m so far. Lee Reynolds
A unanimous motion has been passed by Castelreagh Borough Council to hold a homecoming parade (and civic reception) for the 204 Squadron (North Irish) Field Hospital (Volunteer) Unit who are presently in Afghanistan. Lee Reynolds
While we were fascinating on the Tory/UUP issues the Home Secretary and Irish Minister for Justice announced a co-ordinated response to new border controls. The proposals seem to imply that identity checks could return in some form on the land border but the Irish Times reports that the proposals on that particular issue will come later in the autumn. Greater detail and background on PB’s thread please comment there. Lee Reynolds
A Troubles victim has criticised the HET’s methodology on ballistics and forensic analysis in its investigations. Lee Reynolds
