Ruane Under Fire Again via Everything Ulster
It comes as no surprise to this blogger that our illustrious education minister, one Caitriona Ruane, has once again come under fire this week. Grammar schools have struck another blow against her policy of abolishing academic selection and this morning I hear that primary school headmasters have joined in the criticism and accused the under-fire education minister of reneging on a promise to level out the funding gap between primary and secondary schools.
I was pleased to see that my former school was among the 32 post-primary schools (out of the 229 in the country) that have so far committed to continuing with academic selection via an entrance exam. Lumen Christi has already indicated it will set its own entrance exam and yesterday the Association for Quality Education announced that...
Where we were in 1998 via Everything Ulster
I was recently required to do an analysis of an academic research paper. A colleague I was working with chose this one, which I hadn't read before. There are some fascinating things in the responses.
Page 6 of the PDF shows the huge swing in support for the agreement before finally resting where it started. I'm a bit dubious about the unexplained sharp rises towards the end of the campaign, but maybe I'm just forgetting something. Page 8 highlights the fact that the republic had a vote one third larger than in the north, but 10 times more spoilt ballots.
On page 11 we get into the really interesting stuff. Only half of Protestant no voters objected to power sharing. Two thirds of them supported the establishment of an assembly. 86% of catholic nationalists supported NI remaining...
Shock: Local Politicians “Tribal” via Everything Ulster
You'd scarcely credit it but Sinn Fein's Alex Maskey is fuming with Chief Constable Sir Hugh Orde and is demanding an apology after the chief of police allegedly claimed the policing board had "gone a bit tribal".
Supposedly Orde accused the elected members of being more interested in political debate than policing issues. Frankly, I suspect describing the debate as "political" was being generous.
Read more »Full post & comments at...
Bomber Celebration Banned as SF Agenda Becomes Clear via Everything Ulster
The Assembly Commission, which runs the estate at Stormont, has drawn up new rules that mean events held in the Long Gallery now require "cross-community backing of three MLAs" (I'm guessing this means three from each community?).
This effectively means that Sinn Fein's murderer commemoration day at Stormont will not be allowed to go ahead in the Long Gallery. Sinn Fein are to hold the event in their ministerial offices instead, though the commission has said TV cameras will not be allowed in.
Sinn Fein's Jennifer McCann, organising the event, said the decision was "unfair and undemocratic". What a laugh; the DUP, UUP, Alliance and SDLP all support the decision . That's 74% of voters represented there; I think you'll find that's quite democratic. It's a bit late now for the Sinners...
US Envoy Denounces Provo Concessions via Everything Ulster
The traditional view of Americans participation in the "Peace Process" here is generally seen as "cynical playing to the green Irish vote" by taking the side of nationalists and/or republicans. This was particularly true under the Clinton years.
With the new presidency race I think the best some of us were hoping for was that any new administration would have more important things to worry about than the rather tedious affairs of Northern Ireland, yet still its hard to shake the feeling that the votes of 36 million "Irish Americans" may prove too tempting to ignore.
That's why I was so surprised to read today that President Bush's special envoy to Ireland, Mitchell Reiss, has criticised Tony Blair for giving too much to Sinn Fein/the IRA, who he said became used to the government...
On Neutral Working Environments via Everything Ulster
Given Sinn Fein's serious, and not at all opportunistic, commitment to creating "neutral working environments" I'm shocked, nay stunned, to find them taking advantage of International Women's Day to celebrate a convicted bomber, Mairead Farrell. Surely the Equality Commission would have something to say on this, no?
"We have a right to hold the celebration there. I would never, ever say to unionists or loyalists that they should or should not be doing something."
Jennifer McCann MLA, organiser of the event
It's lucky then, Jennifer, that Unionist politicians wouldn't be so sick as to arrange an event dedicated to the Shankill Butchers right under your noses (actually I'd be disgusted if they organised one at all, but that's neither here nor there at the moment). There are plenty of...
Terrorism, not warfare via Everything Ulster
The Assembly has rejected any suggestion that the IRA's sectarian murder campaign was a war. A good thing, and fairly unsurprising.
I've always liked Danny Kennedy, but his performance since devolution has impressed me, and he is clearly im proving as time goes on. I enjoyed this contribution during the debate:
Mr McCartney: The Member made an intervention and stated that Ireland was only ever united under the British Crown. Is that an acceptance that uniting Ireland is a worthy cause?
Mr Kennedy: Yes — under the British Crown. If the Republic wants to rejoin the British Commonwealth and renegotiate the terms and conditions for the union, I would withhold any objection.
Here here. Unionism should never be afraid to espouse Irish unity, it should probably be Unionism's...
Terrorism, not warfare via Everything Ulster
http://www.everythingulster.com/blogs/index.php/2008/02/19/terrorism_not_warfareThe Assembly has rejected any suggestion that the IRA's sectarian murder campaign was a war. A good thing, and fairly unsurprising.
I've always liked Danny Kennedy, but his performance since devolution has impressed me, and he is clearly im proving as time goes on. I enjoyed this contribution during the debate:
Mr McCartney: The Member made an intervention and stated that Ireland was only ever united under the British Crown. Is that an acceptance that uniting Ireland is a worthy cause?
Mr Kennedy: Yes — under the British Crown. If the Republic wants to rejoin the British Commonwealth and renegotiate the terms and conditions for the union, I would withhold any objection.
Here here. Unionism should...
No More Death, No More FARC via Everything Ulster
http://www.everythingulster.com/blogs/index.php/2008/02/04/no_more_death_no_more_farcVenezuelan president Hugo Chavez recently called for governments to recognise Colombian terrorists (and friends of the IRA) FARC to be recognised as "an army". Sound familiar?
Today Colombians will take to the streets to march in protest against FARC following a call to action which began on Facebook.
No Mas Secuestros / No More Kidnapping
No Mas Mentiras / No More Lies
No Mas Muerte / No More Death
No Mas FARC / No More FARC
I can only wish them...
Calling Ruane’s Bluff via Everything Ulster
http://www.everythingulster.com/blogs/index.php/2008/01/23/calling_ruanes_bluffIt's a busy day on the Caitriona Ruane front today. I'd just like to issue a quick thank you to Jim Allister for confirming that I was right when I said that Ms Ruane was talking out her arse when she said she wanted to change the law to prevent Northern Ireland schools, shockingly, giving preference to children living in Northern Ireland because it "may" breach EU equality rules (and thanks also to Nevin for mentioning it in his comment on this Slugger post).
Jim Allister has contacted the European Commission who have confirmed that this is nonsense. Allister's blog contains the long, wordy response, but in short the child from the Republic would only have a right to equal treatment in terms of admission to...
Ruane Has No Answers on Post-Primary Reform via Everything Ulster
http://www.everythingulster.com/blogs/index.php/2008/01/23/ruane_has_no_answers_on_post_primary_refMinister for Education Caitriona Ruane has refused to answer a list of questions submitted to her by the Assembly's education committee. These questions were agreed by the committee and included how much her plans would cost, what provision would be made to avoid selection by post code and what methods would be used to decide who got a place in over-subscribed schools.
Ms Ruane's Sinn Fein colleague Paul Butler defender her saying "I would like to see the committee playing a more constructive role and working with the Minister to get through this period."
Translation for those of you who don't speak Sinnerese "I would like to see the committee sitting back quietly, letting the Minister...
Defining Pettyness via Everything Ulster
http://www.everythingulster.com/blogs/index.php/2008/01/21/defining_pettynessNationalist councillors (who hold a majority) on Limavady Borough Council have ordered the removal of several items from council premises in order to create a "neutral working environment".
Unfortunately they weren't totally sure what should be removed and had to search the internet to decide whether or not they were offended by a statue of Limavady man William (Ferguson) Massey, who had been Prime Minister of New Zealand from 1912 to 1925 and founded New Zealand's Reform Party (now the conservative National Party, the largest opposition party in New Zealand at this time). As it turns out they are offended by the statue. Why? You may well ask. Apparently some hotshot detective work by nationalist councillors...
Emporer Ruane Missing her Garments? via Everything Ulster
http://www.everythingulster.com/blogs/index.php/2007/12/07/emporer_ruane_missing_her_garmentsNow that's a disturbing thought, apologies to anyone who's eating as they read this. Anyway, Bob Wilson of the local Tories has criticised the response of unionist politicians and the media to Caitriona Ruane's non-announcement on the abolition of grammar schools.
Let us be unequivocal about this. To introduce a transfer procedure along the lines suggested by Ms Ruane would require secondary legislation – a Regulation or Statutory Rule. Such a Rule could be rejected by the Education Committee... 6 of whom are unionists.
Bob Wilson, NI...
Problem Parties via Skin Flicks
Get Over Che - Commies Aren’t Cool via Everything Ulster
Is it time crusty students got over the Che Guevara obsession?
Well it's the time of year again when fresh-faced first-year students arrive for their first taste of freedom and a diet of fast food. One feature present each and every year amongst the great unwashed masses that constitute the student population (besides hordes upon hordes of culchies) is an enormous number of armchair socialists clad in T-shirts featuring that iconic image of Che Guevara and this year seems to be no exception.
Really now, this has got to stop; mainly because most of those clad in the T-shirts are idiots who probably know less about Che Guevara than I do.
=> Read... NI bigots advise Iraqi bigots on peace via Skin Flicks
The world, with its constant ability to astound and amaze with wonderful ironies, has managed an absolute beauty of the genre this week.The sectarian leaders overseeing the internecine bloodbath in Iraq have sought the help of Sinn Fein and the DUP in learning to overcome their differences.Yes, when you find yourself embroiled in a bloody conflict between two communities who look the same, speak the same and worship the same God in marginally different ways, the people you need to help find a way out of the horror are obviously those who managed to sustain an identical conflict for three decades past its sell-by date!Getting advice on creating peace from Martin McGuinness is like getting lessons in bedside manners from Dr Harold Shipman. And being tought about mutual respect and...
Michael McDole via Skin Flicks
As promised, here are some pics of Michael McDowell at the recent general election count at the RDS, during which he made his speech resigning from political life.There has been some debate in the media and online about whether McDowell was mobbed and jeered by Sinn Fein supporters as he made his speech. This first pic clearly indicates that it was the media who did the mobbing.McDowell was no sooner in the RDS than he was surrounded by photographers and hacks, as this pic indicates.Here he is giving his speech about loving his country and so on.And following his departure, where he was indeed jeered by a People Before Profit member carrying a sign reading 'Michael McDole', John Gormley of the Green Party arrived in time to be declared elected.Finally, some people might be pleased to know...
Exit Poll via Skin Flicks
Back from the Orient via Skin Flicks
I'm now back from the far east, and have quite a number of observations to make about China. But I'll do that next week, as it's impossible to ignore the small matter of a general election this week.It looks like Bribeable Bert's in real trouble over the small matter of receiving free houses and maintenance buy-offs from shadowy businessmen in Manchester. This doesn't exactly fill me with hope for the nation, since he's still neck and neck to form the next government.What does it actually take to convince the rump 35% or so that the current batch of Fianna Fail are a ragbag of crooks and incompentants? Do they actually need to see them exiting the Bank of Ireland wearing stripey pyjamas and masks carrying bags with 'Swag' written on them before they understand?Anyhow, there is at least...
Post Office closures will “hit ex-terrorists hardest” via Belfast Blogger
Sinn Fein have slammed the Government’s decision to close Post Offices in Northern Ireland, claiming that the ex-terrorist community will be hardest hit by the branch closures.
“It takes a long time for people to get ‘weaned off’ active service, and its a disgrace that the British Government is taken this decision with no idea of its impact,” said in-no-way-former-terrorist-or-terrorist-representative Francie Molloy, Sinn Fein MLA.
“Post Offices play a valuble role in isolated areas, providing a source of income and a gentle form of therapy for former volunteers who, whilst they aren’t bombing and shooting anymore, still need the thrill of holding up a counter and making off with thousands in used notes, ” he continued. “Sure its...
DUP Poots stadium in Maze via Belfast Blogger
The DUP’s appointment of Edwin Poots as the minister for Culture, Arts and Leisure from next month has raised some eyebrows. The biggest issue facing the culture Department is the location of the new national stadium for Northern Ireland.
Mr Poots’ position on this is quite clear. Like virtually every other big capital investment that has been proposed, Poots wants the stadium to be located in the Maze, in his constituency. He was even Chair of a development group tasked with making this happen. There have been rumours of a dirty deal between Sinn Fein and the DUP to ensure this happens, as the Shinners want a memorial to the hunger strikers to also be a part of the Maze development.
Where all this is leading has the potential to be quite worrying, not least for Sinn...
D- for canvassing via Skin Flicks
I've been a bit miffed at the lack of canvassing in our area. I would normally have expected Fianna Failures at the door on an hourly basis this close to an election, swiftly followed by that famous Sinn Fein election machine.Obviously, one is an extremely privileged soul if you manage to get a PD canvasser to your door, since they're rarer than hen's teeth. And the Blueshirts don't tend to come around my area too often either.But I'd gone to all the trouble to draw up a lengthy list of complaints for all parties, and hence I've been extremely disappointed at the lack of opportunities I've had to present them.However, the Shinner juggernaut finally traversed our street today, and I was delighted to see that they're running honey traps now. A genuinely stunning young blonde came to the...
DUP to destroy Irish language, Sinn Fein 11 plus via Belfast Blogger
Northern Ireland’s political parties today demonstrated the new, mature attitude we all have to politics here by revealing how the 10 government departments will be divided up between them in May.
The DUP got first pick, and it was no surprise that they took the Department for Stopping Money Getting to Nationalist Areas as the lead off. The rest of the party’s picks were a little surprising, as they opted for the Department for Giving Grants to Unionist Businessmen, the Department for Making Sure Protestant Farmers Can Flog Land For Big Prices, and the tiny Department for the Destruction of the Irish Language and GAA (Northern Ireland).
Sinn Fein got three departments. They surprised no one by once again going for the Department for the Abolition of the 11 plus and...
God “plague threat” wins day via Belfast Blogger
God today claimed total credit for the breakthrough in the Northern Ireland peace process, declaring that his threats of a plague had forced political leaders to repent and amend their ways.
God, showing signs of tanning and skin damage from appearing too close to the sun, boomed out in a loud voice:
“And I hardened the hearts of the tribe of Adams who hath a beard, and the tribe of Paisley who hath a stupid fecking hat;
And I said unto them ‘Lo! If you doth not repent and forgive your enemy seven times seventy times, and suffer to speak unto them, then I shall unleash a plague of letters demanding payment for the very water which gushes so frequently from the heavens’;
And they were frightened of this wrathful and jealous God, and did spake unto each other...
Paisley engages in more time-bending shenanigans via Belfast Blogger
The DUP initiated their desperate last attempts to avoid power-sharing with Sinn Fein today, by playing havoc with the laws of time and space.
Party chiefs emerged from today’s high level meeting insisting that it was actually 1991, and that IRA/Sinn Fein was still engaged in a terrorist campaign.
“We voted on this, and over 90% agreed that we are still stuck in the previous millenium,” frothed a party spokesman after the meeting. “That means no decomissioning, no ceasefires and, most important of all, no egg on our faces by claiming we have smashed Sinn Fein.”
He went on to state that, by the DUP’s calendar, the 26th of March 2007 wasn’t due to occur until some time in May.
DUP leader Ian Paisley has been bending physics for some...
Almighty God claims He is “powerless to stop flood” via Belfast Blogger
In a sensational move, The Lord Almighty has claimed he is powerless to stop the flood about to hit poor boatmaker Noah Ireland and his desendants. And, in a staggering admission, he claims that not only will Noah get wet, but that he’ll have to pay for each drop of water sent gushing down in his catastrophic wrath.
God, sporting a healthy tan and a South African accent, laid the blame firmly at the door of the bedraggled shipwright’s elders, and at Noah himself for being led by them. And despite being able to create worlds in seven days, and to dissolve assemblies at the drop of a hat, he insisted there was nothing he could do about the flood.
“I am a jealous God, but not a mad one, and frankly I’m a bit fed up looking after this bunch of ingrates and...
What A Cunt via Everything Ulster
http://www.everythingulster.com/blogs/index.php/everythingulster/2007/03/12/what_a_cuntAnyone else catch the Politics Show on the BBC today?
Caitriona Ruane was asked if someone witnessed activity they thought to be part of a dissident republican operation, should they go to the police?
Her response? "Stop playing games."
Games? It doesn't sound like much of a game to anyone else. In fact to dismiss the legitimate concerns of the unionist population, and dare I say many non-Unionists, as "games" is surely reaching the height of arrogance. This is the second time in the space of 3 or 4 days she's danced around the question. All the other party representatives asked the same question on the election results show the other day were able to answer the question in one word - yes. How rare...
What? You want more amateur analysis of that bloody election? Yippee! via Belfast Blogger
Well, we had an election that would make Donald Horowitz proud. Voters rushing to elect the staunchest people from “their” side. For all the talk of bread and butter (or should that be rates and water) politics, no one can seriously say that the massive votes for the DUP and Sinn Fein were based on Peter Robinson initiating a water review, or Gerry Adams promoting unified rates of corporation tax.
Elections in Northern Ireland are different, that much is obvious. For one thing, in other parts of Western Europe its easy to interpret exactly what an election means. An election there is a conclusion to a process. Voters know what the elected parties stand for; all they have to do then is sit back and watch the elected making a haimes of it.
Here, its different. ...
Vote Early, Often - Official Election Guidance via Belfast Blogger
OFFICIAL ELECTION COMMUNICATION
The Electoral Commission of Northern Ireland has asked all media outlets to issue the following guidance. The purpose is to remind voters of their obligations when going to vote in today’s election.
Remember that the polls are only open from 7am-10pm. If you are voting in multiple polling stations, the Roads Service have asked that you plan your route so there isn’t a hurry after 9pm, to lessen possible road accidents
Please remember to bring your photo ID. If the nice man/woman canvassing at your door offers to vote for you, at least make sure they bear a passing resemblance to your photo ID.
Voting twice at the same polling station is discouraged, but not impossible. Remember that there will be changes of staff at...