Sunday, January 30, 2005
Holy Northern Bank Notes,Mary!
I would like you to check out this very funny cartoon which proves beyond a shadow of a doubt that the Irish Government are doing very well in fighting crime in our society.
You can find the cartoon here.
Warning:There are scenes which some of you may find upsetting.Not me,though!
You can find the cartoon here.
Warning:There are scenes which some of you may find upsetting.Not me,though!
Light Blogging
Blogging will be very light from me over the next few days as I have a pretty busy schedule.
I must admit I'm not too bothered though as I'm pretty fed up right now after all the controversy over McAleese's comments.
Depressing stuff.I need a break!
I must admit I'm not too bothered though as I'm pretty fed up right now after all the controversy over McAleese's comments.
Depressing stuff.I need a break!
Saturday, January 29, 2005
Hero/Villain of the Day-29.01.05
Hero: Dr Donal Deery:Mourners gathered today for the funeral of this Belfast doctor who died saving his girlfriend's life in a mountain climbing accident.
Dr Deery's actions were truly heroic and his death is a tragedy.
Villain: David Trimble:I feel his comments today were a sickening example of the incredible hypocrisy of unionist leaders over the comments made by President McAleese.
Trimble would do well to watch his own mouth.The things he has said about my country in the past were deliberate.
Dr Deery's actions were truly heroic and his death is a tragedy.
Villain: David Trimble:I feel his comments today were a sickening example of the incredible hypocrisy of unionist leaders over the comments made by President McAleese.
Trimble would do well to watch his own mouth.The things he has said about my country in the past were deliberate.
Down With That Sort of Thing
I found an amusing story on UTV regarding calls for the Catholic Church to consider employing part-time priests to boost flagging clergy numbers.
I particularly enjoyed the funny comment left by someone called Frank from White Plains,NY.
You can find the story here.
I particularly enjoyed the funny comment left by someone called Frank from White Plains,NY.
You can find the story here.
Dublin Nationalism?
Am I the only one who is surprised there is not a Dublin Nationalist Party?How about a Cork Nationalist Party?
Take a look at some countries around the world:
Spain-Dealing with Basque Separatists
Canada-Dealing with Quebec nationalists
Britain-Dealing with alot!The Scots,Welsh,Irish,Cornish etc.
Yet the Irish Republic does not have anyone seeking to break away from it.If Ireland wasn't aspiring towards Irish unity,would there be groups in Ireland seeking independence,I wonder?
Perhaps it's time there was a Dublin Nationalist Party?Let's face it we're good enough to be our own country!
Take a look at some countries around the world:
Spain-Dealing with Basque Separatists
Canada-Dealing with Quebec nationalists
Britain-Dealing with alot!The Scots,Welsh,Irish,Cornish etc.
Yet the Irish Republic does not have anyone seeking to break away from it.If Ireland wasn't aspiring towards Irish unity,would there be groups in Ireland seeking independence,I wonder?
Perhaps it's time there was a Dublin Nationalist Party?Let's face it we're good enough to be our own country!
All-Ireland Police Force
I think a great step on the road to a United Ireland would be the creation of an all-Ireland police service.Many nationalists have called for this in the past including John Hume and indeed at one point it was also a proposal by the British Labour Party.
I have stated before that I believe for there to be a United Ireland without the border there must first be a United Ireland with the border.
An all-Ireland police force would be a good start,I feel.
What do you all think about this proposal?
I have stated before that I believe for there to be a United Ireland without the border there must first be a United Ireland with the border.
An all-Ireland police force would be a good start,I feel.
What do you all think about this proposal?
The Irish Language-Na Fadhbanna
It is clear there are many problems(fadhbanna) with the Irish language right now.I don't know if the Irish language can ever be truly saved but I'm sure it can be better preserved.
I am no expert on the Irish language by any means as I know very few phrases and focal but I think the Irish Government could be doing more for the Irish language.Here are a couple of ideas off the top of my head which I feel the Irish Government could do to reach out to Irish people and encourage them to learn their native language:
1. Offer better incentives for those who can speak the language.'Positive Discrimination' as they say.
2. Instead of the usual 'Close' at night on RTE,why not have tips to help people learn the language?I notice the BBC do this for languages like French and Spanish at the 'Close'.
3. Allow the people of Ireland's north to receive TG4.
4. A more relaxed system of learning Irish in schools.Forcing it down people's throats causes kids to spit it out.I only enjoyed learning Irish in my third and fourth year in secondary school.Before that,I hated it.I'm not surprised Irish people come out of school liking French more than Irish as it's taught in a more relaxed way than Irish is.
5. Create facilities for older people to learn Irish.
Feel free to offer your own suggestions.
I am no expert on the Irish language by any means as I know very few phrases and focal but I think the Irish Government could be doing more for the Irish language.Here are a couple of ideas off the top of my head which I feel the Irish Government could do to reach out to Irish people and encourage them to learn their native language:
1. Offer better incentives for those who can speak the language.'Positive Discrimination' as they say.
2. Instead of the usual 'Close' at night on RTE,why not have tips to help people learn the language?I notice the BBC do this for languages like French and Spanish at the 'Close'.
3. Allow the people of Ireland's north to receive TG4.
4. A more relaxed system of learning Irish in schools.Forcing it down people's throats causes kids to spit it out.I only enjoyed learning Irish in my third and fourth year in secondary school.Before that,I hated it.I'm not surprised Irish people come out of school liking French more than Irish as it's taught in a more relaxed way than Irish is.
5. Create facilities for older people to learn Irish.
Feel free to offer your own suggestions.
United Ireland-Federal Structure
There are some elements of Republican Sinn Fein's controversial Eire Nua proposal that I support such as their idea of a federation of the four provinces of Ireland under a national parliament at the Dail.
I feel this would be required as it is clear that the politicians of the North have gotten a taste for power from their experience of devolution and it is obvious that rule from Dublin would be met with hostitlity by large sections of the unionist community and I imagine also from the nationalist community.
Therefore I feel allowing Ulster the chance to govern its own day-to-day affairs is of vital importance.Ideally,each province would be able to look after its own affairs although some difficulties could very well emerge.
It seems to me though that a United Ireland would need to function on a federal basis as this would offer the smoothest form of government for the people of Ireland.
A federal structure should be offered to the unionist community by an Irish government which is calling for reunification.
I feel this would be required as it is clear that the politicians of the North have gotten a taste for power from their experience of devolution and it is obvious that rule from Dublin would be met with hostitlity by large sections of the unionist community and I imagine also from the nationalist community.
Therefore I feel allowing Ulster the chance to govern its own day-to-day affairs is of vital importance.Ideally,each province would be able to look after its own affairs although some difficulties could very well emerge.
It seems to me though that a United Ireland would need to function on a federal basis as this would offer the smoothest form of government for the people of Ireland.
A federal structure should be offered to the unionist community by an Irish government which is calling for reunification.
Irish Ignorance-Jeopardising Sovereignty
I was shocked to learn that according to a Eurobarometer opinion poll,almost half the Irish population have never heard of the proposed EU constitution.
One-third of the 25,000 Europeans questioned as part of the poll said they were unaware of the document,but this figure was 45% among Irish respondents.
The scariest thing of all however were the figures revealing that 28% of Irish people questioned in the survey said they supported the proposed constitution,with only 5% opposing it,which is the lowest figure in any EU member state.
Irish people need to learn more about this constitution because if it is supported in a referednum it will signal the beginning of the end of Irish sovereignty.This is no joke.
The vote on this constitution will be a vote that will be crucial to the future of Ireland as we know it and a resounding "No!" is required!
I am heartened by a poll in the Daily Telegraph suggesting that 45% of British people will vote against the constitution with 24% in favour.
Irish people need to follow the example of the British on this issue and reject this threat to sovereignty!
One-third of the 25,000 Europeans questioned as part of the poll said they were unaware of the document,but this figure was 45% among Irish respondents.
The scariest thing of all however were the figures revealing that 28% of Irish people questioned in the survey said they supported the proposed constitution,with only 5% opposing it,which is the lowest figure in any EU member state.
Irish people need to learn more about this constitution because if it is supported in a referednum it will signal the beginning of the end of Irish sovereignty.This is no joke.
The vote on this constitution will be a vote that will be crucial to the future of Ireland as we know it and a resounding "No!" is required!
I am heartened by a poll in the Daily Telegraph suggesting that 45% of British people will vote against the constitution with 24% in favour.
Irish people need to follow the example of the British on this issue and reject this threat to sovereignty!
Capital of United Ireland-Belfast?
If I may return to issues of Irish nationalism,I know that some nationalists have advocated that in the event of a United Ireland,the capital city should become Belfast.
I wonder how many nationalists would accept this?Would such a gesture prove useful in encouraging unionists to vote for a United Ireland?
Would such a gesture infuriate Irish people,particularly Dubliners,and encourage them to vote against the idea of a United Ireland?
Personally,I am of the opinion that Dublin would have to be the capital of a United Ireland although I'm probably biased in having that view since I'm a Dubliner!
What are your own opinions on Belfast being the capital of a United Ireland?
I wonder how many nationalists would accept this?Would such a gesture prove useful in encouraging unionists to vote for a United Ireland?
Would such a gesture infuriate Irish people,particularly Dubliners,and encourage them to vote against the idea of a United Ireland?
Personally,I am of the opinion that Dublin would have to be the capital of a United Ireland although I'm probably biased in having that view since I'm a Dubliner!
What are your own opinions on Belfast being the capital of a United Ireland?
Saturday Survey
Hero of the Week: Eamon Bradley:I commented on this man yesterday and how he lost his life trying to save his neighbour's life in a fire.
May this hero rest in peace.
Villain of the Week: Ian Paisley Jnr: I was disgusted by the comments he made about the history of the Irish Republic which were deeply insulting.He is a xenophobic pig.
Funniest Moment of the Week: UTV Headlines: I found the headlines on UTV this week to be absolutely hilarious.In case you missed them you can find them here and here.
Dunce of the Week: Mary McAleese:She admitted her choice of words in her radio interview were "clumsy".However I think her decision to apologise was just as stupid.
Celebrity of the Week: Bono:He was at the World Economic Forum in Davos,Switzerland this week where he praised Tony Blair's contribution to eradicating poverty in Africa and he insisted he is not afraid to criticise heads of state when he thinks they aren't doing enough.
Well done Bono.Your efforts are saving lives and I salute you!
Quote of the Week: "They gave to their children an irrational hatred of Jews in the same way that people in Northern Ireland transmitted to their children an irrational hatred of Catholics,in the same way that people give to their children an outrageous and irrational hatred of those who are of different colour and all of those things." - President McAleese.Comments which exposed the bigotry that is so prevalent still in society and which showed the startling hypocrisy of unionists.
United Irelander's Busiest Day of the Week: Friday-over 115 visits
May this hero rest in peace.
Villain of the Week: Ian Paisley Jnr: I was disgusted by the comments he made about the history of the Irish Republic which were deeply insulting.He is a xenophobic pig.
Funniest Moment of the Week: UTV Headlines: I found the headlines on UTV this week to be absolutely hilarious.In case you missed them you can find them here and here.
Dunce of the Week: Mary McAleese:She admitted her choice of words in her radio interview were "clumsy".However I think her decision to apologise was just as stupid.
Celebrity of the Week: Bono:He was at the World Economic Forum in Davos,Switzerland this week where he praised Tony Blair's contribution to eradicating poverty in Africa and he insisted he is not afraid to criticise heads of state when he thinks they aren't doing enough.
Well done Bono.Your efforts are saving lives and I salute you!
Quote of the Week: "They gave to their children an irrational hatred of Jews in the same way that people in Northern Ireland transmitted to their children an irrational hatred of Catholics,in the same way that people give to their children an outrageous and irrational hatred of those who are of different colour and all of those things." - President McAleese.Comments which exposed the bigotry that is so prevalent still in society and which showed the startling hypocrisy of unionists.
United Irelander's Busiest Day of the Week: Friday-over 115 visits
Bloody Hypocrite
In a sickening example of the remarkable hypocrisy of unionist leaders,UUP leader David Trimble has told BBC Radio 4's Today programme that he welcomes President McAleese's apology after her controversial comments on Thursday.
"I'm glad that there has been an apology,because I considered the remarks remarkably ill-judged,"he said.Referring to her comments in which she condemned anti-Catholicism as well as anti-Semitism,Trimble said:
"While no doubt that is true of some people,it is not right to lump together the Protestants of Northern Ireland and accuse them of this and to ignore the fact that a considerable amount of hatred exists within some members of the Catholic community."
What a disgusting hypocrite!This is a man who remarked about my country: "Take away anti-Britishness and Catholicism and the State has no reason to exist."
Not only that he has also remarked that the Irish Republic was a "pathetic,sectarian,mono-cultural,mono-ethnic State".
Now where the hell was his apology?!Where the hell were the unionists who were so terribly upset with what McAleese may have implied when Trimble said his comments?!
Trimble,the member of the Orange Order,lecturing people on how dangerous it is to "lump together" people!It makes me sick!
What a bloody hypocrite!
"I'm glad that there has been an apology,because I considered the remarks remarkably ill-judged,"he said.Referring to her comments in which she condemned anti-Catholicism as well as anti-Semitism,Trimble said:
"While no doubt that is true of some people,it is not right to lump together the Protestants of Northern Ireland and accuse them of this and to ignore the fact that a considerable amount of hatred exists within some members of the Catholic community."
What a disgusting hypocrite!This is a man who remarked about my country: "Take away anti-Britishness and Catholicism and the State has no reason to exist."
Not only that he has also remarked that the Irish Republic was a "pathetic,sectarian,mono-cultural,mono-ethnic State".
Now where the hell was his apology?!Where the hell were the unionists who were so terribly upset with what McAleese may have implied when Trimble said his comments?!
Trimble,the member of the Orange Order,lecturing people on how dangerous it is to "lump together" people!It makes me sick!
What a bloody hypocrite!
Friday, January 28, 2005
Hero/Villain of the Day-28.01.05
Hero: Eamon Bradley:I was very sad to hear about this man who died as he attempted to rescue his neighbour from a house fire.
Friends and relatives praised Mr Bradley's bravery after learning he rushed to Ann McBride's aid.
What a terrible tragedy.My deepest sympathies go to the families of the two people.Mr Bradley died a hero.
Villain: Mary McAleese:She has given into the narrow-minded fools who castigated her for absolutely nothing.She's lost my respect for her decision to apologise.
Friends and relatives praised Mr Bradley's bravery after learning he rushed to Ann McBride's aid.
What a terrible tragedy.My deepest sympathies go to the families of the two people.Mr Bradley died a hero.
Villain: Mary McAleese:She has given into the narrow-minded fools who castigated her for absolutely nothing.She's lost my respect for her decision to apologise.
McAleese Apologises-Bigots Get Their Wish
I'm very disappointed to see that Mary McAleese has apologised for the comments she made while marking the 60th anniversary of the liberation of Aushwitz.
President McAleese expressed her devastation at the comments she made which angered the Protestant community.
Speaking tonight Ms McAleese said she was deeply sorry and her point was clumsily made.
She went on to say that there was sectarianism on both sides of the community and that she should have included the hatred of Protestants by Catholics in the example she used.
An Orange Order spokesman welcomed the apology,but said it was too early to reconsider a decision to cancel a meeting with the President.
So the President has said sorry.You know what?I'm sorry too.I'm sorry she has bowed to these extremist bigots who saw things in her words that clearly weren't there.
By bowing to the pressures of these hardline narrow-minded hypocrites I have lost alot of respect for her.
Trimble never apologised for his comments about the Irish Republic and no one cared.No one cared that Paisley never apologised for his comments or actions.
Yet this woman's crime is not what she said but what she didn't say and what she implied.
Ridiculous.I hope the people who got their knickers in a twist over this non-issue are satisfied.
Personally,it makes me sick to my stomach.
President McAleese expressed her devastation at the comments she made which angered the Protestant community.
Speaking tonight Ms McAleese said she was deeply sorry and her point was clumsily made.
She went on to say that there was sectarianism on both sides of the community and that she should have included the hatred of Protestants by Catholics in the example she used.
An Orange Order spokesman welcomed the apology,but said it was too early to reconsider a decision to cancel a meeting with the President.
So the President has said sorry.You know what?I'm sorry too.I'm sorry she has bowed to these extremist bigots who saw things in her words that clearly weren't there.
By bowing to the pressures of these hardline narrow-minded hypocrites I have lost alot of respect for her.
Trimble never apologised for his comments about the Irish Republic and no one cared.No one cared that Paisley never apologised for his comments or actions.
Yet this woman's crime is not what she said but what she didn't say and what she implied.
Ridiculous.I hope the people who got their knickers in a twist over this non-issue are satisfied.
Personally,it makes me sick to my stomach.
Do You Believe in Mind Reading?You Might Now...
I found an interesting site that I'm sure you'll enjoy.Prepare to be amazed as it reads your mind!
You can find it here.
Prepare to be amazed!
You can find it here.
Prepare to be amazed!
Fun Irelander Feature-Toilet Graffiti
What is it about toilet graffiti?It never ceases to amaze me the stuff one can read on the walls of toilets.While some of it is childish stuff like"Up the RA" etc. some of it is also quite deep!
I've read quotes from Ghandi in some toilets but the best comments are the funny ones.
I recently came across this great one:
"Wise man once say,better for bottom to fall out of earth,
than for earth to fall out of bottom!"
Just the kind of thing you want to hear...or maybe not!
I've read quotes from Ghandi in some toilets but the best comments are the funny ones.
I recently came across this great one:
"Wise man once say,better for bottom to fall out of earth,
than for earth to fall out of bottom!"
Just the kind of thing you want to hear...or maybe not!
Friday Fun-News in Brief
This week the question to be asked in the British EU referendum was revealed and it is:
"Should the United Kingdom approve the treaty establishing a constitution for the European Union?"
It is not yet clear what the wording will be for the Irish referendum.
May I suggest: "Should Ireland bend over for the EU and give away its sovereignty to the bureaucrats of Brussels?"
Actually perhaps it shouldn't be worded in that way as knowing Irish people,they'd probably vote Yes!
It was reported in the Evening Herald this week that comedian Brendan O'Carroll was heavily criticised for a performance he gave for a Eurovision special concert in aid of victims of the tsunami disaster in Asia which critics called "appalling".
Apparently he used very foul language when there were kids present and referred to Twink in very unkind terms.
O'Carroll hit back saying highlighting his foul language would be like a news headline saying "Hens lay eggs".
Or how about a news headline saying,"Brendan O'Carroll isn't funny"?
Let me tell you something,if you listen to that man perform,laughter is the last thing you'll be likely to hear!
"Should the United Kingdom approve the treaty establishing a constitution for the European Union?"
It is not yet clear what the wording will be for the Irish referendum.
May I suggest: "Should Ireland bend over for the EU and give away its sovereignty to the bureaucrats of Brussels?"
Actually perhaps it shouldn't be worded in that way as knowing Irish people,they'd probably vote Yes!
It was reported in the Evening Herald this week that comedian Brendan O'Carroll was heavily criticised for a performance he gave for a Eurovision special concert in aid of victims of the tsunami disaster in Asia which critics called "appalling".
Apparently he used very foul language when there were kids present and referred to Twink in very unkind terms.
O'Carroll hit back saying highlighting his foul language would be like a news headline saying "Hens lay eggs".
Or how about a news headline saying,"Brendan O'Carroll isn't funny"?
Let me tell you something,if you listen to that man perform,laughter is the last thing you'll be likely to hear!
Orange Order Offended by Bigotry!
I had to laugh at this story featured on UTV(hat-tip to Belfast Gonzo at Slugger) regarding the decision by the Orange Order to cancel official talks with the President after her comments she made while marking the 60th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz.
Hilariously,the OO say they made the decision due to Mary McAleese's "grossly offensive slur" against the Protestant people of the North.
Is this a joke or what?The Orange Order,that great symbol of bigotry and xenophobia,is offended by comments against a religious community?
People who live in glass houses shouldn't throw stones.(a fitting idiom to use since throwing stones is a common feature of several OO parades!)
I'm glad they're not coming.They don't deserve the privilege to come to my city.Bunch of bigots.
Hilariously,the OO say they made the decision due to Mary McAleese's "grossly offensive slur" against the Protestant people of the North.
Is this a joke or what?The Orange Order,that great symbol of bigotry and xenophobia,is offended by comments against a religious community?
People who live in glass houses shouldn't throw stones.(a fitting idiom to use since throwing stones is a common feature of several OO parades!)
I'm glad they're not coming.They don't deserve the privilege to come to my city.Bunch of bigots.
United Irelander Takes Back Comments on Simon Wiesenthal Centre
I launched a pretty harsh attack on the Simon Wiesenthal Centre on January 13th at what I perceived to be anti-Irish sentiments from the organisation.
I also sent the organisation an email expressing to them my anger and disappoointment at their remarks.
Recently I received a reply from the Simon Wiesenthal Centre which included a letter from Shimon T.Samuels to the editor of the Irish Independent in which he indicated that his position had been misinterpreted.
I stated on January 13th that I had lost respect in the organisation but I have regained it.
I am satisfied that no anti-Irishness was intended and I wish the organisation all the best.
I also sent the organisation an email expressing to them my anger and disappoointment at their remarks.
Recently I received a reply from the Simon Wiesenthal Centre which included a letter from Shimon T.Samuels to the editor of the Irish Independent in which he indicated that his position had been misinterpreted.
I stated on January 13th that I had lost respect in the organisation but I have regained it.
I am satisfied that no anti-Irishness was intended and I wish the organisation all the best.
Friday Fun's Fictionary Fight
I see Mark Durkan has come to President McAleese's defence over her comments marking the 60th anniversary of the liberation of Aushwitz.This is in stark contrast to Ian Paisley Junior who has tried to make out she is a bigot.Take a look at your father and take a look in the mirror,kid!
But who would win in a fight between Mark Durkan and Ian Paisley Junior?
I think it would have to be Mark Durkan!Beneath those glasses burn the eyes of a gladiator!
But who would win in a fight between Mark Durkan and Ian Paisley Junior?
I think it would have to be Mark Durkan!Beneath those glasses burn the eyes of a gladiator!
Paisley Junior proves he's a Prat
Listen to this comment from Ian Paisley Jr which can at best be desribed as the mutterings of an uneducated ignorant degenerate and can at worst be described as the utterance of a foul-mouthed xenophobic pig:
"Political leaders from the Irish Republic would be better to say nothing about the Second World War given the record of Irish governments and the role played by senior politicians during and after the conflict,"referring to the condolences de Valera sent to the German embassy following the death of Hitler.
Anyone who has studied history will know that de Valera did this as a mark of respect to Edouard Hempel,the German ambassador to Ireland who co-operated with the Irish government and who did not make life difficult for the Irish government over its neutral stance.
Paisley had more to say:
"As a Fianna Fail President,Mrs McAleese should question the role and actions of her predecessors,rather than criticise the Protestants of Northern Ireland who at least fought against Nazism."
This last line is scandalous and goes above and beyond anything McAleese said.This is a calculated swipe at Irish people in the south.Paisley Jr should know that 60,000 Irish people from the south(including a grandfather of mine)fought in that war.
He was not a Protestant yet is his role worth less?
I have commented many times that the role of the Irish government during WW2 was quite remarkable considering that Ireland and Britain were at each other's throats only twenty years previously.
Paisley Jr's comments are an attack on the Irish people in the south who fought and thus an attack on the present day Irish state.Up yours,Paisley Junior!
Your comments are a disgrace and I feel you are truly a xenophobic pig.
Take a look at the loyalists who sympathised with the Nazi scum and if you want an example of bigotry,look no further than James Craig who declared a "Protestant state for a Protestant people".Most of all,look at your own father!
"Political leaders from the Irish Republic would be better to say nothing about the Second World War given the record of Irish governments and the role played by senior politicians during and after the conflict,"referring to the condolences de Valera sent to the German embassy following the death of Hitler.
Anyone who has studied history will know that de Valera did this as a mark of respect to Edouard Hempel,the German ambassador to Ireland who co-operated with the Irish government and who did not make life difficult for the Irish government over its neutral stance.
Paisley had more to say:
"As a Fianna Fail President,Mrs McAleese should question the role and actions of her predecessors,rather than criticise the Protestants of Northern Ireland who at least fought against Nazism."
This last line is scandalous and goes above and beyond anything McAleese said.This is a calculated swipe at Irish people in the south.Paisley Jr should know that 60,000 Irish people from the south(including a grandfather of mine)fought in that war.
He was not a Protestant yet is his role worth less?
I have commented many times that the role of the Irish government during WW2 was quite remarkable considering that Ireland and Britain were at each other's throats only twenty years previously.
Paisley Jr's comments are an attack on the Irish people in the south who fought and thus an attack on the present day Irish state.Up yours,Paisley Junior!
Your comments are a disgrace and I feel you are truly a xenophobic pig.
Take a look at the loyalists who sympathised with the Nazi scum and if you want an example of bigotry,look no further than James Craig who declared a "Protestant state for a Protestant people".Most of all,look at your own father!
Friday Fun's Fascinating Fact
In World War II,the German submarine U-120 was sunk by a malfunctioning toilet.
Commenting on the matter,President McAleese blamed it on the shoddy Protestant workmanship that caused the Titanic to sink.(Note-may not be true)
Commenting on the matter,President McAleese blamed it on the shoddy Protestant workmanship that caused the Titanic to sink.(Note-may not be true)
Thursday, January 27, 2005
Hero/Villain of the Day-27.01.05
Hero: Bertie Ahern:I've been impressed with Ahern of late!Apparently he is to ask British PM Tony Blair to apologise to the family of a member of the wrongfully-convicted Guildford Four.
Well done to Ahern and hopefully Mr Blair will duly oblige with the apology.If any British Prime Minister has the courage to do this honourable thing,it is Mr Blair.
Villain: Mary McAleese:Oh dear!She has earned the wrath of the Protestant community for comments made during ceremonies to mark the 60th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz in which she likened those who passed on anti-Semitic attitudes to their children with Protestants in the North who did the same by passing on anti-Catholic attitudes.
I think it's all a big fuss over nothing!I'm particularly disappointed with Ian Paisley Jr's comments that she "is spewing out hatred of the Protestant community".
She made an error by only using Protestants as an example as obviously there were also some Catholics who passed on anti-Protestant attitudes.This does not make her a bigot though.
The irony of Paisley Jr accusing someone of showing hatred for another religion!
Well done to Ahern and hopefully Mr Blair will duly oblige with the apology.If any British Prime Minister has the courage to do this honourable thing,it is Mr Blair.
Villain: Mary McAleese:Oh dear!She has earned the wrath of the Protestant community for comments made during ceremonies to mark the 60th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz in which she likened those who passed on anti-Semitic attitudes to their children with Protestants in the North who did the same by passing on anti-Catholic attitudes.
I think it's all a big fuss over nothing!I'm particularly disappointed with Ian Paisley Jr's comments that she "is spewing out hatred of the Protestant community".
She made an error by only using Protestants as an example as obviously there were also some Catholics who passed on anti-Protestant attitudes.This does not make her a bigot though.
The irony of Paisley Jr accusing someone of showing hatred for another religion!
United Irish Anthem
I believe Amhran na bhFiann should be scrapped in the event of a United Ireland.
I believe this for three reasons.
Firstly,it lacks the support of the unionist community who would not accept it as an anthem.
Secondly,the tune does not really have an Irish sound to it.
Finally,the song itself isn't great!
What do people feel would be an appropriate anthem for a United Ireland?Is there currently a song that people think should be used or do people think a new anthem should be tried(risking another diabolical effort like Ireland's Call)?
Let's hear your views!
I believe this for three reasons.
Firstly,it lacks the support of the unionist community who would not accept it as an anthem.
Secondly,the tune does not really have an Irish sound to it.
Finally,the song itself isn't great!
What do people feel would be an appropriate anthem for a United Ireland?Is there currently a song that people think should be used or do people think a new anthem should be tried(risking another diabolical effort like Ireland's Call)?
Let's hear your views!
Thursday Thoughts:Monarchy in a UI
I notice some people had a problem with my proposal for a joint head of state for a United Ireland that would have a President and a monarch.I really don't know what the problem is!
A marriage of two states,like the marriage of two people,would require compromise.
Allowing a role for the monarchy in a United Ireland is not a big deal.It would be a nice gesture from nationalists to unionists acknowledging the mark Britishness has made on Ireland.
Assuming the Republic had chosen to rejoin the Commonwealth before the issue of Irish unity was on the table(which is how I believe it should be),then the Queen will have been given a degree of influence over Ireland anyway.Thus,it would not be difficult to arrange for joint heads of state with the President of Ireland looking after domestic issues and the Queen looking after issues involving the Commonwealth.
There would be no oath of allegiance to the monarchy at all so the people would have nothing to fear.
If this proposal could help convince unionists to vote for a United Ireland,why are nationalists so quick to dismiss it?I think Irish people who identify with their Irishness by slagging off the British monarchy are suffering from a Napoleon complex!
My Irishness doesn't require me to hate some old lady on a throne and my nationalism doesn't require me to believe in the narrow-minded Gaelic guff esposed by Adams,McGuinness and their naive supporters!
A marriage of two states,like the marriage of two people,would require compromise.
Allowing a role for the monarchy in a United Ireland is not a big deal.It would be a nice gesture from nationalists to unionists acknowledging the mark Britishness has made on Ireland.
Assuming the Republic had chosen to rejoin the Commonwealth before the issue of Irish unity was on the table(which is how I believe it should be),then the Queen will have been given a degree of influence over Ireland anyway.Thus,it would not be difficult to arrange for joint heads of state with the President of Ireland looking after domestic issues and the Queen looking after issues involving the Commonwealth.
There would be no oath of allegiance to the monarchy at all so the people would have nothing to fear.
If this proposal could help convince unionists to vote for a United Ireland,why are nationalists so quick to dismiss it?I think Irish people who identify with their Irishness by slagging off the British monarchy are suffering from a Napoleon complex!
My Irishness doesn't require me to hate some old lady on a throne and my nationalism doesn't require me to believe in the narrow-minded Gaelic guff esposed by Adams,McGuinness and their naive supporters!
Technical Difficulties
I apologise for my impromptu hiatus from United Irelander but,much to my annoyance on Wednesday morning,I discovered I could not access the internet never mind my blog!
In the end it turns out I was denied access due to issues with my ISP but they appear to be sorted out now so I'm back in business.
In the end it turns out I was denied access due to issues with my ISP but they appear to be sorted out now so I'm back in business.
Tuesday, January 25, 2005
Hero/Villain of the Day-25.01.05
Hero: Bertie Ahern:Not a bad day for the chief!He stood by his belief that Sinn Fein leaders knew the IRA were planning to rob the Northern Bank and he also admitted that promoting Ray Burke to his first cabinet was a mistake.
Bertie Ahern exhibiting honesty?!I don't know what's brought all this on but I like it!
Villain: Setanta Sports:Uh oh.Apparently the TV station is to make a bid for the rights to broadcast GAA matches.
Croke park bosses will soon meet to discuss TV rights for the next three years and Setanta will join RTE and TG4 in the battle.
I imagine there will be more than a few GAA fans upset with this news and I wouldn't blame them!
Bertie Ahern exhibiting honesty?!I don't know what's brought all this on but I like it!
Villain: Setanta Sports:Uh oh.Apparently the TV station is to make a bid for the rights to broadcast GAA matches.
Croke park bosses will soon meet to discuss TV rights for the next three years and Setanta will join RTE and TG4 in the battle.
I imagine there will be more than a few GAA fans upset with this news and I wouldn't blame them!
Top Ten Tuesday-Anthems
This was touched on last week so I've decided this week to name what I feel are the top ten national anthems.So without further ado:
1.USA
2.France
3.Italy
4.Scotland
5.Germany
6.Ireland
7.Australia
8.Brazil
9.Japan
10. Wales
Feel free to offer your own opinions.
1.USA
2.France
3.Italy
4.Scotland
5.Germany
6.Ireland
7.Australia
8.Brazil
9.Japan
10. Wales
Feel free to offer your own opinions.
Remember Them...
Alot of you may know that I feel strongly about the fact that the Irish people who fought for the British in the two World Wars are all too often forgotten and not given the credit and respect that they deserve.
I have stated before that I feel there should be an all-Ireland rememberance at the time of the Rememberance celebrations and I find it disappointing that the Irish people don't consider wearing a poppy the way our neighbours across the sea do.
As Auschwitz is being honoured right now I feel it would be an appropriate time to try and raise the issue about those forgoten heroes of Irish history who have been airbrushed from history.
I would be interested in finding sites which promote this issue so if any visitors to this blog know of any Irish sites which advocate that the Irish people who fought for the British in wars get better recognition,I would be interested in finding out about them.Thank you.
I have stated before that I feel there should be an all-Ireland rememberance at the time of the Rememberance celebrations and I find it disappointing that the Irish people don't consider wearing a poppy the way our neighbours across the sea do.
As Auschwitz is being honoured right now I feel it would be an appropriate time to try and raise the issue about those forgoten heroes of Irish history who have been airbrushed from history.
I would be interested in finding sites which promote this issue so if any visitors to this blog know of any Irish sites which advocate that the Irish people who fought for the British in wars get better recognition,I would be interested in finding out about them.Thank you.
United Irish Dominion?
It is my opinion that if a United Ireland is to achieve the backing of the unionist people it must allow for a relationship with the British monarchy.In other words,I don't believe in a United Irish Republic.I don't feel the idea is workable.
In order for unionists to consider voting for a United Ireland an Irish government would have to lay the foundations for it first.The Republic would have to be eroded away gradually thus ensuring that Britishness would be safeguarded in a United Ireland.
Ultimately,the United Ireland might have to have dominion status like the Irish Free State had and like Canada and Australia currently have.
Most nationalists who want a United Ireland automatically assume this will mean a United Irish Republic.Why?If Irish unity can be brought about by forsaking the republican system of government,isn't that something worth considering?It is in my view.
I favour a system similar to Andorra in the event of a United Ireland.There would be a President and a British monarch for Ireland.If Ireland was a part of the Commonwealth,the Queen could represent the Irish in matters relating to the Commonwealth while the President could look after domestic affairs.
It would be a unique relationship but then again the Anglo-Irish relationship is unique.
Irish nationalists need to start thinking about about the sacrifices that may have to be made to attain unity.Is dominion status really that bad if it brings about the end of the border?
In order for unionists to consider voting for a United Ireland an Irish government would have to lay the foundations for it first.The Republic would have to be eroded away gradually thus ensuring that Britishness would be safeguarded in a United Ireland.
Ultimately,the United Ireland might have to have dominion status like the Irish Free State had and like Canada and Australia currently have.
Most nationalists who want a United Ireland automatically assume this will mean a United Irish Republic.Why?If Irish unity can be brought about by forsaking the republican system of government,isn't that something worth considering?It is in my view.
I favour a system similar to Andorra in the event of a United Ireland.There would be a President and a British monarch for Ireland.If Ireland was a part of the Commonwealth,the Queen could represent the Irish in matters relating to the Commonwealth while the President could look after domestic affairs.
It would be a unique relationship but then again the Anglo-Irish relationship is unique.
Irish nationalists need to start thinking about about the sacrifices that may have to be made to attain unity.Is dominion status really that bad if it brings about the end of the border?
Monday, January 24, 2005
Hero/Villain of the Day-24.01.05
Hero: Owen Arthur:The prime-minister of Barbados intends to make the Caribbean island a republic and wants to replace the Queen as the official head of state with a locally elected president.
Well done Mr Arthur!Hopefully you will spur on other countries to do the same.
Villain: Ray Burke:The former government minister was today jailed for six months for two tax-dodging offences.
He has been left in disgrace but I still feel the sentence is too lenient.
Well done Mr Arthur!Hopefully you will spur on other countries to do the same.
Villain: Ray Burke:The former government minister was today jailed for six months for two tax-dodging offences.
He has been left in disgrace but I still feel the sentence is too lenient.
Without the Drama...
Many people have said that they would love for the drama to disappear from politics in the North.Are they sure?
I must say a big thank you to Mark McGregor over at Slugger O'Toole who directed to me to the UTV website and to this truly dramatic piece of news.
Now let your heart rate return to normality after that gripping story and check this out.
Suddenly Gerry Adams and Ian Paisley don't seem so bad,do they?
I must say a big thank you to Mark McGregor over at Slugger O'Toole who directed to me to the UTV website and to this truly dramatic piece of news.
Now let your heart rate return to normality after that gripping story and check this out.
Suddenly Gerry Adams and Ian Paisley don't seem so bad,do they?
An American Author?
After having a look at the description of Canada on Wikipedia I can only assume that it was written by an American.Have a look at the first sentence describing Canada.
What's that all aboot,eh?
What's that all aboot,eh?
Shower of Gangsters!
I see former cabinet minister Ray Burke has been jailed for six months(hat-tip to Gerry O'Sullivan) over tax offences.
Commenting on the matter,Tanaiste Mary Harney dscribed Mr Burke's jailing as a 'watershed in Irish life'.
I'm not sure what's more ridiculous,the laughably lenient sentence or the inane comments by Harney.This is not a watershed,it's a cop out!
Six months?Isn't that what they give to people who refuse to pay the bin tax?
Apparently Judge Desmond Hogan imposed two six-month jail terms on the former minister for each offence and he ordered the terms to run concurrently.
Concurrently?!What's the point of that?!That just cancels out each offence!
No wonder there's such disgust felt by Irish people for politicians!They truly are a shower of gangsters and what's more,as this case proves,crime does pay.
Commenting on the matter,Tanaiste Mary Harney dscribed Mr Burke's jailing as a 'watershed in Irish life'.
I'm not sure what's more ridiculous,the laughably lenient sentence or the inane comments by Harney.This is not a watershed,it's a cop out!
Six months?Isn't that what they give to people who refuse to pay the bin tax?
Apparently Judge Desmond Hogan imposed two six-month jail terms on the former minister for each offence and he ordered the terms to run concurrently.
Concurrently?!What's the point of that?!That just cancels out each offence!
No wonder there's such disgust felt by Irish people for politicians!They truly are a shower of gangsters and what's more,as this case proves,crime does pay.
Barbados Waves Bye-Bye to Queen!
I'm delighted to hear that the prime-minister of Barbados has announced plans to make the Caribbean island a republic,replacing the British Queen as the official head of state with a locally elected president.
The government will present a draft bill to Parliament to amend the former British colony's constitution in March,said Prime Minister Owen Arthur.
"The moment is coming this year.We will move this country to a higher and mature plane of political development,"said Arthur,who has been leader of Barbados since 1994.
He said Barbados should switch to a republic because it is "secure in its own identity to have one of its own become its supreme head of state".
Well done Mr Arthur and well done Barbados!Hopefully these plans will lead to yet another country freeing itself from the clutches of the royal spongers from Buckingham Palace!
You have to feel bad for the monarchy,though.It's not been a great time for them of late!
Still,hopefully Barbados' decision will spur on other countries to do something similar.
Britain perhaps?!
The government will present a draft bill to Parliament to amend the former British colony's constitution in March,said Prime Minister Owen Arthur.
"The moment is coming this year.We will move this country to a higher and mature plane of political development,"said Arthur,who has been leader of Barbados since 1994.
He said Barbados should switch to a republic because it is "secure in its own identity to have one of its own become its supreme head of state".
Well done Mr Arthur and well done Barbados!Hopefully these plans will lead to yet another country freeing itself from the clutches of the royal spongers from Buckingham Palace!
You have to feel bad for the monarchy,though.It's not been a great time for them of late!
Still,hopefully Barbados' decision will spur on other countries to do something similar.
Britain perhaps?!
The Rise of English Nationalism
I am excited at the thought of an English nationalist party emerging which would get mainstream support and potentially cause the Union alot of difficulties.
It would appear to me that the English people do not like the plans by Labour to split England into regions and would much prefer to have an English parliament which looks after English affairs.Clearly the British government fear such proposals.
I think it was John Prescott who said that England did not exist!
Clearly the West Lothian question was raised to great heights when Scottish MPs voted on the English matter of top-up fees.The English started to realise they weren't getting a great deal out of the current system.
Tony Blair and William Hague have in the past warned of the dangers of an increase in nationalism among the English people.
I for one support it!It seems that some Englsih people are willing to take steps to sort out their pretty terrible position.An example would be this site.
Hopefully Englsih nationalism will emerge in the 21st century!
It would appear to me that the English people do not like the plans by Labour to split England into regions and would much prefer to have an English parliament which looks after English affairs.Clearly the British government fear such proposals.
I think it was John Prescott who said that England did not exist!
Clearly the West Lothian question was raised to great heights when Scottish MPs voted on the English matter of top-up fees.The English started to realise they weren't getting a great deal out of the current system.
Tony Blair and William Hague have in the past warned of the dangers of an increase in nationalism among the English people.
I for one support it!It seems that some Englsih people are willing to take steps to sort out their pretty terrible position.An example would be this site.
Hopefully Englsih nationalism will emerge in the 21st century!
Ireland Should Rejoin the Commonwealth
Alot of you may know that one thing I feel strongly about for improving relations north and south is for the Irish Republic to rejoin the Commonwealth.
I intend to email the Department of Foreign Affairs to see what their position on the matter is.
It is clear that there is much benefit in rejoining and it will be interesting to hear what their response will be.
I intend to email the Department of Foreign Affairs to see what their position on the matter is.
It is clear that there is much benefit in rejoining and it will be interesting to hear what their response will be.
Joint Authority in NI
Would Joint Authority for Ireland's north be a good or bad thing?Do we have it already?
Who would benefit from it the most?
These are interesting questions and I find the subject of Joint Authority quite fascinating as it seems to be quite taboo for either community to talk about.
As a nationalist I tend to think it would be a bad thing.Why?Because I think nationalists would end up quite content from the arrangement and as a result the desire for Irish reunification would decrease!
Do we have it already?In a way,yes.If one listens to statements on the North by Paul Murphy and Tony Blair,frequently we hear of efforts by the "British and Irish" governments suggesting that the Irish government's role is seen as being one of a partner as opposed to a sidekick.
Perhaps some nationalists would be delighted to attain Joint Authority in an official sense,but I would not.
Who would benefit most from it?The unionists,of course!If nationalists are being ruled in part by Dublin then it will be easy for them to simply discard the notion of Irish unity since,in their eyes,they would have enough influence already from Dublin.
While most unionists would probably detest the idea of Joint Authority,I feel it could safeguard their union with Britain and could conceivably destroy the hopes for a united Ireland in a very quiet and efficient manner.
As for nationalists in the south,knowing that Dublin would have a role in Northern affairs would surely see an increase in apathy over the North.
As I say,I do not like the idea of Joint Authority.It would be interesting to know what the details of the arrangement would be.Presumably the border would stay in place anyway!
However it is not something nationalism should be attracted to in my view.
After 1937 the Irish Free State was a Republic in all but name yet after 1949 it was a Republic officially and what did that achieve?Nothing.It made the prospect of Irish unity much tougher.
In 2005 the Irish Republic has Joint Authority in all but name;let's not make it official or we risk destroying the prospect of Irish unity forever.
Who would benefit from it the most?
These are interesting questions and I find the subject of Joint Authority quite fascinating as it seems to be quite taboo for either community to talk about.
As a nationalist I tend to think it would be a bad thing.Why?Because I think nationalists would end up quite content from the arrangement and as a result the desire for Irish reunification would decrease!
Do we have it already?In a way,yes.If one listens to statements on the North by Paul Murphy and Tony Blair,frequently we hear of efforts by the "British and Irish" governments suggesting that the Irish government's role is seen as being one of a partner as opposed to a sidekick.
Perhaps some nationalists would be delighted to attain Joint Authority in an official sense,but I would not.
Who would benefit most from it?The unionists,of course!If nationalists are being ruled in part by Dublin then it will be easy for them to simply discard the notion of Irish unity since,in their eyes,they would have enough influence already from Dublin.
While most unionists would probably detest the idea of Joint Authority,I feel it could safeguard their union with Britain and could conceivably destroy the hopes for a united Ireland in a very quiet and efficient manner.
As for nationalists in the south,knowing that Dublin would have a role in Northern affairs would surely see an increase in apathy over the North.
As I say,I do not like the idea of Joint Authority.It would be interesting to know what the details of the arrangement would be.Presumably the border would stay in place anyway!
However it is not something nationalism should be attracted to in my view.
After 1937 the Irish Free State was a Republic in all but name yet after 1949 it was a Republic officially and what did that achieve?Nothing.It made the prospect of Irish unity much tougher.
In 2005 the Irish Republic has Joint Authority in all but name;let's not make it official or we risk destroying the prospect of Irish unity forever.
Monday Madness-The British Monarchy
I have a strong dislike for the British monarchy.I think they are a bunch of spongers.
If some good can be found in the recent fiasco involving Prince Harry and the Nazi uniform it's that the British public have seen what happens when individuals are given far too much power and luxury.The British public need to do away with this archaic abomination that represents them.
Recently it was revealed that the British are considering proposals for people who reach the age of 18 to swear loyalty to the monarchy!This is farcical.Of course it will never happen in Ireland's north as the British are not stupid but nonetheless it is a bad idea to blur the line between personalities and the state itself.
Other reasons I dislike the monarchy?They have a ban on Catholics getting to the throne proving they are a bunch of royal bigots.
I also object to their continued use of the harp since even the most geographically challenged Brit would be able to tell you that the harp is primarily associated with a part of Ireland that the Brits have no control over.
I also dislike monarchists who use pathetic arguments such as,"We don't want Tony Blair as President" etc. which are designed to convince Brits that they have no one competent enough to be Head of State which is of course rubbish.
British republicanism will be strengthened when Charles gets to the throne as I don't feel he will command respect from Brits the way the Queen does at present.
It will be interesting to see if the Brits in the futuredo the right thing and abolish their monarchy.Go ahead Brits!Turn that crown upside down!
If some good can be found in the recent fiasco involving Prince Harry and the Nazi uniform it's that the British public have seen what happens when individuals are given far too much power and luxury.The British public need to do away with this archaic abomination that represents them.
Recently it was revealed that the British are considering proposals for people who reach the age of 18 to swear loyalty to the monarchy!This is farcical.Of course it will never happen in Ireland's north as the British are not stupid but nonetheless it is a bad idea to blur the line between personalities and the state itself.
Other reasons I dislike the monarchy?They have a ban on Catholics getting to the throne proving they are a bunch of royal bigots.
I also object to their continued use of the harp since even the most geographically challenged Brit would be able to tell you that the harp is primarily associated with a part of Ireland that the Brits have no control over.
I also dislike monarchists who use pathetic arguments such as,"We don't want Tony Blair as President" etc. which are designed to convince Brits that they have no one competent enough to be Head of State which is of course rubbish.
British republicanism will be strengthened when Charles gets to the throne as I don't feel he will command respect from Brits the way the Queen does at present.
It will be interesting to see if the Brits in the futuredo the right thing and abolish their monarchy.Go ahead Brits!Turn that crown upside down!
Sunday, January 23, 2005
Hero/Villain of the Day-23.01.05
Hero: Viktor Yuschenko:He was sworn in as President of Ukraine today after overcoming a rigged election and many legal challenges from his rival Viktor Yanukovych.
After everything the man has been through,his victory certainly is heroic but he faces many challenges in bringing stability and unity to his country.
Villain: Abu Musab al-Zarqawi:In the latest recording purportedly from the leader of Iraq's Al-Qaeda affiliate,he declared a "fierce war" on democracy and called candidates running in the elections "demi-idols" and said those who vote for them "are infidels".
Hopefully this vile individual will be brought to justice soon enough.He is a sorry excuse for a human being.
After everything the man has been through,his victory certainly is heroic but he faces many challenges in bringing stability and unity to his country.
Villain: Abu Musab al-Zarqawi:In the latest recording purportedly from the leader of Iraq's Al-Qaeda affiliate,he declared a "fierce war" on democracy and called candidates running in the elections "demi-idols" and said those who vote for them "are infidels".
Hopefully this vile individual will be brought to justice soon enough.He is a sorry excuse for a human being.
Hear Hear,Harney!
I'm pleased at the news that Tanaiste Mary Harney has warned Sinn Fein that it must recognise that the IRA murder of Jean McConvile was a crime.
She described comments by Mary Lou McDonald and Mitchel McLaughlin on the issue as 'a serious set back for the peace process'.
Speaking on RTE Radio,Ms Harney added that Sinn Fein must make clear that paramilitarism and criminality is over.
Even more interesting was her comment that Kerry North TD Martin Ferris is on the IRA's army council.
I applaud Ms Harney for standing up to the pseudo-democratic tendencies of Sinn Fein but I am alarmed at her comments on Mr Ferris.If he is suspected of being on the army council of an organisation which is a threat to the Irish Republic,then he must be made answer these serious allegations post-haste!
She described comments by Mary Lou McDonald and Mitchel McLaughlin on the issue as 'a serious set back for the peace process'.
Speaking on RTE Radio,Ms Harney added that Sinn Fein must make clear that paramilitarism and criminality is over.
Even more interesting was her comment that Kerry North TD Martin Ferris is on the IRA's army council.
I applaud Ms Harney for standing up to the pseudo-democratic tendencies of Sinn Fein but I am alarmed at her comments on Mr Ferris.If he is suspected of being on the army council of an organisation which is a threat to the Irish Republic,then he must be made answer these serious allegations post-haste!
Sunday Scrutiny-Ian Paisley
I do not like or respect Ian Paisley.This is a man who staged his first protest in 1963,when he organised a demonstration against lowering the British flag to half-staff over Belfast City Hall in mourning after the death of Pope John XXIII.
This is a man who in 1988 interrupted Pope John Paul II as he addressed the European Parliament in Strasbourg,France by unfurling a banner which read "Pope John Paul II Anti-Christ" as he roared,"Anti-Christ!I renounce you and all your cults and creeds!"
This is a man who has put the lives of Catholics at risk through his bigotry.
However he is also a man who promised to "smash Sinn Fein" and even though he believes the IRA were behind the Northern Bank raid he refuses to rule out a deal in the future.Why?
Paisley is an egomaniac.It's something he actually has in common with Gerry Adams.Both want their names in the lights and both want to go down in history.
Paisley has built his career on being negative,on being a rejectionist.It was Hume who said that if the word no was removed from the English language,Paisley would be speechless.
Big Ian now wants his last defining moment in politics to be one of triumph.He no longer wants to be the one on the outside but rather the one running the show.
Paisley can hope to be remembered as a great man but it is my belief that history will judge Paisley in the way it will judge Craig-as a narrow-minded bigot.
Here's some great quotes by Big Ian which show his true character:
In reference to the Unionist Party's Jewish candidate,Harold Smith,he said: "The Unionist Party are boasting he[Harold Smith]is a Jew.As a Jew,he rejects our Lord Jesus Christ,the New Testament,Protestant Principles,the Glorious Reformation and the sanctity of the Lord's Day.
The Protestant throne and the Protestant constitution are nothing to him."
After a Loyalist rally in 1968,Ian Paisley justified his violent Catholic pleas by saying, "Catholic homes caught fire because they were loaded with petrol bombs;Catholic churches were attacked and burned because they were arsenals and priests handed out sub-machine guns to parishioners;and the massive discrimination in employment and shortage of houses for Catholics were simply because they bred like "rabbits" and multiply like "vermin".
Nationalists suffer much criticism for voting for Sinn Fein but it is shameful too that unionists have kept this disgraceful bigot at the centre of politics in Ireland's north.
Paisley can desire a great legacy all he wants but I and many others will regard him as nothing more than a man who incited hatred against Catholics and who encouraged young unionists to engage in sectarian murders.
This is a man who in 1988 interrupted Pope John Paul II as he addressed the European Parliament in Strasbourg,France by unfurling a banner which read "Pope John Paul II Anti-Christ" as he roared,"Anti-Christ!I renounce you and all your cults and creeds!"
This is a man who has put the lives of Catholics at risk through his bigotry.
However he is also a man who promised to "smash Sinn Fein" and even though he believes the IRA were behind the Northern Bank raid he refuses to rule out a deal in the future.Why?
Paisley is an egomaniac.It's something he actually has in common with Gerry Adams.Both want their names in the lights and both want to go down in history.
Paisley has built his career on being negative,on being a rejectionist.It was Hume who said that if the word no was removed from the English language,Paisley would be speechless.
Big Ian now wants his last defining moment in politics to be one of triumph.He no longer wants to be the one on the outside but rather the one running the show.
Paisley can hope to be remembered as a great man but it is my belief that history will judge Paisley in the way it will judge Craig-as a narrow-minded bigot.
Here's some great quotes by Big Ian which show his true character:
In reference to the Unionist Party's Jewish candidate,Harold Smith,he said: "The Unionist Party are boasting he[Harold Smith]is a Jew.As a Jew,he rejects our Lord Jesus Christ,the New Testament,Protestant Principles,the Glorious Reformation and the sanctity of the Lord's Day.
The Protestant throne and the Protestant constitution are nothing to him."
After a Loyalist rally in 1968,Ian Paisley justified his violent Catholic pleas by saying, "Catholic homes caught fire because they were loaded with petrol bombs;Catholic churches were attacked and burned because they were arsenals and priests handed out sub-machine guns to parishioners;and the massive discrimination in employment and shortage of houses for Catholics were simply because they bred like "rabbits" and multiply like "vermin".
Nationalists suffer much criticism for voting for Sinn Fein but it is shameful too that unionists have kept this disgraceful bigot at the centre of politics in Ireland's north.
Paisley can desire a great legacy all he wants but I and many others will regard him as nothing more than a man who incited hatred against Catholics and who encouraged young unionists to engage in sectarian murders.
FG and Labour Agree on Voting Deal
I am heartened at the news that Fine Gael and Labour are to agree on a voting deal for the upcoming by-elections.
Each party is to ask voters to give second preferance to the other,in an attempt to defeat Government candidates.
By-elections are set to take place in Kildare North and Meath,as Charlie McCreevy and John Bruton have taken up EU positions.
The agreement between the two opposition parties is considered to be a test run for a similar deal in the next general elections.
I fuly back these plans by Fine Gael and Labour.It is nice to see them getting their act together and it seems the recent opinion polls showing satisfaction with the Governemnt have given the two parties a timely kick up the backside!
It is clearly time for a change in Government and it's time the FF/PD gangsters were removed!
Each party is to ask voters to give second preferance to the other,in an attempt to defeat Government candidates.
By-elections are set to take place in Kildare North and Meath,as Charlie McCreevy and John Bruton have taken up EU positions.
The agreement between the two opposition parties is considered to be a test run for a similar deal in the next general elections.
I fuly back these plans by Fine Gael and Labour.It is nice to see them getting their act together and it seems the recent opinion polls showing satisfaction with the Governemnt have given the two parties a timely kick up the backside!
It is clearly time for a change in Government and it's time the FF/PD gangsters were removed!
Saturday, January 22, 2005
Hero/Villain of the Day-22.01.05
Hero: Eoin Ryan:The Fianna Fail MEP said today that EU governments should put more pressure on the European Investment Bank(EIB) to support projects in The Third World.
Currently,the bank lends €3bn per year,or approximately 7% of its budget,to developing countries but Mr Ryan said that this must be increased to help countries empower themselves.
"What I'm calling for,"he said,"is a mandate in which they can increase the level of investment into Third World Countries.We also need to develop businesses in these countries."
Well said Mr Ryan.Keep pushing those bureaucrats until you get results!
Villain:Ron Atkinson:Oh dear!Big Ron's gone and made another big blunder!
Having been forced to resign as a football analyst with ITV last April over racist comments dircected at Chelsea's Marcel Desailly,you'd think he'd learn his lesson,but no.
Atkinson has sparked outrage over comments he made about Chinese women at a fund-raising event at Sheffield Wednesday.He told the audience:
"The Chinese have the best contraception in the world-but I can't understand why there's so many of them because their women are so ugly."
Atkinson defended himself in the Sheffield Star saying: "I cannot believe anyone has complained about anything I said.I went there to help them out and to raise money.I stayed for ages and did photographs.I can't believe this-I just can't believe this."
"I can't say anything now.I've been ultra-careful about everything.It was an easy evening and everyone enjoyed themselves."
Ron,you have messed up.I quite liked Ron Atkinson when he was on ITV but it seems that he has yet to fully appreciate what comments are appropriate and what are not.His managerial tactics were often criticised.It seems to me he's lacking in tact as well as tactics!
Currently,the bank lends €3bn per year,or approximately 7% of its budget,to developing countries but Mr Ryan said that this must be increased to help countries empower themselves.
"What I'm calling for,"he said,"is a mandate in which they can increase the level of investment into Third World Countries.We also need to develop businesses in these countries."
Well said Mr Ryan.Keep pushing those bureaucrats until you get results!
Villain:Ron Atkinson:Oh dear!Big Ron's gone and made another big blunder!
Having been forced to resign as a football analyst with ITV last April over racist comments dircected at Chelsea's Marcel Desailly,you'd think he'd learn his lesson,but no.
Atkinson has sparked outrage over comments he made about Chinese women at a fund-raising event at Sheffield Wednesday.He told the audience:
"The Chinese have the best contraception in the world-but I can't understand why there's so many of them because their women are so ugly."
Atkinson defended himself in the Sheffield Star saying: "I cannot believe anyone has complained about anything I said.I went there to help them out and to raise money.I stayed for ages and did photographs.I can't believe this-I just can't believe this."
"I can't say anything now.I've been ultra-careful about everything.It was an easy evening and everyone enjoyed themselves."
Ron,you have messed up.I quite liked Ron Atkinson when he was on ITV but it seems that he has yet to fully appreciate what comments are appropriate and what are not.His managerial tactics were often criticised.It seems to me he's lacking in tact as well as tactics!
God Old Unionism!
I see that the DUP are set to run in South Belfast when the sitting UUP MP Martin Smyth resigns despite calls from the UUP,who are expected to put up the pro-Agreement Michael McGimpsey as their candidate,for a vote pact to prevent Sinn Fein gaining the seat.
DUP leader Ian Paisley has rejected the call saying that: "It is the principles of the election that are important,not the personalities,and if the principle is that a person goes down the road that Mr McGimpsey has in foreswearing traditional Unionism,then the people are demanding that the Democratic Unionist candidate runs in the neighbourhood."
Good old Unionism!It is nice to note the continued failure of unionism to get past its present difficulties.
Hopefully now the seat will go to a nationalist!
DUP leader Ian Paisley has rejected the call saying that: "It is the principles of the election that are important,not the personalities,and if the principle is that a person goes down the road that Mr McGimpsey has in foreswearing traditional Unionism,then the people are demanding that the Democratic Unionist candidate runs in the neighbourhood."
Good old Unionism!It is nice to note the continued failure of unionism to get past its present difficulties.
Hopefully now the seat will go to a nationalist!
Saturday Survey
Hero of the Week: Brendan Smith:I commend the Fianna Fail TD for Cavan-Monaghan for attacking the comments made by Mithcel McLaughlin on RTE's Questions and Answers and for calling on McLaughlin to retract his remarks.
I wish there were more people in Fianna Fail like Mr Smith.Perhaps then I could understand the popularity Fiaana Fail are enjoying with the Irish electorate according to the latest opinion polls.
Villains of the Week: UDA:They must be condemned for demanding £70m(€101.1m) from the British government in return for an agreement to abandon all paramilitary activity.
This outrageous demand is an insult to the families who have lost loved ones to this organisation.
Funniest Moment of the Week: Mickey Rooney Commerical: I must say I find it hilarious that a cold remedy commercial starring Mickey Rooney,which featured the 84 year-old dropping his towel in a sauna and exposing his backside,has been axed from next month's Super Bowl coverage over fears it will offend viewers in the way Janet Jackson's performance did last year.
Why are there so many sissies in America?
Dunce of the Week: Mitchel McLaughlin:He appeared on RTE's Questions and Answers on RTE on Monday evening and after being questioned by Michael McDowell he stated that the killing of Jean McConville was not a crime and he agreed with McDowell that he felt this way since the IRA "was the only legitimate government of Ireland".
These comments earned him much condemnation yet unfortunately Mitchel has yet to apologise for being so stupid and disrespectful.
Celebrity of the Week: James Woods:The actor has a new outlook on life after discovering he was 10 days from death in 2004.
The actor,57,was told by many doctors his chest pains were nothing to worry about,but deep down he knew something was wrong so he took his mother's advice and visited his mother's cardiologist: "So I went in...and three hours later,when I woke up,he said,'Well you had about 10 days to live...and now you're fine'.In the old days you would've just died,and now,with the modern technology they have,it's like, 'You're gonna be fine and live forever."
I'm glad he's alright as Mr Woods is an actor I have much admiration for.
Quote of the Week: Well it has to be Mitchel McLaughlin and his claim that the IRA "was the only legitimate government of Ireland".An insult to the Republic of Ireland in my opinion but apparently not according to the Taoiseach!
United Irelander's Busiest Day of the Week: Wednesday-over 200 visits.
I wish there were more people in Fianna Fail like Mr Smith.Perhaps then I could understand the popularity Fiaana Fail are enjoying with the Irish electorate according to the latest opinion polls.
Villains of the Week: UDA:They must be condemned for demanding £70m(€101.1m) from the British government in return for an agreement to abandon all paramilitary activity.
This outrageous demand is an insult to the families who have lost loved ones to this organisation.
Funniest Moment of the Week: Mickey Rooney Commerical: I must say I find it hilarious that a cold remedy commercial starring Mickey Rooney,which featured the 84 year-old dropping his towel in a sauna and exposing his backside,has been axed from next month's Super Bowl coverage over fears it will offend viewers in the way Janet Jackson's performance did last year.
Why are there so many sissies in America?
Dunce of the Week: Mitchel McLaughlin:He appeared on RTE's Questions and Answers on RTE on Monday evening and after being questioned by Michael McDowell he stated that the killing of Jean McConville was not a crime and he agreed with McDowell that he felt this way since the IRA "was the only legitimate government of Ireland".
These comments earned him much condemnation yet unfortunately Mitchel has yet to apologise for being so stupid and disrespectful.
Celebrity of the Week: James Woods:The actor has a new outlook on life after discovering he was 10 days from death in 2004.
The actor,57,was told by many doctors his chest pains were nothing to worry about,but deep down he knew something was wrong so he took his mother's advice and visited his mother's cardiologist: "So I went in...and three hours later,when I woke up,he said,'Well you had about 10 days to live...and now you're fine'.In the old days you would've just died,and now,with the modern technology they have,it's like, 'You're gonna be fine and live forever."
I'm glad he's alright as Mr Woods is an actor I have much admiration for.
Quote of the Week: Well it has to be Mitchel McLaughlin and his claim that the IRA "was the only legitimate government of Ireland".An insult to the Republic of Ireland in my opinion but apparently not according to the Taoiseach!
United Irelander's Busiest Day of the Week: Wednesday-over 200 visits.
Who are you and what have you done with the real Paisley?!
It seems to me that the Rev Ian Paisley isn't as tough talking as he once was.Here's what he had to say on the prospect of a fresh attempt to broker a power-sharing agreement with Sinn Fein:
"There's no chance of a deal until the IRA are brought to heel and made amenable to the law.Seeing is believeing that they are going,all criminality must cease,and the people of Northern Ireland must be convinced that they have ceased.
"That will take more than one month to convince us.I would say it will take many months."
So he is not ruling out the prospect of a power-sharing agreement.Has Paisley mellowed with old age?No,rather he is just like every other politician-he craves power.
There's a great quote by Stanislaw Lec which I think sums up Paisley's carrer pretty well:
"When smashing monuments,save the pedestals-they always come in handy."
"There's no chance of a deal until the IRA are brought to heel and made amenable to the law.Seeing is believeing that they are going,all criminality must cease,and the people of Northern Ireland must be convinced that they have ceased.
"That will take more than one month to convince us.I would say it will take many months."
So he is not ruling out the prospect of a power-sharing agreement.Has Paisley mellowed with old age?No,rather he is just like every other politician-he craves power.
There's a great quote by Stanislaw Lec which I think sums up Paisley's carrer pretty well:
"When smashing monuments,save the pedestals-they always come in handy."
Friday, January 21, 2005
Hero/Villain of the Day-21.01.05
Hero: Bertie Ahern:Well he is the most popular leader in the country right now according to the latest polls and as much as I dislike that fact,I will give the man his props.
Villain: Neil Horan:The man who ruined the Olympic marathon in Athens last year has been offically defrocked by the Vatican though he has vowed to ignore the decision.
Well done on the Vatican.This man doesn't belong in the priesthood after his disgraceful actions in recent years.
Villain: Neil Horan:The man who ruined the Olympic marathon in Athens last year has been offically defrocked by the Vatican though he has vowed to ignore the decision.
Well done on the Vatican.This man doesn't belong in the priesthood after his disgraceful actions in recent years.
Friday Fun's Fictionary Fight
OK,it seems Alex Ferguson and Arsene Wenger are about to bury their feud amid calls from the football authorities.
However who would win in a fight between the two?
My money would be on Alex without a doubt.That's one Scot you don't want to mess with as Mr Beckham discovered when he got a boot to the head!
However who would win in a fight between the two?
My money would be on Alex without a doubt.That's one Scot you don't want to mess with as Mr Beckham discovered when he got a boot to the head!
Fun Irelander Feature-Follow-up
On January 7th I posted about finding some plastic in some fish I was eating.
Just to let you know I received some vouchers from the company and an apology.
However I can't help but feel if this occurred in America I would be suing this company for every cent they've got on the grounds of emotional trauma!
Just to let you know I received some vouchers from the company and an apology.
However I can't help but feel if this occurred in America I would be suing this company for every cent they've got on the grounds of emotional trauma!
Friday Fun-News in Brief
The Irish priest who disrupted the Olympic marathon last year has vowed to ignore the Vatican's decision to remove him from the priesthood.
"I told them I was refusing to accept their decree and,as far as I'm concerned,nothing has changed.I'm still a Catholic priest in the eyes of Jesus Christ," said Neil Horan.
I don't know about that.I do know that in the eyes of most people you're an idiot.
A cold remedy commerical featuring Mickey Rooney,which features the 84 year-old dropping his towel in a sauna and revealing his backside,has been axed from next month's Super Bowl coverage over fears it will offend viewers.
Note to Americans-Fighting in wars doesn't make you tough if you are afraid of an old man's rear end.You Yanks have lost your way!What would John Wayne say?
It was revealed on Tuesday that former Busted singer James Bourne had been dumped by his girlfriend-24 hours after the boyband split up.
His girlfriend,actress Kara Tointon,reportedly dumped him over the phone because he is no longer in the band and therefore no longer able to offer her the limelight she craves.
Well,at least you didn't marry her James!
"I told them I was refusing to accept their decree and,as far as I'm concerned,nothing has changed.I'm still a Catholic priest in the eyes of Jesus Christ," said Neil Horan.
I don't know about that.I do know that in the eyes of most people you're an idiot.
A cold remedy commerical featuring Mickey Rooney,which features the 84 year-old dropping his towel in a sauna and revealing his backside,has been axed from next month's Super Bowl coverage over fears it will offend viewers.
Note to Americans-Fighting in wars doesn't make you tough if you are afraid of an old man's rear end.You Yanks have lost your way!What would John Wayne say?
It was revealed on Tuesday that former Busted singer James Bourne had been dumped by his girlfriend-24 hours after the boyband split up.
His girlfriend,actress Kara Tointon,reportedly dumped him over the phone because he is no longer in the band and therefore no longer able to offer her the limelight she craves.
Well,at least you didn't marry her James!
Friday Fun's Fascinating Fact
The male praying mantis cannot have sex until the female praying mantis rips his head off.
Well you could excuse the male praying mantis for wanting to lower his libido...
Well you could excuse the male praying mantis for wanting to lower his libido...
Too much?
A 50 year-old man was rushed to hospital after castrating himself and told police he did so to lower his libido.
The man called police in Reno,Nevada,asking for help because he could not stop the bleeding from a self-castration operation which he learned on the internet.
"He obviously needs some sort of counselling," said the Police.
You think?!
The man called police in Reno,Nevada,asking for help because he could not stop the bleeding from a self-castration operation which he learned on the internet.
"He obviously needs some sort of counselling," said the Police.
You think?!
Poll Reveals Most Irish People are Idiots
Latest polls have indicated that support for the Government is at its highest since the general election in 2002.
The Irish Times/TNS mrbi poll showed that satisfaction with the Government had risen by nine points by to 52% since the last poll which was done in October.
Here's a breakdown of the results:
Fianna Fail (38%-up 3 points)
Progressive Democrats (4%-up 1 point)
Fine Gael (22%-down 2 points)
Labour (13%-unchanged)
Green Party (4%-unchanged)
Sinn Fein (11%-down 1 point)
Here's a breakdown of the ratings for party leaders:
Bertie Ahern (60%-up 7 points)
Mary Harney (54%-unchanged)
Enda Kenny (44%-down 2 points)
Pat Rabbitte (49%-unchanged)
Trevor Sargeant(33%-down 2 points)
What does this tell you?It tells me that a significant portion of Irish people are morons.
How on earth can the sleazy,morally corrupt cronies that are in power currently be given yet another term?
Not only that but Sinn Fein are continuing to look strong.Mary Harney made some interesting comments on Sinn Fein today: "It would seem perhaps that some of the support for Sinn Fein is so solid that it is not affected by many of these issues,which is quite remarkable."
Indeed it is remarkable but what is most remarkable is that Ahern continues to be popular.Why?It wasn't that long ago that he was booed at an Irish football match at Lansdowne Road.I feel it is time for a change.The current crowd are clearly past their sell-by date.
Hopefully the idiocy on display here won't be repeated at the next election.Winston Churchill put it nicely when he said that,"The best argument against democracy is a five-minute conversation with the average voter."Apparently so,Winston!Apparently so!
The Irish Times/TNS mrbi poll showed that satisfaction with the Government had risen by nine points by to 52% since the last poll which was done in October.
Here's a breakdown of the results:
Fianna Fail (38%-up 3 points)
Progressive Democrats (4%-up 1 point)
Fine Gael (22%-down 2 points)
Labour (13%-unchanged)
Green Party (4%-unchanged)
Sinn Fein (11%-down 1 point)
Here's a breakdown of the ratings for party leaders:
Bertie Ahern (60%-up 7 points)
Mary Harney (54%-unchanged)
Enda Kenny (44%-down 2 points)
Pat Rabbitte (49%-unchanged)
Trevor Sargeant(33%-down 2 points)
What does this tell you?It tells me that a significant portion of Irish people are morons.
How on earth can the sleazy,morally corrupt cronies that are in power currently be given yet another term?
Not only that but Sinn Fein are continuing to look strong.Mary Harney made some interesting comments on Sinn Fein today: "It would seem perhaps that some of the support for Sinn Fein is so solid that it is not affected by many of these issues,which is quite remarkable."
Indeed it is remarkable but what is most remarkable is that Ahern continues to be popular.Why?It wasn't that long ago that he was booed at an Irish football match at Lansdowne Road.I feel it is time for a change.The current crowd are clearly past their sell-by date.
Hopefully the idiocy on display here won't be repeated at the next election.Winston Churchill put it nicely when he said that,"The best argument against democracy is a five-minute conversation with the average voter."Apparently so,Winston!Apparently so!
Thursday, January 20, 2005
Hero/Villain of the Day-20.01.05
Hero: George W.Bush:Today he was sworn in for a second term as US President,and has vowed to support those who work to overthrow tyranny around the world.
I don't like Mr Bush and I wanted the other guy to win,what was his name?Jim something?Oh,John Kerry,yes that was it!
Still,fair play to him and he deserves his praise.He actually got the most votes this time!
Villains: UDA:They are demanding £70m(€101.1m) from the British government in return for an agreement to abandon all paramilitary activity.
It is incredible that they would seek this from the British government.It is an insult to the people of this island and particularly to the families who have lost loved ones to this paramilitary group.
I don't like Mr Bush and I wanted the other guy to win,what was his name?Jim something?Oh,John Kerry,yes that was it!
Still,fair play to him and he deserves his praise.He actually got the most votes this time!
Villains: UDA:They are demanding £70m(€101.1m) from the British government in return for an agreement to abandon all paramilitary activity.
It is incredible that they would seek this from the British government.It is an insult to the people of this island and particularly to the families who have lost loved ones to this paramilitary group.
Milestone Reached
Well I've just passed the 1,000 mark for visitors to the blog according to my Site Meter stats.
However since Site Meter was installed at the start of this month,and since the blog was started over a month ago,it was probably already reached but it's nice that it's official now at least.
Thank you to the people who have been visiting United Irelander and I'd like to think there have been plenty of provocative debates so far;)
A month in and I am pleased with how the blog has developed but I will still try to improve as much as possible.
Once more,many thanks!
However since Site Meter was installed at the start of this month,and since the blog was started over a month ago,it was probably already reached but it's nice that it's official now at least.
Thank you to the people who have been visiting United Irelander and I'd like to think there have been plenty of provocative debates so far;)
A month in and I am pleased with how the blog has developed but I will still try to improve as much as possible.
Once more,many thanks!
Orde Will Quit if Wrong
Hugh Orde will quit as Chief Constable if his assessment of IRA involvement in the Northern Bank robbery turns out to be wrong,it has been revealed tonight.
In a briefing to the authority holding him to account,Orde admitted the huge stakes involved in the hunt for the gang behind the robbery in Belfast.
A Policing Board source said: "He went so far as to say if he got this one wrong his position would be untenable."
I wonder if Orde would really mind if he was no longer the Chief Constable?It seems to me like it's a pretty thankless job.He'd probably be delighted to get the hell out of there.
In a briefing to the authority holding him to account,Orde admitted the huge stakes involved in the hunt for the gang behind the robbery in Belfast.
A Policing Board source said: "He went so far as to say if he got this one wrong his position would be untenable."
I wonder if Orde would really mind if he was no longer the Chief Constable?It seems to me like it's a pretty thankless job.He'd probably be delighted to get the hell out of there.
Thursday Thoughts:Independent NI?
Yesterday on A Tangled Web there was an article about Paul Fitzsimmons,a long time advocate of a negotiated Independent Northern Ireland as a permanent solution to the problems in the North,who has apparently decided to give up on the idea.
I must say that I completely oppose plans for an independent NI and feel the concept is ridiculous.I'll explain why.
I feel that those who advocate an independent NI(unionists in other words) are merely proving their failure to acknowledge or understand the purpose behind Irish nationalism.We're told an independent NI would be good for nationalists as they will no longer be ruled by the British.Big deal!There is more to nationalism than a desire to be free of British rule.It is also the desire for Irish people in the North to be able to exist in a state with their fellow Irish people in the south.
Those who advocate an independent NI are advocating a new nation.An 'Ulster nation' if you will.The trouble is,Irish nationalists are already a part of a nation-The Irish nation and it is this nation that inspires them into wanting an Irish nation-state.
I have already stated I do not believe in 'Northern Irishness' and I feel that these calls for an independent NI are based on efforts by people to make a reality out of the myth that is 'Northern Irishness'.
I'd like to know why unionists who advocate an independent NI won't instead advocate an independent Ireland.
If they are willing to sever ties with Westminster and to share a state with northern nationalists why won't they sever ties with Westminster and share a state with nationalists across the island?
I recently made a post in which I questioned whether at the heart of unionism there is just simply anti-Irishness.Aren't the people who are advocating an independent NI proving that this is actually the case?
I would say to those unionists contemplating severing ties with the British mainland and sharing a state with nationalists,by all means go ahead with your plans-Just make sure they're on a 32 county basis.
I must say that I completely oppose plans for an independent NI and feel the concept is ridiculous.I'll explain why.
I feel that those who advocate an independent NI(unionists in other words) are merely proving their failure to acknowledge or understand the purpose behind Irish nationalism.We're told an independent NI would be good for nationalists as they will no longer be ruled by the British.Big deal!There is more to nationalism than a desire to be free of British rule.It is also the desire for Irish people in the North to be able to exist in a state with their fellow Irish people in the south.
Those who advocate an independent NI are advocating a new nation.An 'Ulster nation' if you will.The trouble is,Irish nationalists are already a part of a nation-The Irish nation and it is this nation that inspires them into wanting an Irish nation-state.
I have already stated I do not believe in 'Northern Irishness' and I feel that these calls for an independent NI are based on efforts by people to make a reality out of the myth that is 'Northern Irishness'.
I'd like to know why unionists who advocate an independent NI won't instead advocate an independent Ireland.
If they are willing to sever ties with Westminster and to share a state with northern nationalists why won't they sever ties with Westminster and share a state with nationalists across the island?
I recently made a post in which I questioned whether at the heart of unionism there is just simply anti-Irishness.Aren't the people who are advocating an independent NI proving that this is actually the case?
I would say to those unionists contemplating severing ties with the British mainland and sharing a state with nationalists,by all means go ahead with your plans-Just make sure they're on a 32 county basis.
What Would the Queen Say?!
I had to laugh today at reports that the UDA are demanding £70m(€101.1m) from the British government in return for an agreement to abandon all paramilitary and criminal activity.
The demand was apparently made during talks between the loyalist group and British government officials aimed at securing an end to all criminal activity.
A British official confirmed that the two sides were discussing a programme of measures in return for an end to UDA activity,but said no deal had yet been agreed.
Reports said the UDA were seeking the money over a five-year period "to train its members in skills which equip them for a new life", and to help loyalist communities.
Have you ever heard of anything so ridiculous?What "skills" would this money bring I wonder?Could it be the skill of gambling with the dosh in Vegas to their heart's content?
I only hope the British do not give in to this outrageous demand because if they did it would be a slap in the face to every family which has lost a loved one to this loyalist organisation.
The demand was apparently made during talks between the loyalist group and British government officials aimed at securing an end to all criminal activity.
A British official confirmed that the two sides were discussing a programme of measures in return for an end to UDA activity,but said no deal had yet been agreed.
Reports said the UDA were seeking the money over a five-year period "to train its members in skills which equip them for a new life", and to help loyalist communities.
Have you ever heard of anything so ridiculous?What "skills" would this money bring I wonder?Could it be the skill of gambling with the dosh in Vegas to their heart's content?
I only hope the British do not give in to this outrageous demand because if they did it would be a slap in the face to every family which has lost a loved one to this loyalist organisation.
For the Glory of Ireland?
It seems that dissident republican scum will do anything to attain a united Ireland-even attacking the Republic of Ireland.
Gardai are linking the discovery of a live pipe bomb underneath a van in north Dublin to dissident republicans.
Two men were arrested in connection with the find,which forced the evacuation of several homes on Belcamp Crescent in Clonshaugh.
The device was spotted at around 1am and residents were only allowed to return to their homes around three hours later,when bomb disposals experts made the area safe.
Gardai said today that the two men being held in connection with the incident were also being questioned about Continuity IRA activity.
What does this mean?Have the Continuity IRA deemed it acceptable to target the Irish Republic?I wouldn't be surprised if the hatred these scumbags feel for the "Free State" has led to them finding it necessary to target the state even if it means hurting citizens they're supposed to be fighting for.
The Continuity IRA are an insult to the great Irish Republicans of the past.Shame on them.
Gardai are linking the discovery of a live pipe bomb underneath a van in north Dublin to dissident republicans.
Two men were arrested in connection with the find,which forced the evacuation of several homes on Belcamp Crescent in Clonshaugh.
The device was spotted at around 1am and residents were only allowed to return to their homes around three hours later,when bomb disposals experts made the area safe.
Gardai said today that the two men being held in connection with the incident were also being questioned about Continuity IRA activity.
What does this mean?Have the Continuity IRA deemed it acceptable to target the Irish Republic?I wouldn't be surprised if the hatred these scumbags feel for the "Free State" has led to them finding it necessary to target the state even if it means hurting citizens they're supposed to be fighting for.
The Continuity IRA are an insult to the great Irish Republicans of the past.Shame on them.
Wednesday, January 19, 2005
Hero/Villain of the Day-19.01.05
Hero: Brendan Smith:The Fianna Fail TD for Cavan-Monaghan is to be commended for his attack on the comments made by Mitchel McLaughlin on RTE on Monday and for calling on Mr McLaughlin to retract his remarks.
I'm pleased to see that not everyone in Fianna Fail will turn a blind eye to Sinn Fein's disgraceful attittude to the people of this island.Well done Mr Smith.
Villain: Gerry Adams:Apparently Mr Adams is seeking an explanation from the Taoiseach for his comments earlier this month when he said that he believed the "political leadership" of the republican movement knew about the Northern Bank robbery.
What was even more incredible was Mr Adams saying Mr Ahern's comments had damaged Sinn Fein's relationship with the Government!
In my view the Irish Government should be seeking an explanation from Mr Adams about the comments from his party's chairman on Monday which raises serious questions about the attitude Sinn Fein has for the Agreement and indeed the Republic itself.
It's hard to believe that Mitchel McLaughlin's comments haven't damaged the Government's relationship with Sinn Fein!
I'm pleased to see that not everyone in Fianna Fail will turn a blind eye to Sinn Fein's disgraceful attittude to the people of this island.Well done Mr Smith.
Villain: Gerry Adams:Apparently Mr Adams is seeking an explanation from the Taoiseach for his comments earlier this month when he said that he believed the "political leadership" of the republican movement knew about the Northern Bank robbery.
What was even more incredible was Mr Adams saying Mr Ahern's comments had damaged Sinn Fein's relationship with the Government!
In my view the Irish Government should be seeking an explanation from Mr Adams about the comments from his party's chairman on Monday which raises serious questions about the attitude Sinn Fein has for the Agreement and indeed the Republic itself.
It's hard to believe that Mitchel McLaughlin's comments haven't damaged the Government's relationship with Sinn Fein!
'What If'?Wednesday-No Orange Order
Some of you may know that I have been struggling to come up with a feature on United Irelander for Wednesdays.
'What If'?Wednesday was the original feature but I scrapped it as I didn't feel it had any long-term value however after giving it some thought I feel if I modify it slightly to use it to discuss hypothetical situations for the present and future rather than the past,it could work effectively.
This week I ask you how life in the North would be if there was no Orange Order.
Let's face facts-the Orange Order is built on hate.It thrives on the nasty side of unionism which is of course anti-catholicism and anti-Irishness.Can we really expect Ireland's north to be a society which preaches tolerance and understanding when there exists an organisation which glorifies anti-Catholicism and anti-Irishness and feels it justifiable to exclude one half of the community?I don't think so.
I blame the Orange Order for the tensions which arise in Ireland's north every summer.
If there was no Orange Order,summer would be a time for calm and relaxation rather than a time for the flare-ups that so often occur.
If there was no Orange Order,Catholics and Protestants would have a far healthier relationship,there is no doubt about that.
If there was no Orange Order,racism would not be as rife as it is within the loyalist community and furthermore loyalist paramilitaries would not be as significant as they are.
What does all this tell you?That there should be no Orange Order!
'What If'?Wednesday was the original feature but I scrapped it as I didn't feel it had any long-term value however after giving it some thought I feel if I modify it slightly to use it to discuss hypothetical situations for the present and future rather than the past,it could work effectively.
This week I ask you how life in the North would be if there was no Orange Order.
Let's face facts-the Orange Order is built on hate.It thrives on the nasty side of unionism which is of course anti-catholicism and anti-Irishness.Can we really expect Ireland's north to be a society which preaches tolerance and understanding when there exists an organisation which glorifies anti-Catholicism and anti-Irishness and feels it justifiable to exclude one half of the community?I don't think so.
I blame the Orange Order for the tensions which arise in Ireland's north every summer.
If there was no Orange Order,summer would be a time for calm and relaxation rather than a time for the flare-ups that so often occur.
If there was no Orange Order,Catholics and Protestants would have a far healthier relationship,there is no doubt about that.
If there was no Orange Order,racism would not be as rife as it is within the loyalist community and furthermore loyalist paramilitaries would not be as significant as they are.
What does all this tell you?That there should be no Orange Order!
Hold On...
I'm not a big fan of Ian Paisley Junior.Today he gave his views on the statement last night by the IRA in which they denied involvement in the Northern Bank raid.
Paisley Jnr said today he did not believe the IRA denial.
"Just because the IRA denies something,I don't believe that that means that their denials should be believed,"he said.
"I believe that they really are telling lies...It's up to the IRA now to prove that they didn't do it."
Hold on,I'm no defender of the Provos,but since when is it up to suspects to prove that they are not guilty?It is up to Hugh Orde and the PSNI to show evidence proving that the IRA did it!
Do the DUP not believe in the old adage of 'innocent until proven guilty'?
Paisley Jnr said today he did not believe the IRA denial.
"Just because the IRA denies something,I don't believe that that means that their denials should be believed,"he said.
"I believe that they really are telling lies...It's up to the IRA now to prove that they didn't do it."
Hold on,I'm no defender of the Provos,but since when is it up to suspects to prove that they are not guilty?It is up to Hugh Orde and the PSNI to show evidence proving that the IRA did it!
Do the DUP not believe in the old adage of 'innocent until proven guilty'?
Tuesday Thanks...
A big thank you to those who visited United Irelander yesterday as my Site Meter stats have informed me that yesterday saw the largest ever traffic to the blog.
Apparently there were over 200 visits to the blog which is well ahead of any other day so far.
Furthermore the blog is not far off from getting its 1,000th visitor.
Blogging will be light from me today so once again,many thanks!
Apparently there were over 200 visits to the blog which is well ahead of any other day so far.
Furthermore the blog is not far off from getting its 1,000th visitor.
Blogging will be light from me today so once again,many thanks!
United Irish Flag...
Yesterday,I gave my top ten list of flags and put the Irish tricolour as number 1 however,as much as I love my country's flag,I am realistic and I know that in the event of discussions for a united Ireland that unionists would not tolerate the tricolour as the flag of the state.
I find this disappointing as I can't think of a more apt flag but I understand their opposition to it due to its association with republicanism.
So,I ask you,what flag would be an acceptable one for a united Ireland?
Personally,I would advocate the return of the old flag with the harp on the green background but perhaps a new flag could be created?If so,what would it look like?
Feel free to give your own opinions.
I find this disappointing as I can't think of a more apt flag but I understand their opposition to it due to its association with republicanism.
So,I ask you,what flag would be an acceptable one for a united Ireland?
Personally,I would advocate the return of the old flag with the harp on the green background but perhaps a new flag could be created?If so,what would it look like?
Feel free to give your own opinions.
McLaughlin Rejects Resignation Calls
It seems my post on Monday evening about Mitchel McLaughlin's comments on RTE's Questions and Answers was somewhat of an exclusive and it was clear to me as I heard McLaughlin's astonishing claims that there would be political fallout from them.
McLaughlin had stated that the killing of Mrs McConville was not a crime and agreed with Mr McDowell that the IRA was "the only legitimate government of Ireland".
Today,I have learned on the BBC that McLaughlin is facing calls from Fianna Fail TD for Cavan-Monaghan,Brendan Smith,to retract his remarks while the McConville family has called on McLaughlin to apologise or resign.
"Of course I won't resign,I'm entitled to my view in this respect,"said McLaughlin.
"I didn't introduce the topic into discussion,
"I was pressing the minister for justice on the lack of action on outstanding issues such as collusion,criminality at the heart of the British Government as far as republicans are concerned and I think,on the ropes,the minister threw in Jean McConville."
Anyone who watched the programme will find McLaughlin's comments that McDowell was on the ropes to be laughable!
Mr.Smith,co-chair of the British-Irish Parliamentary Body described Mr McLaughlin's comments as "appalling" and said they had led people to query the Sinn Fein chairman's "commitment to the Good Friday Agreement."
"We have a mandate-as politicians on this island-to implement the Good Friday Agreement.
"Here we have comments from a senior figure in a political organisation and it is obvious that he is not committed to making an effort to implement the will of the Irish people,"Smith added.
I feel Mr Smith is absolutely right and McLaughlin's comments do pose serious questions on the commitment Sinn Fein have for the GFA and indeed the opinions of the citizens of the Irish Republic.I also agree that McLaughlin should retract his remarks which as Mr Smith quite rightly says were "appalling".
I find it very refreshing to hear members of Fianna Fail now speaking out against the disgraceful attitude Sinn Fein have towards both traditions on this island.
If only the leader of Fianna Fail would do the same...
McLaughlin had stated that the killing of Mrs McConville was not a crime and agreed with Mr McDowell that the IRA was "the only legitimate government of Ireland".
Today,I have learned on the BBC that McLaughlin is facing calls from Fianna Fail TD for Cavan-Monaghan,Brendan Smith,to retract his remarks while the McConville family has called on McLaughlin to apologise or resign.
"Of course I won't resign,I'm entitled to my view in this respect,"said McLaughlin.
"I didn't introduce the topic into discussion,
"I was pressing the minister for justice on the lack of action on outstanding issues such as collusion,criminality at the heart of the British Government as far as republicans are concerned and I think,on the ropes,the minister threw in Jean McConville."
Anyone who watched the programme will find McLaughlin's comments that McDowell was on the ropes to be laughable!
Mr.Smith,co-chair of the British-Irish Parliamentary Body described Mr McLaughlin's comments as "appalling" and said they had led people to query the Sinn Fein chairman's "commitment to the Good Friday Agreement."
"We have a mandate-as politicians on this island-to implement the Good Friday Agreement.
"Here we have comments from a senior figure in a political organisation and it is obvious that he is not committed to making an effort to implement the will of the Irish people,"Smith added.
I feel Mr Smith is absolutely right and McLaughlin's comments do pose serious questions on the commitment Sinn Fein have for the GFA and indeed the opinions of the citizens of the Irish Republic.I also agree that McLaughlin should retract his remarks which as Mr Smith quite rightly says were "appalling".
I find it very refreshing to hear members of Fianna Fail now speaking out against the disgraceful attitude Sinn Fein have towards both traditions on this island.
If only the leader of Fianna Fail would do the same...
Tuesday, January 18, 2005
Hero/Villain of the Day-18.01.05
Heroes: European Commission:The European Commission has today announced that a sci-fi radar which can detect imminent car crashes-and apply your brakes-should be available within six months.
Experts say the system has the potential to halve the numbers of road accident casualties in Europe by 2010.
I am very impressed by these plans as road accidents are a constant menace.See,I'm not completely against the EU!
Villain: Rusch:The medical equipment firm,which is based in Lurgan,Co Armagh announced today it was to close with the loss of 270 jobs-and the workers from the factory have been told to train the people taking their jobs.
The jobs are being transferred to factories in Mexico and Malaysia in a bid to cut costs.
"The company wants employees facing redundancy to train people who are taking their jobs off them," said Michael Mulholland,regional organiser of the GMB union.
"As you can expect,they are taking this very badly.They feel they have been let down.A lot of people have been working here for the past 20 years,"he added.
I'm sure they are taking it very badly.How disgraceful.
Experts say the system has the potential to halve the numbers of road accident casualties in Europe by 2010.
I am very impressed by these plans as road accidents are a constant menace.See,I'm not completely against the EU!
Villain: Rusch:The medical equipment firm,which is based in Lurgan,Co Armagh announced today it was to close with the loss of 270 jobs-and the workers from the factory have been told to train the people taking their jobs.
The jobs are being transferred to factories in Mexico and Malaysia in a bid to cut costs.
"The company wants employees facing redundancy to train people who are taking their jobs off them," said Michael Mulholland,regional organiser of the GMB union.
"As you can expect,they are taking this very badly.They feel they have been let down.A lot of people have been working here for the past 20 years,"he added.
I'm sure they are taking it very badly.How disgraceful.
A Head of State You Can Be Proud of...
It's been reported that President McAleese is planning to attend a ceremony at Auschwitz in Poland later this month to mark the 60th anniversary of the liberation of the dreaded Nazi concentration camp.
McAleese is set to join other global dignataries and heads of state for the ceremony on January 27.
We Irish should consider ourselves lucky that unlike our nearest neighbours,we have a Head of State that is respectful and dignified and who expresses no support for evil Nazis!
Contrast our situation with the Brits who have to put up with a 20 year old who we're told is only a "young man" and is entitled to make mistakes!
Did Harry's "apology" help matters?No!Or perhaps I should say nein...
McAleese is set to join other global dignataries and heads of state for the ceremony on January 27.
We Irish should consider ourselves lucky that unlike our nearest neighbours,we have a Head of State that is respectful and dignified and who expresses no support for evil Nazis!
Contrast our situation with the Brits who have to put up with a 20 year old who we're told is only a "young man" and is entitled to make mistakes!
Did Harry's "apology" help matters?No!Or perhaps I should say nein...
Celebrate 100 Years by Undoing Betrayals-Dr Coulter
There's a good article in The Blanket by Dr John Coulter who maintains that the centenaries of the formation of both the Ulster Unionist Council and Sinn Fein provide opportunities for unionists and nationalists to undo two of the greatest political betrayals of the 20th century.
In relation to unionism,Coulter argues the DUP and UUP could work "towards the creation of a single Unionist Party,as well as officially opening a Unionist Embassy in Leinster House" to represent Southern Protestants.
In relation to nationalism,Coulter argues that "Sinn Fein must not commemorate its centenary by heaping further insults on its founder.It must again become a party of respectable separatists,not a movement for physical force,diehard republicans and closet communists."
A good article and worth a read.I particularly liked Coulter's comment regarding the various parties who are claiming they descend from Griffith's Sinn Fein of 1905,that "the sad reality is that had he been alive today,he would probably have disowned the lot."
In relation to unionism,Coulter argues the DUP and UUP could work "towards the creation of a single Unionist Party,as well as officially opening a Unionist Embassy in Leinster House" to represent Southern Protestants.
In relation to nationalism,Coulter argues that "Sinn Fein must not commemorate its centenary by heaping further insults on its founder.It must again become a party of respectable separatists,not a movement for physical force,diehard republicans and closet communists."
A good article and worth a read.I particularly liked Coulter's comment regarding the various parties who are claiming they descend from Griffith's Sinn Fein of 1905,that "the sad reality is that had he been alive today,he would probably have disowned the lot."
Top Ten Tuesday-Flags
OK,there are some very nice looking flags around and a couple of stinkers.Right now I'm going to name what I believe to be the ten nicest flags.I have had a quick browse through my pocket atlas so here's the countries which I believe have the nicest flags!Without further ado:
1.Ireland
2.USA
3.France
4.Scotland
5.Canada
6. Wales
7.Spain
8.Sweden
9.Ukraine
10.Israel
There you have it;the top ten flags.I will of course deny that the top choice was a biased decision.It is simply a beautiful flag.Green,white and orange just fit together so well!
Special mention must go to the flag of Kiribati which I feel is excellent.
Feel free to offer your own opinions.
1.Ireland
2.USA
3.France
4.Scotland
5.Canada
6. Wales
7.Spain
8.Sweden
9.Ukraine
10.Israel
There you have it;the top ten flags.I will of course deny that the top choice was a biased decision.It is simply a beautiful flag.Green,white and orange just fit together so well!
Special mention must go to the flag of Kiribati which I feel is excellent.
Feel free to offer your own opinions.
Monday, January 17, 2005
McConville Murder Not a Crime-McLaughlin
As I write this I have just listened to Mitchel McLaughlin on RTE's Questions and Answers say that the murder of Jean McConville was not a crime because it was carried out by the IRA.
I find this to be a shocking statement and feel it shows that the nationalism espoused by Sinn Fein is dangerous and revolves around extreme ideology.
Nationalists should not be supporting this party.
I find this to be a shocking statement and feel it shows that the nationalism espoused by Sinn Fein is dangerous and revolves around extreme ideology.
Nationalists should not be supporting this party.
Hero/Villain of the Day-17.01.05
Heroes: Irish Public:Latest figures indicate that almost €48m has been raised by the Irish public for the victims of the Asian tsunami disaster.
I'm proud that my compatriots have raised such a fine amount of money and it is important that Irish people keep giving as much as possible.
Villain: Michael McDowell:Mr McDowell there is no need for ID cards in this country!
I'm proud that my compatriots have raised such a fine amount of money and it is important that Irish people keep giving as much as possible.
Villain: Michael McDowell:Mr McDowell there is no need for ID cards in this country!
ID Cards?No Way!
Justice Minister Michael McDowell is reportedly considering introducing a compulsory national identity card scheme in conjunction with similar moves in Britain.
Apparently Mr McDowell is considering the scheme because the introduction of ID cards in Britain would have implications for Ireland due to the border and the fact that a passport is not needed for travelling.
A consultation process is to be established shortly to allow interested groups and individuals to express their views on the matter.
Here's my view on the matter:ID cards are wrong.They are an insult to the freedom of the individual!
Just because the Brits do something doesn't mean we automatically have to follow suit!
Dearthair mor can back off,I say!
Apparently Mr McDowell is considering the scheme because the introduction of ID cards in Britain would have implications for Ireland due to the border and the fact that a passport is not needed for travelling.
A consultation process is to be established shortly to allow interested groups and individuals to express their views on the matter.
Here's my view on the matter:ID cards are wrong.They are an insult to the freedom of the individual!
Just because the Brits do something doesn't mean we automatically have to follow suit!
Dearthair mor can back off,I say!
Monday Madness-Northern Ireland Football Team
I do not support the NI football team.I cannot stand the team.I feel that it is the duty of Irish nationalists to boycott the team and support Ireland instead.The NI team is for unionists only regardless of what the IFA says and it is time all nationalists realised that.
Look at what happened to poor Neil Lennon.Hounded out of the team for being a Catholic and for playing for Celtic.Pathetic.Unfortunately what happened to Neil Lennon was not an isolated incident.It has happened to other nationalist players including the great Pat Jennings who would suffer horrible anti-Catholic chants as he headed for the goal at the start of matches.
Other reasons I dislike the NI team?The anthem.
How can it be claimed that the IFA are reaching out to the nationalist community when the anthem used is one that the nationalist community completely opposes?For the rugby games we Irish in the south replaced Amhran na bhFiann with the dreadful 'Ireland's Call' to satisfy unionists but it seems similar gestures can't be done by unionists to nationalists for football.
I also oppose the name of the stadium.Windsor Park?What a laugh!Why don't they go ahead and name one of the stands after Oliver Cromwell?!
The fact is the NI team should rename itself England Junior as that is what it is trying to be.
If a nationalist brought an Irish tricolour to Windsor Park,his/her life would be in danger!
It is time to have a United Ireland football team.According to the latest FIFA world rankings,NI is ranked below such football heavyweights as Panama,Botswana and Lebanon!
A United Ireland team would at least give the people in the North some victories to celebrate.
It is time to unify the two teams for the sake of football supporters across the island and also for the fact that it will remove the difficult decision I face as to which team to support in the upcoming World Cup qualifier between England and NI!
I mean,aside from the vast gulf in quality between the two teams,they're both pretty much the same team!
Look at what happened to poor Neil Lennon.Hounded out of the team for being a Catholic and for playing for Celtic.Pathetic.Unfortunately what happened to Neil Lennon was not an isolated incident.It has happened to other nationalist players including the great Pat Jennings who would suffer horrible anti-Catholic chants as he headed for the goal at the start of matches.
Other reasons I dislike the NI team?The anthem.
How can it be claimed that the IFA are reaching out to the nationalist community when the anthem used is one that the nationalist community completely opposes?For the rugby games we Irish in the south replaced Amhran na bhFiann with the dreadful 'Ireland's Call' to satisfy unionists but it seems similar gestures can't be done by unionists to nationalists for football.
I also oppose the name of the stadium.Windsor Park?What a laugh!Why don't they go ahead and name one of the stands after Oliver Cromwell?!
The fact is the NI team should rename itself England Junior as that is what it is trying to be.
If a nationalist brought an Irish tricolour to Windsor Park,his/her life would be in danger!
It is time to have a United Ireland football team.According to the latest FIFA world rankings,NI is ranked below such football heavyweights as Panama,Botswana and Lebanon!
A United Ireland team would at least give the people in the North some victories to celebrate.
It is time to unify the two teams for the sake of football supporters across the island and also for the fact that it will remove the difficult decision I face as to which team to support in the upcoming World Cup qualifier between England and NI!
I mean,aside from the vast gulf in quality between the two teams,they're both pretty much the same team!
Is Unionism Glorified anti-Irishness?
Before anyone bites my head off I'd first like to say that I respect the position of unionism and the right for people born in Ireland to class themselves as British if they want to,however I can't help but feel that serious questions about unionism will emerge in the 21st century.
Questions that will affect the very heart of unionism and the unionist identity.
The removal of the IRA,the deterioration of Sinn Fein's significance;these events would leave unionism with serious questions to answer.
As I have said before,I feel that if nationalism gets its act together and pushes the case for Irish unity effectively,a split will occur in unionism creating a more radical strand of unionism that I like to call divisionism.
Let's not forget that in the past,unionist xenophobia and bigotry was so great that unionists in the 6 counties sold out their fellow unionists in the 26 counties.
Let's not forget that many unionists subscribe to the xenophobia and bigotry of the nasty cult known as the Orange Order.
And let us not forget that the hostility of unionism has been shown in their opposition to the Anglo-Irish Agreement and to the Good Friday Agreement.
Many unionists can't shake off their feelings of superiority over the nationalist community.
If a United Ireland can offer unionists a good deal and safeguard their Britishness,will they turn it down due to their historic hatred of Ireland's south?
Will unionism be revealed to be nothing more than glorified anti-Irishness?
Questions that will affect the very heart of unionism and the unionist identity.
The removal of the IRA,the deterioration of Sinn Fein's significance;these events would leave unionism with serious questions to answer.
As I have said before,I feel that if nationalism gets its act together and pushes the case for Irish unity effectively,a split will occur in unionism creating a more radical strand of unionism that I like to call divisionism.
Let's not forget that in the past,unionist xenophobia and bigotry was so great that unionists in the 6 counties sold out their fellow unionists in the 26 counties.
Let's not forget that many unionists subscribe to the xenophobia and bigotry of the nasty cult known as the Orange Order.
And let us not forget that the hostility of unionism has been shown in their opposition to the Anglo-Irish Agreement and to the Good Friday Agreement.
Many unionists can't shake off their feelings of superiority over the nationalist community.
If a United Ireland can offer unionists a good deal and safeguard their Britishness,will they turn it down due to their historic hatred of Ireland's south?
Will unionism be revealed to be nothing more than glorified anti-Irishness?
Sunday, January 16, 2005
Hero/Villain of the Day-16.01.05
Hero: Henry Palaszczuck:He has declared that he is to renounce his allegiance to the Queen after seeing a photograph depicting Prince Harry's exploits.
Well done to you Mr Palaszczuck!
Villain:Martin McGuinness:He again denied that the IRA were involved in the Northern Bank raid today and said it was not in the interests of the IRA to have carried it out.
Doing so would've been a risky operation,which would've undermined the republican contribution to what he called the "vitally important peace process".
Come on Martin!It was in the interests of the IRA to carry out one final big operation.The trouble is it was probably bigger than you all imagined.
Well done to you Mr Palaszczuck!
Villain:Martin McGuinness:He again denied that the IRA were involved in the Northern Bank raid today and said it was not in the interests of the IRA to have carried it out.
Doing so would've been a risky operation,which would've undermined the republican contribution to what he called the "vitally important peace process".
Come on Martin!It was in the interests of the IRA to carry out one final big operation.The trouble is it was probably bigger than you all imagined.
Sunday Scrutiny-Prince Harry
This week I will take a look at the Royal rebel himself.Harry has embroiled his family into a huge amount of controversy this past week after dressing up as a Nazi for a fancy dress party.
Some people feel he has been harshly criticised,but has he?
In my opinion he deserves the criticism.I have read numerous people saying,"he's only young","he's a young man" etc.The guy is 20 years old!This isn't some wayward 14 year old it is a man old enough to drink and to vote and who is legally regarded as a man.
Someone who is 20 should know full well about the horrors of Nazism and his choice of costume was more than just "poor" it was positively idiotic and distasteful!
Another reason he deserves his criticism is because of his public role.The position he holds gives him enormous advantages over "normal" people.He has wealth and luxury that most of us can only dream about.Therefore,he must take the good with the bad.
He must learn to refrain from acting a clown the way it could be argued most "normal" young people do.If Wayne Rooney had been caught wearing a Nazi costume the Press would've been just as harsh,there's no doubt about that.
Also,as someone pointed out in a letter I read,with all the aides and advisors he has,couldn't somebody have told him it was a bad costume to wear?!
I think the main reason he deserves the criticism he's getting is because of his laughable and lame "apology" which was hardly sincere and which leaves him in a bad light.
If he came out in a press conference and admitted in a heartfelt way that wahat he did was wrong,people would've appreciated it because it takes a man to apologise.
His pathetic response through Clarence House just makes him look even more ignorant and uncaring.
He has courted controversy in the past with his fondness for unhealthy substances and his desire to swing his fists at photographers,so he is not shy of the spotlight.
It is such a shame that the British taxpayers cotinue to fund these bunch of spongers.
When will they learn that a republic is the way to go?!
Some people feel he has been harshly criticised,but has he?
In my opinion he deserves the criticism.I have read numerous people saying,"he's only young","he's a young man" etc.The guy is 20 years old!This isn't some wayward 14 year old it is a man old enough to drink and to vote and who is legally regarded as a man.
Someone who is 20 should know full well about the horrors of Nazism and his choice of costume was more than just "poor" it was positively idiotic and distasteful!
Another reason he deserves his criticism is because of his public role.The position he holds gives him enormous advantages over "normal" people.He has wealth and luxury that most of us can only dream about.Therefore,he must take the good with the bad.
He must learn to refrain from acting a clown the way it could be argued most "normal" young people do.If Wayne Rooney had been caught wearing a Nazi costume the Press would've been just as harsh,there's no doubt about that.
Also,as someone pointed out in a letter I read,with all the aides and advisors he has,couldn't somebody have told him it was a bad costume to wear?!
I think the main reason he deserves the criticism he's getting is because of his laughable and lame "apology" which was hardly sincere and which leaves him in a bad light.
If he came out in a press conference and admitted in a heartfelt way that wahat he did was wrong,people would've appreciated it because it takes a man to apologise.
His pathetic response through Clarence House just makes him look even more ignorant and uncaring.
He has courted controversy in the past with his fondness for unhealthy substances and his desire to swing his fists at photographers,so he is not shy of the spotlight.
It is such a shame that the British taxpayers cotinue to fund these bunch of spongers.
When will they learn that a republic is the way to go?!
Miraculous?
It's often said that giving birth is a miracle.I don't know if the same can be said in this case.
A 67 year-old Romanian woman gave birth today to a baby girl,hospital officials said.The child's twin sister was stillborn.
Adriana Iliescu,who was artificially inseminated,is now the world's oldest recorded mother.
Iliescu's daughter-who has not yet been named-was delivered by Caesarian section early today,more than six weeks short of a full 40-week pregnancy term,said a hospital spokeswoman.
She weighed just 1.45 kilograms(3.19 Ibs),less than half the weight of an average newborn,and was in the intensive care unit but breathing on her own,the spokeswoman said.
"The mother is doing well-she is saying she has been given a new lease of life,"the spokeswoman said,reading from a statement.
Doctors performed the emergency Caesarian section after the smaller of Iliescu's twins died in the womb,said the spokesowman.That child weighed just 700 grams(1.54 Ibs).
Iliescu underwent fertility treatment for nine years,including procedures to reverse the effects of menopause,before being artificially inseminated,the head doctor at the hospital,Bogdan Marinescu,was quoted as saying.
While everyone is entitled to want a family,can this be condoned?Do the ethical factors override the personal ones?
A 67 year-old Romanian woman gave birth today to a baby girl,hospital officials said.The child's twin sister was stillborn.
Adriana Iliescu,who was artificially inseminated,is now the world's oldest recorded mother.
Iliescu's daughter-who has not yet been named-was delivered by Caesarian section early today,more than six weeks short of a full 40-week pregnancy term,said a hospital spokeswoman.
She weighed just 1.45 kilograms(3.19 Ibs),less than half the weight of an average newborn,and was in the intensive care unit but breathing on her own,the spokeswoman said.
"The mother is doing well-she is saying she has been given a new lease of life,"the spokeswoman said,reading from a statement.
Doctors performed the emergency Caesarian section after the smaller of Iliescu's twins died in the womb,said the spokesowman.That child weighed just 700 grams(1.54 Ibs).
Iliescu underwent fertility treatment for nine years,including procedures to reverse the effects of menopause,before being artificially inseminated,the head doctor at the hospital,Bogdan Marinescu,was quoted as saying.
While everyone is entitled to want a family,can this be condoned?Do the ethical factors override the personal ones?
Australian MP Renounces Allegiance
An Australian politician whose father was held in a German labour camp during World War 2 says he plans to renounce his allegiance to the Queen after seeing a photo of Prince Harry wearing a Nazi swastika.
Henry Palaszczuck said he had previously held the Royals in high regard but was troubled at seeing Harry wearing the swastika at a fancy dress party.
"My father suffered enormously at the hands of the Nazis and the stories he told me were horrific,"said Palaszczuck."So to see that image was very upsetting."
Palaszczuck confirmed he would seek to withdraw his allegiance to the Queen-which is part of the oath of office for Australian MPs-at the start of parliamentary proceedings tomorrow.
He also added that he didn't think the Prince's apology went far enough.
"I don't think that counts as a real apology,"he said.
"It wasn't an apology from the heart.It was just the royal doctors going into damage control."
Well said Mr Palaszczuck!It's nice to see that some monarchists are coming to the conclusion that the very idea of monarchy is a farce and that giving people such enormous power and standing can be very damaging.Hopefully more people will follow suit!
Henry Palaszczuck said he had previously held the Royals in high regard but was troubled at seeing Harry wearing the swastika at a fancy dress party.
"My father suffered enormously at the hands of the Nazis and the stories he told me were horrific,"said Palaszczuck."So to see that image was very upsetting."
Palaszczuck confirmed he would seek to withdraw his allegiance to the Queen-which is part of the oath of office for Australian MPs-at the start of parliamentary proceedings tomorrow.
He also added that he didn't think the Prince's apology went far enough.
"I don't think that counts as a real apology,"he said.
"It wasn't an apology from the heart.It was just the royal doctors going into damage control."
Well said Mr Palaszczuck!It's nice to see that some monarchists are coming to the conclusion that the very idea of monarchy is a farce and that giving people such enormous power and standing can be very damaging.Hopefully more people will follow suit!
IRA Planned to Disband?
It's been reported that the IRA had told its members it was on the verge of disbandment just weeks before the Northern Bank raid in Belfast.
Apparently senior figures had held meetings in the Republic to tell members that the whole movement was to be dismantled,two weeks before talks on power sharing broke down.
Some sources have indicated that the IRA did not expect to get as much money as they did.
Would it be too far-fetched to imagine that perhaps certain figures in the IRA,unhappy with plans to disband,pushed for this robbery knowing full well it would damage Sinn Fein?
Personally,I find it hard to believe the IRA was going to disband as such an event would be better served further down the road to secure Gerry Adams some Brownie points(no pun intended).
IRA disbandment doesn't look likely in the near future,anyway.
Apparently senior figures had held meetings in the Republic to tell members that the whole movement was to be dismantled,two weeks before talks on power sharing broke down.
Some sources have indicated that the IRA did not expect to get as much money as they did.
Would it be too far-fetched to imagine that perhaps certain figures in the IRA,unhappy with plans to disband,pushed for this robbery knowing full well it would damage Sinn Fein?
Personally,I find it hard to believe the IRA was going to disband as such an event would be better served further down the road to secure Gerry Adams some Brownie points(no pun intended).
IRA disbandment doesn't look likely in the near future,anyway.
Saturday, January 15, 2005
Hero/Villain of the Day-15.01.05
Hero: Eddie McGrady:Finally someone from the SDLP sticking it to Sinn Fein!
Well done Mr McGrady.The IRA are holding back the peace process!
Villain:Catriona Ruane:Ms Ruane needs to realise that there can be no excuses for remaining linked to a paramilitary organisation.None.
Well done Mr McGrady.The IRA are holding back the peace process!
Villain:Catriona Ruane:Ms Ruane needs to realise that there can be no excuses for remaining linked to a paramilitary organisation.None.
Just Say Sorry!
I see that Gordon Brown,while speaking during a week-long tour of Africa,stated there would be 'no UK apology' from Britain for its colonial past.
Mr Brown said it was time to talk about enduring British values of liberty and tolerance.
South African president Thabo Mbeki has attacked British imperialists,saying they treated Africans like savages.
Mr Mbeki is right.The British should apologise for their colonial past.However the first country they should offer a full and frank apology to is Ireland!
Mr Brown said it was time to talk about enduring British values of liberty and tolerance.
South African president Thabo Mbeki has attacked British imperialists,saying they treated Africans like savages.
Mr Mbeki is right.The British should apologise for their colonial past.However the first country they should offer a full and frank apology to is Ireland!
Saturday Survey
Hero of the Week: Nick Waters:I highlighted this 14 year-old boy's story on Tuesday,who cannot talk and who has no arms,and when asked by his church what he wanted for Christmas replied by typing with his feet:Lots of Christmas cards.Ten thousand of them.
He ended up getting over 130,000 cards from all over the world.
Villain of the Week: Prince Harry:What a fool this guy is!He chose to dress up as a Nazi complete with swastika armband for a fancy-dress party and embroiled his family into a scandal that they certainly could've done without,especially with the 60th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz taking place soon.
Someone needs to remind this 20- year-old royal that Nazism and events like the Holocaust are no laughing matter!
Funniest Moment of the Week: Tabloid Photographs:You had to chuckle at the pictures in the tabloids showing Harry decked out in his attire commemorating the Nazi scum.
He looked quite drunk in the photographs.One thing is for sure-when he awoke the next day he certainly would've had a sore head!
Dunce of the Week:Prince Harry:Well,he has to get this award as well,doesn't he?!Actually,dressing up as a dunce might be a safer option next time Harry!
Celebrity of the Week:Charlie Simpson:The singer from Boyband Busted decided to quit the band to devote his energies to his new rock group,Fightstar.
Well done Charlie!Busted are finished!I never knew why they were so popular anyway!
Quote of the Week: "I am very sorry if I caused any offence or embarrassment to anyone.It was a poor choice of costume and I apologise"- Prince Harry.Not good enough Harry!Give everyone a public apology!
He ended up getting over 130,000 cards from all over the world.
Villain of the Week: Prince Harry:What a fool this guy is!He chose to dress up as a Nazi complete with swastika armband for a fancy-dress party and embroiled his family into a scandal that they certainly could've done without,especially with the 60th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz taking place soon.
Someone needs to remind this 20- year-old royal that Nazism and events like the Holocaust are no laughing matter!
Funniest Moment of the Week: Tabloid Photographs:You had to chuckle at the pictures in the tabloids showing Harry decked out in his attire commemorating the Nazi scum.
He looked quite drunk in the photographs.One thing is for sure-when he awoke the next day he certainly would've had a sore head!
Dunce of the Week:Prince Harry:Well,he has to get this award as well,doesn't he?!Actually,dressing up as a dunce might be a safer option next time Harry!
Celebrity of the Week:Charlie Simpson:The singer from Boyband Busted decided to quit the band to devote his energies to his new rock group,Fightstar.
Well done Charlie!Busted are finished!I never knew why they were so popular anyway!
Quote of the Week: "I am very sorry if I caused any offence or embarrassment to anyone.It was a poor choice of costume and I apologise"- Prince Harry.Not good enough Harry!Give everyone a public apology!
Sinn Fein Start Campaigning
Well,it's that time again!As elections are around the corner,it seems Sinn Fein have already begun to set their stall out.I read on Slugger O'Toole that Gerry Adams has hit out at southern parties and called for a Green Paper on Irish unity which is top of the party's ten-point plan for Irish unity.The plan can be viewed here and includes the following points:
- A Green Paper for Irish Unity in the Dail
- Attendance in the Dail for the 18 Westminster MPs
- Northern representation in the Seanad
- Votes for citizens in the six counties in Presidential elections
- Building the work of the All-Ireland Ministerial Council
- An All-Ireland Consultative Forum
- An All-Ireland Charter of Rights
- Integrated services and infrastructure along the border
- Increased action,co-operation and harmonisation in Health,Education and other key departments
- Extension of the Irish passport scheme across the six counties
I must admit that I do not object to any of these proposals and indeed if you read my post on what an Irish government should do to pave the way for Irish unity,you will see that many of my proposals are the same as Sinn Fein's proposals.Incidentally my post on what I would advocate can be viewed here.What I propose though,which Sinn Fein do not,is for:
- An ambassador to be established for southern unionists
- The right for Irish people to be able to class themselves as Irish and British if they should want to
- For the Republic to take a more active role in Rememberance celebrations honouring those Irish people who fought in wars for Britian and for celebrations to take place on an all-Ireland basis
- For sport,particularly football,to be on an All-Ireland level
- An All-Ireland police force
- Regular meetings with the monarchy
- Ireland to rejoin the Commonwealth
While Sinn Fein have some good ideas they only cater towards the nationalist community but one shouldn't be too surprised at this since Sinn Fein are blinded by their own ideology and are strangled by their own history.While Sinn Fein have some good ideas,ultimately they have no desire to reach out to those of a unionist tradition which is what is needed if unity is to occur.Sinn Fein's proposals amount to nothing more than making northern nationalists feel more Irish.That's all well and good-but it doesn't remove the border...
Move on Without Sinn Fein-McGrady
Nationalists in the North were at each other's throats today after the SDLP's Eddie McGrady suggested devolved government could be restored without Sinn Fein involvement.
"The democratic process must not be held to account by the decisions of the IRA Army Council,"said McGrady.
However Sinn Fein's Catriona Ruane,who is contesting Mr McGrady's seat in the next Westminster election,accused Mr McGrady of being prepared to abandon the politics of inclusivity esposed by former SDLP leader John Hume.
"Many nationalists will be horrified that Mr McGrady is prepared to contemplate the politics of discrimination and exclusion,"said Ms Ruane.
But Mr McGrady hit back:"I totally subscribe to the principle of inclusivity but we have a situation whereby people do not want to conform to requirements of democracy."
"If people want to stay out of something because they don't want to accept the rules of the game then that's their decision,"added McGrady.
McGrady went on to say that if Sinn Fein broke off from the IRA it would change the political landscape.
"They don't seem prepared to do that.They talk about their political mandate but people didn't mandate them to encourage or protect the criminal activities carried out by the IRA,"he said.
Well I for one applaud Mr McGrady.Contrary to the rubbish spewed out by Catriona Ruane,the only group Mr McGrady is suggesting should be excluded is the Provisional IRA.
I just wish the leader of the SDLP could be as hard-hitting and straight-talking as Mr McGrady.
Maybe McGrady is someone the SDLP should think about as a future leader?
I also hope that nationalists in the North do not choose to vote for Ms Ruane over Mr McGrady as Ruane,unlike McGrady,hasn't got a clue about what is best for nationalism!
"The democratic process must not be held to account by the decisions of the IRA Army Council,"said McGrady.
However Sinn Fein's Catriona Ruane,who is contesting Mr McGrady's seat in the next Westminster election,accused Mr McGrady of being prepared to abandon the politics of inclusivity esposed by former SDLP leader John Hume.
"Many nationalists will be horrified that Mr McGrady is prepared to contemplate the politics of discrimination and exclusion,"said Ms Ruane.
But Mr McGrady hit back:"I totally subscribe to the principle of inclusivity but we have a situation whereby people do not want to conform to requirements of democracy."
"If people want to stay out of something because they don't want to accept the rules of the game then that's their decision,"added McGrady.
McGrady went on to say that if Sinn Fein broke off from the IRA it would change the political landscape.
"They don't seem prepared to do that.They talk about their political mandate but people didn't mandate them to encourage or protect the criminal activities carried out by the IRA,"he said.
Well I for one applaud Mr McGrady.Contrary to the rubbish spewed out by Catriona Ruane,the only group Mr McGrady is suggesting should be excluded is the Provisional IRA.
I just wish the leader of the SDLP could be as hard-hitting and straight-talking as Mr McGrady.
Maybe McGrady is someone the SDLP should think about as a future leader?
I also hope that nationalists in the North do not choose to vote for Ms Ruane over Mr McGrady as Ruane,unlike McGrady,hasn't got a clue about what is best for nationalism!
Friday, January 14, 2005
Hero/Villain of the Day-14.01.05
Hero: Patrick Collinson:This fourth-year pupil from Limerick tonight won the ESAT BT Young Scientist of the Year.He was presented with his award by President Mary McAleese.
He received a cheque for €3,000,a Waterford Crystal trophy and the chance to represent Ireland at the EU Contest for Young Scientists in Moscow in September.(Why is an EU contest being held in Moscow?)
Patrick's winning project was a new programming language,CROMA,which is an enhancement of LISP,originally developed fifty years ago.
Well done to the young man.I myself was never great at science in school so I'm very impressed with his efforts!
Villain: Charles Graner:The US reservist,who was alleged to be the ringleader of the prison guards who abused Iraqi prisoners at Abu Gharib,was convicted tonight of abusing Iraqi detainees.
The jury at Ford Hood,Texas took less than five hours to reach its verdict and Graner is now facing up to 17 and a half years behind bars.
The events at Abu Gharib shocked the world and it is good to see that American justice has prevailed in the end.Hopefully this will send a message to the world,and particularly Iraqis,that the real America was not the one represented in those sickening photographs at Abu Gharib prison.
He received a cheque for €3,000,a Waterford Crystal trophy and the chance to represent Ireland at the EU Contest for Young Scientists in Moscow in September.(Why is an EU contest being held in Moscow?)
Patrick's winning project was a new programming language,CROMA,which is an enhancement of LISP,originally developed fifty years ago.
Well done to the young man.I myself was never great at science in school so I'm very impressed with his efforts!
Villain: Charles Graner:The US reservist,who was alleged to be the ringleader of the prison guards who abused Iraqi prisoners at Abu Gharib,was convicted tonight of abusing Iraqi detainees.
The jury at Ford Hood,Texas took less than five hours to reach its verdict and Graner is now facing up to 17 and a half years behind bars.
The events at Abu Gharib shocked the world and it is good to see that American justice has prevailed in the end.Hopefully this will send a message to the world,and particularly Iraqis,that the real America was not the one represented in those sickening photographs at Abu Gharib prison.
Friday Fun-News in Brief
This week it was revealed that Britney Spear's mental powers were so powerful that she managed to leave an American street healer's fingers frozen stiff after he massaged her head.
Spears is said to be fascinated with phrenology and so went to visit Allan Wicombe,an expert in the field,to have her cerebral energy assessed.
"Her mental powers were extaordinary.My fingers froze and were paralysed for hours after she left.That rarely happens," said Wicombe.
Um,are you sure it wasn't just pins and needles?!
This week Nicole Kidman revealed she often wishes she were a lesbian,because she's convinced life would be more simple if she found women attractive.
I know how she feels.I wish she was a lesbian too!
Spears is said to be fascinated with phrenology and so went to visit Allan Wicombe,an expert in the field,to have her cerebral energy assessed.
"Her mental powers were extaordinary.My fingers froze and were paralysed for hours after she left.That rarely happens," said Wicombe.
Um,are you sure it wasn't just pins and needles?!
This week Nicole Kidman revealed she often wishes she were a lesbian,because she's convinced life would be more simple if she found women attractive.
I know how she feels.I wish she was a lesbian too!
Fun Irelander Feature-Heavens Above!
I had an amusing encounter earlier this week with two Christians.I was sat down eating some crisps when I was approached by the pair asking me to help them with their survey.
Since I'm such a nice guy I agreed and they proceeded to ask me their questions which I have to say left me pretty much speechless and feeling quite embarrassed.
Below is a rough description of the conversation:
Christian:OK,first question-Do you believe in God?
Me:(Pause)Well,yes I would believe in God.
Christian:What do you think the meaning of life is?
Me:(Long Pause)Uh...happiness?Is that there?(The Christian tells me that it wasn't an option there but that it should be.I'm not actually sure if that is my opinion on the meaning of life but it's the first thing that came into my head)
Christian:OK,What do you think will happen when you die?
Me:(Longer Pause)Uh...
Christian:I mean,do you believe there's a heaven?
Me:Well,I'm a Christian and believe in an afterlife so...
Christian:(Nods head)OK,alright,next question-What is your interpretation of the Bible?Do you believe it word for word?
Me:(munching crisps)Well,personally I don't believe it word for word.I think that stories such as God creating the universe in 7 days were just designed to help give the people of the time a sense of the world they were living in.Science has proven these stories aren't true.
Christian:(Not looking too impressed with my answer)Well,there is actually alot of evidence which shows blah blah blah.(I didn't really listen to him here as he went on for a bit and proceeded to advise me to attend some creationist speech somewhere.)
Well I'm not going to get into that debate with you.Next question-do you believe Jesus existed?
Me:Well,I think it has been proven that he did exist...
Christian:Do you believe he was the son of God?
Me:(Very long pause)Um,well...I think...yes,I would believe he was the son of God.
Chrisitan:Do you believe you are a sinner?
Me:Well,I think we're all sinners in a way.
Christian:Yes,absolutely.(He then proceeded to go on talking and again I didn't really listen to him but for a minute I thought I heard him say he thought I was going to hell,which wouldn't have been very Christian,but perhaps I misheard what he said!)
Me:(A little aggrieved at what may have been said)Can I just ask what is your opinion on the tsunami disaster?
Christian:(A pause from him this time)Uh..well I believe God is all powerful and I believe he can do great things and bad things so...I would believe he caused it.It's tragic and all that but...that's just the way it is.
Me:Hmm(I wasn't too impressed with this answer although to be fair I'm not sure how I would answer that myself)
Christian:(He tells me there are more questions but he will just ask me one more as he doesn't want to keep me)Last question-If you could ask God one question,what would it be?
Me:What's it all about?What's the meaning of life?
Christian:Ok if you've no more questions then thanks for your help.(They head on their way and I got the impression they weren't blown away by my responses)
I have to admit this short 5 minute conversation played on my mind for the rest of the day.The questions they asked were questions I regularly ask myself but the difference is while I may ask myself these questions I don't necessarily require answers!These guys did!
I learned that I am not as sure about things as I had previously thought.
I imagine this is the case for many people.
Overall,I enjoyed the unexpected conversation and it caused me to think which is always good!
I wonder if you ask yourself some of the questions that they asked of me whether you would have confident answers?Try thinking about them.
After all,you never know when you might be approached to take part in a Christian survey!
Since I'm such a nice guy I agreed and they proceeded to ask me their questions which I have to say left me pretty much speechless and feeling quite embarrassed.
Below is a rough description of the conversation:
Christian:OK,first question-Do you believe in God?
Me:(Pause)Well,yes I would believe in God.
Christian:What do you think the meaning of life is?
Me:(Long Pause)Uh...happiness?Is that there?(The Christian tells me that it wasn't an option there but that it should be.I'm not actually sure if that is my opinion on the meaning of life but it's the first thing that came into my head)
Christian:OK,What do you think will happen when you die?
Me:(Longer Pause)Uh...
Christian:I mean,do you believe there's a heaven?
Me:Well,I'm a Christian and believe in an afterlife so...
Christian:(Nods head)OK,alright,next question-What is your interpretation of the Bible?Do you believe it word for word?
Me:(munching crisps)Well,personally I don't believe it word for word.I think that stories such as God creating the universe in 7 days were just designed to help give the people of the time a sense of the world they were living in.Science has proven these stories aren't true.
Christian:(Not looking too impressed with my answer)Well,there is actually alot of evidence which shows blah blah blah.(I didn't really listen to him here as he went on for a bit and proceeded to advise me to attend some creationist speech somewhere.)
Well I'm not going to get into that debate with you.Next question-do you believe Jesus existed?
Me:Well,I think it has been proven that he did exist...
Christian:Do you believe he was the son of God?
Me:(Very long pause)Um,well...I think...yes,I would believe he was the son of God.
Chrisitan:Do you believe you are a sinner?
Me:Well,I think we're all sinners in a way.
Christian:Yes,absolutely.(He then proceeded to go on talking and again I didn't really listen to him but for a minute I thought I heard him say he thought I was going to hell,which wouldn't have been very Christian,but perhaps I misheard what he said!)
Me:(A little aggrieved at what may have been said)Can I just ask what is your opinion on the tsunami disaster?
Christian:(A pause from him this time)Uh..well I believe God is all powerful and I believe he can do great things and bad things so...I would believe he caused it.It's tragic and all that but...that's just the way it is.
Me:Hmm(I wasn't too impressed with this answer although to be fair I'm not sure how I would answer that myself)
Christian:(He tells me there are more questions but he will just ask me one more as he doesn't want to keep me)Last question-If you could ask God one question,what would it be?
Me:What's it all about?What's the meaning of life?
Christian:Ok if you've no more questions then thanks for your help.(They head on their way and I got the impression they weren't blown away by my responses)
I have to admit this short 5 minute conversation played on my mind for the rest of the day.The questions they asked were questions I regularly ask myself but the difference is while I may ask myself these questions I don't necessarily require answers!These guys did!
I learned that I am not as sure about things as I had previously thought.
I imagine this is the case for many people.
Overall,I enjoyed the unexpected conversation and it caused me to think which is always good!
I wonder if you ask yourself some of the questions that they asked of me whether you would have confident answers?Try thinking about them.
After all,you never know when you might be approached to take part in a Christian survey!
Friday Fun's Fascinating Fact
The fingerprints of koala bears are virtually indistinguishable from those of humans,so much so that they could be confused at a crime scene.
Commenting on the news,Gerry Adams said this meant the IRA were not guilty of the Belfast bank robbery and instead blamed the robbery on 'Koala securocrats'.(Note-may not be true.)
Commenting on the news,Gerry Adams said this meant the IRA were not guilty of the Belfast bank robbery and instead blamed the robbery on 'Koala securocrats'.(Note-may not be true.)
Thursday, January 13, 2005
Hero/Villain of the Day-13.01.05
Hero: President McAleese:Today the President urged the international community to continue to support the thousands of people devastated by the Asian tsunami for many years to come.
The President also commended the public's generosity,saying she was "proud" to live in a country which has given unprecedented levels of practical and financial aid.
Hear,hear!I share her pride.I'm also proud of the fact that unlike our nearest neighbours,we have a head of state that gets on with her job without incident.
Villain: Prince Harry:Who else?The tabloids are all over him after his latest gaffe.
It has been an international disaster for the Royal family.
He has embarrassed Blair and embarrassed his family and caused hurt and anger to the Jewish community.
Not his first brush with controversy and unlikely to be his last I'm sure.
The President also commended the public's generosity,saying she was "proud" to live in a country which has given unprecedented levels of practical and financial aid.
Hear,hear!I share her pride.I'm also proud of the fact that unlike our nearest neighbours,we have a head of state that gets on with her job without incident.
Villain: Prince Harry:Who else?The tabloids are all over him after his latest gaffe.
It has been an international disaster for the Royal family.
He has embarrassed Blair and embarrassed his family and caused hurt and anger to the Jewish community.
Not his first brush with controversy and unlikely to be his last I'm sure.
Thursday Thoughts:Future Ponderings
I like to contemplate about the future.Not just the near future but the far distant future.
I like to contemplate what life will be like 100 years from now.How will Ireland have changed by then?Will we be a unified island?Will we be part of a unified Europe?
Will Ireland have won a World Cup by then?Will Irish people have been to space by then?(See previous post!)
Or,will the world still be around by 2105?!
Permit me to comment on what I hope Ireland will be like by 2105.
Let me set you a scene.It is a bright sunny morning in Belfast and in a classroom some young schoolchildren are about to learn some Irish history.
The teacher begins to speak to the kids about how their country became a united state.
They are told about significant moments in the 21st century leading up to Irish reunification such as the emergence of Fianna Fail and the SDLP on a 32-county basis which cost Sinn Fein votes and cost the party to lose ground.
They are told about how the Provisional IRA chose to disband and how efforts by the Irish Government in the twenties and thirties to make Ireland north and south as indivisible as possible had a big effect.
They learn about a great man who successsfully argued for and achieved the unification of Ireland prompting huge celebrations worldwide and are told that this great man would likely be regarded by their parents as the greatest Irishman who ever lived.
And they're told he was a unionist.End of lesson for the day.
It is my belief that when Irish unity does occur that the people who manage to argue for it effectively and who succeed in attaining it will be regarded as great figures who history will honour.
It stands to reason to me that a key figure in such a situation would have to be a unionist.Someone who sees beyond petty anti-Irish attitudes and who is willing to acknowledge Britishness but also Irishness and to work in a 32-county state to achieve such a polity.
It is my belief that a great place in Irish history awaits a unionist.
I question whether this great unionist,this great Irishman exists at this point in time but I believe one day Ireland will have this figure and he will be pivotal in bringing to this island the greatest day in its history.
The day when the border is brought down,the day when division and alienation are replaced with unity and co-operation.
A day that schoolchildren can be proud of.
I like to contemplate what life will be like 100 years from now.How will Ireland have changed by then?Will we be a unified island?Will we be part of a unified Europe?
Will Ireland have won a World Cup by then?Will Irish people have been to space by then?(See previous post!)
Or,will the world still be around by 2105?!
Permit me to comment on what I hope Ireland will be like by 2105.
Let me set you a scene.It is a bright sunny morning in Belfast and in a classroom some young schoolchildren are about to learn some Irish history.
The teacher begins to speak to the kids about how their country became a united state.
They are told about significant moments in the 21st century leading up to Irish reunification such as the emergence of Fianna Fail and the SDLP on a 32-county basis which cost Sinn Fein votes and cost the party to lose ground.
They are told about how the Provisional IRA chose to disband and how efforts by the Irish Government in the twenties and thirties to make Ireland north and south as indivisible as possible had a big effect.
They learn about a great man who successsfully argued for and achieved the unification of Ireland prompting huge celebrations worldwide and are told that this great man would likely be regarded by their parents as the greatest Irishman who ever lived.
And they're told he was a unionist.End of lesson for the day.
It is my belief that when Irish unity does occur that the people who manage to argue for it effectively and who succeed in attaining it will be regarded as great figures who history will honour.
It stands to reason to me that a key figure in such a situation would have to be a unionist.Someone who sees beyond petty anti-Irish attitudes and who is willing to acknowledge Britishness but also Irishness and to work in a 32-county state to achieve such a polity.
It is my belief that a great place in Irish history awaits a unionist.
I question whether this great unionist,this great Irishman exists at this point in time but I believe one day Ireland will have this figure and he will be pivotal in bringing to this island the greatest day in its history.
The day when the border is brought down,the day when division and alienation are replaced with unity and co-operation.
A day that schoolchildren can be proud of.
Little Green Men in Space!
I see today that President McAleese welcomed NASA astronauts Scott Kelly and Brian Duffy on their information mission to Dublin,as national job training body FAS worked to tighten links with the US space programme.
The astronauts were at the Opportunities Fair in Croke Park talking to adults and schoolchildren about their five Space Shuttle Missions.
FAS has been building a science and space programme in collaboration with NASA and the Kennedy Space Centre since 2003.
"The intention is to have an Irish astronaut in space,"said John Cahill,manager of the science and engineering project at FAS.
"That is what the Irish Government want."
Yes but John the Irish Government also wanted a brand new football stadium and managed to mess that up.We can't build a football stadium but we're going to put people into orbit?I don't think so!
"Brian Duffy and Scott Kelly bring an Irish American influence into it.If first generation Irish Americans can do it then why can't Irish people?"Mr Cahill asked.
There's alot of things we Irish can't do,John!The key influence on Mr Duffy and Mr Kelly can be seen in that word 'American'!
The Irish to play a part in space?I can't see it happening.
That being said,there's plenty of politicians I'd like to see being sent into space though judging by the words and actions of alot of them I think their minds may already be there!
The astronauts were at the Opportunities Fair in Croke Park talking to adults and schoolchildren about their five Space Shuttle Missions.
FAS has been building a science and space programme in collaboration with NASA and the Kennedy Space Centre since 2003.
"The intention is to have an Irish astronaut in space,"said John Cahill,manager of the science and engineering project at FAS.
"That is what the Irish Government want."
Yes but John the Irish Government also wanted a brand new football stadium and managed to mess that up.We can't build a football stadium but we're going to put people into orbit?I don't think so!
"Brian Duffy and Scott Kelly bring an Irish American influence into it.If first generation Irish Americans can do it then why can't Irish people?"Mr Cahill asked.
There's alot of things we Irish can't do,John!The key influence on Mr Duffy and Mr Kelly can be seen in that word 'American'!
The Irish to play a part in space?I can't see it happening.
That being said,there's plenty of politicians I'd like to see being sent into space though judging by the words and actions of alot of them I think their minds may already be there!
Adams Upset with Dublin
Sinn Fein President Gerry Adams has hit out at the Taoiseach and his decision to blame the Provisional IRA for last month's £26.5m bank robbery in Belfast.
The Taoiseach had stated he had information which suggested involvement by the Provos.
Mr.Adams said today he had asked Mr.Ahern not to rush into pointing the finger at any group,but his request was ignored.
Mr.Adams said the decision to blame the IRA had left the peace process in a mess and his party's relationship with the Irish Government had now been compromised.
If I were you Gerry I'd be more worried about your relationship with nationalists throughout the island after your latest disgrace.
Of course Adams didn't want Ahern pointing the finger at anyone!He knew that the whole island would then realise his appearance on the Late Late Show with Pat Kenny and his comments about the progress that was being made would've been revealed to be rubbish.
Typical Sinn Fein nonsense.They're never to blame but everyone else is!
I'd like to see Adams do something he frequently demands of the British-to show some accountability!
The Taoiseach had stated he had information which suggested involvement by the Provos.
Mr.Adams said today he had asked Mr.Ahern not to rush into pointing the finger at any group,but his request was ignored.
Mr.Adams said the decision to blame the IRA had left the peace process in a mess and his party's relationship with the Irish Government had now been compromised.
If I were you Gerry I'd be more worried about your relationship with nationalists throughout the island after your latest disgrace.
Of course Adams didn't want Ahern pointing the finger at anyone!He knew that the whole island would then realise his appearance on the Late Late Show with Pat Kenny and his comments about the progress that was being made would've been revealed to be rubbish.
Typical Sinn Fein nonsense.They're never to blame but everyone else is!
I'd like to see Adams do something he frequently demands of the British-to show some accountability!
United Irelander Condemns the Simon Wiesenthal Centre
This post was originally going to centre on my opposition to comments made by Sinn Fein councillor Christy Burke today and his anger at the removal of the head and right arm of the statue to IRA Chief of Staff Sean Russell.I happen to support those who carried out the act as I believe the statue should never have been introduced in the first place and unlike Mr.Burke I happen to believe Sean Russell was pro-Nazi(enough to be willing to endanger the Jewish people in Ireland)and I happen to believe the statue should be replaced with one honouring those Irish soldiers who fought in the British Army and who are not properly acknowledged in my view.
However I am instead going to express my utter disgust and outrage by comments from the Simon Wiesenthel Centre in Paris.
They want the statue to remain unrestored as a symbol of Ireland's "shame" for its neutral status in World War 2 as thousands of Jews were put to death.
I am appalled at these comments.I have studied history and I firmly back the decision to keep Ireland neutral which I believe was the sensible option and an option that ensured the survival of Irish citizens and Irish cities.
Furthermore from my studies,it is clear that as the old saying goes,Ireland was 'neutral on the side of the British'.
Allied pilots wrecked in Ireland were released through the North however German troops were interned.
Weather reports that the Irish were privy to were passed onto the Allies.
Plans were drawn up by the Irish and British to repel an invasion by the Germans.
And of course,we cannot forget the estimated 60,000 Irish people from the south who fought for the British Army and the fact that twice that amount worked in munitions factories.
These are just some examples of the role Ireland played in WW2 and for a nation of its limited size and influence,and considering the tense relations with the British at the time,I am immensely proud of what Ireland did and the role de Valera had in keeping Ireland neutral and in contributing as best he could.
I find that the Simon Wiesenthel Centre,which is supposed to show the rest of the world how wrong racism is,has engaged in racism itself.How dare they berate us!
The Irish government did not need to help at all but it did.
I would love an apology from the Simon Wiesenthel Centre but I doubt I'll get one but rest assured I shall be emailing them to let them know my anger and frustration at their ignorant remarks.
I have lost respect for this organisation.Shame on them!
However I am instead going to express my utter disgust and outrage by comments from the Simon Wiesenthel Centre in Paris.
They want the statue to remain unrestored as a symbol of Ireland's "shame" for its neutral status in World War 2 as thousands of Jews were put to death.
I am appalled at these comments.I have studied history and I firmly back the decision to keep Ireland neutral which I believe was the sensible option and an option that ensured the survival of Irish citizens and Irish cities.
Furthermore from my studies,it is clear that as the old saying goes,Ireland was 'neutral on the side of the British'.
Allied pilots wrecked in Ireland were released through the North however German troops were interned.
Weather reports that the Irish were privy to were passed onto the Allies.
Plans were drawn up by the Irish and British to repel an invasion by the Germans.
And of course,we cannot forget the estimated 60,000 Irish people from the south who fought for the British Army and the fact that twice that amount worked in munitions factories.
These are just some examples of the role Ireland played in WW2 and for a nation of its limited size and influence,and considering the tense relations with the British at the time,I am immensely proud of what Ireland did and the role de Valera had in keeping Ireland neutral and in contributing as best he could.
I find that the Simon Wiesenthel Centre,which is supposed to show the rest of the world how wrong racism is,has engaged in racism itself.How dare they berate us!
The Irish government did not need to help at all but it did.
I would love an apology from the Simon Wiesenthel Centre but I doubt I'll get one but rest assured I shall be emailing them to let them know my anger and frustration at their ignorant remarks.
I have lost respect for this organisation.Shame on them!
Unionist Loyalty Misplaced
The latest scandal to hit the Royal family-Harry honouring the Nazis-has given republicans in Britain a boost and dealt a blow to the monarchy's standing in Britain and worldwide.What I'd like to know is why unionists are pledging their loyalty to the Royal spongers who use taxpayer's money to dress up as evil figures from history and who go clubbing and start fights with photographers.Seriously why do unionists support people like that?
Putting people on a pedestal in this day and age is pathetic to say the least.People should earn their fortune in life not get it handed to them.Why?Because it instills in people a little thing called respect which is something that the Royals seem to be severely lacking in of late!
Unionists embarrass themselves by adorning their walls with graffiti of the queen and by pledging their allegiance to the merry band of moochers known as the Windsors.
It is time unionists and Brits on the British mainland realised this is the 21st century and that monarchies are not right in this day and age.
Go campaign for a President instead.At least then you have the option of voting them out if they step out of line!
Putting people on a pedestal in this day and age is pathetic to say the least.People should earn their fortune in life not get it handed to them.Why?Because it instills in people a little thing called respect which is something that the Royals seem to be severely lacking in of late!
Unionists embarrass themselves by adorning their walls with graffiti of the queen and by pledging their allegiance to the merry band of moochers known as the Windsors.
It is time unionists and Brits on the British mainland realised this is the 21st century and that monarchies are not right in this day and age.
Go campaign for a President instead.At least then you have the option of voting them out if they step out of line!
Keep Harry Out of Army-MP
I hear that Britain's Prince Harry has been urged by an MP to withdraw his application for Army training after being photographed wearing a Nazi costume at a fancy dress party.
Former armed forces minister Doug Henderson said:"I don't think this young man is suitable for Sandhurst."
Well said Mr.Henderson.It is sad that Harry has chosen to gloss over arguably the most important point in the history of mankind by failing to acknowledge just how evil the Nazis were.
It is unacceptable to dress up like those scumbags.
Former armed forces minister Doug Henderson said:"I don't think this young man is suitable for Sandhurst."
Well said Mr.Henderson.It is sad that Harry has chosen to gloss over arguably the most important point in the history of mankind by failing to acknowledge just how evil the Nazis were.
It is unacceptable to dress up like those scumbags.
Wednesday, January 12, 2005
Heil Harry?
There is outrage after Britain's Prince Harry was photographed attending a fancy dress party wearing a red Nazi swastika.
Prince William was with Harry(who is 20)at a party in which the theme was-wait for it-Colonials and Natives.
Harry has apprently apologised but Prince Charles is said to be appalled.
Clarence House said Harry had apologised to Charles for his "inappropriate" choice of costume.
What a disgusting thing to do.I wonder how the monarchists will defend him this time?
"He's just a young man" etc.That's rubbish!He's twenty years of age and should know better.
What kind of individual puts on Nazi attire?A man of his age would know full well about Nazism and considering his position he should certainly know better.
Let's not forget this is the 60th anniversary of the end of the Holocaust and alot of attention is focused on that,particularly Auschwitz.Some of you may have seen BBC documentary about it recently.How will the Royals show their faces at services acknowledging the events of 60 years ago knowing that Harry thinks it amusing to dress up in outfits worn by Nazis?
The Jewish community in Britain are said to be shocked and outraged and who can blame them?
All you Brits bear in mind that these are the kind of people your taxes are funding!
Harry the hellraiser has gone too far!
Prince William was with Harry(who is 20)at a party in which the theme was-wait for it-Colonials and Natives.
Harry has apprently apologised but Prince Charles is said to be appalled.
Clarence House said Harry had apologised to Charles for his "inappropriate" choice of costume.
What a disgusting thing to do.I wonder how the monarchists will defend him this time?
"He's just a young man" etc.That's rubbish!He's twenty years of age and should know better.
What kind of individual puts on Nazi attire?A man of his age would know full well about Nazism and considering his position he should certainly know better.
Let's not forget this is the 60th anniversary of the end of the Holocaust and alot of attention is focused on that,particularly Auschwitz.Some of you may have seen BBC documentary about it recently.How will the Royals show their faces at services acknowledging the events of 60 years ago knowing that Harry thinks it amusing to dress up in outfits worn by Nazis?
The Jewish community in Britain are said to be shocked and outraged and who can blame them?
All you Brits bear in mind that these are the kind of people your taxes are funding!
Harry the hellraiser has gone too far!
Hero/Villain of the Day-12.01.05
Hero: Rose Muldowney:This housewife from Tallaght has won the Nicorette Quit award for 2004.
She smoked at least 20 cigarettes a day for over 40 years,but quit in February of last year.
Even though she lives with two smokers,and even though her husband suffered a brain haemorrhage during the year,she has managed to resist cigarettes.
She has won a holiday for two to Portugal.
Well done to her.She showed great willpower and deserves her holiday.
Villains: The European Parliament:Today,the European Parliament gave its endorsement to the EU's constitution and called on EU governments to have the proposals ratified.
The struggle for sovereignty is only just beginning.It is time to tell Europe where to go.
This is a battle the Irish people must win.
She smoked at least 20 cigarettes a day for over 40 years,but quit in February of last year.
Even though she lives with two smokers,and even though her husband suffered a brain haemorrhage during the year,she has managed to resist cigarettes.
She has won a holiday for two to Portugal.
Well done to her.She showed great willpower and deserves her holiday.
Villains: The European Parliament:Today,the European Parliament gave its endorsement to the EU's constitution and called on EU governments to have the proposals ratified.
The struggle for sovereignty is only just beginning.It is time to tell Europe where to go.
This is a battle the Irish people must win.
Wednesday Whoops
Last week I decided to solve my problem of finding a suitable feature for Wednesdays by introducing 'Wednesday Watch' in which I said I would go around Dublin posing questions with last week's one being, 'Do Irish people care whether Ireland is reunited or not?'
Well,I'll be honest with you all-I didn't do it.
I wish I had given the idea more thought as by the next day I had gone off the idea big time.
I asked myself what the point was in talking on this blog about discussions I've had with people,when instead I should be in discussion with the people on this blog.
Furthermore,the only time I am likely to strike up a conversation with a stranger is if that stranger happens to be an attractive woman and,in that case,Irish unity will not be something on my mind!
Apologies if people are disappointed but I should've given the idea more thought.It's not something I'd be comfortable doing week in and week out if I'm honest.
So,my search to find a feature for Wednesdays continues.Hopefully I will figure out something I like.
Well,I'll be honest with you all-I didn't do it.
I wish I had given the idea more thought as by the next day I had gone off the idea big time.
I asked myself what the point was in talking on this blog about discussions I've had with people,when instead I should be in discussion with the people on this blog.
Furthermore,the only time I am likely to strike up a conversation with a stranger is if that stranger happens to be an attractive woman and,in that case,Irish unity will not be something on my mind!
Apologies if people are disappointed but I should've given the idea more thought.It's not something I'd be comfortable doing week in and week out if I'm honest.
So,my search to find a feature for Wednesdays continues.Hopefully I will figure out something I like.
EU Starts its Bullying
So it begins.The European Parliament today gave its overwhelming endorsement to the EU's fist ever constitution today.Meeting in Strasbourg,the parliament voted 500 to 137,with 40 abstentions to ratify the new treaty which is to take effect in 2007 if unanimously ratified across the 25-nation bloc.
Lithuania and Hungary have already approved it.No surprise there.Two countries that are well used to being bossed around by bigger dogs in the yard!
The parliament had some things to say which I feel deserve analysis:
The Parliament called on EU governments to ensure "all possible efforts be deployed to inform European citizens clearly and objectively about the content of the constituion."
Translation:Make sure we pump millions into every election campaign to ensure the people swallow our propaganda and sign away their nation's sovereignty!
"The result of the vote leaves no room for doubt of the support this European Parliament has expressed" said Parliament President Josep Borrell.
Funny how you are so utterly convinced of 'support' when you receive a favourable vote,yet when you are flatly rejected,as was the case with the Irish people and Nice,you demand another election.You fascists!
Apparently MEPs gave the results a boisterous standing ovation.Of course they did.Those pigs are delighted thinking they can now feast from the trough of every state's sovereignty!
In an admirable move,UKIP members heckled Borrell's remarks and held up placards protesting the constitution with one saying "this constitution is the death of Europe."
All UKIP members voted against.Well done to them.Let's analyse Jean-Claude Juncker's comments:
Luxembourg Prime Minister Jean-Claude Juncker,whose country holds the EU presidency,told the EU assembly that "the ratification will not be easy everywhere."
"Of course the constitution is not perfect,but let's judge this by the yardstick of what Europe needs,"Juncker added.
No Juncker,let's judge this by how it affects the states involved such as Ireland!Juncker has admitted the constitution is not perfect yet we should just sign up for it now anyway?No!Make it as perfect as possible so that it is acceptable to other nations.This won't happen because it would dash the hopes of the big nations like France and Germany who want to steamroller over smaller nations!
I wouldn't trust someone from Luxembourg on European matters.Luxembourg historically were part of the 'Inner six' in Europe and will have no problem cosying up to Chirac and friends.
Ireland has much to lose if this constitution is backed by the people.Too much.
Apparently,it is not clear what will happen if any country rejects the constitution.The new treaty contains no provision for rejection,beyond calling an emergency summit.
Why are there no provisions?Because defeat is not an option for them!
This is not about democracy!This is all a sham just like the Nice Treaty was.
If the EU get an unfavourable response they'll push ahead anyway.
We,the people,must fight this.It is wrong!
The EU think they can feed from the trough of Ireland's sovereignty?I say the Irish people must give them a big fat "No!"
I say let the damn pigs choke on their trough!
Lithuania and Hungary have already approved it.No surprise there.Two countries that are well used to being bossed around by bigger dogs in the yard!
The parliament had some things to say which I feel deserve analysis:
The Parliament called on EU governments to ensure "all possible efforts be deployed to inform European citizens clearly and objectively about the content of the constituion."
Translation:Make sure we pump millions into every election campaign to ensure the people swallow our propaganda and sign away their nation's sovereignty!
"The result of the vote leaves no room for doubt of the support this European Parliament has expressed" said Parliament President Josep Borrell.
Funny how you are so utterly convinced of 'support' when you receive a favourable vote,yet when you are flatly rejected,as was the case with the Irish people and Nice,you demand another election.You fascists!
Apparently MEPs gave the results a boisterous standing ovation.Of course they did.Those pigs are delighted thinking they can now feast from the trough of every state's sovereignty!
In an admirable move,UKIP members heckled Borrell's remarks and held up placards protesting the constitution with one saying "this constitution is the death of Europe."
All UKIP members voted against.Well done to them.Let's analyse Jean-Claude Juncker's comments:
Luxembourg Prime Minister Jean-Claude Juncker,whose country holds the EU presidency,told the EU assembly that "the ratification will not be easy everywhere."
"Of course the constitution is not perfect,but let's judge this by the yardstick of what Europe needs,"Juncker added.
No Juncker,let's judge this by how it affects the states involved such as Ireland!Juncker has admitted the constitution is not perfect yet we should just sign up for it now anyway?No!Make it as perfect as possible so that it is acceptable to other nations.This won't happen because it would dash the hopes of the big nations like France and Germany who want to steamroller over smaller nations!
I wouldn't trust someone from Luxembourg on European matters.Luxembourg historically were part of the 'Inner six' in Europe and will have no problem cosying up to Chirac and friends.
Ireland has much to lose if this constitution is backed by the people.Too much.
Apparently,it is not clear what will happen if any country rejects the constitution.The new treaty contains no provision for rejection,beyond calling an emergency summit.
Why are there no provisions?Because defeat is not an option for them!
This is not about democracy!This is all a sham just like the Nice Treaty was.
If the EU get an unfavourable response they'll push ahead anyway.
We,the people,must fight this.It is wrong!
The EU think they can feed from the trough of Ireland's sovereignty?I say the Irish people must give them a big fat "No!"
I say let the damn pigs choke on their trough!
Health Crisis Worsens
Yesterday I posted about the health crisis in the country and how according to the figures,349 people were awaiting treatment on trolleys nationwide.
Well things are getting worse.
Figures for this afternoon show 422 patients on trolleys awaiting treatment.
There are more than 60 people on trolleys in Tallaght Hospital,40 in Beaumont,with Letterkenny,Naas and Galway the others worst affected.
It is clear that this Government has let down the people in relation to medical care.
There were pats on the back all round when the smoking ban was introduced,yet now we are unable to provide proper beds for our country's citizens who need care?That is just unacceptable.
Well things are getting worse.
Figures for this afternoon show 422 patients on trolleys awaiting treatment.
There are more than 60 people on trolleys in Tallaght Hospital,40 in Beaumont,with Letterkenny,Naas and Galway the others worst affected.
It is clear that this Government has let down the people in relation to medical care.
There were pats on the back all round when the smoking ban was introduced,yet now we are unable to provide proper beds for our country's citizens who need care?That is just unacceptable.
DUP/UUP Merger?
An excellent piece in The Blanket by Dr John Coulter who maintains that if the UUP suffer another electoral hammering in May from the Paisleyites,they should merge with the DUP to form a single movement called 'The Unionist Party'.
Coulter argues that the formation of this single, clearly Right-of-centre political movement should be quite capable of swallowing up working class loyalist votes currently held by the PUP and the UPRG.
Coulter speculates on suggestions that a group of UUP plotters are deliberately ensuring the party chooses low-profile candidates for the forthcoming Westminster election with the DUP for the handful of remaining UUP seats.
According to Coulter,the plotters will be urging the party to put all its electoral efforts into East Belfast to help Reg Empey defeat Peter Robinson.
They believe that a post-Paisley DUP led by Nigel Dodds could naturaly merge with an Empey-led UUP rump of a few dozen councillors dotted across the North and only two MPs.
I find these suggestions quite troubling as such a party would no doubt be a force to be reckoned with.Nationalism benefits when unionists are at each other's throat!
Overall the article is very interesting and I urge you to read it.
Coulter argues that the formation of this single, clearly Right-of-centre political movement should be quite capable of swallowing up working class loyalist votes currently held by the PUP and the UPRG.
Coulter speculates on suggestions that a group of UUP plotters are deliberately ensuring the party chooses low-profile candidates for the forthcoming Westminster election with the DUP for the handful of remaining UUP seats.
According to Coulter,the plotters will be urging the party to put all its electoral efforts into East Belfast to help Reg Empey defeat Peter Robinson.
They believe that a post-Paisley DUP led by Nigel Dodds could naturaly merge with an Empey-led UUP rump of a few dozen councillors dotted across the North and only two MPs.
I find these suggestions quite troubling as such a party would no doubt be a force to be reckoned with.Nationalism benefits when unionists are at each other's throat!
Overall the article is very interesting and I urge you to read it.
RSF Claim Sinn Fein Mantle
There's an interesting article in The Blanket by Des Dalton who argues that while Fianna Fail,Fine Gael,The Worker's Party and the Provisionals may attempt to claim the right of celebrating the centenary,only Republican Sinn Fein are the sole inheritors of the SF mantle.
Part of his argument is that in the last 100 years,"numerous groups have broken with Sinn Fein and subsequently were absorbed into the partitionist system north and south."
Are Republican Sinn Fein not aware that the founder of Sinn Fein,Arthur Griffith,was one such individual who signed up to the partitionist system which RSF oppose?
Perhaps then 2017 might be a better time for RSF to celebrate its centenary?
I think it would be far better for all these parties to use the centenary to honour Arthur Griffith since the Sinn Fein he founded was quite different to the one which followed the post-1916 Sinn.
Part of his argument is that in the last 100 years,"numerous groups have broken with Sinn Fein and subsequently were absorbed into the partitionist system north and south."
Are Republican Sinn Fein not aware that the founder of Sinn Fein,Arthur Griffith,was one such individual who signed up to the partitionist system which RSF oppose?
Perhaps then 2017 might be a better time for RSF to celebrate its centenary?
I think it would be far better for all these parties to use the centenary to honour Arthur Griffith since the Sinn Fein he founded was quite different to the one which followed the post-1916 Sinn.
Tuesday, January 11, 2005
Hero/Villain of the Day-11.01.05
Hero: Nick Waters:I was touched when I heard about this 14 year-old boy,who cannot talk and who has no arms,and was asked by his church what he wanted for Chrismas,to which he replied by typing with his feet:Lots of Christmas cards.Ten thousand of them.
More than two weeks after Christmas,he has over 130,000 cards which line the halls of his home in Canton,Georgia.
The teenager has Holt-Oram syndrome,a rare,inherited disorder that causes heart abnormalities and birth defects of the hands and arms.This Christmas was his first Christmas out of hospital in several years.
He has received cards from all across America as well as Ethiopia,Israel,Hong Kong,the Netherlands,Ireland,Australia and Canada.
In a world that seems to become more and more corrupt and degrading by the day,how refreshing to see this teenager who has suffered so much,discover what's truly important in life.
Christmas isn't meant to be commercial,it's meant to embody stories like this one.
We could all learn a thing or two from this boy's example.
I think we'll all agree that this young man is certainly a hero.
Villain: Viktor Yanukovych:As expected,Mr.Yanukovych is refusing to admit defeat in the Ukrainian presidential election to his rival Viktor Yushchenko.
He is planning further court appeals.
I find this to be very disappointing.Mr.Yanukovych's thirst for power is so great that it is overriding his duty to his country.Sad.
More than two weeks after Christmas,he has over 130,000 cards which line the halls of his home in Canton,Georgia.
The teenager has Holt-Oram syndrome,a rare,inherited disorder that causes heart abnormalities and birth defects of the hands and arms.This Christmas was his first Christmas out of hospital in several years.
He has received cards from all across America as well as Ethiopia,Israel,Hong Kong,the Netherlands,Ireland,Australia and Canada.
In a world that seems to become more and more corrupt and degrading by the day,how refreshing to see this teenager who has suffered so much,discover what's truly important in life.
Christmas isn't meant to be commercial,it's meant to embody stories like this one.
We could all learn a thing or two from this boy's example.
I think we'll all agree that this young man is certainly a hero.
Villain: Viktor Yanukovych:As expected,Mr.Yanukovych is refusing to admit defeat in the Ukrainian presidential election to his rival Viktor Yushchenko.
He is planning further court appeals.
I find this to be very disappointing.Mr.Yanukovych's thirst for power is so great that it is overriding his duty to his country.Sad.
Bring it on Brussels!
Apparently the European Parliament held a meeting today to debate the proposed European constitution.
Members of the European Parliament are expected to endorse the constitution in a vote tomorrow.
A public information campaign will then get underway ahead of planned referenda in nine different EU member states.
The Irish people will be faced with a referendum over this constitution.
As I stated here I oppose the European constitution and feel it will be disastrous for Ireland.
It is a threat to Irish sovereignty and must be stopped.
Get ready my compatriots because we are faced with a proposal that we must say 'No!' to.
The fate of our country depends on it.
Members of the European Parliament are expected to endorse the constitution in a vote tomorrow.
A public information campaign will then get underway ahead of planned referenda in nine different EU member states.
The Irish people will be faced with a referendum over this constitution.
As I stated here I oppose the European constitution and feel it will be disastrous for Ireland.
It is a threat to Irish sovereignty and must be stopped.
Get ready my compatriots because we are faced with a proposal that we must say 'No!' to.
The fate of our country depends on it.
Top Ten Tuesday-Irish Counties
Cork is in the spotlight right now as the European Capital of Culture.For this edition of Top Ten Tuesday I give you my views on the top ten Irish counties!While there may be some disagreement on my choices,there can be no doubt which county is number 1.
So without further ado:
1.Dublin
2.Waterford
3.Kerry
4.Cork
5.Galway
6.Meath
7.Westmeath
8.Cavan
9.Mayo
10.Kilkenny
Feel free to offer your own opinions but I'd be amazed if you disagree with my choice for number 1!
So without further ado:
1.Dublin
2.Waterford
3.Kerry
4.Cork
5.Galway
6.Meath
7.Westmeath
8.Cavan
9.Mayo
10.Kilkenny
Feel free to offer your own opinions but I'd be amazed if you disagree with my choice for number 1!
Health Crisis in the Country
It was revealed today that according to the latest figures,349 people are waiting for treatment on trolleys at hospitals across the country.
The Irish Nurses Organisation has said the problem has reached highest ever levels and said that a new directive,which means hospitals only give the number of patients on trolleys at 2pm each day,is an attempt to minimise the extent of the problem,and to avoid acknowledging the distress of patients during the night and in the morning.
How disgraceful!Only yesterday I made a post about research which put Ireland as the fourth happiest place in the world to live.Well there are 349 people in Ireland right now that would dispute the findings of that research.
For a wealthy nation like Ireland to have human beings being left on trolleys when they require medical attention is appalling.
It is time the Government focused its attention on this health fiasco and stopped trying to hide the problem from the public!
The Irish Nurses Organisation has said the problem has reached highest ever levels and said that a new directive,which means hospitals only give the number of patients on trolleys at 2pm each day,is an attempt to minimise the extent of the problem,and to avoid acknowledging the distress of patients during the night and in the morning.
How disgraceful!Only yesterday I made a post about research which put Ireland as the fourth happiest place in the world to live.Well there are 349 people in Ireland right now that would dispute the findings of that research.
For a wealthy nation like Ireland to have human beings being left on trolleys when they require medical attention is appalling.
It is time the Government focused its attention on this health fiasco and stopped trying to hide the problem from the public!
Some Punishment!
I see that British PM Tony Blair is due to meet DUP leader Ian Paisley and Sinn Fein chairman Mitchel McLaughlin today to discuss the fall-out from last month's Belfast bank robbery.
Mr.Paisley has already called for Sinn Fein to be excluded from talks in the North after Chief Constable Hugh Orde pointed the finger at the Provisional IRA regarding the bank robbery.
There is speculation that Sinn Fein's Westminster allowances may be cut as punishment for the raid.
Has Blair gone mad?As I said last week,the two governments should marginalise Sinn Fein as opposed to welcoming them back into the fold with open arms!
And as for this nonsense about Sinn Fein's Westminster allowances being cut,they'll clearly be able to afford it,won't they?!
Mr.Paisley has already called for Sinn Fein to be excluded from talks in the North after Chief Constable Hugh Orde pointed the finger at the Provisional IRA regarding the bank robbery.
There is speculation that Sinn Fein's Westminster allowances may be cut as punishment for the raid.
Has Blair gone mad?As I said last week,the two governments should marginalise Sinn Fein as opposed to welcoming them back into the fold with open arms!
And as for this nonsense about Sinn Fein's Westminster allowances being cut,they'll clearly be able to afford it,won't they?!
Monday, January 10, 2005
Time to Rejoin
I would like to discuss something that I have advocated in the past-Ireland rejoining the Commonwealth.
It is my opinion that the decision to leave the Commonwealth was a huge mistake by Irish nationalism.What good did it do?It may have confirmed Ireland as a republic but we were a republic in all but name.The harm it did far outweighed the good.It tore apart the last remaining link between the north and south of Ireland and prompted the British to introduce the Ireland Act which made the quest for Irish unity even more difficult.
Today,Ireland are the only country to have left the Commonwealth and not rejoined.When Nelson Mandela came to power in South Africa the first thing he did was to apply to rejoin the Commonwealth.I know that some Irish TDs such as Eamon O'Cuiv have advocated for Ireland to rejoin the Commonwealth and I know Bertie Ahern expresssed an interest in discussing the idea a few years ago but nothing has been done since.
I think rejoining the Commonwealth would be great for three main reasons.
The first reason being that it would greatly improve Anglo-Irish relations which in turn would improve north-south relations in the island of Ireland.
The second reason being that it could open up avenues in the area of sport.Another thing I want to see is the unification of Ireland in sporting terms and if there was an all-Ireland Commonwealth team that had a bit of success it would bring the island closer and improve relations.This in turn could help the chances of a united Irish football team.
The third reason I think it would be a good idea is because I think it would greatly help the Republic in making itself the model for a united Ireland since if Ireland were to rejoin the Commonwealth,it could make a provision allowing for any citizen in the Republic to consider themselves British which sends out a message to unionism that unionist's rights would be respected in a united Ireland.
Overall,Ireland rejoining the Commonwealth is something that nationalists need to start considering as it could greatly help the cause of Irish reunification.
It is my opinion that the decision to leave the Commonwealth was a huge mistake by Irish nationalism.What good did it do?It may have confirmed Ireland as a republic but we were a republic in all but name.The harm it did far outweighed the good.It tore apart the last remaining link between the north and south of Ireland and prompted the British to introduce the Ireland Act which made the quest for Irish unity even more difficult.
Today,Ireland are the only country to have left the Commonwealth and not rejoined.When Nelson Mandela came to power in South Africa the first thing he did was to apply to rejoin the Commonwealth.I know that some Irish TDs such as Eamon O'Cuiv have advocated for Ireland to rejoin the Commonwealth and I know Bertie Ahern expresssed an interest in discussing the idea a few years ago but nothing has been done since.
I think rejoining the Commonwealth would be great for three main reasons.
The first reason being that it would greatly improve Anglo-Irish relations which in turn would improve north-south relations in the island of Ireland.
The second reason being that it could open up avenues in the area of sport.Another thing I want to see is the unification of Ireland in sporting terms and if there was an all-Ireland Commonwealth team that had a bit of success it would bring the island closer and improve relations.This in turn could help the chances of a united Irish football team.
The third reason I think it would be a good idea is because I think it would greatly help the Republic in making itself the model for a united Ireland since if Ireland were to rejoin the Commonwealth,it could make a provision allowing for any citizen in the Republic to consider themselves British which sends out a message to unionism that unionist's rights would be respected in a united Ireland.
Overall,Ireland rejoining the Commonwealth is something that nationalists need to start considering as it could greatly help the cause of Irish reunification.
Hero/Villain of the Day-10.01.05
Hero: Viktor Yushchenko:Ukraine's Central Election Commission tonight declared Mr.Yushchenko the winner of the presidential election over rival Viktor Yanukovych.
Hopefully Mr.Yanukovych will now respect the decision but it looks likely he will instead be filing more legal actions.He should have the good grace to know he is beaten.
Villain: Martin McGuinness:He expressed his views on the Taoiseach's comments saying he was left feeling "angry and perplexed" before yet again bringing up his party's mandate.
McGuinness would do well to realise that the majority of nationalists in the island are "angry and perplexed" about the continuation of IRA criminality.
Hopefully Mr.Yanukovych will now respect the decision but it looks likely he will instead be filing more legal actions.He should have the good grace to know he is beaten.
Villain: Martin McGuinness:He expressed his views on the Taoiseach's comments saying he was left feeling "angry and perplexed" before yet again bringing up his party's mandate.
McGuinness would do well to realise that the majority of nationalists in the island are "angry and perplexed" about the continuation of IRA criminality.
Monday Madness-'Northern Irishness'
I hate 'Northern Irishness'.I hate it because it is a lie.There's nothing that irritates me more than to hear unionists describing themselves as 'Northern Irish'.It is time these people realised that Northern Irishness is a sham that only anti-Irish people believe in!
Some people in Ireland's North like to consider themselves British.Fine.
Some people in Ireland's North like to consider themselves Irish.Great!
Some people in Ireland's North like to consider themselves Northern Irish.Idiots!
Northern Irishness is a lie because it has nothing to base itself on.I've asked unionists to describe to me the hallmarks of 'Northern Irish' culture.They cannot do so.
What are the colours of 'Northern Irishness'?Green?Orange?Red,white and blue?
What is the relationship between 'Northern Irishness' and Irishness and 'Northern Irishness' and Britishness?
It is when one asks unionists these things that unionists are left struggling because they know the answers they give will be vastly different to the answers a nationalist will give thus destroying the myth of 'Northern Irishness' as a legitimate nationality.
Ask a unionist what nation they feel they belong to and I'm sure they'll say a British one.
Ask a nationalist the same question and they'll say an Irish one.So what is 'Northern Irishness'?
It is nothing but a farcical,pitiful excuse of a nationality that unionists must cling to so they can inform tourists of their origins.God forbid they just say that they are Irish!
I have always been angered by this term and I feel it should be scrapped as it makes a mockery of Irish politics.
I am a Dubliner but I don't subscribe to any 'eastern Irishness' and why would I?
I am not so terribly insecure like some unionists are that I feel the need to sugarcoat my roots!
I am an Irishman!It is time unionists who use the silly term 'Northern Irishness' realised they are subscribing to a nation that doesn't exist!
Stop using the term!You are only embarrassing yourselves!
Some people in Ireland's North like to consider themselves British.Fine.
Some people in Ireland's North like to consider themselves Irish.Great!
Some people in Ireland's North like to consider themselves Northern Irish.Idiots!
Northern Irishness is a lie because it has nothing to base itself on.I've asked unionists to describe to me the hallmarks of 'Northern Irish' culture.They cannot do so.
What are the colours of 'Northern Irishness'?Green?Orange?Red,white and blue?
What is the relationship between 'Northern Irishness' and Irishness and 'Northern Irishness' and Britishness?
It is when one asks unionists these things that unionists are left struggling because they know the answers they give will be vastly different to the answers a nationalist will give thus destroying the myth of 'Northern Irishness' as a legitimate nationality.
Ask a unionist what nation they feel they belong to and I'm sure they'll say a British one.
Ask a nationalist the same question and they'll say an Irish one.So what is 'Northern Irishness'?
It is nothing but a farcical,pitiful excuse of a nationality that unionists must cling to so they can inform tourists of their origins.God forbid they just say that they are Irish!
I have always been angered by this term and I feel it should be scrapped as it makes a mockery of Irish politics.
I am a Dubliner but I don't subscribe to any 'eastern Irishness' and why would I?
I am not so terribly insecure like some unionists are that I feel the need to sugarcoat my roots!
I am an Irishman!It is time unionists who use the silly term 'Northern Irishness' realised they are subscribing to a nation that doesn't exist!
Stop using the term!You are only embarrassing yourselves!
Erin's Smile
Truly astonishing research results have found that Ireland is the fourth happiest place in the world to live!
Professor Ruut Veenhoven of the Erasmus University in Rotterdam drew up a World Database of Happiness and reports this morning said Ireland was tied in fourth place with Iceland.
Denmark,Malta and Switzerland,who were all tied for first place,were the only countries ranked as being happier places than Ireland.
This morning's reports said the findings were based on surveys conducted in 112 countries between 1946 and 2004,but the reports did not reveal what factors were used to determine happiness levels.
Someone must have made a mistake!I find it hard to believe that Ireland is the fourth happiest place in the world to live.As a Dub,I've seen what life is like and if you were on a bus and were to open up a conversation with someone next to you they'd probably think you were trying to mug them!Dublin doesn't appear very happy to me.Perhaps they missed out us Dubs?
I bet the real answer lies in the fact that it was not revealed what factors were used to determine happiness levels.I'm sure these results are based on alcohol!That's the only explanation I can come up with!
Professor Ruut Veenhoven of the Erasmus University in Rotterdam drew up a World Database of Happiness and reports this morning said Ireland was tied in fourth place with Iceland.
Denmark,Malta and Switzerland,who were all tied for first place,were the only countries ranked as being happier places than Ireland.
This morning's reports said the findings were based on surveys conducted in 112 countries between 1946 and 2004,but the reports did not reveal what factors were used to determine happiness levels.
Someone must have made a mistake!I find it hard to believe that Ireland is the fourth happiest place in the world to live.As a Dub,I've seen what life is like and if you were on a bus and were to open up a conversation with someone next to you they'd probably think you were trying to mug them!Dublin doesn't appear very happy to me.Perhaps they missed out us Dubs?
I bet the real answer lies in the fact that it was not revealed what factors were used to determine happiness levels.I'm sure these results are based on alcohol!That's the only explanation I can come up with!
'Perplexed' McGuinness Speaks Out
Martin McGuinness today said the comments by the Taoiseach have left him feeling "angry and perplexed".
Poor Martin went on to deny involvement by the IRA in the bank raid.
"I remind people that we in Sinn Fein represent on this island around 340,000 voters and we are not,under any circumstances,going to allow that mandate to be set aside by anyone,"said McGuinness.
Hmm,is that a threat?Let me tell you something Martin,the IRA have not got a mandate and never cared about that fact.
If politicians have knowledge about criminal activity then mandate or not,that is unacceptable.
The fact that nationalists are continuing to vote for Sinn Fein,a party with no hope of ever bringing Irish unity,leaves me feeling "angry and perplexed"!
Poor Martin went on to deny involvement by the IRA in the bank raid.
"I remind people that we in Sinn Fein represent on this island around 340,000 voters and we are not,under any circumstances,going to allow that mandate to be set aside by anyone,"said McGuinness.
Hmm,is that a threat?Let me tell you something Martin,the IRA have not got a mandate and never cared about that fact.
If politicians have knowledge about criminal activity then mandate or not,that is unacceptable.
The fact that nationalists are continuing to vote for Sinn Fein,a party with no hope of ever bringing Irish unity,leaves me feeling "angry and perplexed"!
Sunday, January 09, 2005
Hero/Villain of the Day-09.01.05
Hero: Bertie Ahern:No,I haven't lost my mind!Just to show that I have nothing personal against the man I'm making him today's Hero of the Day due to his admirable stance against Sinn Fein.
That doesn't mean I'm pleased he's standing for another term!
Villain: Caoimhghin O'Caolain:It seems even Sinn Fein's TDs are getting in on the act!
Today,the Cavan/Monaghan TD declared it was a "disgrace" that the Government and the media have accepted the word of the PSNI chief constable about IRA involvement in the Belfast bank robbery.
O'Caolain also added that Hugh Orde had not produced a "scintilla of evidence to back up his allegations",and that we should not accept without question the word of a British appointee in Ireland.He went on to say that it is clear the DUP is unwilling to share power with republicans.
Cop on O'Caolain!The only "disgrace" is that you and your party expect us to swallow the tripe you're coming out with!
That doesn't mean I'm pleased he's standing for another term!
Villain: Caoimhghin O'Caolain:It seems even Sinn Fein's TDs are getting in on the act!
Today,the Cavan/Monaghan TD declared it was a "disgrace" that the Government and the media have accepted the word of the PSNI chief constable about IRA involvement in the Belfast bank robbery.
O'Caolain also added that Hugh Orde had not produced a "scintilla of evidence to back up his allegations",and that we should not accept without question the word of a British appointee in Ireland.He went on to say that it is clear the DUP is unwilling to share power with republicans.
Cop on O'Caolain!The only "disgrace" is that you and your party expect us to swallow the tripe you're coming out with!
'Toxic' Britney to Become Forensic Scientist
It's been reported that Britney Spears is ready to quit her pop career-to become a forensic scientist.
According to the Daily Mirror,Spears has developed a passion for solving crimes after watching hit detective TV series CSI:Crime Scene Investigation.
Apparently she is now keen to pursue a university degree.
One can't place too much reliability on the Daily Mirror,but this is ridiculous!
Britney Spears a forensic scientist?Well at least we wouldn't have to put up with her acting...
According to the Daily Mirror,Spears has developed a passion for solving crimes after watching hit detective TV series CSI:Crime Scene Investigation.
Apparently she is now keen to pursue a university degree.
One can't place too much reliability on the Daily Mirror,but this is ridiculous!
Britney Spears a forensic scientist?Well at least we wouldn't have to put up with her acting...
Sunday Scrutiny-Gerry Adams
For this week's edition of Sunday Scrutiny I would like to take a look at the Sinn Fein head honcho himself-Gerry Adams.
It is my opinion that Gerry Adams is determined to put himself in the history books and be remembered alongside men like Michael Collins and Eamon de Valera.
Adams in my view is so blinded by the Irish rhetoric and regalia that his party revels in,that his eyes remain closed to the necessary steps that need to be taken in order to make Irish unity a reality.
To be fair,I see some parallels between Adams and former SF leader,Eamon de Valera.
Adams,like Dev,realised that the policies that were advocated by Sinn Fein were not working with the people and so Adams decided to embrace the constitutional process even if it meant causing a split within the party.
Adams though,like Dev,has one major failing-like numerous leaders of nationalism he fails to understand or indeed respect the integrity of the unionist position.
Admas and SF in their dealings with the two governments and unionism treat the Provisional IRA as the proverbial 'carrot on a stick'.
Hint at decommissioning,hint at a declaration of an ending to the war,hint at disbandment yet all the while planning to do little or none of these things.
Sinn Fein have grown considerably since the absence of violence yet refuse to take the logical step of severing with the IRA completely.Why?Well on the one hand they have no need to,as they hold a very strong mandate but also,in my opinion,it is to give the IRA its special place in Irish history.
Mark my words in the view of Adams and his colleagues,IRA disbandment will only occur when Irish unity is on the verge of being a reality.Unionists and Sinn Fein will continue to negotiate for IRA disbandment but it won't happen until SF know they have unionism on the verge of defeat.
Sinn Fein are not under threat right now so have no need to make such an important moment in Irish history like IRA disbandment.
Adams wants his place in the sun.He wants his efforts and the efforts of his colleagues to go down in history.There's just one big problem that he and nationalists everywhere need to realise-these tactics are doomed to fail!
As long as the IRA are in existence,Irish unity remains a pipe dream as the united Ireland Adams will offer will never appeal to the unionist tradition.
Nationalists are faced with a fork in the road.Do they go down the route of moderate nationalism which involves negotiation on issues of common ground with unionism?Do they try to make Ireland as unified as possible before unity occurs?
Or,do they go down the Sinn Fein route that Adams advocates which involves highlighting the differences between green and orange and making sure that the IRA and its activities are not halted?
It is the choice of nationalism but it is my opinion that the latter choice leads nationalism face to face with a border that will become increasingly difficult to dislodge.
It is my opinion that Gerry Adams is determined to put himself in the history books and be remembered alongside men like Michael Collins and Eamon de Valera.
Adams in my view is so blinded by the Irish rhetoric and regalia that his party revels in,that his eyes remain closed to the necessary steps that need to be taken in order to make Irish unity a reality.
To be fair,I see some parallels between Adams and former SF leader,Eamon de Valera.
Adams,like Dev,realised that the policies that were advocated by Sinn Fein were not working with the people and so Adams decided to embrace the constitutional process even if it meant causing a split within the party.
Adams though,like Dev,has one major failing-like numerous leaders of nationalism he fails to understand or indeed respect the integrity of the unionist position.
Admas and SF in their dealings with the two governments and unionism treat the Provisional IRA as the proverbial 'carrot on a stick'.
Hint at decommissioning,hint at a declaration of an ending to the war,hint at disbandment yet all the while planning to do little or none of these things.
Sinn Fein have grown considerably since the absence of violence yet refuse to take the logical step of severing with the IRA completely.Why?Well on the one hand they have no need to,as they hold a very strong mandate but also,in my opinion,it is to give the IRA its special place in Irish history.
Mark my words in the view of Adams and his colleagues,IRA disbandment will only occur when Irish unity is on the verge of being a reality.Unionists and Sinn Fein will continue to negotiate for IRA disbandment but it won't happen until SF know they have unionism on the verge of defeat.
Sinn Fein are not under threat right now so have no need to make such an important moment in Irish history like IRA disbandment.
Adams wants his place in the sun.He wants his efforts and the efforts of his colleagues to go down in history.There's just one big problem that he and nationalists everywhere need to realise-these tactics are doomed to fail!
As long as the IRA are in existence,Irish unity remains a pipe dream as the united Ireland Adams will offer will never appeal to the unionist tradition.
Nationalists are faced with a fork in the road.Do they go down the route of moderate nationalism which involves negotiation on issues of common ground with unionism?Do they try to make Ireland as unified as possible before unity occurs?
Or,do they go down the Sinn Fein route that Adams advocates which involves highlighting the differences between green and orange and making sure that the IRA and its activities are not halted?
It is the choice of nationalism but it is my opinion that the latter choice leads nationalism face to face with a border that will become increasingly difficult to dislodge.
Mitchel Responds to Taoiseach
I had to laugh at Mitchel McLaughlin's pathetic response to the Taoiseach.Let's analyse his comments:
Apparently,the Taoiseach's comments were "a direct attack on the integrity of Gerry Adams and Martin McGinness."
Uh,what integrity is that,Mitchel?Where is the integrity of McGuinness asking us to believe the words of balaclava-wearing terrorists over the words of the Chief Constable?
Where was Adam's integrity when he appeared on the Late Late show with Pat Kenny defending the plans to have Garda McCabe's killers released,while at the same time apparently knowing full well about the IRA's plans to rob the Northern Bank?
"Many nationalists and republicans will be deeply disappointed that the Taoiseach has chosen to believe the British and to jump onto the DUP bandwagon of blame."
This is one nationalist who is delighted with the Taoiseach's response and I'm not exactly one of his biggest fans!
Typical Sinn Fein guff.When all else fails resort to blaming the British.
Don't be surprised to hear Adams and co. bring up 1916 about how the Rising was wrongly blamed on Sinn Fein.Difference is,that had political advantages.This doesn't!
Apparently,the Taoiseach's comments were "a direct attack on the integrity of Gerry Adams and Martin McGinness."
Uh,what integrity is that,Mitchel?Where is the integrity of McGuinness asking us to believe the words of balaclava-wearing terrorists over the words of the Chief Constable?
Where was Adam's integrity when he appeared on the Late Late show with Pat Kenny defending the plans to have Garda McCabe's killers released,while at the same time apparently knowing full well about the IRA's plans to rob the Northern Bank?
"Many nationalists and republicans will be deeply disappointed that the Taoiseach has chosen to believe the British and to jump onto the DUP bandwagon of blame."
This is one nationalist who is delighted with the Taoiseach's response and I'm not exactly one of his biggest fans!
Typical Sinn Fein guff.When all else fails resort to blaming the British.
Don't be surprised to hear Adams and co. bring up 1916 about how the Rising was wrongly blamed on Sinn Fein.Difference is,that had political advantages.This doesn't!
Ahern to Stand for Third Term-No!
Taoiseach Bertie Ahern today confirmed he will contest one more general election before stepping down.
He plans on leading Fianna Fail into a third poll in the summer of 2007 before stepping down in 2011 when he reaches the age of 60.
"Whatever happens in the next election-and my aim will be to make sure that Fianna Fail are back in government-that will run the period from 2007 to 2012 and 2012 puts it on the other side of Bertie Ahern's political life," he said.
Ahern added: "I will do everything I can to make sure Fianna Fail are in government in 2007.
"I will stay that term but I won't be around for the fourth term."
Surely the Irish people aren't stupid enough to elect this morally challenged lot again?
It's time for a change,for goodness sake!
If that isn't bad enough,Ahern let his feelings be known on working with the Progressive Democrats: "If Fianna Fail and the Progressive Democrats continue to work together,I'll be very happy."
I won't.I'll be very unhappy!Someone else!Someone else!
He plans on leading Fianna Fail into a third poll in the summer of 2007 before stepping down in 2011 when he reaches the age of 60.
"Whatever happens in the next election-and my aim will be to make sure that Fianna Fail are back in government-that will run the period from 2007 to 2012 and 2012 puts it on the other side of Bertie Ahern's political life," he said.
Ahern added: "I will do everything I can to make sure Fianna Fail are in government in 2007.
"I will stay that term but I won't be around for the fourth term."
Surely the Irish people aren't stupid enough to elect this morally challenged lot again?
It's time for a change,for goodness sake!
If that isn't bad enough,Ahern let his feelings be known on working with the Progressive Democrats: "If Fianna Fail and the Progressive Democrats continue to work together,I'll be very happy."
I won't.I'll be very unhappy!Someone else!Someone else!
Ahern 'Upset' With Sinn Fein
Taoiseach Bertie Ahern today claimed that Sinn Fein leaders knew the IRA were planning Britain's biggest ever bank robbery while they were negotiating a peace deal with the British and Irish governments.
Ahern added that he had consulted with British counterpart Tony Blair and had no reason to doubt Chief Constable Hugh Orde's assessment that the IRA were involved in the robbery.
"This was a Provisional IRA job,this was a job that would have been known to the political leadership,that is my understanding," he said.
"I am upset,quite frankly,that in the period when we were in intensive talks trying to get a comprehensive agreement that my information is now that people in very senior positions would have known what was going on," Ahern added.
I welcome the Taoiseach's comments.If the Irish Prime Minister is angry with the Sinn Fein leadership does that mean he too is in league with the "British securocrats"?
Ahern added that he had consulted with British counterpart Tony Blair and had no reason to doubt Chief Constable Hugh Orde's assessment that the IRA were involved in the robbery.
"This was a Provisional IRA job,this was a job that would have been known to the political leadership,that is my understanding," he said.
"I am upset,quite frankly,that in the period when we were in intensive talks trying to get a comprehensive agreement that my information is now that people in very senior positions would have known what was going on," Ahern added.
I welcome the Taoiseach's comments.If the Irish Prime Minister is angry with the Sinn Fein leadership does that mean he too is in league with the "British securocrats"?
Saturday, January 08, 2005
Hero/Villain of the Day-08.01.05
Hero: Sanjeev Kumar:I was touched by the story today of the tributes paid to a police officer who helped save hundreds of people on his remote island of Katchall in India during the tsunami disaster,then was tragically swept away while trying to help one last person,an old woman who asked him to retrieve her handbag.
The heroic officer at one point grabbed four children,two in each hand,and carried them up the hillside.Later,he led one last old woman to safety.
"Sanjeev was one of our best officers,young and brave,"said A.K. Singh,the superintendant of police.
May he rest in peace.
Villain: Mitchel McLaughlin:His comments today are an insult to nationalists everywhere.
"Sinn Fein's priority is to advance the peace process and to defend the rights of those who vote for us,"he said today.
What garbage!Criminality must not be overlooked,Mitchel!
The heroic officer at one point grabbed four children,two in each hand,and carried them up the hillside.Later,he led one last old woman to safety.
"Sanjeev was one of our best officers,young and brave,"said A.K. Singh,the superintendant of police.
May he rest in peace.
Villain: Mitchel McLaughlin:His comments today are an insult to nationalists everywhere.
"Sinn Fein's priority is to advance the peace process and to defend the rights of those who vote for us,"he said today.
What garbage!Criminality must not be overlooked,Mitchel!
Saturday Survey
Hero of the Week: Nelson Mandela:I felt he showed tremendous courage by declaring that he hoped his son's tragic death at the hands of Aids would help end the stigma that comes with the disease.
A class act by a class man.My thoughts and prayers go to Mr.Mandela and his family at this time.
Villains of the Week: Sinn Fein:I can't pick one individual out of this lot so I'm naming the whole lot of them as the villains of the week!
We've heard comments from Mitchel McLaughlin,Martin McGuinness and Gerry Adams this week on the decision by Hugh Orde to name the IRA responsible for the bank raid,and I have to say the comments by Sinn Fein have been deeply insulting to the intelligence of all people on this island.
Furthermore I am getting sick and tired of hearing this word "securocrats"!
Funniest Moment of the Week: Gerry Kelly's 'condemnation':I had to laugh as I watched the Irish media this week,prior to Orde's statement on Friday,talk about how Gerry Kelly had 'condemned' those responsible for the raid.
Having heard the interview on the radio,Kelly at first said he had "no view" on the matter and only after pressure from the reporters did he say that those responsible were "wrong".
Kelly even acknowledged he was only giving his view because RTE Northern correspondent,Tommy Gorman,had coaxed one out of him.Some condemnation!
Dunce of the Week: Mark Durkan:Who else?This was his chance.His golden chance and he blew it!When your political rivals are reeling you have to hit them with a hammer blow.Mark didn't.
Mark has not got the ruthlessness that a leader needs.Another opportunity wasted.
Celebrity of the Week: Michael Schumacher:The seven-time F1 champion this week pledged to donate $10m to the victims of Asia's tsunami and earthquake disaster.
A great gesture without a doubt.
Quote of the Week: "In my opinion it is the Provisional IRA which is responsible for this crime"-Hugh Orde.A statement that could spell the end of devolution for the foreseeable future.
A class act by a class man.My thoughts and prayers go to Mr.Mandela and his family at this time.
Villains of the Week: Sinn Fein:I can't pick one individual out of this lot so I'm naming the whole lot of them as the villains of the week!
We've heard comments from Mitchel McLaughlin,Martin McGuinness and Gerry Adams this week on the decision by Hugh Orde to name the IRA responsible for the bank raid,and I have to say the comments by Sinn Fein have been deeply insulting to the intelligence of all people on this island.
Furthermore I am getting sick and tired of hearing this word "securocrats"!
Funniest Moment of the Week: Gerry Kelly's 'condemnation':I had to laugh as I watched the Irish media this week,prior to Orde's statement on Friday,talk about how Gerry Kelly had 'condemned' those responsible for the raid.
Having heard the interview on the radio,Kelly at first said he had "no view" on the matter and only after pressure from the reporters did he say that those responsible were "wrong".
Kelly even acknowledged he was only giving his view because RTE Northern correspondent,Tommy Gorman,had coaxed one out of him.Some condemnation!
Dunce of the Week: Mark Durkan:Who else?This was his chance.His golden chance and he blew it!When your political rivals are reeling you have to hit them with a hammer blow.Mark didn't.
Mark has not got the ruthlessness that a leader needs.Another opportunity wasted.
Celebrity of the Week: Michael Schumacher:The seven-time F1 champion this week pledged to donate $10m to the victims of Asia's tsunami and earthquake disaster.
A great gesture without a doubt.
Quote of the Week: "In my opinion it is the Provisional IRA which is responsible for this crime"-Hugh Orde.A statement that could spell the end of devolution for the foreseeable future.
DUP's Position is Pathetic
Hearing the DUP call for the peace process to continue without Sinn Fein certainly is stomach-churning.
The party that for so long tried to stall the peace process and to hinder political development are now urging for parties to move on without Sinn Fein.Please!
While I have no gripe with efforts to marginalise Sinn Feign,I do find it sad that the great bigot himself Ian Paisley is the spokesman for unionism at this point in time.
Paisley is another man obsessed with his place in history and in my eyes is no better than Adams and co.
How sad that Ireland's north is dominated by political figures such as these...
The party that for so long tried to stall the peace process and to hinder political development are now urging for parties to move on without Sinn Fein.Please!
While I have no gripe with efforts to marginalise Sinn Feign,I do find it sad that the great bigot himself Ian Paisley is the spokesman for unionism at this point in time.
Paisley is another man obsessed with his place in history and in my eyes is no better than Adams and co.
How sad that Ireland's north is dominated by political figures such as these...
It Ain't Over 'Til You Marry a Horse
I see the BBC is bracing itself for a backlash as the controversial musical Jerry Springer-The Opera goes out uncut at 10pm on BBC2 tonight.
The Opera based on the hit US show has sparked a record 7,361 complaints to TV watchdogs and protesters have burned symbolic TV licenses over the issue.
Is it just me or is there a really simple solution to this issue?Have these people not heard of a remote control?
I really don't see the problem.It's on at 10pm which is an hour after the watershed so why are people getting their knickers in a twist?
There's more than one TV channel.If you don't like what your seeing,watch something else!
I applaud the BBC for not giving into the pressure.Censorship must always be opposed.
I'm sure the BBC are delighted in one way though as there has been enormous publicity given to the show.
I'll certainly tune in tonight!
The Opera based on the hit US show has sparked a record 7,361 complaints to TV watchdogs and protesters have burned symbolic TV licenses over the issue.
Is it just me or is there a really simple solution to this issue?Have these people not heard of a remote control?
I really don't see the problem.It's on at 10pm which is an hour after the watershed so why are people getting their knickers in a twist?
There's more than one TV channel.If you don't like what your seeing,watch something else!
I applaud the BBC for not giving into the pressure.Censorship must always be opposed.
I'm sure the BBC are delighted in one way though as there has been enormous publicity given to the show.
I'll certainly tune in tonight!
Durkan Between a Rock and a Hard Place
In an interesting part of this crisis in the peace process,the DUP have turned their attention on Mark Durkan and the SDLP to see how they react to the situation.
Today,DUP leader Rev Ian Paisley stated that: "It is now up to both Tony Blair and Mark Durkan to take up our challenge and allow the people of Northern Ireland to have good government free from the taint of terror and criminality."
DUP Deputy leader Peter Robinson went even further saying: "Let the rest of us go forward without them.And the challenge therefore goes down to people like Mark Durkan and the SDLP.
"Are they prepared to leave go the hand of Sinn Fein and recognise that they aren't the kind of people that can be in government?
"Is Mark Durkan thinking that it is possible for him to be in government with bank robbers and terrorists?"
Mark's tame reponse to the news on Friday has left him in a precarious situation.
His failure to lambast Sinn Fein leaves him in an unenviable situation with the nationalist community.
I stated that it was vital for Mark to criticise Sinn Fein severely if Hugh Orde blamed them for the bank robbery.I stated that his response should be just as harsh as the unionists,if not more so.
The fact is however,very few people would've known what Mark said on the issue!
If Mark had blasted Sinn Fein over the actions of the Provos,people would've taken notice,especially those within the nationalist community.
Alas,Mark's failure to do this means that no one really knows his stance on the bank robbery and if he agrees with the DUP,in the eyes of the nationalist community he is too weak and is bowing to the pressure of Paisley.
On the other hand,if he sides with Sinn Fein,his credibility is undermined especially with unionists.
If he does nothing,the SDLP's dismal position remains the same.
Mark has messed up.Big time!
I have said it before and I'll say it again-it is time for a Fianna Fail/SDLP merger.
The nationalist community is crying out for a respectable alternative to Sinn Fein.
Today,DUP leader Rev Ian Paisley stated that: "It is now up to both Tony Blair and Mark Durkan to take up our challenge and allow the people of Northern Ireland to have good government free from the taint of terror and criminality."
DUP Deputy leader Peter Robinson went even further saying: "Let the rest of us go forward without them.And the challenge therefore goes down to people like Mark Durkan and the SDLP.
"Are they prepared to leave go the hand of Sinn Fein and recognise that they aren't the kind of people that can be in government?
"Is Mark Durkan thinking that it is possible for him to be in government with bank robbers and terrorists?"
Mark's tame reponse to the news on Friday has left him in a precarious situation.
His failure to lambast Sinn Fein leaves him in an unenviable situation with the nationalist community.
I stated that it was vital for Mark to criticise Sinn Fein severely if Hugh Orde blamed them for the bank robbery.I stated that his response should be just as harsh as the unionists,if not more so.
The fact is however,very few people would've known what Mark said on the issue!
If Mark had blasted Sinn Fein over the actions of the Provos,people would've taken notice,especially those within the nationalist community.
Alas,Mark's failure to do this means that no one really knows his stance on the bank robbery and if he agrees with the DUP,in the eyes of the nationalist community he is too weak and is bowing to the pressure of Paisley.
On the other hand,if he sides with Sinn Fein,his credibility is undermined especially with unionists.
If he does nothing,the SDLP's dismal position remains the same.
Mark has messed up.Big time!
I have said it before and I'll say it again-it is time for a Fianna Fail/SDLP merger.
The nationalist community is crying out for a respectable alternative to Sinn Fein.
Sinn Fein-"Ourselves Alone"
The recent crisis in the peace process in Ireland's north is indicative of why I cannot stand Sinn Fein or the opinions they espouse.
As I have stated before there is no way Irish reunification will ever occur as long as Sinn Fein are the main nationalist party in Ireland's north.
Mr.Orde's statement on Friday means that the IRA were planning last month's bank heist while Sinn Fein negotiators were in discussion with Tony Blair and Bertie Ahern on an end to physical force republicanism.
It means that the Provos were planning the raid while Gerry Adams and his colleagues met Mr.Orde in the much-hailed Downing Street meetings.
It means that while Gerry Adams appeared on the Late Late Show with Pat Kenny defending opposition to photographs of decommissining,talking about how far things had come and defending the decision to seek the release of Garda McCabe's killers,the Provos were planning this raid!
How revolting is that!
Should we be surprised though?The very name of the party "Ourselves Alone" has gone from representing a noble ideal by Arthur Griffiths to representing the sheer selfishness of the current incarnation of Sinn Fein.
Sinn Fein care not for the nationalist community or Irish people or indeed Irish reunification.
No,instead they only care about themselves and securing a noble place in Irish history for themselves and their balaclava-wearing friends.
Are nationalists willing to forsake the goal of Irish unity so that Sinn Fein and the IRA can give themselves a pat on the back and a pension fund?I sure hope not.
As I have stated before there is no way Irish reunification will ever occur as long as Sinn Fein are the main nationalist party in Ireland's north.
Mr.Orde's statement on Friday means that the IRA were planning last month's bank heist while Sinn Fein negotiators were in discussion with Tony Blair and Bertie Ahern on an end to physical force republicanism.
It means that the Provos were planning the raid while Gerry Adams and his colleagues met Mr.Orde in the much-hailed Downing Street meetings.
It means that while Gerry Adams appeared on the Late Late Show with Pat Kenny defending opposition to photographs of decommissining,talking about how far things had come and defending the decision to seek the release of Garda McCabe's killers,the Provos were planning this raid!
How revolting is that!
Should we be surprised though?The very name of the party "Ourselves Alone" has gone from representing a noble ideal by Arthur Griffiths to representing the sheer selfishness of the current incarnation of Sinn Fein.
Sinn Fein care not for the nationalist community or Irish people or indeed Irish reunification.
No,instead they only care about themselves and securing a noble place in Irish history for themselves and their balaclava-wearing friends.
Are nationalists willing to forsake the goal of Irish unity so that Sinn Fein and the IRA can give themselves a pat on the back and a pension fund?I sure hope not.
McLaughlin Comments on Crisis
Sinn Fein chairman Mitchel McLaughlin,speaking at an emergency meeting of the party's executive in Dublin today,said that Sinn Fein remain committed to the peace process and that they will not be deflected by allegations linking the IRA with the Northern Bank raid.
"The IRA has made it clear it did not carry out the robbery," said McLaughlin.
"Hugh Orde went to the media yesterday not on the basis of facts or evidence,but on the basis of reports from securocrats who have been working to undermine the peace process for years."
"Sinn Fein's priority is to advance the peace process and to defend the rights of those who vote for us,"McLaughlin added.
Do Sinn Fein take us all for fools?The words of an illegal terrorist organisation like the IRA are supposed to have more credibility than the Chief Constable?Yeah right!
Sinn Fein's priority is to undermine the peace process by pandering to the IRA rather than their own electorate.I am also getting sick and tired of this word "securocrats" which is frequently trotted out by SF when they know THEY are in the wrong.
"The IRA has made it clear it did not carry out the robbery," said McLaughlin.
"Hugh Orde went to the media yesterday not on the basis of facts or evidence,but on the basis of reports from securocrats who have been working to undermine the peace process for years."
"Sinn Fein's priority is to advance the peace process and to defend the rights of those who vote for us,"McLaughlin added.
Do Sinn Fein take us all for fools?The words of an illegal terrorist organisation like the IRA are supposed to have more credibility than the Chief Constable?Yeah right!
Sinn Fein's priority is to undermine the peace process by pandering to the IRA rather than their own electorate.I am also getting sick and tired of this word "securocrats" which is frequently trotted out by SF when they know THEY are in the wrong.
Friday, January 07, 2005
Hero/Villain of the Day-07.01.05
Hero: Brian Hayes:Fine Gael's NI spokesman Senator Brian Hayes said Hugh Orde's comments had left Sinn Fein with very serious questions to answer and said that the offer to release the killers of Garda Jerry McCabe as part of a deal to restore devolution should be withdrawn.
"The time has come for the government to stand-up to this duplicity" he said.
Mr.Hayes is absolutely right.The McCabe issue should no longer be an issue.
Villains: Sinn Fein:It's bad enough they are tied to a terrorist organisation but to insult the intelligence of everyone on this island by claiming they are the victims of a conspiracy is just plain pathetic.
It is time for nationalists to abandon this sorry excuse for a democratic party.
"The time has come for the government to stand-up to this duplicity" he said.
Mr.Hayes is absolutely right.The McCabe issue should no longer be an issue.
Villains: Sinn Fein:It's bad enough they are tied to a terrorist organisation but to insult the intelligence of everyone on this island by claiming they are the victims of a conspiracy is just plain pathetic.
It is time for nationalists to abandon this sorry excuse for a democratic party.
Friday Fun-News in Brief
This week Jennifer Lopez revealed she is so sick of her "J.Lo" stage name,she nearly titled her upcoming album Call Me Jennifer.
That's funny because I think she should title her upcoming album Call Me Overrated Garbage.
This weekend Cork city will officially begin its reign as European Capital of Culture 2005.
Some of the celebrations will be covered live by RTE.
Some of the highlights of the year long celebrations include the Cork French Film Festival,the Lee Swim,the EU Chess Championships,the Cork Jazz Festival,the Fete de la Danse and the Lesbian Fantasy Ball.
Yes it all sounds great and...hold on...the Lesbian Fantasy Ball?!In Cork?!Wha?!
I sure hope RTE covers that!
Scientists have said the way air flows around the nose is more complex than a jumbo jet's wing.
Imperial College London researchers built a 3D model of the nose and used fluid to work out how air flows around it and how it senses different smells.
They say the study could help surgeons plan operations and the development of a cure for runny noses.
I guess that's what you call the sweet smell of success,eh?Oh never mind.
That's funny because I think she should title her upcoming album Call Me Overrated Garbage.
This weekend Cork city will officially begin its reign as European Capital of Culture 2005.
Some of the celebrations will be covered live by RTE.
Some of the highlights of the year long celebrations include the Cork French Film Festival,the Lee Swim,the EU Chess Championships,the Cork Jazz Festival,the Fete de la Danse and the Lesbian Fantasy Ball.
Yes it all sounds great and...hold on...the Lesbian Fantasy Ball?!In Cork?!Wha?!
I sure hope RTE covers that!
Scientists have said the way air flows around the nose is more complex than a jumbo jet's wing.
Imperial College London researchers built a 3D model of the nose and used fluid to work out how air flows around it and how it senses different smells.
They say the study could help surgeons plan operations and the development of a cure for runny noses.
I guess that's what you call the sweet smell of success,eh?Oh never mind.
Friday Fun's Fascinating Fact
A snail can sleep for 3 years.
Scientists discovered this by having Mark Durkan explain his political views to several snails and analysing the results.(Note-may not be true)
Scientists discovered this by having Mark Durkan explain his political views to several snails and analysing the results.(Note-may not be true)
Fun Irelander Feature-Very Fishy Situation
Even though you're probably very depressed right now after Hugh Orde's comments today,I'll not let Sinn Fein ruin Friday Fun so the Fun Irelander Feature goes ahead!
Today I had a very unpleasant situation as I had my dinner.As I ate a fish from a well known fish company,I was shocked when I bit into something very hard.
As I spit out the food from my mouth expecting to find a bone what I found instead was-plastic!
Somehow,a black piece of plastic had found its way inside my fish!
Now I know the American answer to this would probably be to sue on the grounds of emotional trauma,but what will likely happen will be that the company will be informed and I'll get some free food though to be honest I can't see myself buying food from this brand ever again!
I like fish that doesn't have bones in it;that doesn't mean I find plastic acceptable!
Today I had a very unpleasant situation as I had my dinner.As I ate a fish from a well known fish company,I was shocked when I bit into something very hard.
As I spit out the food from my mouth expecting to find a bone what I found instead was-plastic!
Somehow,a black piece of plastic had found its way inside my fish!
Now I know the American answer to this would probably be to sue on the grounds of emotional trauma,but what will likely happen will be that the company will be informed and I'll get some free food though to be honest I can't see myself buying food from this brand ever again!
I like fish that doesn't have bones in it;that doesn't mean I find plastic acceptable!
Durkan Misses His Chance Yet Again
Commenting on the assertion today by Hugh Orde that the IRA were involved in the Northern Bank raid in Belfast,SDLP Mark Durkan said the raid had dealt a real blow to the agreement and to the peace process.
Let's analyse Mark's comments,shall we?
"It has damaged trust.It has made it much harder to win change."
Yes...well we know that.
"The SDLP has consistently sought the Agreement's full implementation.Despite all the obstacles put in the way by others,we still seek that now."
Yes...well you've told us that before Mark.Come on say something hard-hitting to Sinn Fein!
"To achieve our goal,we have to get all parties working all the Agreement and all paramilitaries ending all their illegal activities."
Oh for goodness sake Mark!Direct your comments towards Sinn Fein!They are reeling right now.Don't tell me you're going to let them off lightly?
"We have always known that this would be difficult.Today's events only confirm the scale of the task still ahead."
Well what do you know?He has let them off lightly!Mark has yet again missed his chance!
Earlier in the week I said that this day would be important for Mark and I have to say his comments today highlight to me his ineffectiveness as a political leader.
A good political leader would be like a shark and smell the blood of his political rivals!
In my opinion,today highlights that Mark is a decent man and a competent politician but someone who lacks the ruthless edge required to give a hammer blow when one is needed.
Let's analyse Mark's comments,shall we?
"It has damaged trust.It has made it much harder to win change."
Yes...well we know that.
"The SDLP has consistently sought the Agreement's full implementation.Despite all the obstacles put in the way by others,we still seek that now."
Yes...well you've told us that before Mark.Come on say something hard-hitting to Sinn Fein!
"To achieve our goal,we have to get all parties working all the Agreement and all paramilitaries ending all their illegal activities."
Oh for goodness sake Mark!Direct your comments towards Sinn Fein!They are reeling right now.Don't tell me you're going to let them off lightly?
"We have always known that this would be difficult.Today's events only confirm the scale of the task still ahead."
Well what do you know?He has let them off lightly!Mark has yet again missed his chance!
Earlier in the week I said that this day would be important for Mark and I have to say his comments today highlight to me his ineffectiveness as a political leader.
A good political leader would be like a shark and smell the blood of his political rivals!
In my opinion,today highlights that Mark is a decent man and a competent politician but someone who lacks the ruthless edge required to give a hammer blow when one is needed.
Sinn Fein React to News
Martin McGuinness came out today on the defensive claiming Hugh Orde has not produced one scrap of evidence that the IRA were behind the £26.5m Northern Bank raid.
Let's analyse Mr.McGuinness' comments shall we?
"Hugh Orde's comments today are nothing more than politically-biased allegations."
Nonsense Martin!The Prime Ministers have also been left looking very foolish over this incident.
"Within days of the robbery at the Northern Bank,and following media speculation and PSNI briefings,which suggested IRA involvement,I asked the IRA about this and was assured they were not involved."
Oh!He was assured they were not involved!Well that puts my mind at ease!
As long as the men who wear balaclavas say they were not involved,it must be true!
Hang on,I thought Sinn Fein and the IRA aren't one and the same Martin?
"We are witnessing a renewed attempt to undermine the peace process."
Yes we are.By your party!
"We need to think long and hard about who is setting this agenda and why."
We need to think long and hard about how many times your party is going to be allowed drop the ball and to get away with it!
"The campaigns to smash Sinn Fein,to criminalise and marginalise the republican struggle all failed."
Well if at first you don't succeed...
"Sinn Fein represents the majority of nationalists in the North(of Ireland)."
I thought the point of nationalism was that it functions on a 32-county basis?You don't represent the majority of nationalists on the island!
"The securocrats and the DUP need to come to terms with this political reality."
Comments like these really irritate me.Listen Martin,SF need to come to terms with the reality that the people of this island,regardless of thir political views,are sick and tired of the lies and deceit shown by your party and its violent,thieving,terrorist wing.
Enough is enough!
Let's analyse Mr.McGuinness' comments shall we?
"Hugh Orde's comments today are nothing more than politically-biased allegations."
Nonsense Martin!The Prime Ministers have also been left looking very foolish over this incident.
"Within days of the robbery at the Northern Bank,and following media speculation and PSNI briefings,which suggested IRA involvement,I asked the IRA about this and was assured they were not involved."
Oh!He was assured they were not involved!Well that puts my mind at ease!
As long as the men who wear balaclavas say they were not involved,it must be true!
Hang on,I thought Sinn Fein and the IRA aren't one and the same Martin?
"We are witnessing a renewed attempt to undermine the peace process."
Yes we are.By your party!
"We need to think long and hard about who is setting this agenda and why."
We need to think long and hard about how many times your party is going to be allowed drop the ball and to get away with it!
"The campaigns to smash Sinn Fein,to criminalise and marginalise the republican struggle all failed."
Well if at first you don't succeed...
"Sinn Fein represents the majority of nationalists in the North(of Ireland)."
I thought the point of nationalism was that it functions on a 32-county basis?You don't represent the majority of nationalists on the island!
"The securocrats and the DUP need to come to terms with this political reality."
Comments like these really irritate me.Listen Martin,SF need to come to terms with the reality that the people of this island,regardless of thir political views,are sick and tired of the lies and deceit shown by your party and its violent,thieving,terrorist wing.
Enough is enough!
Prime Ministers React to News
Taoiseach Bertie Ahern today described Hugh Orde's assertion that the IRA were involved in the northern Bank Robbery in Belfast as a "serious set-back" to the peace process and that the allegations were a "matter of deep concern."
A spokesman for British PM Tony Blair said Mr.Blair was taking the statement of IRA involvement by Hugh Orde "very seriously."
The spokesman added that "Mr.Blair fully supports the Chief Constable in his efforts to bring those responsible for this major crime to account."
When I look past the tough words of the "deep concern" that is felt and that things are being taken "very seriously" I get the impression SF aren't going to be treated as harshly as unionists are hoping they will.
A spokesman for British PM Tony Blair said Mr.Blair was taking the statement of IRA involvement by Hugh Orde "very seriously."
The spokesman added that "Mr.Blair fully supports the Chief Constable in his efforts to bring those responsible for this major crime to account."
When I look past the tough words of the "deep concern" that is felt and that things are being taken "very seriously" I get the impression SF aren't going to be treated as harshly as unionists are hoping they will.
IRA Responsible-Orde
As expected,Hugh Orde has declared the Provisional IRA were responsible for the £26.5m bank raid on the Northern Bank in Belfast city centre.
"In my opinion it is the Provisional IRA which is responsible for this crime,"said Orde.
Well there you have it.Who knows what is in store for Ireland's north now?
One thing is for sure though-SF have spit in the face of every nationalist on this island,of every unionist on this island,of the American administration and of the two Prime Ministers.
"In my opinion it is the Provisional IRA which is responsible for this crime,"said Orde.
Well there you have it.Who knows what is in store for Ireland's north now?
One thing is for sure though-SF have spit in the face of every nationalist on this island,of every unionist on this island,of the American administration and of the two Prime Ministers.
Thursday, January 06, 2005
Hero/Villain of the Day-06.01.05
Hero: Nelson Mandela:On a day when Mr.Mandela's son tragically died of Aids,he said that he hoped his son's death would help end the stigma associated with the disease.
"Let us give publicity to HIV/Aids and not hide it because the only way of making it appear to be a normal illness just like TB,like cancer,is always to come out and say somebody has died of HIV"Mandela,surrounded by his family,said today in a news conference.
Mandela's position is admirable and my thoughts and prayers go to Mr.Mandela on the tragic death of his son.
Villain: Gerry Adams:When we start to hear about "defiant" statements from Gerry Adams and use of the term "British securocrats" you know that things aren't good.
It seems to me that Adams is bracing himself for some controversy.
If indeed Hugh Orde confirms what most of us suspect-that the IRA were involved in the bank robbery,then it is paramount that the two governments come out strongly against SF and indeed that all the political parties on the island do so,especially the SDLP!
"Let us give publicity to HIV/Aids and not hide it because the only way of making it appear to be a normal illness just like TB,like cancer,is always to come out and say somebody has died of HIV"Mandela,surrounded by his family,said today in a news conference.
Mandela's position is admirable and my thoughts and prayers go to Mr.Mandela on the tragic death of his son.
Villain: Gerry Adams:When we start to hear about "defiant" statements from Gerry Adams and use of the term "British securocrats" you know that things aren't good.
It seems to me that Adams is bracing himself for some controversy.
If indeed Hugh Orde confirms what most of us suspect-that the IRA were involved in the bank robbery,then it is paramount that the two governments come out strongly against SF and indeed that all the political parties on the island do so,especially the SDLP!
Thursday Thoughts:Divisionism
For this edition of Thursday Thoughts I would like to bring up a term that I first used about a year ago on Slugger O'Toole-Divisionism.
Given that my views on Irish reunification follow the line of thinking in the Good Friday Agreement that it should only occur if the people north and south vote for it,frequently I find people questioning me on those unionists who clearly won't vote for it.
As I have stated on the very first edition of Thursday Thoughts,I feel the Irish Republic must make itself the model for a unified Ireland by paving the way towards Irish unity through measures which reach out to those in the unionist community.
Do I believe all of unionism will back Irish unity?No.
I don't believe unionism has a united voice and I feel over time unionism will be split even further once the IRA are gone and Sinn Fein are marginalised.
I believe that if an Irish Government does what I've outlined,certain strands of unionism will begin to consider the option of a united Ireland.
If nothing else,for the obvious reason that they'd have far more sway in a united Ireland than they do currently in the UK.
However what about the unionists that will never be won over?I call these-divisionists!
In the future,unionism will be redefined.In my opinion unionism will come to mean those people in Ireland who feel British and desire to always feel British and who demand that a united Ireland cater for this need.
Divisionism will come to mean those whose objection to reunification is more due to anti-Irishness and a mistrust of Dublin and the south in general,more than anything else.
Divisionists will be people who would not want a united Ireland regardless of the situation.
Even if the Republic opted to rejoin the UK,these people would still oppose unity!
So what's the answer to beat divisonism?You don't.You ignore it!
Hopefully when unionism splits itself in two,unionists(i.e. those primarily concerned about their Britishness)will outnumber those who I'd regard as divisionist(anti-partition no matter what).
Today,some people like Gerry Adams regard this strand of unionism as Paisleyism.
Personally I find my term to be far more apt!
Nationalists get ready.In the future you will have a new enemy called divisionism and it is imperative that we,and indeed the unionists,defeat it!
Given that my views on Irish reunification follow the line of thinking in the Good Friday Agreement that it should only occur if the people north and south vote for it,frequently I find people questioning me on those unionists who clearly won't vote for it.
As I have stated on the very first edition of Thursday Thoughts,I feel the Irish Republic must make itself the model for a unified Ireland by paving the way towards Irish unity through measures which reach out to those in the unionist community.
Do I believe all of unionism will back Irish unity?No.
I don't believe unionism has a united voice and I feel over time unionism will be split even further once the IRA are gone and Sinn Fein are marginalised.
I believe that if an Irish Government does what I've outlined,certain strands of unionism will begin to consider the option of a united Ireland.
If nothing else,for the obvious reason that they'd have far more sway in a united Ireland than they do currently in the UK.
However what about the unionists that will never be won over?I call these-divisionists!
In the future,unionism will be redefined.In my opinion unionism will come to mean those people in Ireland who feel British and desire to always feel British and who demand that a united Ireland cater for this need.
Divisionism will come to mean those whose objection to reunification is more due to anti-Irishness and a mistrust of Dublin and the south in general,more than anything else.
Divisionists will be people who would not want a united Ireland regardless of the situation.
Even if the Republic opted to rejoin the UK,these people would still oppose unity!
So what's the answer to beat divisonism?You don't.You ignore it!
Hopefully when unionism splits itself in two,unionists(i.e. those primarily concerned about their Britishness)will outnumber those who I'd regard as divisionist(anti-partition no matter what).
Today,some people like Gerry Adams regard this strand of unionism as Paisleyism.
Personally I find my term to be far more apt!
Nationalists get ready.In the future you will have a new enemy called divisionism and it is imperative that we,and indeed the unionists,defeat it!
Stringing us Along?
I found this interesting article in The Blanket by Davy Adams in which he questions whether Sinn Fein are stringing along the DUP and Bertie Ahern for political gain.
Commenting on the DUP,Davy Adams writes that:
"After successfully orchestrating an implosion within the Ulster Unionist Party by continually promising much but delivering little before finally hanging moderate unionists out to dry,one wonders if Sinn Fein might now be trying to employ similar divide-and-conquer tactics in their dealings with the DUP."
Adams goes on to make a comparison between Bertie Ahern and John Hume in relation to the issue of photographs when Ahern appeared to give in to Sinn Fein's demands and he speculates that Sinn Fein may look to do to Fianna Fail what they did to the SDLP.
Adams comments on a point made by Dr.Anthony McIntyre that:
"Sinn Fein is still in a position to trade in the IRA at some later date for electoral gains in the Republic.Might we be witnessing a similar attempt to displace the major party in the Republic?If we are,for more than the obvious reasons I hope it is unsuccessful."
Overall,Davy Adams makes some good points and these issues need to be looked at.
Are Sinn Fein more interested in making life difficult for the other parties rather than accepting their responsibility to the electorate who voted for them?
A good article and worth a read.
Commenting on the DUP,Davy Adams writes that:
"After successfully orchestrating an implosion within the Ulster Unionist Party by continually promising much but delivering little before finally hanging moderate unionists out to dry,one wonders if Sinn Fein might now be trying to employ similar divide-and-conquer tactics in their dealings with the DUP."
Adams goes on to make a comparison between Bertie Ahern and John Hume in relation to the issue of photographs when Ahern appeared to give in to Sinn Fein's demands and he speculates that Sinn Fein may look to do to Fianna Fail what they did to the SDLP.
Adams comments on a point made by Dr.Anthony McIntyre that:
"Sinn Fein is still in a position to trade in the IRA at some later date for electoral gains in the Republic.Might we be witnessing a similar attempt to displace the major party in the Republic?If we are,for more than the obvious reasons I hope it is unsuccessful."
Overall,Davy Adams makes some good points and these issues need to be looked at.
Are Sinn Fein more interested in making life difficult for the other parties rather than accepting their responsibility to the electorate who voted for them?
A good article and worth a read.
Orde to Point Finger at IRA
It's been reported that the Chief Constable Hugh Orde is to blame the IRA on the £22m bank raid in Belfast,according to the BBC.
Orde is to brief senior members of the Policing Board on Friday and BBC Northern Security Editor Brian Rowan said:"We have to wait on the official line...but there is a growing sense that when he puts a label on this robbery that he(Hugh Orde)will point towards the IRA."
He added if Mr.Orde did this,there would not be a long wait for the "political fallout".
Tony Blair today said he would not prejudge the result of the police inquiries into the raid.
Gerry Adams meanwhile said he would not countenance any attempt to "demonise and criminalise" his party.
Adams added that British "securocrats" were behind a "contrivance aimed at pointing the finger of guilt at republicans-even in the absence of any evidence."
Personally I'm getting sick and tired at Adam's desperate attempts to ignore his party's responsibilities to the people.
If the IRA are found to have been behind the raid,then I sincerely hope there is "political fallout".
The two governments must seek to make Sinn Fein a political eunuch by castrating it through condemnation in the media and by marginalising the party in talks.
Irish political parties in the Republic must be at the forefront of such condemnation and I really hope Mr.Durkan is poised and coiled to deliver a bitter condemnation of Sinn Fein.
Durkan has been granted a major political trump card-by Sinn Fein itself!
Note to Mark-make the most of it!
Orde is to brief senior members of the Policing Board on Friday and BBC Northern Security Editor Brian Rowan said:"We have to wait on the official line...but there is a growing sense that when he puts a label on this robbery that he(Hugh Orde)will point towards the IRA."
He added if Mr.Orde did this,there would not be a long wait for the "political fallout".
Tony Blair today said he would not prejudge the result of the police inquiries into the raid.
Gerry Adams meanwhile said he would not countenance any attempt to "demonise and criminalise" his party.
Adams added that British "securocrats" were behind a "contrivance aimed at pointing the finger of guilt at republicans-even in the absence of any evidence."
Personally I'm getting sick and tired at Adam's desperate attempts to ignore his party's responsibilities to the people.
If the IRA are found to have been behind the raid,then I sincerely hope there is "political fallout".
The two governments must seek to make Sinn Fein a political eunuch by castrating it through condemnation in the media and by marginalising the party in talks.
Irish political parties in the Republic must be at the forefront of such condemnation and I really hope Mr.Durkan is poised and coiled to deliver a bitter condemnation of Sinn Fein.
Durkan has been granted a major political trump card-by Sinn Fein itself!
Note to Mark-make the most of it!
Wednesday, January 05, 2005
Hero/Villain of the Day-05.01.05
Heroes: NI firefighters:I see that NI firefighters tonight donated their £50,000 hardship fund to the victims of the Asian disaster.
Members of the Fire Brigades Union emptied the hardship fund account,which had been built up during strike action over pay two years ago,and gave the money to the "Black Santa" appeal which is being run by the Anglican Dean of Belfast,the very Rev Houston McKelvey.
This is a great gesture by the firefighters.There has definitely been great generosity shown by people towards the victims of the Asian tragedy.
Firefighters already perform a heroic service and this act is yet another heroic one.
Villains: Irish Government:It was reported today that Germany has boosted its share to €500 million in aid for disaster relief in Asia while John Howard has announced that Australia is to contribute €576m.
Meanwhile the Irish Government today announced that it has decided in principle that it will make more money available for disaster relief in Asia but has not decided the amount of extra funding that will be given.
Apparently,the Government will be contacting the United Nations on the matter.
How disgraceful!If the UN have any sense they will castigate the Irish Government for its lousy response to the disaster.
What comfort will terms like "in principle" give to the people sick and dying as a result of this tragedy?
Members of the Fire Brigades Union emptied the hardship fund account,which had been built up during strike action over pay two years ago,and gave the money to the "Black Santa" appeal which is being run by the Anglican Dean of Belfast,the very Rev Houston McKelvey.
This is a great gesture by the firefighters.There has definitely been great generosity shown by people towards the victims of the Asian tragedy.
Firefighters already perform a heroic service and this act is yet another heroic one.
Villains: Irish Government:It was reported today that Germany has boosted its share to €500 million in aid for disaster relief in Asia while John Howard has announced that Australia is to contribute €576m.
Meanwhile the Irish Government today announced that it has decided in principle that it will make more money available for disaster relief in Asia but has not decided the amount of extra funding that will be given.
Apparently,the Government will be contacting the United Nations on the matter.
How disgraceful!If the UN have any sense they will castigate the Irish Government for its lousy response to the disaster.
What comfort will terms like "in principle" give to the people sick and dying as a result of this tragedy?
Some Gratitude!
It's been reported that twenty-seven prisoners who were let out of jail for Christmas have failed to return to their cells.
Reports indicate the 27 were among 297 inmates who were given temporary leave over Christmas ranging from a few hours to 10 days.
The missing prisoners have been reported to the Gardai as "unlawfully at large" and could face fresh criminal charges for failing to return.
However,apparently prison officials are confident that all those who had failed to return over the festive season will turn up in the coming days.
Just when you think this country can't get any more ridiculous,this happens!
The Irish people are supposed to rest easy since prison officials are confident they will return!The same people being listed as "unlawfully at large"?!
I can't understand why anybody was released for Christmas.Surely if you do wrong and break the law you forfeit certain rights and privileges that you would have if you obeyed the law?
Why then are these people allowed to go free?There are twenty-seven fugitives right now due to this ridiculous practice!
Reports indicate the 27 were among 297 inmates who were given temporary leave over Christmas ranging from a few hours to 10 days.
The missing prisoners have been reported to the Gardai as "unlawfully at large" and could face fresh criminal charges for failing to return.
However,apparently prison officials are confident that all those who had failed to return over the festive season will turn up in the coming days.
Just when you think this country can't get any more ridiculous,this happens!
The Irish people are supposed to rest easy since prison officials are confident they will return!The same people being listed as "unlawfully at large"?!
I can't understand why anybody was released for Christmas.Surely if you do wrong and break the law you forfeit certain rights and privileges that you would have if you obeyed the law?
Why then are these people allowed to go free?There are twenty-seven fugitives right now due to this ridiculous practice!
Watch Out-It's Wednesday Watch!
Some of you may recall my recent decision to scrap 'What If?' Wednesday.
Although I found it interesting at first,I don't feel it was going to be of any use in the long-term.
As I'm happy with the other daily features I found myself with a decision on what to do for Wednesdays.
Since I see blogs as a neat tool of expression for amateur journalism,Wednesdays will show this in the new feature for Wednesday which I'll call Wednesday Watch.
Each week I wll pose questions which are relevant to nationalism,unionism and other areas of politics and I will spend a week out and about in Dublin posing these questions personally and gathering responses.
I will then post the results of my past week's findings before posing a new question.
I feel it will offer this blog a more direct view of contemporary Irish society and should provoke debate as I'll likely be met with responses that many of you are met with in your own life.
This week's question is,"Do Irish people care whether Ireland is reunited or not"?
I will spend a week asking some people and will post my findings next week along with another question.
I will be very interested in finding out whether the man on the street cares about this issue as much as I do...
Although I found it interesting at first,I don't feel it was going to be of any use in the long-term.
As I'm happy with the other daily features I found myself with a decision on what to do for Wednesdays.
Since I see blogs as a neat tool of expression for amateur journalism,Wednesdays will show this in the new feature for Wednesday which I'll call Wednesday Watch.
Each week I wll pose questions which are relevant to nationalism,unionism and other areas of politics and I will spend a week out and about in Dublin posing these questions personally and gathering responses.
I will then post the results of my past week's findings before posing a new question.
I feel it will offer this blog a more direct view of contemporary Irish society and should provoke debate as I'll likely be met with responses that many of you are met with in your own life.
This week's question is,"Do Irish people care whether Ireland is reunited or not"?
I will spend a week asking some people and will post my findings next week along with another question.
I will be very interested in finding out whether the man on the street cares about this issue as much as I do...
Uh...Congrats?
A 27 year-old Dubliner has received a free two-week holiday in Florida for three adults and one child after camping outside a travel agent's shop for 12 days.
Philip McGiff,an unemployed father-of-one from Rialto,began the camp-out on Christmas Day.
He was top of the queue of 21 people who received free holidays from Budget Travel today as part of the company's annual new year's giveaway.
I'm happy he won the trip,but to start a camp-out on Christmas Day?!
So,presumably his family were at home eating Christmas dinner and this guy was camped outside a travel shop?!
Also,wasn't it snowing?Talk about bad luck!You plan a camp-out and Dublin gets it's first White Christmas since 1952!
He certainly earned his holiday that's for sure!Good luck to him.
Philip McGiff,an unemployed father-of-one from Rialto,began the camp-out on Christmas Day.
He was top of the queue of 21 people who received free holidays from Budget Travel today as part of the company's annual new year's giveaway.
I'm happy he won the trip,but to start a camp-out on Christmas Day?!
So,presumably his family were at home eating Christmas dinner and this guy was camped outside a travel shop?!
Also,wasn't it snowing?Talk about bad luck!You plan a camp-out and Dublin gets it's first White Christmas since 1952!
He certainly earned his holiday that's for sure!Good luck to him.
Sinn Fein Getting Restless
I see today that Sinn Fein chairman Mitchel McLaughlin has said efforts to revive devolution in the North must be picked up ahead of elections.
McLaughlin called on the British and Irish governments to build on progress made in talks involving the DUP last year.
"We believe that the job can be completed and completed quickly if the necessary political will is there" he said.
I wonder if Sinn Fein are getting a bit concerned at the growing rumours of IRA involvement in the bank heist?
The fact that unionists are eager to find out who was involved in the robbery hurts Sinn Fein who like to pretend to the nationalist community that they are working in their best interests.
Perhaps if the rumours persist and indeed if they're confirmed,Sinn Fein will be hurt in the forthcoming elections?
Right now the North is in a political limbo,but for Sinn Fein,it could quickly become a political hell!
McLaughlin called on the British and Irish governments to build on progress made in talks involving the DUP last year.
"We believe that the job can be completed and completed quickly if the necessary political will is there" he said.
I wonder if Sinn Fein are getting a bit concerned at the growing rumours of IRA involvement in the bank heist?
The fact that unionists are eager to find out who was involved in the robbery hurts Sinn Fein who like to pretend to the nationalist community that they are working in their best interests.
Perhaps if the rumours persist and indeed if they're confirmed,Sinn Fein will be hurt in the forthcoming elections?
Right now the North is in a political limbo,but for Sinn Fein,it could quickly become a political hell!
'Mad Dog' Soon Off His Leash
It's emerged today that former UDA commander Johnny Adair is due to be freed from Maghaberry jail next week.
Prison sources indicated he was expected to be freed on January 13 after serving two-thirds of his 16-year term for directing terrorism.
He had been in jail since a shooting war erupted on the streets of Belfast two years ago.
Adair's family and associates have been expelled from the North by the UDA and they've made it clear they will target Adair if he fails to follow suit after his release.
Two-thirds of his sentence?
Prison sources indicated he was expected to be freed on January 13 after serving two-thirds of his 16-year term for directing terrorism.
He had been in jail since a shooting war erupted on the streets of Belfast two years ago.
Adair's family and associates have been expelled from the North by the UDA and they've made it clear they will target Adair if he fails to follow suit after his release.
Two-thirds of his sentence?
Robinson Gets Tough
I see that Peter Robinson,deputy leader of the DUP,has called on Chief Constable Hugh Orde to "come clean" over speculation that the IRA were involved in the theft of £22m from the Northern Bank.
Mr.Orde is expected to brief the chair and vice-chair of the Policing Board about the robbery this week.
"As speculation continues to mount about the role of the Provisional IRA in the biggest bank robbery ever,Hugh Orde must now tell us about the connections of any and all believed to be involved" said Robinson.
"Is it the political consequences that have silenced the Chief Constable?"
He went on to add,"Let no one be in any doubt,the consequences of mainstream republican participation in this colossal crime will be far-reaching."
It's not often I find myself in agreement with Peter Robinson but he is right.If the IRA were involved there will indeed be "far-reaching" consequences for Sinn Fein.
The strength of Sinn Fein north and south is a danger to Irish nationalism and it's high time nationalists acknowledged that.
However if the IRA were behind the bank robbery,would the DUP be as appalled as they are making out?One imagines IRA involvement would be welcome news for the DUP and a useful political weapon in their arsenal.A weapon impossible for Sinn Fein to see decommissioned.
Mr.Orde is expected to brief the chair and vice-chair of the Policing Board about the robbery this week.
"As speculation continues to mount about the role of the Provisional IRA in the biggest bank robbery ever,Hugh Orde must now tell us about the connections of any and all believed to be involved" said Robinson.
"Is it the political consequences that have silenced the Chief Constable?"
He went on to add,"Let no one be in any doubt,the consequences of mainstream republican participation in this colossal crime will be far-reaching."
It's not often I find myself in agreement with Peter Robinson but he is right.If the IRA were involved there will indeed be "far-reaching" consequences for Sinn Fein.
The strength of Sinn Fein north and south is a danger to Irish nationalism and it's high time nationalists acknowledged that.
However if the IRA were behind the bank robbery,would the DUP be as appalled as they are making out?One imagines IRA involvement would be welcome news for the DUP and a useful political weapon in their arsenal.A weapon impossible for Sinn Fein to see decommissioned.
Tuesday, January 04, 2005
Hero/Villain of the Day-04.01.05
Hero: Kathleen Lynch:She has branded this Government's stealth charges a 'rip-off'.
The Government recently sanctioned bus and rail fare hikes for CIE.The ESB and Bord Gais were also granted increases to domestic electricity and gas prices recently,petrol and diesel prices have risen for motorists in recent months and the toll at Dublin's Westlink toll bridge has increased to €1.80.
Not only that but the charge to attend an A&E ward also jumped by €10 in the budget.
"We need a far more vigorous and proactive approach from the Government if the exploitation of consumers is to be halted" she said.
Absolutely right.Without a doubt this Government is a joke.
Villains: Iraqi rebels:I see today these rebels assassinated the governor of Baghdad province and six of his bodyguards in a day of violence that claimed the lives of 22.
The wave of violence to halt the forthcoming Iraqi elections is disgusting.
The efforts of the Americans and the British to bring democracy to Iraq should be respected.
The Government recently sanctioned bus and rail fare hikes for CIE.The ESB and Bord Gais were also granted increases to domestic electricity and gas prices recently,petrol and diesel prices have risen for motorists in recent months and the toll at Dublin's Westlink toll bridge has increased to €1.80.
Not only that but the charge to attend an A&E ward also jumped by €10 in the budget.
"We need a far more vigorous and proactive approach from the Government if the exploitation of consumers is to be halted" she said.
Absolutely right.Without a doubt this Government is a joke.
Villains: Iraqi rebels:I see today these rebels assassinated the governor of Baghdad province and six of his bodyguards in a day of violence that claimed the lives of 22.
The wave of violence to halt the forthcoming Iraqi elections is disgusting.
The efforts of the Americans and the British to bring democracy to Iraq should be respected.
Top Ten Tuesday-Rock Songs of all Time
About two weeks ago I posted a story about a survey carried out by radio station Planet Rock and how they found the greatest rock song of all time to be Stairway to Heaven by Led Zeppelin.
Now,I will offer my ten favourite rock songs of all time so without further ado:
1.Led Zeppelin-Stairway to Heaven
2.Voodoo Child-Jimi Hendrix
3.Queen-Bohemian Rhapsody
4.Thin Lizzy-The Boys Are Back in Town
5.Led Zeppelin-Kashmir
6.Led Zeppelin-Rock and Roll
7.Eric Clapton-Layla
8.Queen-We Are The Champions
9.Metallica-St.Anger
10.The Eagles-Hotel California
Feel free to offer your own choices.Rock on!
Now,I will offer my ten favourite rock songs of all time so without further ado:
1.Led Zeppelin-Stairway to Heaven
2.Voodoo Child-Jimi Hendrix
3.Queen-Bohemian Rhapsody
4.Thin Lizzy-The Boys Are Back in Town
5.Led Zeppelin-Kashmir
6.Led Zeppelin-Rock and Roll
7.Eric Clapton-Layla
8.Queen-We Are The Champions
9.Metallica-St.Anger
10.The Eagles-Hotel California
Feel free to offer your own choices.Rock on!
Monday, January 03, 2005
Hero/Villain of the Day-03.01.05
Hero: Seamus Brennan:His efforts to give single fathers the same rights as mothers deserve to be commended.
It is a very important issue that has been overlooked in the past.
Villain: Christopher Pierson:He sent hoax emails to friends and relatives of people missing following the Asian tsunami disaster.
You would think this man would have more sense consideing he is 40 years old and is a father of two.What he did was stupid and heartless.
It is a very important issue that has been overlooked in the past.
Villain: Christopher Pierson:He sent hoax emails to friends and relatives of people missing following the Asian tsunami disaster.
You would think this man would have more sense consideing he is 40 years old and is a father of two.What he did was stupid and heartless.
Monday Madness-Forgotten Unionists
I have been engaged in much debate over at A Tangled Web with a particular contributor.
Out of respect for this individual's confidentiality,let's call this person pillowfield:)
Anyway,as I rubbished his ridiculous claims such as the partition of Ireland being necessary for "unionist self-determination",I realised something in those arguments that had struck me before in many arguments with unionists.
It is unionism's secret shame so to speak-southern unionists,in particular those in the Ulster counties of Monaghan,Cavan and Donegal.
The issue of southern unionists always makes unionists uncomfortable.It should.
I think it's abundantly clear that the unionists of Ireland,especially the unionists in the three Ulster counties which found itself in the Irish Free State were stabbed in the back by their fellow unionists.
Ulster was traditionally a nine-county province,but a nine-county NI would not have been stable.Unionists made it clear to the British their position-6 counties.An amount that would've given unionists a 66% unionist majority and a big enough amount to dictate to nationalists.
Southern unionists were horrified at this.Who can blame them?They were sacrificed to a state they did not want to be a part of to suit the vile,partitionist selfish unionists who sought power,power to wield their will in a manipulated territory.
Partition was never necessary for Ireland.The unionists in Ireland's north opposed Home Rule for decades until they realised that as long as the territory of the state was manipulated to suit their interests,it would be perfect.They' be free to discriminate against the nationalists without interference from mainland Britain.
Of course we all know that this was what set up the outbreak of The Troubles decades later.
Carson did not want partition but the selfishness of the unionists in the 6 counties won out.
If unionists in the other three Ulster counties lost out,so what?That was their shameful attitude.
Southern unionists are unionism's Achilles heel.They were sold out and forgotten.
Who says unionists aren't Irish?In Irish history there has always been someone willing to stab others in the back.There was always someone willing to be a traitor.
Unionists were no different!
To me,the plight of the southern unionists is a great example of why partition was not the answer and why it needs to be undone from this island.
Ni neart go chur le cheile!
Out of respect for this individual's confidentiality,let's call this person pillowfield:)
Anyway,as I rubbished his ridiculous claims such as the partition of Ireland being necessary for "unionist self-determination",I realised something in those arguments that had struck me before in many arguments with unionists.
It is unionism's secret shame so to speak-southern unionists,in particular those in the Ulster counties of Monaghan,Cavan and Donegal.
The issue of southern unionists always makes unionists uncomfortable.It should.
I think it's abundantly clear that the unionists of Ireland,especially the unionists in the three Ulster counties which found itself in the Irish Free State were stabbed in the back by their fellow unionists.
Ulster was traditionally a nine-county province,but a nine-county NI would not have been stable.Unionists made it clear to the British their position-6 counties.An amount that would've given unionists a 66% unionist majority and a big enough amount to dictate to nationalists.
Southern unionists were horrified at this.Who can blame them?They were sacrificed to a state they did not want to be a part of to suit the vile,partitionist selfish unionists who sought power,power to wield their will in a manipulated territory.
Partition was never necessary for Ireland.The unionists in Ireland's north opposed Home Rule for decades until they realised that as long as the territory of the state was manipulated to suit their interests,it would be perfect.They' be free to discriminate against the nationalists without interference from mainland Britain.
Of course we all know that this was what set up the outbreak of The Troubles decades later.
Carson did not want partition but the selfishness of the unionists in the 6 counties won out.
If unionists in the other three Ulster counties lost out,so what?That was their shameful attitude.
Southern unionists are unionism's Achilles heel.They were sold out and forgotten.
Who says unionists aren't Irish?In Irish history there has always been someone willing to stab others in the back.There was always someone willing to be a traitor.
Unionists were no different!
To me,the plight of the southern unionists is a great example of why partition was not the answer and why it needs to be undone from this island.
Ni neart go chur le cheile!
Equal Rights for Dads
I was pleasantly surprised to read in the Examiner about plans being drawn up by Social and Family Affairs Minister Seamus Brennan to give single fathers the same rights as mothers in the care of their children.
Brennan stated that he was prepared to argue strongly for legislative changes that would see both parents getting equal status before the law.
"There should not be an automatic assumption in court cases that the mother is the only parent fully entitled to care for a child" said Mr.Brennan.
Due to the 1964 Guardianship of Infants Act,a mother has automatic right to guardianship regardless of her marital status.
The father can only attain guardianship through marriage to the mother,getting her agreement to joint guardianship or being granted it by a court.
Mr.Brennan conceded that research has shown that many men were being barred from parenting by a system that they found to be sexist and anti-father.
"We need to ensure that the system does not,as a matter of routine,discriminate against fathers when the issue of custody is being addressed,"said Mr.Brennan.
I have to say I find these developments very promising and I fully support the proposals.I think it's fair to say the present system is geared towards women and against men and moves to make the system more equal and fair are to be welcomed.
Hopefully something will indeed be done.
Brennan stated that he was prepared to argue strongly for legislative changes that would see both parents getting equal status before the law.
"There should not be an automatic assumption in court cases that the mother is the only parent fully entitled to care for a child" said Mr.Brennan.
Due to the 1964 Guardianship of Infants Act,a mother has automatic right to guardianship regardless of her marital status.
The father can only attain guardianship through marriage to the mother,getting her agreement to joint guardianship or being granted it by a court.
Mr.Brennan conceded that research has shown that many men were being barred from parenting by a system that they found to be sexist and anti-father.
"We need to ensure that the system does not,as a matter of routine,discriminate against fathers when the issue of custody is being addressed,"said Mr.Brennan.
I have to say I find these developments very promising and I fully support the proposals.I think it's fair to say the present system is geared towards women and against men and moves to make the system more equal and fair are to be welcomed.
Hopefully something will indeed be done.
French have to do a Oui...
I see that French President Jacques Chirac has announced today that France will hold a referendum on the European Constitution in the Spring and has called on government ministers to work for a yes vote.
Chirac had this to say,"The European project is at the heart of our national interest".
He went on to add that,"On choosing Europe anew France increases its chances for the future and gives itself the means to have more weight in the world".
There you have it straight from the horse's mouth!Well,Jacques,the constitution may be in the best interests of France but it's not in the best interests of Ireland!
Irish people say NO to this constitution!
Chirac had this to say,"The European project is at the heart of our national interest".
He went on to add that,"On choosing Europe anew France increases its chances for the future and gives itself the means to have more weight in the world".
There you have it straight from the horse's mouth!Well,Jacques,the constitution may be in the best interests of France but it's not in the best interests of Ireland!
Irish people say NO to this constitution!
Sunday, January 02, 2005
Hero/Villain of the Day-02.01.05
Heroes: The Irish public:The Irish people have now donated more than €7m in total to the relief effort.This almost matches the €10m contribution by the government.
This is great generosity by the Irish people but more needs to be done to help the people of this tragic disaster.We need to give as much as we can.
Villains: The Irish government:Only €10 m given?Rather pathetic when the Japanese government have given fifty times that much.
We are one of the wealthiest countries in Europe.It's time Bertie and co. dug into their pockets and gave more!Lives are at stake.
This is great generosity by the Irish people but more needs to be done to help the people of this tragic disaster.We need to give as much as we can.
Villains: The Irish government:Only €10 m given?Rather pathetic when the Japanese government have given fifty times that much.
We are one of the wealthiest countries in Europe.It's time Bertie and co. dug into their pockets and gave more!Lives are at stake.
Sunday Scrutiny-Mark Durkan
Since I said I was looking for a feature for Sundays,welcome to Sunday Scrutiny where each week I will look at individuals important to either Irish politics or politics worldwide.
Earlier in the week I commented on the SDLP so this Sunday,Mark Durkan will be the subject of scrutiny.
Mark Durkan came in for some heavy criticism during 2004.Indeed over at A Tangled Web they named Mr.Durkan Worst Northern Ireland Politician of the Year.So does Mr.Durkan deserve the criticism he's getting?
Well,yes.He is the leader of the SDLP and as a result the buck must stop with him.The fact is the SDLP were overrun by Sinn Fein in 2004 and as party leader he must accept responsibility for that.But just what is his problem?Why can he and his party not appeal to broad nationalism?
Having heard him speak I know he is a competent orator and that he is witty but where are the areas he's lacking?I would say in terms of organisation the SDLP are lagging way behind SF.
Durkan seemed to accept that the SDLP were poor in their campaign for the Assembly election.
If you remember at the time the SDLP seemed more intent on focusing on the DUP than on Sinn Fein.Sinn Fein made it clear what they were after and that they would stand up for nationalism.Did the SDLP?No.
The SDLP seemed more intent on letting northern nationalists know that most parties in the south were hopeful they would do well.The SDLP were inept.
Durkan should've took Sinn Fein to task on IRA activity but the SDLP seemed like they almost willingly handed over the reins of nationalism to Sinn Fein!
Sinn Fein like to focus on young people.The SDLP have an image of being geared towards an older generation.
Durkan lacked the organisational skill that Sinn Fein had and still have.
Where else is Durkan lacking?Well he doesn't seem like a natural leader in my opinion.Indeed in the last few months he has been reduced to appearing on RTE whining about being left in the cold by Ahern and Blair in their talks with the DUP and SF.
Why doesn't he focus on the flaws of these parties then instead of moaning about being ignored?
You're being ignored Mark because you are being ineffective!Furthermore it is not being ignored by the two governments that you should be worried about but by being ignored by the nationalist community!
What is the answer for Durkan?He must realise his desperate position and take measures to fix this.It's time to take the gloves off with Gerry and Martin and tackle them on the major issues that many nationalists see happening around them.
I would've liked to see Durkan issue a strong warning to Adams and co. regarding the bank heist and warning of the danger of Provo involvement.
I have already outlined that I feel the answer for the SDLP is to merge with Fianna Fail.Would Durkan want this?Probably not but it is something the SDLP as a whole must consider and in my view go through with.
Unfortunately,since he seems a good man,his long-term future at the SDLP does not look promising.Durkan has not emerged from the shadow of John Hume.
On top of that,I cannot see the SDLP emerging from the shadow of Sinn Fein.
Earlier in the week I commented on the SDLP so this Sunday,Mark Durkan will be the subject of scrutiny.
Mark Durkan came in for some heavy criticism during 2004.Indeed over at A Tangled Web they named Mr.Durkan Worst Northern Ireland Politician of the Year.So does Mr.Durkan deserve the criticism he's getting?
Well,yes.He is the leader of the SDLP and as a result the buck must stop with him.The fact is the SDLP were overrun by Sinn Fein in 2004 and as party leader he must accept responsibility for that.But just what is his problem?Why can he and his party not appeal to broad nationalism?
Having heard him speak I know he is a competent orator and that he is witty but where are the areas he's lacking?I would say in terms of organisation the SDLP are lagging way behind SF.
Durkan seemed to accept that the SDLP were poor in their campaign for the Assembly election.
If you remember at the time the SDLP seemed more intent on focusing on the DUP than on Sinn Fein.Sinn Fein made it clear what they were after and that they would stand up for nationalism.Did the SDLP?No.
The SDLP seemed more intent on letting northern nationalists know that most parties in the south were hopeful they would do well.The SDLP were inept.
Durkan should've took Sinn Fein to task on IRA activity but the SDLP seemed like they almost willingly handed over the reins of nationalism to Sinn Fein!
Sinn Fein like to focus on young people.The SDLP have an image of being geared towards an older generation.
Durkan lacked the organisational skill that Sinn Fein had and still have.
Where else is Durkan lacking?Well he doesn't seem like a natural leader in my opinion.Indeed in the last few months he has been reduced to appearing on RTE whining about being left in the cold by Ahern and Blair in their talks with the DUP and SF.
Why doesn't he focus on the flaws of these parties then instead of moaning about being ignored?
You're being ignored Mark because you are being ineffective!Furthermore it is not being ignored by the two governments that you should be worried about but by being ignored by the nationalist community!
What is the answer for Durkan?He must realise his desperate position and take measures to fix this.It's time to take the gloves off with Gerry and Martin and tackle them on the major issues that many nationalists see happening around them.
I would've liked to see Durkan issue a strong warning to Adams and co. regarding the bank heist and warning of the danger of Provo involvement.
I have already outlined that I feel the answer for the SDLP is to merge with Fianna Fail.Would Durkan want this?Probably not but it is something the SDLP as a whole must consider and in my view go through with.
Unfortunately,since he seems a good man,his long-term future at the SDLP does not look promising.Durkan has not emerged from the shadow of John Hume.
On top of that,I cannot see the SDLP emerging from the shadow of Sinn Fein.
Say No to Europe
I found this good piece in the Examiner by Ronan Mullen about the plans for the ratification of the European Constitution by each member state by the end of 2006.
Only four countries will hold referendums on the matter-Britain,Denmark,France and Ireland.
Mullen does a good job at pointing out the flaws in this Constitution commenting that our national veto will vanish from most areas,most notably justice and that asylum and immigration issues will now be decided by qualified majority voting.
The ridiculous voting system is mentioned also where according to the constitution,"a qualified majority shall be defined as at least 55% of the members of the council,comprising at least 15 of them and representing member states comprising at least 65% of the population of the Union".
This is a farce.As Mullen points out:
"Some say this will give the French and Germans enormous clout,since they have 40% of the EU population between them.Given their economic and political influence,won't they be able to find another 13 countries with 25% of the EU population to support them?Will the likes of Poland,Malta,Luxembourg and Cyprus put up that much of a fight?Ireland will lose some of its voting strength,with its percentage of the vote in the Council of Ministers being reduced.And within five years we will lose our automatic right to a commissioner."
Ladies and gentleman this is a threat to our sovereignty.Make no mistake about it.
This constitution paves the way for a federal Europe and will see Ireland walked over by the French and the Germans.Believe it!
It is imperative,absolutely imperative,that the Irish people give a resounding "No!" to this constitution which is a serious threat to our sovereignty and which will have catastrohic consequences for Ireland.
Hopefully the British will reject it too.Indeed,if the Irish people once more buy into the spin and lies of the main political parties then it may be down to the British to stand up to the EU but by then it might be too late for us!
I have always been annoyed at the Irish media for their ignorance towards the danger of the EU.Also,the attitude that the British are being petty and hostile in their position towards Europe and that they are being foolish in being cautious towards Europe.The British are the only ones who have the right attitude!They are aware of the danger that the EU pose.
We are the foolish ones!Embracing the European mainland in the hope they will look out for us.The reality is,they will not look out for the interests of the Irish.
How can the Irish be so naive?How can we expect the EU to uphold democracy?If the EU upheld democracy it would not have forced a second vote on the Nice treaty when the Irish electorate democratically rejected it.That showed to the rest of Europe that the EU is democratic only when it knows it's going to get its own way.The decision to hold a second Nice treaty referendum was the EU spitting on democracy and spitting in the face of those Irish people who exercised their vote.It sickened me and still sickens me.
There is a battle approaching.Realise that.It is a battle that the Irish people must win.
What is at stake is the democracy and sovereignty of Ireland.I urge Irish people to join me in voting No when this referendum comes along.The future of Ireland depends on it.
It is time to show these foreigners the power of Irish democracy before they rob us of it forever.
To hell with the EU!
Only four countries will hold referendums on the matter-Britain,Denmark,France and Ireland.
Mullen does a good job at pointing out the flaws in this Constitution commenting that our national veto will vanish from most areas,most notably justice and that asylum and immigration issues will now be decided by qualified majority voting.
The ridiculous voting system is mentioned also where according to the constitution,"a qualified majority shall be defined as at least 55% of the members of the council,comprising at least 15 of them and representing member states comprising at least 65% of the population of the Union".
This is a farce.As Mullen points out:
"Some say this will give the French and Germans enormous clout,since they have 40% of the EU population between them.Given their economic and political influence,won't they be able to find another 13 countries with 25% of the EU population to support them?Will the likes of Poland,Malta,Luxembourg and Cyprus put up that much of a fight?Ireland will lose some of its voting strength,with its percentage of the vote in the Council of Ministers being reduced.And within five years we will lose our automatic right to a commissioner."
Ladies and gentleman this is a threat to our sovereignty.Make no mistake about it.
This constitution paves the way for a federal Europe and will see Ireland walked over by the French and the Germans.Believe it!
It is imperative,absolutely imperative,that the Irish people give a resounding "No!" to this constitution which is a serious threat to our sovereignty and which will have catastrohic consequences for Ireland.
Hopefully the British will reject it too.Indeed,if the Irish people once more buy into the spin and lies of the main political parties then it may be down to the British to stand up to the EU but by then it might be too late for us!
I have always been annoyed at the Irish media for their ignorance towards the danger of the EU.Also,the attitude that the British are being petty and hostile in their position towards Europe and that they are being foolish in being cautious towards Europe.The British are the only ones who have the right attitude!They are aware of the danger that the EU pose.
We are the foolish ones!Embracing the European mainland in the hope they will look out for us.The reality is,they will not look out for the interests of the Irish.
How can the Irish be so naive?How can we expect the EU to uphold democracy?If the EU upheld democracy it would not have forced a second vote on the Nice treaty when the Irish electorate democratically rejected it.That showed to the rest of Europe that the EU is democratic only when it knows it's going to get its own way.The decision to hold a second Nice treaty referendum was the EU spitting on democracy and spitting in the face of those Irish people who exercised their vote.It sickened me and still sickens me.
There is a battle approaching.Realise that.It is a battle that the Irish people must win.
What is at stake is the democracy and sovereignty of Ireland.I urge Irish people to join me in voting No when this referendum comes along.The future of Ireland depends on it.
It is time to show these foreigners the power of Irish democracy before they rob us of it forever.
To hell with the EU!
Saturday, January 01, 2005
Saturday Survey:2004 Special
Since 2004 has recently come to an end,rather than reviewing the week's events instead I will review the events of 2004 and offer my opinions on the individuals of 2004.
So without further ado:
Hero of the Year: Viktor Yuschenko:Not only did he survive a poison attempt on his life which left him disfigured,he went on to lead his supporters in Ukraine to stand up to a vote which had clearly been fraudulent in allowing Viktor Yanukovych to win.
The original vote would be annulled due to fraud and Yuschenko won the re-run by a clear margin.
Make no mistake this was a historic moment for Ukraine and indeed the world as democracy was put to the test.Thankfully,it would seem,democracy prevailed.One has to admire the courage and character of Mr.Yuschenko to bounce back from the difficulties he was faced with to emerge victorious in the presidential election re-run.
A hero of Ukraine and a hero of 2004.
Villain of the Year: Abu Musab al-Zarqawi:This vile individual emerged in 2004 due to a campaign of murder and terror which involved beheadings including the despicable beheading of British hostage Ken Bigley.
Al-Zarqawi renamed his group from Tawhid and Jihad to al Qaeda in Iraq and Bin Laden was purported to have endorsed al-Zarqawi in his recent tape.
The USA has placed a $25 million bounty on al-Zarqawi-the same amount as Bin Laden.
I think I speak for everyone when I say that hopefully in 2005 al-Zarqawi is brought to justice for the horrible acts he has committed and supported.He is a disgrace to his religion and a disgrace to the human race.
Irish Person of 2004: Mary McAleese:Fought off the challenge(cough)by Dana to remain President and she is enjoying massive popularity.You can't ask for much more than that.
Irish Dunce of 2004: Cornelius Horan:This idiot in the kilt went and ruined the men's Olympic marathon when he pushed Brazil's Vanderlei de Lima off the road when he was leading.
De Lima in the end finished third.
The former Irish priest embarassed Ireland on a global stage with this act of lunacy.Goodness knows what the Brazilians thought of us at that moment!
I think this man should have been locked up for a couple of months over in Brazil.That would've been a suitable punishment!
Celebrity of 2004: Sir Bob Geldof:So what if I'm choosing an Irishman!20 years after the release of the famous Band Aid single,Do They Know It's Christmas was re-released and although it was an atrocious rendition of the original classic it still shows Sir Bob cares about the plight of people living in poverty.
See he's not just using that knighthood to get into places!(note-may not be true)
Sports Star of 2004: Lance Armstrong:In September,Armstrong won the Tour de France for a record-breaking sixth time.This great feat is even more incredible when you consider that Armstrong bounced back from a cancer that almost killed him in 1996.
What an amazing athlete.
Irish Sports Star of 2004: Brian O'Driscoll:I must confess that had it not been for a certain scandal I might have awarded this to another Irishman however I will pay tribute to this great rugby player for helping inspire Ireland to winning the Triple Crown which also included a victory over England-the World Champs!
Quote of 2004: "Our enemies are innovative and resourceful,and so are we.They never stop thinking about new ways to harm our country and our people,and neither do we." - George W.Bush.
Hard to believe this guy runs the most powerful nation on earth!
So without further ado:
Hero of the Year: Viktor Yuschenko:Not only did he survive a poison attempt on his life which left him disfigured,he went on to lead his supporters in Ukraine to stand up to a vote which had clearly been fraudulent in allowing Viktor Yanukovych to win.
The original vote would be annulled due to fraud and Yuschenko won the re-run by a clear margin.
Make no mistake this was a historic moment for Ukraine and indeed the world as democracy was put to the test.Thankfully,it would seem,democracy prevailed.One has to admire the courage and character of Mr.Yuschenko to bounce back from the difficulties he was faced with to emerge victorious in the presidential election re-run.
A hero of Ukraine and a hero of 2004.
Villain of the Year: Abu Musab al-Zarqawi:This vile individual emerged in 2004 due to a campaign of murder and terror which involved beheadings including the despicable beheading of British hostage Ken Bigley.
Al-Zarqawi renamed his group from Tawhid and Jihad to al Qaeda in Iraq and Bin Laden was purported to have endorsed al-Zarqawi in his recent tape.
The USA has placed a $25 million bounty on al-Zarqawi-the same amount as Bin Laden.
I think I speak for everyone when I say that hopefully in 2005 al-Zarqawi is brought to justice for the horrible acts he has committed and supported.He is a disgrace to his religion and a disgrace to the human race.
Irish Person of 2004: Mary McAleese:Fought off the challenge(cough)by Dana to remain President and she is enjoying massive popularity.You can't ask for much more than that.
Irish Dunce of 2004: Cornelius Horan:This idiot in the kilt went and ruined the men's Olympic marathon when he pushed Brazil's Vanderlei de Lima off the road when he was leading.
De Lima in the end finished third.
The former Irish priest embarassed Ireland on a global stage with this act of lunacy.Goodness knows what the Brazilians thought of us at that moment!
I think this man should have been locked up for a couple of months over in Brazil.That would've been a suitable punishment!
Celebrity of 2004: Sir Bob Geldof:So what if I'm choosing an Irishman!20 years after the release of the famous Band Aid single,Do They Know It's Christmas was re-released and although it was an atrocious rendition of the original classic it still shows Sir Bob cares about the plight of people living in poverty.
See he's not just using that knighthood to get into places!(note-may not be true)
Sports Star of 2004: Lance Armstrong:In September,Armstrong won the Tour de France for a record-breaking sixth time.This great feat is even more incredible when you consider that Armstrong bounced back from a cancer that almost killed him in 1996.
What an amazing athlete.
Irish Sports Star of 2004: Brian O'Driscoll:I must confess that had it not been for a certain scandal I might have awarded this to another Irishman however I will pay tribute to this great rugby player for helping inspire Ireland to winning the Triple Crown which also included a victory over England-the World Champs!
Quote of 2004: "Our enemies are innovative and resourceful,and so are we.They never stop thinking about new ways to harm our country and our people,and neither do we." - George W.Bush.
Hard to believe this guy runs the most powerful nation on earth!
'Doomsday' Averted-30 Years Ago
It's always interesting at this time of year when state papers get released for the 30-year rule.
I see in the Irish Examiner they cover a meeting between Taoiseach Liam Cosgrave,senior Cabinet members and an SDLP delegation the day after the IRA killed 21 people in the Birmingham pub bombings in November 1974.
Hume referred to a worst-case scenario which he called "doomsday" involving a loyalist uprising leading to British withdrawal and a full-scale civil war which would spread south.
Particularly interesting is Foreign Affairs Minister Garret Fitzgerald warning that "it could be very dangerous" to confront Britain about it.
"If the Irish Government were to indicate it was facing up to the possibility of British withdrawal,this might certainly give the British Government the alibi they almost certainly wanted to get out;in this way we would be letting them off the hook,"he's recorded as saying.
Hearing this makes you wonder why it took so long for Articles 2 and 3 to be altered.
I see in the Irish Examiner they cover a meeting between Taoiseach Liam Cosgrave,senior Cabinet members and an SDLP delegation the day after the IRA killed 21 people in the Birmingham pub bombings in November 1974.
Hume referred to a worst-case scenario which he called "doomsday" involving a loyalist uprising leading to British withdrawal and a full-scale civil war which would spread south.
Particularly interesting is Foreign Affairs Minister Garret Fitzgerald warning that "it could be very dangerous" to confront Britain about it.
"If the Irish Government were to indicate it was facing up to the possibility of British withdrawal,this might certainly give the British Government the alibi they almost certainly wanted to get out;in this way we would be letting them off the hook,"he's recorded as saying.
Hearing this makes you wonder why it took so long for Articles 2 and 3 to be altered.
2005 Has Arrived!
OK my first post of 2005!I hope you all had an enjoyable New Year's Eve.
I admit to getting more merrier than I intended last night but thankfully the night went alright for me and my friends and best of all-no hangover!
On a more serious note,collection buckets were passed around Dublin last night for the victims of the Tsunami tragedy and I and many others donated towards it.
Hopefully the generosity of the Irish people can contribute to helping this region of the world.
Here's hoping 2005 is a great year and hopefully it's a year that won't experience a devastating diaster like was witnessed in the last week of 2004.
I admit to getting more merrier than I intended last night but thankfully the night went alright for me and my friends and best of all-no hangover!
On a more serious note,collection buckets were passed around Dublin last night for the victims of the Tsunami tragedy and I and many others donated towards it.
Hopefully the generosity of the Irish people can contribute to helping this region of the world.
Here's hoping 2005 is a great year and hopefully it's a year that won't experience a devastating diaster like was witnessed in the last week of 2004.
© 2008 United Irelander.
