Another example of 'playground politics' in the DUP camp. The current DUP 'leadership' certainly seems to be sufficiently concerned about their public images to have launched such a coordinated effort to refute the allegations by Paisley, but the reality is who actually cares what went on internally in his church or his party? All this does is compound my belief that the individuals in question care less about Northern Ireland than they do about their own re-election. By default, they all speak as if they have marbles in their mouths (a right of passage in the DUP), and their default message they resonate is a resounding 'NO' (also a right of passage in the DUP). The bottom line is that it's a broken party with diminishing support amongst the electorate. Whoever replaces Robinson needs to be someone with a more pragmatic viewpoint on life and inclusion. Doesn't matter whether you're loyalist, republican, nationalist, or unionist, the internal politics of the party you support should not supersede the your interests. First rule of politics!
I wouldn't wish any hardship on anyone generally, but I think these girls got off pretty lightly. It is surprising that they are still putting themselves across as innocent scapegoats. Here's hoping their time in prison gives them time to think about life, and how reality means hard work, paying bills, bringing up children etc etc. If they had simply held their hands up, shown some remorse, and accepted they acted like idiots, then chances are they would be able to start a new life sooner rather than later. The sob-stories are not believable, and I personally do not feel that their 'plight' is over-zealous or undeserved.
Wouldn't be my preference, but if they can organise themselves, why can't our so-called Government?
When Tesco open a new supermarket, they have 50% more staff on board and order roughly 50% more produce than they will likely sell until such times as they have a full understanding of what the demand is going to be, which based on a computer-based model can predict peaks and troughs throughout the year. Poots and his crew at the Ministry of Health, Social Services and Public Safety are treating the hospitals in Northern Ireland like a flea market stall at Nutts Corner. Unfortunately, saving lives and treating injuries are of the utmost importance. Our politicians can cut whatever they like, but when vital emergency treatment is denied or delayed, then we all know we're in the proverbial _ _ _ _.
The Haass talks were always going to be a waste of time. Even if the five parties could agree on the contents of one specific document, any implementation would be scuppered by one group or another. I have no doubt Mr Haass genuinely believed he was embarking on a positive and progressive road, but now realises that it was an impossible task. A small minority will continue to act as a cancer in this society, and indeed the status quo is perfectly acceptable to them on the basis that peace and harmony and political progression would undermine their need to exist. To think that Fraser and Bryson (two people currently on bail on charges of causing trouble, and generally being a nuisance to society and its democracy), were in any way consulted along the way stinks to high heaven. Jamie Bryson shouting about the fact he saw some of the draft material just goes to show he's more interested in self-promotion than getting off the dole-queue. I despair, I really do.
Regardless of political alignment, of which I have none, it is my opinion that the police officer should neither receive nor accept a reprimand. I personally wouldn't jump in front of a PSNI Land Rover from the perspective of a) it's a stupid act & b) if I have a problem and had the ear of the Chief Constable, i'd take it up any grievance with him directly, not in a confrontational manner. Time for all people to show some respect to the PSNI, and accept they don't get out of bed in the morning, noon, or night seeking trouble or aggravation. They simply can't win. Mr Kelly clearly thinks he's got a divine right to challenge the decisions of police officers based on his 'celebrity' status, but the fact is he should obey laws like most of us do, and have the intelligence to know that jumping in front of a PSNI Land Rover is not such a great idea.
Is 'important' the new word for 'pathetic idiot'?
Jamie Bryson (assuming he is telling the truth, which based on his character is pretty difficult to believe), is a wart on the face of humanity, and it is laughable that he might be 'consulted'. He's a perfect example of what is wrong with Northern Ireland, and it's unfortunate that people like him and Frazer are allowed to run around causing trouble, and prey on those even less educated than themselves to bolster their status in society and avoid going to work like the rest of us. How can two eejits such as Bryson and Frazer run around talking about the lack of jobs for certain parts of the community. By his own admission, Bryson spends a lot of his time in betting shops! Might as well ask Krusty the Clown for his opinion, cos it'll have the same level of intellect. As for Willie Frazer, he actually makes Bryson look like an OxBridge Graduate. Can't fault the entertainment though!
"First Minister Robinson, this is what us commoners in Norn' Iron' call a river. It doesn't do much usually, but if you listen closely, you'll hear it whisper 'No Surrender'. It's embroiled in a dispute with the Lagan, and the PSNI have been keeping the warring tributaries apart for many days." "The Lagan has decided to follow the path of least resistance, but the Connswater is ready to branch out and assert its authority over the good people of East Belfast."
Peter Robinson flies around the world telling potential investors what a great place Northern Ireland is as a business location. Highly educated workforce, low costs, excellent universities etc etc. What he fails to mention are the large numbers of highly uneducated people, those individuals / groups who have so much time on their hands that they stay awake at night worrying about a flag, the 'playground' politics at Stormont and beyond. We all know most people in Northern Ireland don't really care about the issues Haass is trying to deal with - his presence in Northern Ireland is largely because our politicians are primarily geared towards one-upmanship and argumentative stances on almost everything. Party politics tends to take precedence over what is actually beneficial to the province.
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Thingamajig