The move by the coalition government in Whitehall towards more transparency may be a step in the right direction, but it needs to be only part of the general move to make government at all levels in the United Kingdom transparent. I look forward to seeing websites like this throughout the local government and regional and national government structure as well. Continue reading Transparency must be seen across all levels of governments
It is rare of me to be reading the Daily Mail’s website, but the headline about the Tories putting up a candidate in the Oldham East & Saddleworth election following the ruling of the Election Court with regard to Phil Woolas. The Daily Mail seems to think that it was a ‘by-election’ that was tainted. Let’s hope that those responsible for writing headlines could actually attempt to be accurate. After all, we wouldn’t want anyone accused of telling lies now. And as for the content of the story. Well it is hardly surprising that all the parties appear to be … Continue reading Daily Mail appears to tell lies…
I am just back home from the SDLP conference at the Ramada near Shaw’s Bridge, Belfast today, with NI Campaign Manager Stephen Glenn. It was great to meet up with and receive positive comments and support from many SDLP elected representatives including: Margaret Ritchie MP Mark Durkan MP Alasdair McDonnell MP Dolores Kelly MLA Conall McDevitt MLA Patsy McGlone MLA Declan O’Loan MLA Cllr Niall Kelly, Belfast City Council… Read the rest on Fairer Votes Belfast Continue reading lots of positivity at SDLP conference – Stephen Glenn
In East Tyrone Magistrates Court yesterday a phrase was used by a detective constable in a bail hearing that has my brain considering whether this is correct or not. The defendant was arrested at the scene of the finding of some ammunition and a holdall containing a revolver in a car in which he claims he was being taken to be a victim of a “so-called punishment shooting”*, lying face down on the back seat with a blanket over his head. His solicitor said, bail should be permitted as his client had no previous record. Yet the detective constable replied: … Continue reading “known to police”: the whole truth?
Reading the news about the First Minister’s comments about integrated education in Northern Ireland has got me thinking. It really isn’t that long ago since I spoke in a debate, nay, I seconded the motion, at Alliance Party Conference in the Dunadry Hotel, in 2009. The motion was proposed by Alliance Youth, – I was only just a member back then (before being kicked out for being too old). The proposal was that the State should withdraw funding from schools that don’t withdraw religious control on them. In other words, to create a State education sector that was truly integrated, … Continue reading either a farce or we’ve moved very far indeed
The HIV Support Centre‘s news page has the following story, thought others might want to hear about what scams are out there for people living with HIV. The Food Standards Agency warned against ‘Miracle Mineral Solution‘ claims that it cures cancer and HIV. On the Mirror‘s website Andrew Penman writes: The Miracle Mineral Solution cure that could make you very sick Meet Jim Humble, a “bishop” who reckons that he can cure the sick – by getting them to drink bleach. For around £10 you can buy a bottle of Miracle Mineral Solution online. According to Humble’s website, it has … Continue reading another HIV scam
Good to see that the all-Ireland political entity known as Sinn Féin is using joined up campaigning. On one side of the border that they now recognise (cf Belfast Agreement) people are being encouraged to join with Gerry Adams and protest the cuts – see poster… Whilst in Northern Ireland, Sinn Féin is saying that they want to make savings cuts worth £1billion and make £800 million in revenue. According to Eamonn Mallie, the deputy First Minister, Martin McGuinness said (on tackling the economy) Let us have a bit of blue sky thinking – thinking outside the box. Mr Mallie … Continue reading stop the cuts, make some cuts… make up your mind Sinn Féin
By now we should be well down the road for reorganisation of the local district councils in Northern Ireland from the 26 current district councils to the 11 council model. Sadly for some, though better for actual local democracy and relation of councillor to constituent, this has not happened. According to the BBC, Northern Ireland’s Minister for the Environment, Edwin Poots, of the DUP, said that he remained committed to reforming local government Committed to reforming local government he may be, but not committed to bringing forward the legislation necessary to enable this to be done. For Mr Poots has … Continue reading councils delay has gone to Poots
Northern Ireland for the relatively uninformed people of the rest of the United Kingdom is peaceful. Or so they think. Last night, a police officer was taken to hospital after suffering a head injury in Ballyclare, County Antrim. He was on a routine patrol. He has subsequently been released. Some time later, other police vehicles and officers were attacked by petrol bombs. Who are these attackers? They are masked men thugs. Thugs who hide behind masks rather than showing their faces. Thugs who know that the vast majority of Northern Irish society is not behind them. But they seem intent … Continue reading we must not let the thugs take us back in time
Gyronny Herald 