Category: politics

TUVLeave a comment

TUV response writing: could do better

Michael McFarland Campbell

Following an exchange between David Vance of the Traditional Unionist Voice (TUV) and myself on Twitter last night, I agreed to read his work on the TUV’s response to the Energy consultation. TUV appreciates that a balanced energy strategy is essential and that renewable energy has a role to play in this. However, we believe that the goals set in Energy A Strategic Framework For Northern Ireland are completely unrealistic. In the Forward (sic) Minister Foster states that Northern Ireland will seek to achieve 40% of its electricity consumption from renewable sources by 2020. This target is repeated another seven … Continue reading TUV response writing: could do better

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DUP, politics, Sinn FéinLeave a comment

A response to CSI that is rooted in the language of conflict and aggression

Michael McFarland Campbell

The Traditional Unionist Voice, has published its response to the draft Programme on Cohesion, Sharing and Integration, and I have taken this opportunity to make some comment upon it. TUV welcomes the opportunity to respond to this consultation. We will go through the document and highlight areas of particular interest or concern to our party and supporters. TUV finds it ironic in the extreme that this document should have a forward written jointly by the co-First Ministers. Had it not been for the brutal campaign of violence in which the deputy First Minister played a key role we would not … Continue reading A response to CSI that is rooted in the language of conflict and aggression

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Blogging, Regional Development, Sinn FéinLeave a comment

Sinn Féin minister confirms bus shelters still possible

Michael McFarland Campbell

Today, I received a response from the Private Office of the Minister of Regional Development, Conor Murphy MP MLA, to my query about the provision of bus shelters in the Mountcollyer are of Belfast. It is clear from the response that there is need for further work to be done surrounding the need for bus shelters along the number 2 Metro route. I shall be working with my colleagues to ensure that this is done. There are other avenues open to us for any new bus shelters… read rest of post here. Continue reading Sinn Féin minister confirms bus shelters still possible

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Lib Dems, Presidential electionsLeave a comment

Farron v Kramer – community politics win methinks

Michael McFarland Campbell

We are not quite at the end of the Presidential campaign between Tim Farron MP and Susan Kramer, therefore, I would like to pick up a couple of points from the Liberator Q&A session. In answer to the question as to whether David Penhaligon’s immortal phrase Stick it on a piece of paper and shove it through a letterbox has had its day, I wholeheartedly agree with Tim Farron’s answer: Definitely not. I use Facebook, Twitter and email newsletters to great effect in Westmorland and am doing so in this presidential campaign. Electronic campaigning is just another way of getting … Continue reading Farron v Kramer – community politics win methinks

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Sinn Féin1 Comment

Assistance in finding bodies: but when for finding murderers?

Michael McFarland Campbell

We are hearing the news that a body has been recovered in Waterfoot, County Antrim by the teams searching for Peter Wilson, one of ‘The Disappered’. I am glad that another family it seems is going to be able to bury the remains of their missing member soon. However, I found the comment of Sinn Féin President, Gerry Adams MP MLA rather odd “The reports that remains have been found at Waterfoot, County Antrim, where the Commission have been searching for St James man, Peter Wilson, is welcome news. “My thoughts are with the Wilson family at this time and … Continue reading Assistance in finding bodies: but when for finding murderers?

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Blogging, DUP, Fairer VotesLeave a comment

blogged elsewhere: when 40% equals the winner

Michael McFarland Campbell

We live in a democracy. Nigel Dodds MP was elected in an election earlier in May to represent the people of North Belfast in the Parliament of the United Kingdom in Westminster. We may assume therefore that Mr Dodds received a majority of the votes cast. Yes? Not under the system used for Westminster elections at the moment. Let’s look at the figures… Read the rest of the article here. UPDATE: Stephen Glenn has just asked First Past What Post? Continue reading blogged elsewhere: when 40% equals the winner

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Lib Dems, United Kingdom2 Comments

Nick Clegg and Simon Hughes – get the drivel checked first

Michael McFarland Campbell

Like many people last evening, I received an email from the leader and deputy leader of the Liberal Democrats on the subject of voter registration. Whilst I agree that we should encourage everyone that can / should be on the electoral register to be on it. I feel that I must point out that the letter as sent out has fatal flaws in it: for once again, Northern Ireland is different. The letter says… …And this is an important time of year to make that happen, as the annual canvass process is currently ongoing in council across the country. For … Continue reading Nick Clegg and Simon Hughes – get the drivel checked first

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APNI, BloggingLeave a comment

updated: maybe he’s been away with the Doctor

Michael McFarland Campbell

updated: Friday, 29 October, 2010 Many politicians are now using the medium of blogs to keep in touch with their constituents and the wider world. For many this is a great way of sharing news. However, there are pitfalls for some. One North Down Borough Councillor’s blog today has had a post which is dated on Sunday – one wonders if he has been in touch with the Doctor to aid him with posting this. Perhaps the Samaritans’ campaign is going to be launched on Sunday. Although I am not great at using Blogger, I am sure that like on … Continue reading updated: maybe he’s been away with the Doctor

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Lib Dems, Presidential electionsLeave a comment

Exclusive: Presidential candidate, Tim Farron MP: why Lib Dems should vote for me

Michael McFarland Campbell

[Following the article on Lib Dem Voice, Tim Farron MP offered to write an article for this blog covering NI and Wales, here is the article – uneditied, straight from Tim’s keyboard.-Ed.] I wrote an article for Lib Dem Voice the other day about what I would do for Scotland why I hope that party members will choose me as our new President.  I then thought that I need to talk about Wales and Northern Ireland too and what I can offer them and about the political challenges I see us facing together At this time especially, we need distinctive … Continue reading Exclusive: Presidential candidate, Tim Farron MP: why Lib Dems should vote for me

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APNI, catholic, christian, DUP, Education, news, Northern Ireland, Northern Ireland life, politics4 Comments

either a farce or we’ve moved very far indeed

Michael McFarland Campbell

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

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