Category: politics

Lib Dems, news, Regional Development, Scotland, SNP1 Comment

Saving a Scottish Institution: what we all can do to save the Caledonian Sleeper

Michael McFarland Campbell

There was a time when travelling from Northern Ireland to London you could travel by sleeper from Stranraer Harbour to Euston – and indeed in the same manner in the opposite direction. Even as late as 1990 this was possible. However, sadly, this is now no longer possible, you have to take a train up to Glasgow to be able to connect with the sleeper. I know that I have enjoyed travelling using the services of the Caledonian Sleeper when I have needed to be in London fresh-faced for a meeting in the morning. But it seems that we may … Continue reading Saving a Scottish Institution: what we all can do to save the Caledonian Sleeper

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APNI, Belfast, DUP, HIV, news, Northern Ireland life, politics, poverty, SDLP, Sinn Féin, UUPLeave a comment

Is the Executive so tight that they cannot find £5000?

Michael McFarland Campbell

I was interested to notice that cancer patients in Northern Ireland are among those benefiting from a payment from the Northern Ireland Executive of a one-off winter fuel payment. Apparently this is because their immune systems are somewhat suppressed and they need to stay warm. £5000 is not much in the overall budget of the Northern Ireland Executive. At least you would not think that it is. Yet this relatively small amount of money is all that it would take to extend the payment of the winter fuel payment to one group of people who could really benefit from it. … Continue reading Is the Executive so tight that they cannot find £5000?

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Belfast, Blogging, DUP, Northern Ireland life, Royal Family, Sinn Féin, UUPLeave a comment

Sinn Féin, a youth organisation, and the Duke of Edinburgh… time to grow up.

Michael McFarland Campbell

Imagine that you are 14 years old, you have just worked hard completing activities including Volunteering, Physical, Skills and Expedition, for over three months as well as additional three months on one of them. During this time you have also carried out a 2 day (and one night) expedition. At the end of it you get an award. It could be with your school, the Scouts, the Guides, the Boys’ Brigade, the Church Lads’ Brigade or any other youth organisation. Having completed this award. you receive a certificate from someone important, along with all the others who have got your … Continue reading Sinn Féin, a youth organisation, and the Duke of Edinburgh… time to grow up.

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APNI, Belfast, DUP, Northern Ireland, politicsLeave a comment

and they’ve done it again in @niassembly – D’Oh!

Michael McFarland Campbell
Northern Ireland Assembly logo
Image via Wikipedia

Once again our esteemed MLAs in the Northern Ireland Assembly have managed to pass a motion with amendments that is not possible to enforce. Continue reading “and they’ve done it again in @niassembly – D’Oh!”

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#ldconf and why I stayed away

Michael McFarland Campbell

I ought to have been in Birmingham this morning, voting on the motion on Accredtiation for Party Conference and between the amendments to it. This motion was brought to conference as a result of the so-called security measures that were brought in for this conference by the Federal Conference Committee (FCC) and the Constabulary. I know which way I would have voted. But sadly, my vote does not count this year. I am not there. I read from Andy that, and indeed the coverage on BBC Parliament allowed us to hear that, some people do not believe that there are … Continue reading #ldconf and why I stayed away

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swings and roundabouts in North Belfast

Michael McFarland Campbell

For many, the idea that a public park could have more than one set of swings and roundabouts is somewhat inconceivable, but that is just one working out of the divided society in which we here in Northern Ireland get used to. For the last 17 years there has been a so-called Peace Wall up the middle of Alexandra Park. This past week has seen a gate installed in it for the first time. And yes, for once, that gate is actually going to be opened – from 0900 to 1500 on weekdays, and currently only for a three month … Continue reading swings and roundabouts in North Belfast

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Today is brought to you by the numbers 72, 66 and 5…

Michael McFarland Campbell

The Total Politics Blogger Top 100 Lib Dem blogs 2011 list is out. Much to my surprise, Gyronny Herald comes out at number 66, the collaborative Liberal Democrats in Northern Ireland blog comes in at number 72 (up from 75 last year), and Stephen Glenn’s Stephen’s Liberal Journal comes romping in at number 5 which is two up from on last year. The full list can be seen here: There are a few quirks in the list including the interloper The Will Patterson Notebook from the SNP! And lucky Craig Murray being in at number 40 and number 100. I suspect that there … Continue reading Today is brought to you by the numbers 72, 66 and 5…

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