Tag: Alliance Party

APNI, Belfast, LGBT4 Comments

Judith Cochrane MLA’s answer on why she was absent from chamber for #equalmarriageni vote yesterday

Michael McFarland Campbell

Just been speaking to Judith Cochrane MLA, one of three Alliance Party MLAs unable to bring themselves to be present in The Northern Ireland Assembly yesterday for the Marriage Equality vote. I asked her: “Can you tell me why you were absent from the chamber yesterday for the Equal Marriage vote?” Her response is below. I am sorry if you feel that I let you down yesterday. I have many friends in the LGBT community both in NI and further afield whom I care about deeply but who accept that I believe that marriage is between a man and a … Continue reading Judith Cochrane MLA’s answer on why she was absent from chamber for #equalmarriageni vote yesterday

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APNI, Belfast, Belfast Pride, Blogging, DUP, gay, LGBT, Lib Dems, Northern Ireland life, SDLP, Sinn Féin, UUPLeave a comment
Belfast Pride Festival 2011

Politician states Pride is ‘totally repugnant’ – when will the DUP learn?

Michael McFarland Campbell

With the DUP snubbing yesterday’s Belfast Pride event at Stormont, Michael wonders how long it will be before they come on board on the issue of LGBT rights. Continue reading Politician states Pride is ‘totally repugnant’ – when will the DUP learn?

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APNI, Belfast, Blogging, Enniskillen, Lib Dems, news, Northern Ireland, Northern Ireland life, politics, SDLP, UUP8 Comments

Anna Lo: an update… a rather liberal take on what I was saying

Michael McFarland Campbell
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A Pint of Unionist Lite has commented about a post of mine* about the reaction of Anna Lo MLA to the story from Fermanagh about Social Democratic and Labour Party Councillor John O’Kane’s comments on creating a centre ground grouping, I would like to confirm that I made my statements full in the knowledge that some could try to twist my words into saying what they do not.

This can happen to anyone who makes any public comment on any issue.

But, to go back to the original issue that I had then – and still do have – with what Ms Lo was saying, let me be clear about my thoughts on this important issue. Continue reading “Anna Lo: an update… a rather liberal take on what I was saying”

APNI, Belfast, DUP, news, Northern Ireland, Northern Ireland life1 Comment

Minister misleads the House: ministers must wise up

Michael McFarland Campbell

A sorry scene in a legislature Yesterday, we witnessed a sorry scene. A government minister getting up, answering questions, but answering them in a way so as to mislead the House. The government minister in question did so during First Minister’s Questions when answering a question from Dr Stephen Farry of the Alliance Party on the Cohesion, sharing and integration programme consultation, Democrati Unionist Junior Minister Robin Newton MBE MLA stated that: The consultation attracted 290 written responses Hansard, 29 Nov. 2010 and then just minutes later we heard the following exchange: Danny Kinahan: I thank the junior Minister for … Continue reading Minister misleads the House: ministers must wise up

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Lib Dems, Northern Ireland life1 Comment

a black hole: who’s who in the liberal democrats…

Michael McFarland Campbell

Just been entering my details on Who’s Who in the Liberal Democrats and come across a couple of minor problems. Minor problem number 1 I am a member of the Northern Ireland local party – indeed I am currently chair. However, although I can put my constituency in (Belfast North), there is no region for me I have decided to put in “Devon & Cornwall” to show my Cornish heritage. This is, however, not very satisfactory. I believe that my fellow blogger, Stephen Glenn, may have put “Scotland”. Minor problem number 2 Although this category does not apply to me, … Continue reading a black hole: who’s who in the liberal democrats…

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charitable, news, politics, poverty1 Comment

winter fuel payment – not a solution, but a temporary fix

Michael McFarland Campbell

With the news that HM Government in the United Kingdom is looking at slashing the Winter Fuel payments to those over 60 years of age, there has been quite a lot of comment on this proposal*.

Whilst reading Caron’s Musings having met her and her daughter Anna (who was signed up to the Liberal Democrats by me at the weekend), I remembered that Trevor Lunn MLA had done something about this inequality back in 2008. I know, I designed the logo that was used. Continue reading “winter fuel payment – not a solution, but a temporary fix”

Carrickfergus, Larne, news, politics1 Comment

A new era for politics…

Michael McFarland Campbell

… in East Antrim Politics Can Get Better Isn’t about time we elected politicians who could move this place forward? I am told that the Alliance Party members living in the East Antrim parliamentary constituency have received a leaflet from a candidate who is seeking selection as the Alliance candidate for the next General Election. No stranger to new methods of working, Gerry Lynch is probably the first Alliance member to mail all the members of the Association. He has also set up a campaign website. Gerry Lynch promises to get the Assembly moving create a shared future argue Northern … Continue reading A new era for politics…

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Belfast, news, politics2 Comments

Anna Lo MLA – Northern Ireland Woman of the Year

Michael McFarland Campbell

Anna Lo MLA sitting on the steps outside Parliament Buildings, BelfastThe Northern Ireland Assembly is not currently noted for its progress in moving forward. With fewer Assembly Acts being passed in our Assembly than the other devolved administrations in the United Kingdom, the public looks on at the seemingly endless deadlock in the house on the hill at Stormont.

However, among the 108 MLAs, Anna Manwah Lo MBE (盧曼華)is one who has made a significant difference to the Assembly since she was elected. Continue reading “Anna Lo MLA – Northern Ireland Woman of the Year”

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History made as Sinn Féin top NI Euro Poll

Michael McFarland Campbell

The scene in the King’s Hall, Belfast this morning was as divided as the Unionist vote. Every now and then another MLA/MP entered the hall and his/her supporters squealed, shouted, and screamed support. It seemed like the main purpose of having lots of counting agents present was to ensure you shouted the loudest. Of course, the real reason for everyone being there was to ensure that the European Election count was conducted freely and fairly. Sinn Féin‘s Bairbre de Brún topped the poll and displaced the Democratic Unionist Party from its top spot since 1979. After she was elected, the … Continue reading History made as Sinn Féin top NI Euro Poll

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