Ógra Fianna Fáil- The Amazing Invisible Youth Wing

In a blaze of glory during July, Ógra Fianna Fáil announced that it was going to organise in the north. At the time, Ógra announced that its plan ‘would culminate in Fianna Fáil societies being set up in the North’s Third Level institutions’.

Ógra Leas Cathaoirleach Anthony Kelly said at the time that individual membership recruitment would take place and “it is up to Ógra to ensure that we attract members from the North’s colleges e.g. Queen’s, Belfast. Once we do this, we will be able to work with these members to set up Fianna Fáil societies in those colleges. I envisage that with dedication and commitment from Ógra members that this can be done before Christmas.”

One Ógra member from Meath commented on Slugger O’Toole when it covered the topic: “I think that this is a welcome move. What is wrong with choice? Clearly people are not happy with the SDLP (losing votes all over the place) and most of these voters will not vote SF. What is wrong with giving them a new type of representation? Are all the people on this site who are hostile to FF moving North happy to deny the people representation?? Ar aghaidh le Fianna Fáil!!”

Fighting words.

So, finding myself with a few spare minutes yesterday, I took a stroll over to the Queen’s University Freshers’ Fair. There was plenty of parties recruiting there - the UUP, the DUP, Sinn Féin, the Alliance Party, and of course the SDLP. Even the Socialist Party was there!

But alas, no sign of Ógra Fianna Fáil. I thought they were going to offer us an alternative. I thought that the SDLP were useless and people don’t like Sinn Féin. I thought ÓFF was dedicated and committed to recruiting in the north’s universities. I thought that they were going to come up all guns blazing and show us how politics should be done. I thought they told us all that the people of the north need representation.

As far as I could see, they couldn’t even organise to stand at a table in Queen’s Students’ Union giving out leaflets and asking people to sign-up to their group.

They can criticise the SDLP and other parties all they want, but not only was Ógra Fianna Fáil absent during the Troubles when young nationalists faced great challenges in areas such as employment and education, but it seems that even now they cannot deliver on a very simple promise that they would recruit in the north.

Perhaps they saw the attack on Pat Ramsey’s home at the weekend and got scared. They aren’t used to that kind of thing down in leafy D4 or wildest Carlow.

The SDLP has historically worked well with all the major southern parties, including Fianna Fáil- hopefully that will continue. However, ÓFF’s ham-fisted attacks on the SDLP do them no favours- I wonder how many of them have even ventured north of the border.

Indeed, just this week SDLP Youth has been fighting gallantly against the fascistic ban on political activity at the University of Ulster, in the process having their recruitment material destroyed and their activists thrown off campus. Again, there was no sign of ÓFF turning up to fight for student rights on the various UU campuses alongside their northern nationalist counterparts.

It seems that despite the rhetoric and promises to come north, Ógra Fianna Fáil are yet again just idly standing by. No big loss. [ElBlogador.com]

Lord Laird Loses It... Again!

The bête noire of rationality, Lord Laird of Artigarvan, has put his foot in it again by claiming: “When I consider Irish nationalism as practised by the Irish Government and their many supporters, I am appalled at what I see - an inward-looking, monocultural sectarian state.” These words appeared in an article he penned for the Belfast Telegraph.

Is this man on medication? Does he not recall how ridiculous David Trimble looked a couple of years back when he spewed the same kind of bile about the south?

In case the Noble Lord hasn’t noticed, the Republic of Ireland now has a rich tapestry of national and ethnic cultures within its society. A simple walk through Dublin shows how the nation’s capital is fast becoming a melting pot, as people come to live in Ireland from Eastern Europe and beyond. This is fuelling a continually expanding economy and increasing the living standards of people south of the border.

Lord Laird has paid many trips to Dublin, but clearly he didn’t bother to glance out the window of the taxis he took to get there at the taxpayers’ expense.

Conversely, Laird’s beloved ‘Ulster’ (or more accurately Northern Ireland), continues to be seen as the race hate capital of Europe. Only the other day, five immigrant workers’ homes in Moygashel were attacked, with bricks being thrown through their windows. And far from it being areas which espouse ‘Irish nationalism as practised by the Irish Government’ which display the greatest racism, attacks are vastly more numerous in loyalist areas such as the Village in south Belfast.

But then perhaps Lord Laird doesn’t go near these ‘common’ areas lest he catch tuberculosis or something, so maybe he doesn't know about this.

Likewise, the economy in the north, in stark contrast with the south, is on its knees relying on government hand-outs to stay alive.

Laird further comments: “The operation of the Cross Border bodies has been an eye opener for many of us in unionism. We can see that standards of Irish governance and particularly of political and religious discrimination are now being stealthily introduced into Northern Ireland.”

Safe in the knowledge that he doesn’t have to rely on votes to maintain his place in the House of Lords, Laird mustn’t bother to listen much to the unionist business community- while wrangling continues over the formation of an Assembly here, Strand Two of the Good Friday Agreement (North-South Cooperation) is being embraced by people of all backgrounds, as they recognise that it benefits people on both sides of the border. Indeed, across the political spectrum, there was very little criticism of the SDLP’s recent ‘North-South Makes Sense’ proposals.

Laird then turns his attention to his beloved ‘Ulster Scots': "The UK is not perfect but for anyone who wishes to celebrate their non-Irish culture in a multicultural society it is much more acceptable than the option of the Republic.

“Can anyone seriously suggest that Ulster Scots or Unionists should give up their freedom for involvement with a monocultural, narrow society?”

Firstly, does he think the United Kingdom gives a toss about Ulster Scots? Secondly, no one is asking him to give up his identity. In fact, I’m sure quite a few Orangemen will testify that it is a lot easier to get the go-ahead to stage a march in the Republic than it is in the north (notwithstanding the idiotic attacks on O’Connell Street earlier this year).

Laird’s insular hatred of anything which isn’t consistent with the tired and obsolete belief in Big House Unionist hegemony is more suited to the 1930s.

And isn’t it a bit rich for Laird to talk as if ‘Ulster Scots’ would be treated as second-class citizens in a United Ireland? After all, I’m sure most of us are aware of his fellow Ulster Unionists’ opinions on Catholicism, such as Lord Brookeborough’s appeal “to loyalists, that wherever possible, to employ good Protestant lads and lassies,” or Prime Minister James Craig’s statement: “All I boast is that we are a Protestant Parliament and Protestant State," or more recently, Prime Minister Terence O’Neill’s ‘kind’ comments in 1969 that “if you treat Roman Catholics with due consider and kindness, they will live like Protestants in spite of the authoritative nature of their Church..."

Either Lord Laird has conveniently forgotten the position which his party has historically taken in relation to the concept of pluralism, or he simply doesn’t have a sense of irony.

As we reach a critical period of negotiation which will hopefully bring about devolution, comments like those expressed by Laird are a wholly unwelcome distraction- a bitter reminder of the past. It is time that Reg Empey, despite his own problems, started to show leadership of the Ulster Unionist Party. He must force outmoded commentators like Laird to remain silent unless they have something positive to contribute- otherwise, reconciliation and cooperation is made all the more difficult. [ElBlogador.com]

An Inconvenient Truth

I've just come from the cinema having watched U.S. Presidential Election Winner Al Gore's new film 'An Inconvenient Truth'.

It's a very simple film, but indisputably the most important that you will watch this year. Without using massive budget special effects or high-dramatics, Gore quite simply but extremely effectively illustrates how the earth is heading for certain disaster if we do not address the issue of global warming immediately.

Green affairs have been something that I have taken some interest in up until now, but this film really crystallises the key issues.

I'll set to work on writing a more comprehensive article on the issues involved, outlining how we as individuals can begin to make a difference. It's not just America that needs to change, but also Europe.

In the meantime, I urge you to call into your local picture house and see the film.

In the meantime, have a look at www.climatecrisis.net. [ElBlogador.com]

Restaurant Review: Serai, University Street, Belfast

Every so often, along comes a restaurant which provides quality cuisine at a good price in a convenient location. Except in Belfast. However, Serai on University Street bucks this unenviable trend by supplying all three.

In an area known for its terraced houses and offices, the lone-standing Serai stands out from the crowd. And in culinary terms, its food does the same. Located just one minute’s walk from Queen’s University, the restaurant is housed in a building which has been an eatery for some time under various guises such as Lemongrass and Opus One. The interior has recently undergone a make-over, its new look dominated by hardwood furnishings and subtle lighting, creating a modern but comfortable ambiance in which to enjoy a dining experience.

Serai describes its food as ‘Asian Fusion’, which basically means stir-fries and curries. I have eaten there on several occasions now, and have found myself ordering the stir-fried sirloin of beef with garlic, chillies and soy sauce each time.

The only word I can use to describe it is ‘excellent’.

Cooked to perfection and bursting with a cornucopia of flavours, this dish comprises quality steak strips and fresh vegetables basted in a delicious sauce which piques the taste buds. Alongside it, I usually avail of the complementary (and complimentary) side order of rice which is presented in a fresh and appetising manner, and a portion of ‘special noodles’.

The only thing slightly lacking is the amount of beef used, which tends to be on the small side. However, there is plenty of food on the plate overall to prevent any need for second helpings.

Other dishes offered include stir-fried chicken with spring onions and ginger sauce, and sweet-and-sour pork served with peppers, onion and cherry tomatoes.

Most options on the menu check-in at around the £10 mark. However, an additional feather which Serai can add to its cap is the fact that it offers a ‘Beat the Clock’ deal every evening of the week- the time you order is the price you pay for all main dishes between 5.30pm and 7pm. This makes Serai an even more appealing option for the discerning Belfast gastronome.

All in all, Serai certainly ticks all the boxes when it comes to a providing a positive and pleasant dining experience. [ElBlogador.com]

Le Scum Est De Retour

Well they never really went away, but the Rebels Without A Cause, AKA Scumbags, have attacked SDLP MLA Pat Ramsey's home yet again- for the fifteenth time. Pat said his family are at their ‘wits end dealing with ongoing attacks’.

What exactly are these people trying to achieve? History has shown that violence doesn't pay- the Troubles just caused misery and heartache, but some idiots still seem to think that they can win an argument by force. Thankfully they are in a small minority.

While Pat Ramsey is attempting to provide representation for the people of the Bogside and the wider Derry area, the filthmongers who attacked his home last night have nothing to offer but petrol bombs. What heroes...

Pat stated: “We are just sick, sore and tired of these endless attacks on our home and on our family.

“First and foremost I am a father and a husband. My number one priority is my children and my wife. But this morning I feel completely helpless because I cannot protect my family from these dangerous and nasty people.

“A petrol bomb is a lethal weapon and those responsible for last night’s attack did so with the full intent of doing serious harm, both to my property and to all who were in the house at the time. I am just thankful that this morning I only have to deal with property damage.

“The reality is however, that this is affecting my family. We do not feel safe any longer in our home. Those responsible for ongoing attacks have ensured that our house is a place of fear. My children and my wife have fear of going to sleep at night, in case someone comes to target the house while they are sleeping. I fear that if these attacks do not stop here and now then it will result in the loss of life of my loved ones.

“Last night’s attack could have claimed a life. How much more do we have to take before the stupid and reckless people responsible come to their senses? I urge local people to come forward with whatever information they have on the attackers so that we can get justice and feel safe again in our home.

“I am very thankful of the quick actions of two of my neighbours who put out the flames last night. Their ongoing support is much appreciated. For their sake and the sake of my family these attacks must stop.”

SDLP Leader Mark Durkan has strongly condemned the latest attack.

Mark said: “This latest attack on the Ramsey family home was despicable and disgusting. This was no mere hoax, but a determined effort to do as much harm as possible to Pat’s home and family. We are all thankful that no-one was injured or killed, but the people who threw this petrol bomb at Pat’s house had no regard for the safety of anyone inside. They have no respect for the decency that Pat Ramsey and his family epitomise. The whole community in Derry is angered at the ongoing campaign being waged against the Ramseys. That outrage needs to be vocalised in unequivocal support for the right of Pat and his family to live in peace and outright rejection of those who repeatedly seek to terrorise them.” [ElBlogador.com]

No Change In Ratings For The Two Potential Irish Governments

Tomorrow's Red C/ Sunday Business Post poll shows a fall in support for Berties Ahern's Fianna Fáil party and Enda Kenny's Fine Gael by two percentage points each to 33% and 25% respectively. However, the two parties' most likely respective coalition partners should either of them form a government, the Progressive Democrats and Labour, have both posted increases of two percentage points, which overall means that two potential governments maintain the same level of support.

The PDs' high-profile change of leadership has probably assisted their increase in support, and Labour leader Pat Rabbitte's attendance at a Fine Gael 'think-in' has clearly done his party no harm, despite criticism from some quarters that he has been getting too close to Kenny's party. The poll was also conducted prior to the recent controversy surrounding Bertie Ahern's finances, which may have a subsequent effect of future Fianna Fáil ratings.

Meanwhile, despite a high profile summer with Hunger Strike commemorations, Sinn Féin's popularity has dropped by two percentage points to 8%. The Greens remain steady with 7%.

Overall, the current state of play is:

Fianna Fáil: 33% (-2)
Fine Gael: 25% (-2)
Labour: 14% (+2)
Progressive Democrats 4% (+2)
Sinn Féin: 8% (-2)
Green Party: 7% (-)
Others 9%

This leaves the proposed FF/PD coalition with 37%, and the FG/Labour link-up with 39%. A possible rainbow coalition of FG/Labour/Green would command 46% of the vote according to the poll. [ElBlogador.com]

Richard Hammond Of Top Gear And Brainiac: Science Abuse

Following a crash at 300mph on Wednesday, there are reports that television reporter Richard Hammond is making "satisfactory progress" and is out of intensive care.

However, the accident involving the presenter of BBC Two's Top Gear and Sky One's Brainiac: Science Abuse (both programmes I happen to enjoy) raises question about how far TV presenters should go to make good programmes, and indeed, how far they should be let go. It is only a couple of weeks since 'Crocodile Hunter' Steve Irwin was killed by a stingray whilst filming for a TV show.

Is death or serious injury really worth it just to make a TV show?

A balance must be struck between providing original and provocative programming, and not exposing those involved to undue harm.

For instance, the MTV programme Dirty Sanchez has been transferred to the big screen, and by all accounts the antics therein (such as ripping each other's ears apart with fishing hooks) are magnified for shock value in the film version, in comparison to its small screen counterpart. Some would say that the content of Dirty Sanchez and its corresponding film is too extreme- on the other hand, although it may be gruesome, it could be argued that those involved are not under threat of serious injury or death, and if people choose to watch their productions, then that in itself is justification for them to be permitted to continue making them.

I think the key is that those who take part in dangerous activities in the pursuit of making a television programme should do so wholly at their own discretion, and there shouldn't be pressure from producers for presenters to put themselves at undue risk simply to get people to watch their particular show. Likewise, the target audience must also be borne in mind, save that those watching may try to imitate what they see on-screen. [ElBlogador.com]

Northern Irish Peace Money 'Funding Weapons Of War'

The Belfast Telegraph today reports on startling revelations about the British government handing millions of pounds of taxpayers' money, including European peace funds, to a Belfast missiles company.

According to the Telegraph, the Irish Government queried how peace money could go to a firm manufacturing weapons. The company in question, Thales, was offered £899,060 in EU Peace II and government funds through Invest NI.

Invest NI's appraisal of the project claimed it would "address the legacy of conflict" and identified "some benefit in paving the way to reconciliation". However, when the Telegraph put in a Freedom of Information request to Invest NI asking it to reveal the countries to which Thales exports Belfast-made missiles, they refused to provide and answer. Apparently the Telegraph is going to appeal the decision. Invoking exemptions under Freedom of Information, Invest NI apparently argued disclosure "would prejudice relations between the UK and any other state". It also stated that Crown forces could be endangered and commercial confidentiality breached.

Whatever.

I fail to see how, by any warped logic, creating bombs (which by definition are used to blow up buildings and kill people) can be described as 'addressing conflict'.

Perhaps as far as the British government is concerned, so long as it is only foreigners who are involved in conflict, then there is nothing to worry about.

Meanwhile, today's news reports are filled with reports that Northbrook Technology is expanding, which should lead to the creation of 400 jobs. However, Invest NI has provided £5.6 million towards this expansion.

While I have absolutely no problem with the government assisting in the creation of new jobs- in fact, I encourage it- the economy in the north-east of Ireland is propped-up all too artificially by government investment. The economy here is largely dependent on government funding- this makes the prospect of a united Ireland more distant, as the Irish Government couldn't afford to absorb such a cash-burning entity as NI; it is also detrimental for people living here, as the money which should be used to develop infrastructure, health, and education is instead being used to fund a failing system. Of course, things aren't helped by the British government's archaic inflexibility in dealing with constantly changing issues, such as the fact that the south, with its preferential tax rates for business, is a far more attractive target for would-be investors.

It is time for a whole new approach to be taken in relation to the ecomony here- the system of tax and spend with no forward vision is no longer tenable. Sustainable development and creating access to first-class education, training, and employment must be paramount on the government's list of priorities.

Throwing money as bomb manufacturers is not the answer.

[Hat-tip to 'Donald Duck' for the heads up] [ElBlogador.com]

El Blogador On The BBC

Although not one to blow my own trumpet, it would be remiss of me to neglect to mention that

EL BLOGADOR GOT A MENTION ON THE BBC NEWS WEBSITE!

The article in question is here: http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/northern_ireland/5364010.stm

A number of other northern political blogs are also featured, and although we may all differ in our outlooks, I think all form part of what is a broad tapestry of online opinion on current affairs here.

Of course, credit must also go to the quality journalist who wrote the article, Arthur Strain. [ElBlogador.com]

About Time Too

The DUP leadership is consulting its membership about going into government with Sinn Féin. While Paisley may be holding out for some ethereal future deadline, it seems that the pragmatists are beginning to realise that powersharing is the only way forward and that they must stick to the timetable set forth by the governments.

The only thing Paisley has to offer is a hot shower of saliva for those unfortunate enough to be within a five-yard radius of his mouth when he lets rip.

The DUP is being pressured by a pincer movement- on one hand we have the Ulster Unionists trying to court working class loyalist communities (albeit rather ham-fistedly) and on the other hand we have the growing anger at the antics of the British Remote Control Direct Rule Administration, particularly with regard to issues such as rates.

Now, while Sinn Féin isn't exactly helping the situation by boycotting the current debates at Stormont, there is clearly no reason for the DUP not to go into government with them, the UUP, and the SDLP.

Of course, we would all prefer it if Sinn Féin signed up to the policing arrangements, and the signals are that such a move is likely to happen sooner rather than later. However, if the DUP allows its own inflexibility in relation to Sinn Féin intransigence to block devolution, a lot of people will be very angry, regardless of whether they support the Agreement or not- across the board, there is a hunger for local people to govern.

In the interests of progress, we can but hope that Paisley will be politely but firmly shoved aside, and that politicians can get down to doing that which they were elected to do- govern. [ElBlogador.com]

Don't Forget The Staff!

It's a oft-heard criticism of local politicians that they are getting 'paid for doing nothing'. Now, while they may not be legislating up in Stormont, that does not mean they are 'doing nothing'. Indeed, many MLAs I have come across work from early morning to late at night.

However, one group of people who may be joining them in the dole queue soon, but who have no control over the course of events at Stormont, is office staff.

If the Assembly shuts down, workers across the north will find themselves out of work.

This creates a massive problem, as these workers perform a vital task in their local communities, and many people have come to rely on them for assistance and advice.

Let us hope that the deal will be done, the Assembly will rise once again, and party office workers will get to continue in their jobs. [ElBlogador.com]

David Ervine Never Left The UVF

Today's Belfast Telegraph carries a fascinating article in which PUP leader David Ervine admits that he never quit the Ulster Volunteer Force. These revelations show how lucky the Ulster Unionists were this week to have their marriage to Ervine's party the PUP declared void.

In today's paper, Ervine states that 11 years after his release from jail in 1980, he still had an active role inside the UVF.

Ervine does not detail the position he held, but the Belfast Telegraph claims it was "provost marshal" in charge of internal UVF discipline in east Belfast. This was between 1988 and 1991.

Ervine tells the Telegraph: "I've never resigned from the UVF. I've never been asked to resign from the UVF, but then that would apply to pretty much thousands of people.

"It would apply to a brave few councillors knocking about the place."

Unsurprisingly, nationalist politicians are extremely criticial. The SDLP's Alban Maginness said: "We are now in a situation where the Ulster Unionist Assembly Group has within it a self-confessed member of the UVF.

"Sometimes the UUP like to make out that what they are doing is the same as what the SDLP did to bring Sinn Féin in from the cold. But the SDLP never formed a party with Sinn Féin. And all our efforts were purely to get peace. The UUP’s motivation was to get itself an extra minister and a sectarian majority for unionists in the Executive.

"We also remained unambiguous in our abhorrence of violence and our opposition to paramilitarism. Meanwhile, the UUP, by merging with a UVF member while that organisation remains active in drug dealing, crime and intimidation, has crossed a very dangerous line.

"It is time that the UUP took heed of the Speaker’s ruling and ended their links with the PUP. If they are sincere about ending loyalist violence, they can still work with the PUP for peace. But for so long as they retain their alliance, everybody knows that they are only after partisan advantage and the plums of ministerial office."

Of course, it's not clear whether ex-members of other paramilitary organisations such as the IRA who now hold senior positions in Sinn Féin ever resigned their paramilitary posts. Indeed, some of them don't even admit to having been members of the IRA at all (have they something to be ashamed of?). But then, Sinn Féin isn't jumping into bed with another party to boost its Assembly strength. [ElBlogador.com]

Disgraceful Treatment Of Belfast Norwich Union Workers

Norwich Union has announced that it is to sack 100 of its workers in Belfast due to the greater use of online insurance quotations by consumers, and because it intends relocating many of its services to India.

Now it would be unfair to single Norwich Union out in terms of its excuses for making these people redundant- such moves are being reflected across the financial and insurance industry, and are an issue in themselves. But what made me angry was the way in which some workers were made aware of the job cuts. On Radio Ulster this morning, a spokesman for the company admitted that his appearance on air may have been the first that some workers at Norwich Union heard about the job losses.

This is disgraceful!

One can only imagine how affected workers must have felt when they heard the announcement on Good Morning Ulster. Picture the scene- someone preparing their children's breakfasts or driving them to school turns on the radio for a bit of background noise, only to discover that they are heading for the dole queue. It must have been terrible.

Norwich Union claims that the story was about to leak, so they had no choice but to go public. The fact is that these sorts of strategic decisions are not taken overnight, and would have been made at board level over a period of time.

There was no reason why workers could not have been told in a dignified and decent manner that they could face the sack. Even if the story was about to leak, could these workers not have been telephoned to let them know what was happening, before going on air to confirm that jobs were going?

It's one thing sacking workers. It's another thing letting them know by way of breakfast radio. [ElBlogador.com]

El Blogador Is One Year Old!

This time last year on 13th September 2005, while loyalist rioters were holding Belfast to ransom and the political process was in a slump, El Blogador was quietly born.

The key motivation behind me setting up the blog was the desire to address the fact that there was a general absence of constitutional nationalist voices from the blogosphere. Also, credit is due to the ever-excellent Slugger O'Toole, a site which has inspired a large number of people with an interest in Irish politics to start their own blogs, including myself.

Along the way, I was greatly assisted by Parnell, who has since gone on to pastures new.

Over the summer of this year, the site continued to receive a steady flow of visitors despite the lack of action on the political scene. Now that we are moving into the autumn, things are picking up, and El Blogador continues to grow.

I would like to thank everyone who has visited the site, and the many people who have commented.

Now, over 440 posts and tens-of-thousands of visitors later, El Blogador moves into its second year.

Let's hope I have something positive to write about as we enter a period of intense political negotiation. Who knows- perhaps this time next year we will have new administrations at Stormont, as well as in London and Dublin. Time will tell.

In the meantime, feel free to browse back through posts from the first twelve months, and above all go raibh maith agat! [ElBlogador.com]

Armagh's Trip To Croke Park Under Threat

Although Armagh women's team won last weekend's All-Ireland football semi-final against Galway, it appears that their place in the final may be under threat.

Galway argue that they scored a point in the dying seconds of the game, a fact which could have led to them drawing or winning the game. They believe that television footage backs their claim that the shot in question didn't go wide, and intend appealing to the GAA. The official outcome of the game was that Armagh won 1-13 to 1-12.

I'm not quite sure of the rules surrounding appeals against match outcomes, but clearly Galway must think it worth their while making the effort to protest against the score of Saturday's game. [ElBlogador.com]

Toffs and Terrorists: What Next For UUP/ PUP?

Now that the Ulster Unionist Party/ Progressive Unionist Party love-in has been banned, where do they go from here?

It seems that the brief coalition of Toffs and Terrorists is at an end.

The Ulster Unionists initially stated that their annexation of David Ervine's PUP was to ensure their mandate of November 2003 was fulfilled (notwithstanding the fact that a bunch of its MLAs, led by Handsome Jeffrey, had defected to the DUP in the meantime), and to prevent Sinn Féin from getting an extra seat in any future Executive.

However, conscious that such a move would be injurious to the sensibilities of North Down Ladies Who Lunch, Empey then pulled an altogether more altruistic excuse from the bowler hat- that the link-up was to 'bring loyalists in from the cold'. However, Reg's attempts at trickery were about as convincing as David Copperfield's claim that he made the Statue of Liberty disappear. And it didn't prevent the North Down Ladies from choking on their caviar.

A number of Ulster Unionist members could hardly contain their anger at the move- I'm not quite sure if it was because loyalists tend to kill people, or simply because they live in housing estates. Either way, it led to Sylvia Hermon sounding her opposition, and Down councillor Peter Bowles jumping ship to that all-the-more-enlightened political party the Tories.

As the weeks went on, UVF tomfoolery continued. The UUP looked like it had jumped into bed with the dog and was rather at risk of contracting a severe dose of flea-bites.

The latest IMC report revealed that, surprise-surprise, the UVF was still an active criminal organisation. Not good news for the 'Party of Law and Order', although given that the Ulster Unionists played fast and loose with the concept of law, order and Parliamentary sovereignty during the Home Rule crisis (a time when they formed the original Ulster Volunteer Force) perhaps indicates that such a situation was not entirely alien to their lofty latter day morals.

South Belfast MLA Esmond Birnie indicated over the weekend that the UUP/ PUP alliance could be drawn to a close soon. As it happens, 'Assembly' speaker Eileen Bell was due to adjudicate on the validity of the marriage anyway. As it turns out, it was null and void- it was about as binding as a set of drunken Britney Spears Las Vegas nuptials.

Apparently, contrary to the requirements set forth by the Political Parties, Elections and Referendums Act 2000, the alliance did not have a headquarters, at least one party leader and a scheme for financial support. To be fair to both parties, I think they would both have problems meeting these requirements themselves, regardless of whether they were united or not.

So it seems that the Ulster Unionists have got themselves a Get Out Of Jail Free card. The problem for the UVF is that they have now lost their own Get Out Of Jail Free card, one which they had so briefly acquired by proxy via the cloak of respectability which cooperation with the UUP had afforded them. Suffice to say, it is not possible to engage in criminal activity and then claim respect vicariously by virtue of links with others.

Now that Reg Empey can receive no material benefit from his planned link-up with the PUP in the form of Ministerial posts, will he maintain the alliance to continue 'bringing loyalists in from the cold' (is hypothermia endemic in loyalist circles?) or will he drop them like hot potatoes?

Time will tell... [ElBlogador.com]

Michael McDowell To Be New Leader Of The Progressive Democrats

Following Mary Harney's resignation as Leader of junior coalition partner the Progressive Democrats, speculation has grown that the next leader would be either Justice Minister Michael McDowell, Liz O'Donnell or Tom Parlon. O'Donnell is probably best known for her role in the northern peace process, and Parlon claimed to have strong support on account of a large proportion of PD membership being based in his Dáil constituency.

However, reports are now emerging which suggest that O'Donnell and Parlon have pulled out of the race, leaving the way clear for McDowell to become leader. The three were involved in discussions yesterday, and it is understood they are on the verge of a deal that will avoid a split within the party.

Indications are that Liz O'Donnell has pulled out of the leadership race and that an agreement will be made over the next day (before the nominations for the leadership close tomorrow) between McDowell and Parlon. This is following stories yesterday which suggested that an agreement between McDowell and Parlon had failed to materialise. It is believed that McDowell will become leader in return for Parlon taking up McDowell's current post as party president.

McDowell has taken a hard line in his role as Justice Minister in the current coalition government, and is known for his strong opinions on the provisional republican movement. [ElBlogador.com]

Fine Gael March Continues/ Fine Gael March Falters

Fine Gael will be pleased that today's Sunday Tribune/ Millward Brown poll confirms that the party continues to garner the support of the electorate, with a rise of two percentage points on the number of those surveyed who would vote for them in a general election. However, it also revealed that half of the voters want Bertie Ahern to continue as Taoiseach, compared to 29% who back Fine Gael's Enda Kenny. 14% wanted neither and 7% did not know.

This raises an interesting scenario for Fine Gael- people appear to want them in government, but don't want Enda Kenny as leader.

Fine Gael may take comfort from the results of the poll which also found that 52% of voters were dissatisfied with the government's performance, compared with 43% who were satisfied.

Overall, the figures for each of the parties are:

FF 37% (unchanged)
FG 26% (+2)
Labour 12% (unchanged)
Sinn Féin 8% (-1)
Greens 5% (unchanged)
PDs 4% (unchanged)
Others 9% (unchanged)

The comparisons are with the last Millward Brown survey in November 2005. However, it is also interesting to compare it to the Red C poll in July- although there may be different methods in the way these two surveys were carried out, it seems to show that the current FG and FF figures are remaining steady- the same applies to the Labour Party and the Greens, with Sinn Féin's drop being confirmed.

Will it be a Fine Gael/ Labour/ Green government, or will Fianna Fáil pull something from the hat?

Roll on Summer 2007. [ElBlogador.com]

Oppose Censorship: The University Of Ulster's Ban On Party Politics

I was shocked to hear that the University of Ulster continues to adhere to its idiotic policy of not allowing students to organise in the form of political groupings at its campuses. In sharp contrast, Queen's in Belfast is a hotbed of youth politics, and has a great reputation for being a training ground for future politicians. Meanwhile, the University of Ulster is too busy trying to be politically correct rather than politically aware.

The ongoing problem came to light when SDLP Youth attempted to organise a recruitment stand at this year's Freshers' Fair at Jordanstown. The University blocked their plans.

According to sources in SDLP Youth, the UU has ordered political parties to refrain from displaying flags, colours or emblems, political leaflets, banners, backdrops or manifestos and also asked that no elected representatives attend freshers' fairs.

SDLP Youth's chairman John O'Doherty said: "The Electoral Commission and NILGA are spending a lot of money trying to get young people involved in politics, yet UU is actively campaigning to keep politics out of their University. It is pointless political parties attending these events if they cannot be political.

"I can understand the universities wanting to keep a sectarian-neutral environment, but to even talk of a political-neutral environment makes no sense at all. They have student elections in the university and student council, so this cannot make for a politically neutral environment.

"It also amazes me the stance that NUS/USI has taken on this issue. When contacted by myself they stated that they support the University. Yet the NUS/USI mission statement says:

'NUS-USI will constantly improve the lives and experiences of students in the North of Ireland by ensuring their voice is heard and effectively represented; by developing democratic and strong students' unions; and by providing collective benefits and access to information for all students'.

"The anti-politics campaign is in total disregard of this. Students should be given the right to make an informed decision of whether or not to join a political party. I have attended freshers' events for four years now and never have I heard of anyone being offended by political parties or their stalls.

"I urge UU to retract their statement and allow political parties to attend all freshers' events and to allow them to inform their students of the benefits involved in democracy. Otherwise SDLP Youth will not be taking part in any of the freshers' fairs within the university and instead will be setting up outside the university grounds and protesting against this injustice and political discrimination. I would urge all political parties to do the same."

The position of the NUS/USI is shameful, and compounds the problems posed by the University of Ulster's policy.

This is nothing short of a breach of freedom of expression. People who attend university are grown adults- they are supposed to represent the 'intelligentsia' of society. Yet they are being denied the fundamental right to express themselves through organising in political groupings on-campus.

Ironically, the University is happy for John Hume to occupy its Tip O'Neill Chair, yet young members of his party are being forced to hide their political leanings.

As a public body, the University of Ulster must adhere to the Human Rights Act 1998. Perhaps SDLP Youth could take a case aginst them not only for their own good, but in the interests of all students at all UU campuses. [ElBlogador.com]

Ireland's 'Heroes' Strike Again

In their latest escapade, it seems the self-appointed saviours of Ireland, the 'Real' IRA, have phoned-in a bomb warning prior to a District Policing Partnership meeting in Downpatrick. Not content with burning down places of employment in Newry and blowing children to pieces in Omagh, these 'patriots' are now bravely stopping the people of South Down from holding the police to account.

How worthy of them.

SDLP South Down MLA Margaret Ritchie was one of those evacuated from Downpatrick Arts Centre along with others attending the DPP meeting.

She said: "About 8:20pm the police came and told us they had received notice of a device from a person who used a recognised code word. They wouldn’t specify what organisation the code word was linked to, but it is a reasonable assumption that the so-called Real IRA is the most likely culprit.

"This is what our latest generation of self-appointed freedom fighters are reduced to: calling in bomb threats. They represent nobody, they can’t even put a coherent political statement together outlining their aims and objectives, and all they can do is disrupt the lives of hard-working ordinary people. My constituents are getting really angry, they want to get on with their lives without interference from political vandals."

No one knows what the Real IRA's aims and objectives are. In fact, no one cares. They have no mandate and serve no purpose. Instead of irritating people, they should stop acting like overgrown children and do something worthwhile with their heretofore directionless lives.

It is time for the 'Real IRA' to enter the 'Real World'. [ElBlogador.com]

Tony Blair Must Go

The British Labour Party knows it, the British public knows it, and even people in this country know it- Tony Blair's time to leave the stage has come. It seems that, with even Blair's former allies of junior ministerial rank deserting him, the only ones who still believe that there is life left in the old dog are the sycophantic cabinet ministers on his payroll.

While Tony Blair achieved a remarkable landslide in 1997, and replicated it in 2001, his credibility as premier of the UK evaporated overnight when he agreed to go to war in Iraq under the guise of Lapdog-in-Chief to Bonehead Bush's Repulsive Regime. At that moment, his fate was sealed.

The problem for the Labour Party is that, since the invasion of Iraq, Tony Blair has been a millstone around its neck. But because his reforms of the party centralised power so firmly, it has been difficult to build up the momentum to force him from office. However, now it is reaching tipping point, and the juncture has passed whereby now the question is not 'if', but 'when' he leaves (or is pushed).

The tabloid press rumoured yesterday that he was planning to cling onto power for another year- this would spell disaster. With local elections in Britain next year, the transition of leadership needs to take place now in order to let Brown (or whoever gets the job) embed and build a brand of their own.

Tony Blair is a lame-duck premier, and it has been clear in Westminster circles for some time that he is a dead man walking. He is doing untold damage to the labour movement in Britain, and the longer the arguments go on and the louder they become, the more damaging it will be to social democracy on that island.

There is really only one option open to Tony Blair- resign now. I predict that he will be gone long before next Summer- most likely within a couple of months, if even that. [ElBlogador.com]

The El Blogador Award for Excellence in Irish Nationalism 2006

Over the years, many people have dedicated (and in some cases lost) their lives for the cause of Irish reunification. In light of this, and in the approach to this blog's first anniversary, El Blogador is launching its inaugural award for outstanding contribution to nationalism in Ireland.

We want you to nominate someone (or several people) whom you think has made an outstanding contribution to Irish nationalism in the past year.

Visitors to El Blogador are invited to submit their nominations by e-mail to award@elblogador.com. Of course, feel free to discuss your thoughts here too.

For the 2006 award, we are inviting nominations for activity pursued since roughly October 2005 (we'll have a cut-off date of 15th October 2006 for nominations). After that, a shortlist will be announced, and people can discuss what they think. A panel will then decide on a winner (taking into account El Blogador visitor views), with the outcome and the ratio decidendi being published here in November.

As yet, no prize exists, so if anyone would like to sponsor it, give me a shout! Hopefully we can get something decent to present to the winner (if not, they'll have to be content with just being able to add their success to the bottom of their CV ;) ).

Please send your nominee, their organisation (if any) and the reasoning for your nomination to the address above. You can nominate as many people as you want. Their actions need not have been directly responsible for moving us closer to reunification, but may have helped the cause of Irish nationalism in another way, such as reaching out to people of differing political outlooks, thus making the concept of a United Ireland more appealing (or less repulsive) to those people. They don't necessarily need to be politicans or members of political parties.

And you don't have to be a nationalist to nominate. Indeed, if you are a unionist, but have found the actions of any particular individual have made you more empathetic (if not sympathetic) towards the concept of nationalism in the past year, then please nominate.

Now, get voting! [ElBlogador.com]

America: The Mainstream Media And The Presidency Sharing A Single Outlook

In the latest of my posts on America, I have reproduced a cartoon I spotted in a newspaper when I was there during the Israel/ Lebanon crisis recently. Although this newspaper would be considered as ideologically middle-of-the-road, cartoons such as this reflect the Bush presidency's stance in favour of Isreal and against Muslim countries and movements (except those such as Pakistan and Saudi Arabia who happen to be US allies).

If this position is constantly drip-fed to the populace through the mainstream media and via government channels, is there really any chance that a large-scale dissenting body of opinion could form? [ElBlogador.com]