Despite earlier reports that the Assembly and Local elections would be held earlier than the May 5 date of the Alternative vote introduction referendum, it has been confirmed that the date for all three elections will indeed be held on May 5.
The main issues which are likely to dominate the elections include the strong possibility of Martin McGuiness becoming First Minister, the impact of the cuts to the Northern Ireland budget, the economy, the Irish Language Act, the issue of parading and the possible reduction in the number of MPs.
The impact that the TUV will be of interest (Jim Allister has stated that he intends to stand in most of the constituencies) as will the effect of Tom Elliots take over of the leadership of the UUP. It will also be interesting to see what form of "Unionist Unity" measures are put in place and how the three main Unionist parties split of the votes pans out. What will be the effect this will have on Martins McGuinesses chances of becoming head honcho?
On the Nationalist side, can SF continue to gain ground on the SDLP or will Margaret Richie be able to costruct a SDLP revival?
This is a comment just so you know that some former Horseman readers are watching and waiting for this blog to come to life.
ReplyDeleteIve one or two in the pipeline ;)
ReplyDeletehttp://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1321217/Channel-4-explosive-row-millionaire-Tories-tax-dodge-investigation.html
ReplyDeleteDUP MP Iris Robinson has launched a scathing attack on integrated education saying it is "founded primarily on sectarianism".
ReplyDeleteMrs Robinson also said the integrated lobby was discouraging support with the "high handed and arrogant stance perpetually adopted by its public proponents".
She added that it thrived off sectarianism and was part of a wider programme of social engineering driven by government.
Mrs Robinson's comments were made after government rejected a proposal for a new integrated post-primary school – Rowallane College.
She said the philosophy of the integrated lobby "consists of nothing else other than self-righteous, pompous claims of reconciliation, no more amazing than claiming they can fit 200 people into the back seat of a Mini".
"Far from transcending sectarianism with some stupendous alternative for the provision of education in Northern Ireland, the integrated lobby is an integral part of that sectarian system and feeds off it – without it, it would starve and die," she added.
"It is a philosophy founded primarily on sectarianism, as opposed to the delivery of education and is part of a wider programme of social engineering driven by the government and abetted by the holier than thou section of our population.
"I will, therefore, never act in such a fashion as to further jeopardise the delivery of education to the overwhelming majority of our children, simply to please the politically tainted demands of the tiny minority."
DUP MP Iris Robinson has launched a scathing attack on integrated education saying it is "founded primarily on sectarianism".
ReplyDeleteMrs Robinson also said the integrated lobby was discouraging support with the "high handed and arrogant stance perpetually adopted by its public proponents".
She added that it thrived off sectarianism and was part of a wider programme of social engineering driven by government.
Mrs Robinson's comments were made after government rejected a proposal for a new integrated post-primary school – Rowallane College.
She said the philosophy of the integrated lobby "consists of nothing else other than self-righteous, pompous claims of reconciliation, no more amazing than claiming they can fit 200 people into the back seat of a Mini".
"Far from transcending sectarianism with some stupendous alternative for the provision of education in Northern Ireland, the integrated lobby is an integral part of that sectarian system and feeds off it – without it, it would starve and die," she added.
"It is a philosophy founded primarily on sectarianism, as opposed to the delivery of education and is part of a wider programme of social engineering driven by the government and abetted by the holier than thou section of our population.
"I will, therefore, never act in such a fashion as to further jeopardise the delivery of education to the overwhelming majority of our children, simply to please the politically tainted demands of the tiny minority."
www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1321339/Tory-Cabinet-millionaires-face-TV-claims-tax-dodging.html
ReplyDeleteHorseman is a hard act to follow. Thanks for trying though.
ReplyDeleteRangers owner Sir David Murray is backing First Minister Alex Salmond for a second term in office.
ReplyDeleteThe long-time Unionist said Mr Salmond was the "best choice" for Scotland in the current difficult climate.
He said he still supported the Union but felt the SNP had demonstrated it could lead a competent government.
Speaking ahead of the general election last May, Sir David had said a Conservative victory would be in the long-term interests of the country.
In 2007 Sir David accused Alex Salmond of "intimidating" Scotland's business community and said independence would lead to greater taxes.
He had also warned that it could lead to anti-Scottish sentiment among business chiefs in the City of London.
On Sunday the former Rangers chairman said he remained in favour of the Union but was giving his support to Alex Salmond.
"Over the years I have been asked on numerous occasions my views on Scottish politics," he said.
Continue reading the main story
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Start Quote
The SNP has demonstrated that they can run a competent government and Alex Salmond makes a fine first minister”
Sir David Murray
"I now intend to make my present views clear, but have no intention to make any further political statement or to become involved in party politics.
"As people know, although I have never been party political, my views have always been in favour of the continuation of the Union.
"They still are. However, the SNP under Alex Salmond has demonstrated that they can run a competent government and Alex Salmond makes a fine first minister.
"I think Alex deserves a second term in office, and he is the best choice for Scotland during these difficult times."
The former Rangers chairman is founder of Murray International Holdings, one of Scotland's largest firms.
Mr Salmond said: "I am delighted to receive a personal endorsement from one of Scotland's most respected business leaders.
"It is all the more significant because David Murray is not a party political person or independence supporter - he is backing a track record of achievement and delivery over these last four years.
"Like David, people all over Scotland will be judging this election on who has the best team and the best programme to take Scotland forward, and I hope that they come to the same positive conclusion."
http://www.belfastmedia.com/news_article.php?ID=4859
ReplyDelete