The SDLP Support A Border Poll In The North

SDLP leader Dr Alasdair McDonnell has welcomed calls for a border poll. “The SDLP first mooted the idea of a border poll on a united Ireland in 2003 and we firmly believe that any such poll would re-affirm the right of people across the island to self-determination which is a fundamental tenet of the Good Friday Agreement,” he said. “We welcome the opportunity for the will of the people of Ireland to be tested regarding the important issue of national identity and reunification. Since our party was founded in 1970 it has dedicated itself to bringing about a united Ireland in a solely peaceful way. “The real challenge in such a poll would be to formalise a specific proposition for those that wish to see a united Ireland and this must be grounded in an economic and social reality. “There is currently a lack of serious debate about what a new Ireland would look like. I believe the time has come for a robust debate around the issue. That will require an appreciation of what the new Ireland will look like and perhaps include a new nation with a new constitution. Indeed, there is an opportunity in the constitutional convention [in the Republic] to see what that new Ireland may look like. “Many people will question the timing of Sinn Féin President Gerry Adams’ remarks about a border poll, given the current unrest in the North. At this very difficult time we need to recognise that mutual respect, dealing with the past and also meaningful reconciliation is the only way to build a prosperous future for everyone on this island.” The SDLP leader added: “All parties must rise above selfish party interest when advocating reunification. “The SDLP are committed to seeing a united Ireland but this is underlined by a real need to engage in debate about what the new Ireland will look like and how we can deliver that for the good of all our citizens.”

Countries Are Different. They Make Different Choices.

David Cameron said, about the EU: "Countries are different. They make different choices". I wonder was he thinking about Scotland when he said it. I very much doubt it. Mr Cameron's call for a referendum on the UK's membership of the European Union has thrown a political hand grenade into the debate on Scottish Independence. You cannot argue a Independent Scotland will have to start fresh talks to re-enter the EU as a new member state if you argue that the entire UK would be better off out of the EU. Logic doesn't seem to be David Cameron's strong point.

Running Scared

The DUP seem to be of afraid of a border poll on the Six Counties future. Arlene Foster on Nolan's TV show tonight did a u-turn on what she said on Nolan's Radio show the other day. Also a piece of advise for Arlene rolling your eyes and snorting contempt at your political rival is not a good look on television. Also on the show was Jonathan Bell of the DUP talking about Gay Marriage. And guess what he is dead against it well no surprise there then the DUP have been putting the phobia in homophobia since 1971.

The Good Friday Agreement

The Good Friday Agreement which was signed in 1998 seems to have become a political orphan. The five political parties that make up the power-sharing executive don't seem to support it anymore. The Democratic Unionists never supported it and Sinn Fein never signed up to it. And now the Ulster Unionists have turned there backs on the Good Friday Agreement. That only leaves the SDLP as the last true supporters of the Agreement.

Alex Salmond Favours Irish Citizenship Model For Scotland

Mr Salmond made the comments to New Zealand television channel TVNZ, which asked if Kiwis of Scottish descent would be entitled to a Scottish passport. "I think like Ireland, Scotland would want to use its global reach in the most effective way and make that sort of inclusive statement," he said. "I think it is reasonable to say that our attitude to that is more like the Irish model than the UK model. "Scotland is a population of 5.2 million people. We have a reach internationally across the world. We want the maximum entitlement to citizenship and the Irish model is one we have admired. "Of course, it has also been instrumental in some of the beneficial effects in terms of the Irish economy, so I think, like Ireland, Scotland would like to use its global reach in the most effective way and make that sort of inclusive statement."

Empty Vessels Make The Most Noise

Anybody see the Nolan Show last night on the BBC? Or should I say the Jim Wilson and Jamie Bryson fan club. That studio audience must have been at least 80% loyalist. Never thought I would feel sorry for a Alliance Party member but the way they treated poor Gerry Lynch was a absolute disgrace.Stephen Nolan should be ashamed of himself. The way the few people who where not rabid loyalist lowlife scum were treated was terrible. First it was about flags then it was about British Government enquiries into British Government wrongdoing. God only knows what these people really want. Except the media seem very happy to give these cretins airtime on television and radio and column inches in newspapers. If this lot are truly representive of Unionism/Loyalism then Unionism/Loyalism doesn't have much of a future only a past no one else but them wants to live in.

Hard Labour

The British and Irish Labour parties have both decided not to stand any candidates in any future elections in the Six Counties. Both Parties have strong links to the SDLP. It is the right move to make. There is already enough parties in the North we do not need more parties we need less parties. Maybe if one of the existing parties took a interest in left-wing policies instead of implementing Tory party cuts we all might be better off.

Good Luck Gordon

Gordon Strachan has been appointed as the new Scotland manager. The former Manchester United player should do a good job as he has the passion to lead the Tartan Army. As a manager Gordon took Glasgow Celtic to three SPL title wins. So good luck Gordon.

Prodiban Rioting Continues

The Prodiban flag protests continue on the streets of Belfast and elsewhere. The politicians on the Unionist side call for it to end but to no avail. More than 40 days of attacks on the police the Alliance Party and death threats to SDLP and Sinn Fein politicians. Yet the morons carry on there pointless protest. The sooner this mayhem ends the better for everyone.

SNP Speak Out On Syria

The Scottish National Party (SNP) has pressed the UK Government on what next steps might be pursued in relation to Syria given concerns about military intervention. In a House of Commons question to Foreign Secretary William Hague the Westminster SNP Leader and Foreign Affairs spokesman Angus Robertson MP said: “The Foreign Secretary has highlighted the need for flexibility to consider taking additional steps to try to save lives if there is no progress in the near future. Given the concerns about military intervention what might those additional steps be?” In his answer the Foreign Secretary declined to provide substantive detail but suggested that certain supplies to opposition forces, such as helmets and body-armour currently covered by an arms restrictions might be looked at. Speaking after the House of Commons statement on Syria, Angus Robertson MP said: “The suffering of the people of Syria is appalling. The death, injury and destruction is totally unacceptable and the humanitarian situation is catastrophic. It is particularly worrying that because of the security situation the United Nations and Red Crescent are now unable to supply essential foods to nearly 2.5 million people. “I understand why European countries are seeking flexibility in the next steps to save lives, but given concerns about military intervention it would be helpful for the UK to signal what those steps might be if the violence continues.''

Housing Executive Is Abolished By DUP Minister

The Housing Executive in the North is to be abolished by the DUP Minister Nelson McCausland. The Executive which has existed for over years has 90,000 properties and employs more than 3,000 people. The SDLP's Foyle MLA, Mark H Durkan, criticised the minister for the way he made the announcement. "The demolition of the Housing Executive, which is the symbol of the one great progressive move in dealing with the north's pitiful legacy of political housing, is bad enough," he said. "To use welfare reform as the smokescreen for hacking away at this body was a sign of the minister's dual wedding to both a vicious Tory cuts agenda and a determination to re-politicising housing allocations. "But for the minister to announce it without the chance for MLAs to properly interrogate the decision is an act of rank cowardice.".

SDLP MLA Gets Sent A Bullet In The Post

The SDLP MLA for Mid-Ulster Patsy McGlone has been sent a bullet in the post. Mr McGlone said: "This is obviously not something that is a pleasant experience, for me or my family, however, those who sent it will not put me off doing my job, that is representing the people of Mid Ulster. "I would like to pay tribute to the staff at the Post Office and the PSNI (Police Service of Northern Ireland) for their professionalism and vigilance in dealing with this matter."

SNP In The Lead Again In Latest Scottish Opinion Polls

Analysis of the most recent Scottish voting intentions from the latest samples by UK polling companies shows the SNP hold a lead with 36% of Westminster voting intentions and a 3% lead over Labour. The analysis of the latest samples – amounting to a combined sample of 582 – from six major polling companies over the past 20 days shows the following average result with changes from the 2010 Westminster election: SNP: 36% (+16%) Labour: 33% (-9%) Tory: 17% (n/c) LibDem: 7% (-12%) Commenting on the analysis, SNP Business Convener Derek Mackay MSP, said: “The result we achieved in the 2011 Scottish Parliament election was outstanding, as people across Scotland put their trust in the team, record and vision of the SNP Government. And 2012 has been another year of progress for the SNP and for Scotland. “This latest poll of polls show that the progress is continuing and the SNP continue to lead the way for Scotland into 2013. “The latest polling on independence also shows that the referendum is there to be won - backing for an independent Scotland is strong, and ahead on certain scenarios - and we believe that this support will grow through 2013 as the debate moved from process to substance."

Fiscal Cliff Deal Done

So the United States Of America have struck a deal to avert economic disaster. The deal was done between Vice President Joe Biden and the Republicans in the US Senate. So a crisis has avoided until the next time.