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.