YouGov Opinion Poll

Which government do you think should be responsible for all tax and spending decisions in Scotland, including tax revenues from oil and gas? The UK government 35% The Scottish government 52% Don't know 13% 1,105 Scottish Adults were polled between the 20th and 22nd of March 2013.

Margaret Hilda Thatcher Is Dead

The Angry Brigade

The Democratic Unionist Party always seem angry about something don't they? It seems everyday something new gets their dander up. Nigel Dodds seem to get all upset about Republican parades honouring those who took part in the Easter Rising of 1916 and children taking part in them dressing up as rebels. Now the DUP in Belfast City Hall are upset after the Alliance Party put down a amendment on their motion remembering two British Soldiers killed in Belfast 25 years ago saying that all the victims of violence should be remembered. But why all the sound and fury now? Unless a leadership contest is already underway in the party and they are all jockeying for position.

What Does Mick Fealty Mean To You?

Mick Fealty is the darling of the NI blogger sphere but what does he mean to you? Some see Mick as a impartial observer on the North of Ireland's political woes. Others are not quite so kind describing him as a English Tory a Castle Catholic or a Unionist. One blogger who should know better is convinced he is a paid up member of the SDLP! Others mutter darkly that Mick is in fact a member of the APNI. One things for sure Mick is a bit of a enigma. Maybe we will never figure out who Mick Fealty really is but that doesn't stop some people from trying.

Spit On Me Dickie

Richard Boyd Barrett TD is always on RTE giving his views on any political subject. In fact I am beginning to wonder if Dickie has some sort of hold over the RTE board such as incriminating photographic evidence. I mean its not like Leinster House has a shortage of left-wing spoofers willing to drone on for hours about the evils of Europe or how great Gay Marriage is. Maybe it is Dickie from Dun Laoghaire showbiz family connections him being Sinead Cusack's love child that swings it for him. But somebody should tell those in charge of booking guests at RTE that variety is the spice of life so when booking guests try someone different please anyone but Richard Boyd Barrett.

Well Done Bangordub!

Jude Collins 1 (11%) Keeping An Eye On The Czar Of Russia 2 (22%) We In Coming Days May Be 3 (33%) Endgame In Ulster 1 (11%) An Sionnach Fionn 2 (22%) Footballcliches 0 (0%) Slugger O'Toole 0 (0%)

Leader Of The Pack

Media speculation which started in this weeks Sunday World suggests that their may be a leadership contest in the DUP soon. Peter Robinson the great leader has had enough and wants to spend more time in Florida. So who could lead the North's leading Unionist party? Well there is Nigel Dodds a Cambridge University educated lawyer turned MP for North Belfast. The problem for Nigel is much of today's media is obsessed with appearance and Nigel is as ugly as sin. Then there is Gregory Campbell the MP for East Derry a local media darling who has a opinion on everything from what kind of music Sunderland footballers listen to in their spare time or what South Korean motor companies name their cars. Then there is Arlene Foster the Trade Minister but will the boys club really choose a woman as their leader no matter how smart she is. How about wee Jeffrey Donaldson the MP for Lagan Valley he could unite the party he is a lot smarter than people give him credit for and he somehow survived the expenses scandal when he was caught out watching movies in his hotel room then claiming back the money on expenses. Whoever the DUP pick I am sure the party will be in safe hands.