Nov
27
Positive, progressive and forward driven: that’s how I would summarise the message coming from the DUP’s Annual Conference today at La Mon, South Belfast. Official figures put the attendance at 920 people, plus many other observers and stall holders. Some senior members remarked that it wasn’t so long ago that turnout at a DUP party conference …
Nov
26
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UuxCWeRoWys] A very good PPB. This one was all about message – ie. it wasn’t vanity broadcasting to show off the Assembly Group or candidates. It kept away from focusing inwards… this PPB says we’re focused on what’s happened / happening in Northern Ireland. Also, Robinson faced questions about his leadership on Hearts and Minds: …
Nov
06
By Turgon Many people have given their views on Peter Robinson’s now infamous speech on Integrated Education a few weeks ago. The reaction to the speech has been interesting if predictable. The speech itself, however, is one of the cleverest pieces of politics in the last number of years in Northern Ireland and marks the …
Oct
17
By Unionist Lite Peter Robinson has ruffled more than a few segregationist feathers with this speech to Castlereagh Borough Council on Friday. This is the relevant part where he explains his views on our divided education system: “In the area of education it has been said that considerable savings could be made with the …
Oct
10
The DUP are running a consultation on their performance in government since 2007 (PDF is uploaded to box.net widget too). I’m thinking of sending in a submission. The consultation has been on the frontpage for a while (yes, the odd question is a bit dated) but I’m assuming it’s still live. Even if it’s not, …
Sep
06
Here’s some links from the week in politics: Tony Blair has spoken of his admiration for Ian Paisley — and how his hardline Protestant granny “loved” the future First Minister at the peak of his firebrand days (The Belfast Telegraph). Reviewing Tony Blair’s memoirs, Dermott Nesbitt says it’s up to history to decide if the …
Jul
13
In his a guest post for Open Unionism, The Dissenter suggests that the vexed issue of a possible Sinn Fein First Minister is short-termist – the bigger strategic problem for Unionism lies in the failure of Sir Reg Empey to stabilise and provide purpose to the UUP and the DUP’s failure to dismiss the TUV …
May
22
Regardless of the quality of the individual contributions about the idea of a United Unionism, it has been more a spasm than a proper debate and it is a proper debate that is needed. Opponents of the idea have been keen to portray a United Unionism as some sort of monster. This is premature considering …
Feb
15
By St Etienne Having a read through of various responses to the Barnett report (all Unionist parties conspicuous by their lack of opinion btw). A disparate range of issues seemed to be targeting various interest groups. One report caught the eye – from a young entrepreneur in the form of Liam McGarry, he of McGarryConsult …
Jan
31
[Originally posted on Bobballs...] I am hearing on good authority that the DUP has suspended all Westminster selections until further notice. This is as a result of ‘pact’ talks. Consider the implications of what’s going on here. Reg has produced a statement supporting the Tories. The DUP are apparently acting in support of unity negotiations …
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