Monthly Archives: May 2016

Stewart Dickson of Alliance celebrates with wife Sandra For some time it had looked as if East Antrim would become the first constituency in Northern Ireland to elect a Ukip MLA. It was the party’s Noel Jordan who came closest to causing a political upset by threatening to steal Alastair Ross’ seat from the DUP. By the end of the count on Friday David Hilditch and Gordon Lyons of the DUP had been elected, along with the UUP’s Roy Beggs jnr. Early on Saturday they were followed by the Alliance’s Stewart Dickson, leaving a scrap for the final two seats between Sinn Fein’s Oliver McMullan, the DUP’s Mr Ross, UUP’s John Stewart and Ukip’s Mr Jordan. Ukip leader David McNarry arrived at the count to support his candidate, but in the end it was Mr McMullan and Mr Ross who retained their seats. Parliamentary reports show first speaker only – … Continue reading →

Luas staff are expected to reject a proposed new pay deal drawn up last week in a bid to resolve an on-going industrial dispute at the company. Any rejection of the deal, which included rises of up to 18.7 per cent over 33 months, would almost certainly lead to further strikes on the light rail system on Easter Sunday and Easter Monday. The four grades of Luas staff are currently voting on the pay proposals and ballots will be counted at teatime on Thursday. However, well placed sources suggested the rejection of the proposed deal was likely. The pay proposals had been drawn up following marathon talks at the Workplace Relations Commission last week. Time to reimagine social partnership as Luas dispute and other pay claims raise prospect of further strike action Luas pay rises may set off scramble for limited resources Luas operator Transdev has said the proposed deal … Continue reading →

President Michael D Higgins has called for Irish people to take responsibility for building a true Republic. In a keynote address to descendants of those who fought and died in the 1916 Easter Rising, Mr Higgins said the ideals of the Proclamation can still inspire today. “Our nation has journeyed many miles from the shell shocked and burning Dublin of 1916. We can see that in many respects we have not fully achieved the dreams and ideals for which our forebears gave so much,” he said. “A democracy is always and must always be a work in progress, and how we use the independence we have been gifted will continue to challenge us, morally and ethically. “We must ensure that our journey into the future is a collective one; one in which the homeless, the migrant, the disadvantaged, the marginalised and each and every citizen can find homes, are fellow … Continue reading →

NI21 leader Basil McCrea is quitting Stormont after becoming disillusioned with politics in Northern Ireland. The Lagan Valley MLA has confirmed he will not be contesting the Assembly election on May 5th and says he will pursue a career in business or another area of public life. The move comes after a report earlier this month from Assembly standards commissioner Douglas Bain dismissed 12 complaints against Mr McCrea involving allegations of inappropriate behaviour, sexual misconduct and voyeurism. At the time the 56-year-old claimed he had been the victim of a criminal conspiracy to force his resignation, a matter now being considered by the PSNI. NI21 split amid allegations against McCrea of inappropriate sexual conduct NI21 in potential split on eve of polling NI21 hopes novel approach to campaigning will win over voters The report’s findings were endorsed by the Assembly’s Committee on Standards and Privileges, but concerns were raised over … Continue reading →

In May 1945 Winston Churchill seemed at the peak of his popularity. The British prime minister had emerged victorious from six years of global war and helped defeat Nazism. With approval ratings of more than 80 per cent, he was widely expected to lead the Conservatives to a handsome victory in that year’s general election. As it transpired Churchill suffered a humiliating defeat, as the Labour Party under Clement Attlee swept to a landslide victory. Success in the war was trumped by Labour’s promises of free education and a national health service. Enda Kenny is not Winston Churchill, and the recent global recession is not the second World War. But there are some parallels. Ireland’s general election has caused anguish for Fine Gael and its leader (not to mention the even greater sense of dejection felt by the Labour Party). Like Churchill in 1945, the Irish Government and, in particular, … Continue reading →