tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-277347322024-03-05T06:53:40.708+00:00Hand of History"A day like today is not a day for soundbites, really. But I feel the hand of history upon our shoulders. I really do.” Tony Blair, 8 April 1998A Selective Readinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02298907898956157153noreply@blogger.comBlogger164125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27734732.post-50925612478675106922011-11-08T14:25:00.000+00:002011-11-08T14:25:02.018+00:00NICVA #cgeni conference - Will Hutton slidesWill Hutton speaking at the NICVA Conference. What do you think of his approach and ideas?<br />
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<br />A Selective Readinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02298907898956157153noreply@blogger.com56Belfast, County Antrim BT4 3LP, UK54.5943399 -5.84171554.5920399 -5.8466505 54.5966399 -5.8367795tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27734732.post-4696531495936092082011-11-08T11:26:00.001+00:002011-11-08T11:26:26.851+00:00A photographic flavour of Creating a good economy conferenceJust a small photographic flavour of the NICVA #cgeni Creating the Good Economy taking place in the Stormont Hotel today.<br />
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Also tweet <a href="http://www.twitter.com/nicva">@NICVA</a> or <a href="http://www.twitter.com/nicvacee">@NICVACEE</a> your questions throughout the day and follow #cgeni on twitter. You can even ask your question via <a href="http://www.twitter.com/williamcrawley">@williamcrawley</a></div>
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Don't forget the live blog over at <a href="http://sluggerotoole.com/2011/11/08/creating-the-good-economy-live-blog/">Slugger</a>!!</div>
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<br />A Selective Readinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02298907898956157153noreply@blogger.com6Belfast, County Antrim BT4 3LP, UK54.5943399 -5.84171554.5920399 -5.8466505 54.5966399 -5.8367795tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27734732.post-91807004417546270922011-11-08T10:06:00.004+00:002011-11-08T10:30:43.141+00:00NICVA - Creating a good economy conference - the start<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The stage is set</td></tr>
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<a href="http://www.nicva.org/">NICVA</a> is putting on the '<a href="http://www.nicva.org/events/creating-good-economy">Creating the Good Economy</a>' Conference at the Stormont Hotel today.</div>
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There will be a number of panels during the day. Up to lunch we have a panel discussion with Bob Stronge (Chair of <a href="http://www.nicva.org/">NICVA</a>), Arlene Foster (<a href="http://www.detini.gov.uk/">DETI </a>Minister), Seamus McAleavey (<a href="http://www.nicva.org/">NICVA </a>Chief Executive) and Angela McGowan (Chief Economist at the <a href="http://www.northernbank.co.uk/en-gb/Pages/default.aspx">Northern Bank</a>).</div>
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The First Keynote address will be from Will Hutton (Principal of <a href="http://www.hertford.ox.ac.uk/">Hertford College, Oxford University</a> as well as being the Chair of the <a href="http://www.biginnovationcentre.com/">Big Innovation Centre</a> at the Work Foundation) on 'What can we do to create the good economy'. There will be a panel discussion after with Will Hutton, Aideen McGinley (Cheif Executive of the <a href="http://www.ilex-urc.com/">ILEX </a>Company), and Maureen Piggot ( Director of <a href="http://www.mencap.org.uk/northern-ireland">Mencap NI</a>).</div>
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Update.<br />
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Bob Stronge delivered the opening address of the conference before Arlene Foster, Minister for DETI, speaks to the conference.<br />
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If you want to keep very much up to date you can also find a fully live blog with captured twitter stream as well over on <a href="http://sluggerotoole.com/2011/11/08/creating-the-good-economy-live-blog/">Slugger O'Toole</a>. :)</div>
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<br />A Selective Readinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02298907898956157153noreply@blogger.com8Stormont Hotel, 587 Upper Newtownards Rd, Belfast, County Antrim BT4 3LP, UK54.5943399 -5.84171554.5920399 -5.8466505 54.5966399 -5.8367795tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27734732.post-49318308921079469682011-08-28T19:52:00.000+01:002011-08-28T19:52:05.361+01:00Your friendly neighbourhood Ninja<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-somerset-14689055" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxQwvTERJzsr1mQvluHcMFv5TaPlYvvcXWIZt2ma5-T7O8pznrn-oixnPCcgOO7ZYK2iLzhdik1rRkhQM4rp-JmVlzZJ97p2i959pNz9o4MhFNSk02Z2UsLmyP6IAS07IKdNNZEA/s200/ninja.jpg.jpeg" width="200" /></a></div>
I just love the idea of a police force full of ninjas patrolling our streets. It might actually reduce crime.<br />
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<a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-somerset-14689055">Well in Somerset they already have one.</a><br />
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Lucky beggars!A Selective Readinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02298907898956157153noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27734732.post-20841512867251501102011-04-07T01:17:00.001+01:002011-04-07T09:58:27.811+01:00NICVA Live - Assembly Hustings event 7 April 2011<div style="text-align: justify;">NICVA is hosting a hustings event to provide the voluntary and community sector with the opportunity to question MLA candidates from across the political spectrum on the subject of their manifestos. The event will be hosted by William Crawley, journalist and broadcaster. The event starts at 9.30am lasting to 1pm. This will be a live blog so join in. On twitter use the hashtag #nicva11<br />
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To follow the debate and even take part just click on the coveritlive below and it will show you how things are progressing.</div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><iframe allowtransparency="allowtransparency" frameborder="0" height="550" scrolling="no" src="http://www.coveritlive.com/index2.php/option=com_altcaster/task=viewaltcast/altcast_code=a569907b1f/height=550/width=470" width="470"></iframe></div>A Selective Readinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02298907898956157153noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27734732.post-47137861939939188352011-04-06T00:31:00.000+01:002011-04-06T00:31:16.668+01:00Policing Board is not my friend :(<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIITeVahXyoilIK1YIlpuDxyKIRHJmUzNlL4zzHOFBb94x4ygpVPlxT6UFhURijdJoMxc4hWav10GXEu3-wCfhHfRfMyAizwiKimJOyq6So0ZgAihAJIhxAvX-Fs29Yg5DaViIJw/s1600/PBNI.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="101" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIITeVahXyoilIK1YIlpuDxyKIRHJmUzNlL4zzHOFBb94x4ygpVPlxT6UFhURijdJoMxc4hWav10GXEu3-wCfhHfRfMyAizwiKimJOyq6So0ZgAihAJIhxAvX-Fs29Yg5DaViIJw/s400/PBNI.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;">I have just received a Facebook notification from the <a href="http://www.nipolicingboard.org.uk/">Northern Ireland Policing Board</a> asking me not to be offended that they no longer want to be my friend. Nothing like un-friending somebody and telling them you are doing so as well!</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Though all is not lost, as they still have a <a href="https://www.facebook.com/policingboard?ref=ts">Facebook Page</a> that I can ‘like’.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Hmmmmm How can I ‘like’ you if you don’t want to be my friend? ;)</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">On a more serious note, the Board seems to have taken the decision to work with the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/terms.php?ref=pf">terms and conditions of Facebook</a> and decided to delete their profile. It is a tricky one but the general thought on the terms is that profiles are for personal use only and pages are for businesses, organisations, campaigns, etc. There is a lot of 'grey' in this area due to the focus of a business and how people actually interact. Mind you i do seem to be friends with a few hotels, restaurants and pubs but have not seen any banter from them lately.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Do you have a view on the Profile / Page debate? </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
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</div>A Selective Readinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02298907898956157153noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27734732.post-16780427349169644172011-01-11T21:57:00.000+00:002011-01-11T21:57:56.381+00:00NICVA Live - Issues for the Economy<div style="text-align: justify;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.nicva.org/events/live-issues-economy" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="88" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgo1Nx7AZZ6ssssHKRRPRTG8un39jOUjOiKx0gdGYaQ8upnOP7ZwB3iLfgxVigjeMRcdVRdeaeU3cqIun-9pUATyYqPuqLoKDgVzne3wKmtPXjwRBXOrioVrFk4LIpb5qQRaMNt6A/s200/LiveissueseconomyNICVA.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">I will be covering the NICVA Conference "<a href="http://www.nicva.org/events/live-issues-economy">Live issues for the Economy</a>". This is a conference for voluntary and community organisations to find out more about live issues relating to the economy and debate their impact. The event will give NICVA members the opportunity to find out more about the issues currently being debated in the Assembly and the media and consider their impact on the people and communities they work with.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">It starts at 9:30am and goes on to 1:30pm in <a href="http://www.nicva.org/">NICVA</a>. Current issues that will be covered include the proposals to lower Corporation Tax, the impact of welfare reform proposals in Northern Ireland and a review of economic policy in Northern Ireland as well as proposals for moving forward.</span><br />
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Programme</span></b><br />
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Political Priorities for Change</span></b><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Keynote Address - deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness MLA</span><br />
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Deja-vu all over again - Economic policy in NI and dealing with the £4billion reduction</span></b><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Esmond Birnie, Senior Economist, PriceWaterhouseCoopers</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Debating Corporation Tax - the silver bullet or fatal bullet?</b></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">The case for: Joanne Stuart, Chair of Institute of Directors Northern Ireland</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">The case against: TBC, NICTU</span><br />
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Another £1billion disappearing? - The impact of Welfare Reform proposals in NI</span></b><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Prof Eileen Evason, benefits expert and social commentator</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Plenary discussion</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><iframe frameborder="0" height="550px" scrolling="no" src="http://www.coveritlive.com/index2.php/option=com_altcaster/task=viewaltcast/altcast_code=25c549d710/height=550/width=570" width="570px">&lt;p&gt;&amp;amp;lt;a href="http://www.coveritlive.com/mobile.php/option=com_mobile/task=viewaltcast/altcast_code=25c549d710" &amp;amp;gt;NICVA Live - Live Issues for the Economy&amp;amp;lt;/a&amp;amp;gt;&lt;/p&gt;</iframe></div>A Selective Readinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02298907898956157153noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27734732.post-19204491650242793712010-12-16T23:43:00.000+00:002010-12-16T23:43:16.595+00:00WikiLeaks hates NI Budget??<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEf4174Dk3Ffq51xgcV16rRsohezZ4Ofzgi0K4IHnLUjE-RMt3-p5H8TDCzWzWdNjDFZycvcuVdgMoyngtKz3xV97G449EqW83uejRBb7BdQORPLMf6VkSz9rZgnZHPB8nWv_YuQ/s1600/wikileaks.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: justify;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEf4174Dk3Ffq51xgcV16rRsohezZ4Ofzgi0K4IHnLUjE-RMt3-p5H8TDCzWzWdNjDFZycvcuVdgMoyngtKz3xV97G449EqW83uejRBb7BdQORPLMf6VkSz9rZgnZHPB8nWv_YuQ/s200/wikileaks.jpg" width="133" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;">The <a href="http://www.northernireland.gov.uk/index/budget2010.htm">draft Northern Ireland budget</a> was published yesterday after a long debate in the <a href="http://www.niassembly.gov.uk/record/reports2010/101215.htm">Northern Ireland Assembly</a> and, of course, had a huge amount of media coverage.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">However, as the media frenzy focussed on semantically dissecting the Finance Minister's speech and his after speech interviews, along with the inevitable responses from everyone else, a little noticed event virtually happened under everyone's noses.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">As Dirk Gently would say, "to solve the <i>whole </i>crime and find the <i>whole </i>person one must make use of the <span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 19px;"> fundamental interconnectedness of all things". (by the way, I just watched the <a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b00wqfl2">BBC 4 screen adaption of Dirk Gently's Holistic Detective Agency</a>, and I loved it!)</span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 19px;"><br />
</span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 19px;">The interconnectedness of all things on the 15th December flows thusly,</span></span></div><ol><li style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 19px;">The day begins whilst most people are still asleep, a nice way to start.</span></li>
<li style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 19px;">It is 15 December 2010, a Wednesday no less.</span></li>
<li style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 19px;">Its my wife's birthday.</span></li>
<li style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 19px;">I get up, get the kids up, get them ready for the day and take them to daycare.</span></li>
<li style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 19px;">I travel to work as the radio babbles on about what the budget will contain.</span></li>
<li style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 19px;">I go to a Participation Network event in Parliament Buildings while the the Budget Debate is ongoing.</span></li>
<li style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 19px;">Lots of tweets about Wikileaks and Julian Assange</span></li>
<li style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 19px;">Because Julian Assange was being banged up in the old nick, a lot of virtual anarchists were virtually crippling PayPal, MasterCard, Visa and having a right good go at Amazon.</span></li>
<li style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 19px;">The draft Budget is out for consultation.</span></li>
<li style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 19px;">No one can access the consultation because a number of NI Departmental websites are 'unavailable'</span></li>
<li style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 19px;">This has been noticed by fellow twitterers, including <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; line-height: 15px;">@<a href="http://twitter.com/A2BNI/status/15016452574683136">A2BNI</a> "</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 19px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #634047;">@</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><a class="tweet-url username" href="http://twitter.com/iwhitten" rel="nofollow" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-decoration: none;">iwhitten</a> </span>All departmental sites appear to be down!" - around 12.10pm</span></span></li>
<li style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 19px;">To which i respond "</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 15px;">@<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><a class="tweet-url username" href="http://twitter.com/A2BNI" rel="nofollow" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-decoration: none;">A2BNI</a> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 15px;">anything to do with <a class="tweet-url hashtag" href="http://twitter.com/search?q=%23wikileaks" rel="nofollow" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-decoration: none;" title="#wikileaks"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">#wikileaks</span></a>? :)"</span></span></li>
<li style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 15px;">The Consultation documentation finally appeared on the <a href="http://www.northernireland.gov.uk/index/budget2010.htm">NI Executive</a> and <a href="http://www.nidirect.gov.uk/news-dec10-northern-irelands-draft-budget-2010">NIDirect </a>sites</span></li>
</ol><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 19px;">The interconnectedness of it all? (Possibly) Julian Assange. </span></div><ol></ol><div><div style="text-align: justify;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeneVrMvmeM9EHSIb5vkNKs9cQNVEaN_O9uGy94jAK7RvadTU6n1K7SAK0Qm81v3sCzNW3qMhiHXoncdm0WovFFTlrAIc0KNpXY0CnSnrv1ibrS1tzF70nl7Nfk2m5jeKHrAkxAw/s1600/nibudget.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeneVrMvmeM9EHSIb5vkNKs9cQNVEaN_O9uGy94jAK7RvadTU6n1K7SAK0Qm81v3sCzNW3qMhiHXoncdm0WovFFTlrAIc0KNpXY0CnSnrv1ibrS1tzF70nl7Nfk2m5jeKHrAkxAw/s1600/nibudget.jpg" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 19px;">I have heard a rumour that whilst 'oor Sammie was up on his feet there may have been a malicious DDOS (or Distributed Denial of Service) attack on all the Northern Ireland departmental websites, as from a few sources I have heard that all of the sites were inaccessible for a period of time.</span></div></div><div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 19px;"><br />
</span></div></div><div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 19px;"></span><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 19px;">Quite why the <a href="http://pastebin.com/TZYvcgr7">Online Living Consciousness of "Anonymous"</a> would spend any time at all attacking Norn Iron departmental websites in order to strike another blow at the repressive establishment, who they deem are trying to silence Julian Assange, i am not too sure, but there you go. Maybe it was a vindictive attack from disgruntled hackers <a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-11957367">who failed to hack Amazon</a>? In the same way a disgruntled thug puts his kicks a cat in disgust at finding he is, for nay number of reasons, now unable to have a good riot and throw stones at the police.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 19px;"><br />
</span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 19px;">At least it makes a difference from "you've got ten minutes to clear building".</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 19px;"><br />
</span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 19px;">By the way, you have until 9 February 2011 to make your thoughts known to the relevant authorities on the Northern Ireland Budget. Or, keeping the Douglas Adams theme going, as many public services may be saying come March ".... So long and thanks for all the fish".</span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 19px;"><br />
</span></div></div>A Selective Readinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02298907898956157153noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27734732.post-90871077655562377472010-12-07T22:29:00.000+00:002010-12-07T22:29:58.259+00:00My Adventures at the UUP Conference (part 1)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhebn9agIZqUpOFATxDL2FaqHpDZkzadIkC8dUPDmdmxdkYoJT7bpuVwParJSklLaY38OdBHyvPz7Kp1IRC2zJ0uq4IhZwOoGZ_tmpvasXkc4wi6oNAVWx2gSC2Yv7CvxwjhGgVdA/s1600/PC030333.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: justify;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhebn9agIZqUpOFATxDL2FaqHpDZkzadIkC8dUPDmdmxdkYoJT7bpuVwParJSklLaY38OdBHyvPz7Kp1IRC2zJ0uq4IhZwOoGZ_tmpvasXkc4wi6oNAVWx2gSC2Yv7CvxwjhGgVdA/s200/PC030333.JPG" width="200" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;">I attended the UUP pre conference dinner on the Friday night and the weather was cold and crisp and even!</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Inside the Ramada Hotel it was a bit warmer. Thankfully. I arrived early and had a quick look into the room and it looked very nice indeed. Having a quick look at the table setup I found myself on table two (<a href="http://billmanwaring.com/">Bill Manwaring's</a> table). I have to say I thoroughly enjoyed the evening bumping into a lot of old friends and making new ones. In fact i met up with one <a href="http://www.fermanagh.gov.uk/index.cfm?website_Key=47&Category_key=132&Page_Key=355">Councillor Alex Baird </a>via Facebook on the night. Very bizarre but quite fun to see how far we have come with all our methods of connecting with each other. Smartphones and social media really are increasing ways to connect in the real world as well as online. The number of people I am now meeting in the real world that I have created a strong connection with over the virtual world is increasing. This seems to be more and more the way to connect and interact with decision makers.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">The new strapline for the Party is 'Determined to deliver' which <a href="http://twitter.com/iwhitten/status/10791139711913984">reminded me of my dinner</a>. Which duly arrived and was of course consumed. Nom nom nom. Well done to all in the <a href="http://www.ramadabelfast.com/">Ramada</a>! The meal started with a Roast Pumpkin & Butternut Squash soup with Cinnamon Cream, the main meal was raditional Co. Down King Turkey, Mourne Honey Roast Ham, Sage and Onion stuffing with Chipolatas Turkey Jus and Cranberry Sauce served with Champ and Roast Potatoes, Carrots and Parsnip. Next came Devon Toffee Fudge Cheescake with Raspberry Coulis and all topped of with a Coffee and a Chocolate Mint. I am beginning to feel hungry all over again.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Ross Hussey was compère for the evening with of course speeches from Tom Elliott, Leader of the UUP, and from a representative from the <a href="http://www.uca.org.uk/">Ulster Chemists Association</a> and the inimitable Glyn Roberts from <a href="http://www.niirta.com/">NIIRTA</a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMRHaXCt9OTXuy5VUmtiViIx687AKkcnFD1iCbluYMwfCyNCufC7tjdh8MbIUzqmBemWa7or8s9Sf2HH_9xKs15V-OzOw1mTRGNSl90GnhS93xr1yHD9HdK_FgK0SKLnAGIT0DtQ/s1600/uupdinner.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMRHaXCt9OTXuy5VUmtiViIx687AKkcnFD1iCbluYMwfCyNCufC7tjdh8MbIUzqmBemWa7or8s9Sf2HH_9xKs15V-OzOw1mTRGNSl90GnhS93xr1yHD9HdK_FgK0SKLnAGIT0DtQ/s200/uupdinner.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;">And of course what pre-conference dinner would be complete without some after dinner, and 'Da' did not disappoint! I have to say <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tim_McGarry">Tim McGarry</a> is like a comedic wine, he has become better over time. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">As a round up there were about 160 people at the event and there was a fair amount of lightheartedness, some of it at the expense of <a href="http://www.google.co.uk/url?sa=t&source=web&cd=2&ved=0CCIQFjAB&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.davidtrimble.org%2F&ei=r6n-TIOCEJOahQf_hO2fCw&usg=AFQjCNHnYzvVV4f098r5-Wc2grqnxW_Vxg&sig2=Ft4Jgqnu5clgVsaJr7lgOw">Lord Trimble's</a> beard.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">So at the end of the night I had lots of shmoozing done, was fully fed and was ready for the drive home through a very frosty and snow ridden night ready to tackle a full day at the UUP conference. Huzzah!</div>A Selective Readinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02298907898956157153noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27734732.post-68874467280387110632010-12-02T22:46:00.000+00:002010-12-02T22:46:46.844+00:00Wasssabi for beginners<div style="text-align: center;"><object height="340" width="560"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/dkHJKakHMpo?fs=1&hl=en_GB&rel=0"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/dkHJKakHMpo?fs=1&hl=en_GB&rel=0" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="560" height="340"></embed></object></div>A Selective Readinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02298907898956157153noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27734732.post-16631792148318726682010-11-27T12:54:00.001+00:002010-11-27T12:59:20.546+00:00My Adventures at the DUP Conference (part 3 - Leaders speech)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3CqrzKN0lEOrHfU3bdxcsmwf_V6tqJQrdELSPpenHJYr_fDO9DP1nLX9bqpBH7oLRrMkTDWbOVdfJ7jKkPeZznPVGDo-iakiUuVN2mwfPl8Suyekck9NY3loxl1Dj1TGiMV-XqQ/s1600/PB270311.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3CqrzKN0lEOrHfU3bdxcsmwf_V6tqJQrdELSPpenHJYr_fDO9DP1nLX9bqpBH7oLRrMkTDWbOVdfJ7jKkPeZznPVGDo-iakiUuVN2mwfPl8Suyekck9NY3loxl1Dj1TGiMV-XqQ/s200/PB270311.JPG" width="200" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><a href="http://www.dup.org.uk/MyProfile.asp?MemberID=27">Peter Robinson</a>, Leader of the DUP and Northern Ireland's First Minister was welcomed to the stage with a standing ovation.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">He used the speech to thank all those around him for their support during the past year. His own 'annus horribillis' as it were.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Notably he raised the issue of <a href="http://www.sinnfein.ie/contents/19514">Gerry Adams stepping down from his position as MP for West Belfast</a>, highlighting it may not be as easy as he thinks it may be.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"></div><blockquote>Incidentally, having been elected in West Belfast, I see that Gerry Adams is now heading off to County Louth to contest the next Irish General Election. He has announced that he will stand down from Westminster to do so. I wonder does Gerry know it's not a simple matter of handing in a resignation. In order to stand down, an MP has to disqualify himself by being appointed to an Office of Profit under the Crown. Two such positions are available - Gerry can become the Crown Steward and Bailiff of either the Chiltern Hundreds or the Manor of Northstead. As he would, thereby, be the Queen's servant and in the Queen's pay he is disqualified from Parliament. Just you watch, if past form is any guide, by the time the Louth election campaign starts he'll be denying that the Queen's servant and appointee.</blockquote><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">Interestingly he makes very little reference to any other other political party. Clever speech writer! </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Generally the speech was very robustly upbeat and about what the Assembly and Executive has delivered so far and about economic stability.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">The speech ended with a standing ovation and a rendition of 'We shall not be moved'</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Trebuchet, Arial, Tahoma, Verdana; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22px;"></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><div style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Trebuchet, Arial, Tahoma, Verdana; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22px;"></span></div><div style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; line-height: normal; text-align: justify;">Some factoids from the Leader's speech are that he</div><div style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; line-height: normal; text-align: justify;"></div><ul style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; line-height: normal;"><li>Referred to British once, Northern Ireland 53 times, United Kingdom 2 times, and Republic 3 times.</li>
<li>Mentioned Sinn Fein twice, DUP 16 times, SDLP once and not a mention of the UUP or the Alliance Party</li>
<li>Talked of East Belfast once and Assembly 17 times</li>
<li>Referred to the Economy 6 times, economic 9 times and priority 4 times</li>
<li>Mentioned election 15 times and the Queen 5 times and no mention of the Pope</li>
<li>Included Opportunity 3 times , courage once, never 8 times</li>
<li>Talked about Shared twice, new 39 times Politics and Political both 9 times</li>
<li>Referred to Gerry 11 times, Caitriona 5 times and Margaret twice</li>
</ul></div><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">What is you take on it?</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><br />
</b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>Speech by Peter Robinson, First Minister and Leader of the DUP</b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Who would have believed it a decade ago? </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Here we are at the end of 2010, a DUP-led administration at Stormont, the IRA off the stage and Sinn Fein signed up to policing. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">After decades of conflict, Northern Ireland is moving in the right direction. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Northern Ireland’s constitutional position in the United Kingdom is secure, our relationship with the Republic is better than ever, nobody is seriously talking about a united Ireland and the political institutions have more widespread support than at any point in the history of the Province.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">That is the bedrock for peace and stability.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">You don’t need to take my word for it: just ask yourselves, is Northern Ireland better off now than it was twenty years ago?</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Investment is coming back, new jobs are being created and there’s a real future for our young people and a reason for them to stay.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">It hasn’t been plain sailing and there’s still an enormous task ahead – but solid foundations have been laid for Northern Ireland’s second century.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">And our future is once again in our own hands. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">We’re no longer reliant on others to protect our interests, no longer frustrated by governments negotiating over our heads, behind our backs and against our interests or by policies set from London and strongly influenced by Dublin. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Instead, we’re setting our own priorities and direction. We're making decisions in Northern Ireland for the people of Northern Ireland.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">That didn’t happen accidentally, but because of the hard work of many people in this room today and the trust that was placed in us.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">I also want to personally thank you for the support that you have given me these past twelve months.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">I’ll not deny that for me this has been my most testing year. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">But the real test of any person is not how they stand up in a gentle breeze but how they weather the battering when the relentless gales blow.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">When I was elected leader of this party two and a half years ago I said that there was no greater honour that this party could bestow. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">I was wrong. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">It has been superseded by the love, friendship and support I received from colleagues in the party over the last year. That loyalty can never be fully repaid. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">It is a tribute to the character and faithfulness of all of you and I will never forget it.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">I don’t believe in holding office for its own sake. I never have and never will. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">And I will always remember that no single person is more important than this party. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Leaders will come and leaders will go, and for my part, I want to play a full part in completing the work that we started and create a legacy for the next generation of which we can all be proud.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">That’s what drove us on during the years in opposition, through the years when we stood virtually alone, through the years of danger and conflict and through the years when we swam against the popular political tide. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">And it is what drove us on night after long night in Hillsborough Castle earlier this year.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Even in those most difficult times, we were, step by step, moving Northern Ireland forward. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">While many were writing us off just look at what we achieved. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">We avoided the collapse of the institutions, we secured the future of the Assembly and completed the devolution of policing and justice. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">And then we defied the critics, stood on our positive agenda for the future and maintained our position as the voice of unionism. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">The dark clouds that formed over Dromore in 2008 and which still persisted after I became leader at the European Election in 2009 have now lifted. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">In the upheaval and intense process leading up to the restoration of devolution in 2007 we lost our close contact with the electorate. The link to our support base was something that had always been a central feature of our politics. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">But we have found it again. We have re-connected.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">It was a painful lesson but we listened and we learned. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">We took on board what people were saying and we are the better for it. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">But now, Dromore and Europe are just memories and experiences that have strengthened us.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">In the most unfavourable circumstances, overall the General Election result was a remarkable triumph for the DUP. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Given all that had happened, retaining eight seats, maintaining our position as the party with most MPs from Northern Ireland and receiving more votes than all the other unionist parties added together was a great effort. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Thirteen years ago we returned just two Members of Parliament. Today, we stand as the only unionist party in the House of Commons - speaking for and representing Northern Ireland in our national parliament. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Not bad for a really difficult year.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">And the real lesson is this. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">We stood together. We remained united. We kept our focus. We didn't allow others to set our agenda. Though in the line of fire we responded by giving strong and sound leadership.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">While in the past others crumbled and divided under pressure we bound ourselves together, stronger and more determined than ever.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">And you can be absolutely certain that whenever the next Westminster election comes our number one target will be returning East Belfast to DUP hands. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">It may be your DUP candidate's name on the ballot paper and DUP leaders whose faces you see on TV, but our success has come as a direct result of all the work you do, whether it's knocking on doors, putting up posters, raising money, tramping the streets or the thousand other tasks that are performed. The DUP's success is your success.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">I want to congratulate our MPs and in particular Jim Shannon and Ian Paisley junior who were elected for the first time. Let me also pay tribute to Nigel who is heading up the team at Westminster. Our interests are well and truly represented by Nigel and our team in Parliament.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Incidentally, having been elected in West Belfast, I see that Gerry Adams is now heading off to County Louth to contest the next Irish General Election. He has announced that he will stand down from Westminster to do so. I wonder does Gerry know it's not a simple matter of handing in a resignation. In order to stand down, an MP has to disqualify himself by being appointed to an Office of Profit under the Crown. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Two such positions are available - Gerry can become the Crown Steward and Bailiff of either the Chiltern Hundreds or the Manor of Northstead. As he would, thereby, be the Queen's servant and in the Queen's pay he is disqualified from Parliament. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Just you watch, if past form is any guide, by the time the Louth election campaign starts he'll be denying that the Queen's servant and appointee.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Mr Chairman, as this Assembly term enters its final months I want to pay tribute to all those who have served at Stormont over the past three and a half years. They have worked diligently in the Assembly chamber, the committees, in their constituencies and more widely for the party.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">I especially want to thank all those who have served in Ministerial Office. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Nigel, Gregory, Edwin, Nelson, Sammy, Arlene and of course Ian - or should I say Lord Bannside - congratulations Ian, but, it'll not stop people still referring to you as "the big man".</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">And let us not forget our three junior Ministers, Ian Junior, Jeffrey and Robin - and all our committee chairs and other post holders who have carried heavy responsibilities on our behalf.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Together you are the most formidable and able team in the Assembly. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Not only have we a remarkable Assembly team but this has been a remarkable Assembly term. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">We've had no shortage of difficulties and challenges but while others doubted and dithered the DUP delivered.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Here in Northern Ireland next March, for the first time in forty years, we will complete a full four-year term of devolution without suspensions and without the institutions collapsing. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">But we all know that while it’s a good start; it's not enough.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">It represents the foundation for our future achievements. It is not the height of our aspirations.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">There are those who criticise the Assembly and the Executive for how it operates. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">I know the flaws and I know the problems.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">I will continue to work to make things better but I would not for a second trade the institutions that we have for a return to Direct Rule.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">For us the present arrangements are a transitional phase to a more normal form of democracy for Northern Ireland. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">That's why we insisted at St Andrews, and had it incorporated in law, that the next Assembly would bring forward proposals on moving to a better form of devolved government.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">That’s a vital piece of work for the next mandate. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">And only the DUP can succeed in making the sort of changes that are needed. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">But I am not prepared to throw away all the progress that has been made by crashing the present institutions. There are those within unionism who want to tear Stormont down. They openly announced their intentions. They have said, "Send us to the Assembly so that we can build a bulkhead sufficient to cause it to fall apart."</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Then they discovered that the community didn't support their wrecking declaration so they now seek to camouflage it behind weasel words like - "We've a positive agenda. Stormont is broken and we're going to fix it."</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Fix it! These people are wreckers. We've heard it all before. They want to enter Stormont with a ballot paper in one hand and a Kango hammer in the other.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">The fall of Stormont and a return to Dublin Rule is not just a risk which might flow from their policies; it’s their intention.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">I'm not prepared to gamble in the hope that something better might turn up after further decades of negotiations. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">There is no easy or quick-fix solution.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">It’s a dangerous illusion.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Let's be clear they want to pull Stormont down and end devolution.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">And don’t be deluded into believing that even a different system of government would be an answer or solution to all of our problems. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">We will still have to deal with the people that the nationalist community elect.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">We must tackle the form of government at Stormont not by ripping up all that has been achieved but by working together, with others, to create a better way of doing things.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">It’s not the easy way but it’s the only way that will work.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">And let's be clear, people don’t want to study the mechanics of government; they want to see government resolving the problems they face. They want results.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Stormont has underpinned the peace and stability that we have achieved.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Those who criticise the Assembly forget how far we have come or what has actually been achieved. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">More often than not all you will hear on the media from Stormont is arguing and bickering. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">There is an old saying that no news is good news but for some in our media good news is no news.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">It’s attractive for the media to report clashes and divisions between parties around the Executive table – and to be fair the parties have given them some material to work with – but we must tell the story of what has been achieved.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">There has been too much petty point scoring at Stormont, but despite all that, we have made valuable and tangible progress. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Is it any wonder that people struggle to tell you what Stormont has achieved when we don't sufficiently articulate it ourselves? </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">So, in case you have forgotten or never heard it before, let me record just a handful of the things we have achieved.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"> We’ve provided free travel on public transport to everyone over 60 – the most generous scheme in the whole of the UK – in fact there’s now over 60,000 smart-passes in circulation and 51/2 million free journeys have been made since the scheme was started.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"> We have frozen the Regional Rate helping 750,000 households and we deferred Water Charges for the entire Assembly term – giving Northern Ireland by far the lowest household taxes in the entire United Kingdom.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"> We have given a 20% discount on their rates to every single person over 70 living alone.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"> We have introduced a Small Business Rate relief scheme providing £8 million help to 16,000 small businesses.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"> We have capped manufacturing rates at 30% - helping 4,000 businesses and protecting thousands of jobs.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"> We’ve introduced free prescriptions for everyone in Northern Ireland – they’re not available in England</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"> By working with the last Government we secured the single largest ever investment to Northern Ireland by supporting Bombardier’s £520m investment for the new C-series – with the potential to create over 800 jobs and more in the supply chain.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"> We have reformed planning policy in the countryside.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"> In difficult economic times, when heating prices were escalating, we allocated £15 million to support 100,000 households on pension credit and income support. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"> Because of the peace and political stability we have brought jobs and significant investment from abroad. Our visits to the US have delivered substantial inward investment. And there’s more to come.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"> In addition, following our visits to the US, Universal Studios filmed a multi-million pound movie in Belfast and even today US Television Giant HBO is filming a new series in Northern Ireland bringing millions of pounds into our economy and hundreds of jobs for our community.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"> In the last three years we made growing the economy the Executive’s priority and Invest Northern Ireland secured more than £21/2 billion of investment commitments and £1/2 billion in annual salaries; promoted over fifteen thousand new jobs; safeguarded over five thousand existing jobs; and supported over eight thousand new local business starts. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"> Earlier this month we announced 500 new jobs brought to Northern Ireland by Citi group adding to the 900 jobs they have already located here.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"> In September we opened offices for the New York Stock Exchange, which will bring four hundred new jobs.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"> And because of investment by the Executive, Northern Ireland now has a faster telecoms link to New York than California has - as a result of the £25 million Project Kelvin.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"> Capital investment in our vital infrastructure increased to £1.7 billion last year. This compares to just £700 million under Direct Rule.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"> With this investment we replaced over 530 buses at a cost of £74 million, reducing the age of the fleet from 12 to 6 years.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"> As DRD Minister I bought 38 new trains - the first new trains for decades. Now we plan to introduce a further 20 new trains by 2013, the first of these will come into service next year.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"> We have completed or widened vast stretches of motorway, dual and single carriageway.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"> And for my fellow cyclists we have even provided 82km of new cycle lanes and also 62km of new footway.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"> Over eighteen hundred new homes were provided for social tenants last year, the highest number for a decade. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"> We have improved the schools estate through investing around £500million and despite the wishes of the Minister for Education we have secured the future of academic selection.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"> On the tourist front we have contributed to the £100 million Titanic Signature Project - a landmark building which will be completed by 2012 and work has started on the new Giants Causeway Visitor Centre.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"> In the area of health we have invested in the £33m South Wing Development at Altnagevin, a new £270m acute hospital in Enniskillen, a new £64m hospital in Down, a new £9m trauma and orthopaedic facility in Craigavon Area Hospital and £17m of capital investment in 60 new ambulances.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">And that's just a sample of what we've done. It's also a start of what we need to do to help rebuild Northern Ireland. While all of this has been achieved, the first term has been about building the base camp from which we will, step by step, reach the summit. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">And there's a massive job of work to do.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">And at whatever we do we will act responsibly. That’s why this week we have been working intensely to agree a budget not just for one year but for the next four years.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">We will keep your household bills down and invest for the future. We will focus our spending on health, education and the police. We will maintain our key priority of growing the economy and we will pay special attention to those in our society who are hurting most from the recession.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">With the Conservative imposed cuts it hasn’t been easy, but that’s when a local Executive with local people matters most.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">We didn’t create the global economic downturn, but we have to live with the consequences.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">We don’t ask for special treatment; all we ask, after 40 years of conflict, is a fair chance to compete and to rebuild our economy.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">As everyone knows the Republic of Ireland is facing extremely difficult economic circumstances. It is not a time here or there, for politicians to be playing party politics with peoples' lives and livelihoods. As a unionist I sincerely want their difficulties to be resolved. Make no mistake about it we have a selfish strategic and economic interest in this matter.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">I know people in the Republic get very defensive about anything that looks as if their independence is being curtailed. But can I say this - if you take economic advice from the IMF it's not a disaster; it's a disaster if you take economic advice from Gerry Adams. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Although to be fair to him - he does bring a different perspective to the banking issue.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Early next year we will be laying out our agenda for the next term of the Assembly. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">It will set out our goals for the next four years.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Even in difficult economic times we can make a real difference.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">This is a new era in politics and Northern Ireland has a lot to offer. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">The election in May will be a critical moment in our recovery.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">The people of Northern Ireland have a choice to make.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Some would suggest that this election is only going to be about one thing - who the First Minister will be. They could not be more wrong. Of course it's vital the DUP remain the largest party and we retain the First Minister's post but it's about much more than that. This election is about the future direction of Northern Ireland.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Sinn Fein’s political agenda is very different to ours.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Where we can make common cause to create jobs or improve the lives of people, we will do so.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">But where there are real differences of principle or policy – we will hold our ground.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">We want to see Northern Ireland moving forward, together, for everyone.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">And the question at the election will be, who do you believe can best take the big decisions on your behalf? Who is capable of negotiating a positive outcome in your interests?</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Co-operating when it is possible, compromising when it is beneficial, and standing firm when it is a matter of principle.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">We are the strong and responsible unionist voice.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">This is not a time to be a prisoner of the past. You will not win today's battles using the tactics and tools of yesteryear. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">We must find 21st century solutions to today’s challenges.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">We can't pretend that things haven't changed. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Our values and core beliefs remain constant but we must adapt to present needs and the modern world.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">We must shape the new political environment and reach out to an ever-expanding audience.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">The issue of the constitutional status of Northern Ireland has been settled for as far as one can see into the future. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">That battle has been fought and won.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Against that settled backcloth let us focus on the people’s real everyday agenda.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">The SDLP leader tells us her number one priority is a united Ireland. Northern Ireland is facing an economic crisis. Our people are struggling to make ends meet. Workers are anxious about their employment prospects. Poverty levels are rising. We are contending with massive cuts to our budget and Margaret Ritchie is chasing the moonbeam of a united Ireland. She just doesn't get it. - Indeed, let me tell her, she wont get it!</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Last week on the BBC Caitriona Ruane said there's never been a better time to have a united Ireland. What's she been smoking?</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">I see that "I'm a Celebrity get me out of here" is back on TV. I have it on good authority the producer wants Caitriona on the show - not as a contestant but as one of those scary jungle trials. She knows a bit about jungle trials.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Unionists have changed their view about Caitriona. A few years ago unionists were angry at her for going off to Columbia - now they are angry because she didn't stay.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Both Margaret and Caitriona need to get real! The constitutional future of Northern Ireland is settled. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">If anyone doubts that, I suggest they should examine what Gerry Adams' journey to Louth really means. It is evidence that republicans have given up on a united Ireland - of course we will still get the same old rhetoric - but does anyone really believe that Gerry would be exiting Northern Ireland politics if he thought the constitutional issue was still active and in play?</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Too often unionists are negative or defensive about Northern Ireland’s status but remember this - Gerry Adams leaves Northern Ireland politics, for pastures new, with his key ambition unfulfilled. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">So my number one priority in the next Assembly term is getting people back to work, revitalising our economy, providing support for those in greatest need and providing every citizen with a better way of life.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">That means growing the economy and providing opportunity for all.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">It means providing a safe place in which to live and it means learning to live together.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">That's the agenda people want to hear about and that's the agenda that will determine the peace and prosperity of our people. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">The real question is how, together, we can achieve a shared society in Northern Ireland and how we create a better future for our children.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">We must tackle, head-on, the causes of division. Not just for some short term political gain but because it's the right thing to do.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">I didn’t make a speech about shared education because I wanted a headline; I did it because I wanted to start a debate. I wanted to start a debate in order to create momentum for change. And I sought that process so that it might lead to a solution.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Let me, without any hint or trace of a hidden political motive, invite those who have a case to be heard, to sit down calmly, as part of a wide-ranging review of our present arrangements, to consider how we might move to a structure which ends the separation of children at a formative age when life patterns are set and life-long friendships are made. Surely it is possible to have a rational discourse about this matter. I'm willing to engage. I hope others will have the courage to come forward.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Mr Chairman, it is almost seven years to the day, since we won the 2003 Assembly elections when the DUP took on the mantle as unionism’s largest party. In every Province-wide election since then we have won more votes than any other unionist party.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">This past decade has witnessed an amazing transformation in our fortunes. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Once we were seen as a party of protest, marginalised and isolated. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Then we were seen as a party of opposition, unfit to govern. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">But today we are the party of the Union. The party of progress. The party of the future. We are the party of Northern Ireland. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">We are not on the margins of politics but at the centre of government. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">We take the responsible decisions while others play politics. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">We seek to broaden our appeal while others turn inwards and away from the real challenges that lie ahead.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">We face up to issues while others duck and weave.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">That transformation did not happen by good fortune but by widening our support base and by adapting to meet today's needs.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">As other parties retreat into themselves we must reach out to build an ever larger and stronger support base. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">That's the way for us to grow and to prosper. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Having won the war; let's not lose the peace.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Let us not allow history to pass us by. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Northern Ireland is changing. We are in a new era.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Out of the ashes of conflict a new generation is emerging.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">This generation considers the constitutional issue to be resolved and they just want a better Northern Ireland.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">They are more interested in the future than the past.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">While we will be forever vigilant on constitutional matters we need to be seen as the natural choice for this new generation if we are to shape politics for decades to come. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">That is the way for unionism to have real strength and influence.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">The challenge for the DUP is to be able to command support from every part of the unionist community and from those more widely who support our forward-thinking policies. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">We must demonstrate that we are the party best able to deliver a better quality of life for everyone in Northern Ireland.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">However, the programme for this party should not be established on the basis of the lowest common denominator of what the general unionist community believe but should be set on the basis of the highest common factor of what we can achieve.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">We must not only be the largest unionist party in Northern Ireland we must be the party of Northern Ireland. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">As a party we must be prepared to change to meet those challenges.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">The old certainties have long since passed away, but in doing so, new opportunities have opened up. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">There's nothing cushy about the new kind of politics that exists today. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">It takes us out of our comfort zone. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Making Stormont work involves compromise and it involves difficult choices. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Northern Ireland has come a long way in the last few years. It is virtually unrecognisable from what it was twenty years ago. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">But we should not take the relative peace we have achieved for granted. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">There are still dissident republicans who are active and dangerous. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">They undoubtedly have the potential to kill and to bomb, but they don't have the ability to destroy the progress that has been achieved.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Of all the Assembly’s achievements in the last four years none was more significant than the united reaction to the murder of the two soldiers and the police officer by dissident republicans in March 2009. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">If there was ever a moment that I was sure that we had taken the right decision in entering government, that was it. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">That was devolution at its strongest.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Every party in the Executive and Assembly was united as one in opposition and condemnation. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Unremarkable in any other part of the world but truly remarkable given what had gone before in Northern Ireland.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">But peace alone does not bring reconciliation. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Conflict creates a damaging legacy and we must tackle that legacy. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">The real victory for unionism is not about inflicting pain on our political opponents. It's about creating a new Northern Ireland. A Northern Ireland fair to all, in which everyone who lives here feels a part and wants to share in its future. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">We know dissident republicans can never achieve their goals but neither must we let them divert us from achieving ours.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Next May we will face new electoral tests for both the Assembly and Local Government. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">We always say that the next election will be the most important one ever - and sometimes it's even true. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">It certainly is this time.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Four years ago we reached a defining moment. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">We had a decision to take. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Setting up Government wasn't the easy choice but it was the right choice. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">No sensible person wants to go back to the bad old days.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">At this election we will seek a mandate to continue the work we have begun.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">The DUP is the party to defend the interests of unionism and advance the cause of Northern Ireland.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">We are the first generation in a very long age who have a realistic prospect of shaping a harmonious and prosperous future. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">We have young people of whom we can be proud.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">None more so than those who serve in our armed forces. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">One of the great honours for me of the past year was going to visit the Irish Guards at their Windsor Barracks as they prepared for deployment to Afganistan. I also considered it to be a great privilege to travel to Helmond Province to visit the Royal Irish Regiment during their last tour of duty in Afghanistan.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">These young men from all backgrounds are an example to every one of us - prepared to make the ultimate sacrifice, not just for their country but in the cause of freedom.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Just as for many years brave soldiers came here to join with the police to defend democracy and protect us from terrorism, these soldiers have travelled half way around the world not only to defend us but to make a better life for people they don't even know.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">More than ever, in the last few weeks we have seen the true nature and high cost of their dedication and we remember those who have lost their lives in the service of Queen and country. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Those who face terrorism - whether at home or overseas - are more than our defenders, they are our heroes.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Mr Chairman, last month I attended an investment conference hosted by US Secretary of State Hilary Clinton in Washington which was attended by potential investors of some of the United States - indeed the world's - biggest companies.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">The distance from home often gives the clearest perspective of what we have to offer as a community. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">For this was not just a sales pitch given by our politicians.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Our strongest advocates were US business leaders who had already invested in Northern Ireland and wanted to tell their story. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">It's not a story you often hear on the news. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Here were leaders of billion dollar companies prepared to fly to Washington to sell the benefits of investing in Northern Ireland.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">They spoke of our education system, our cost competitiveness, of what a great place Northern Ireland is in which to live. They spoke of our infrastructure, the relationships with our universities, our skills base, our telecommunication's network and even our golf courses.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">And though you wouldn't read about it in our local newspapers they lavished praise on our pro-business focussed Executive. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">But above all else they spoke of the quality of our young people.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">These are companies that don't take their decisions based on sentiment but on sound economics. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">And more and more are coming here when they see what we have to offer. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">They see something that sometimes we overlook. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">They see the potential of our people. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Listening to them one by one recount their experiences of investing in Northern Ireland you could not but be proud and confident about the future that we are building.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">It has been said, “It is not easy to plant trees when we won't live to see it's flowering”. But, we don't plant a tree for ourselves, he plants it for future generations.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">We are descended from a people who cut out a civilization from the bogs and forests and through toil and imagination grew our reputation as a powerhouse of industry and trade.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Let us be prepared to do as our forefathers did and construct a new Northern Ireland. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Let us make up for the wasted years and make this land of our birth great once again. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">The conflict has ended, but still too much division remains. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Too much energy has been wasted by strife. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Just think of the potential that can be unleashed if we firmly establish a way to work together as one united community.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">This last year our sportsmen and women led the way and made us proud of their achievements.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">We must follow their lead and make Northern Ireland the place that it can be, not just for this generation but for the next.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Just look around to see how the city of Belfast has been transformed - the builders' cranes, new domes, spires and pillars rise on the skyline. International investment takes a welcome hold and international visitors increasingly walk our streets. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">A stable, peaceful and prosperous Northern Ireland is within our reach. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Let us work together to make it happen. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">A second term, as the largest party in Northern Ireland, is within our grasp.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">A mandate to keep Northern Ireland moving forward is what we seek. The opportunity to strengthen the Union, to defend our heritage, our culture and values - to serve all the people of Northern Ireland. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">The cost of defeat is too great. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Failure is not an option. We must stay focused on our vision for the future. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Victory next May will not be handed to us; we must earn it; we must deserve it. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">We will not win alone but together - each one of us in this hall today- taking nothing and no-one for granted. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Door by door and vote by vote, we must win, not for ourselves, but for unionism, and for Northern Ireland.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">So let us go out from conference, resolved to take this campaign across the length and breadth of the Province. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">The starting pistol has sounded. From Monday, and for the next five and a half months, let victory in this contest be our cause and our crusade. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Let us take our case to the people, secure a victory next May, and keep Northern Ireland moving forward. </div>A Selective Readinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02298907898956157153noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27734732.post-89103463961751170142010-11-27T11:18:00.000+00:002010-11-27T11:18:50.783+00:00My Adventures at the DUP Conference (part 2)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_4FPOooBk3drs06SnoXZca7iQyaDY7zZEGycjeS548gmH69Gop607ErMXVKXUDbeRkNPLShHw5lliq4NTjxQrpZn2mWFPZV-KfeFEX0oWiEbHWfFBQ08LzUslUHXw8WVrDHLApA/s1600/PB270306.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_4FPOooBk3drs06SnoXZca7iQyaDY7zZEGycjeS548gmH69Gop607ErMXVKXUDbeRkNPLShHw5lliq4NTjxQrpZn2mWFPZV-KfeFEX0oWiEbHWfFBQ08LzUslUHXw8WVrDHLApA/s200/PB270306.JPG" width="200" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Nigel Dodds, the Deputy Leader, was up to give his speech to the gathering at La Mon.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">I include his speech below, but there are a few points of interest. In referencing the issue of a United Ireland, Nigel noted that 'When the Celtic Tiger was roaring it was more in the realms of fantasy than reality. Now that it is placed under the crisis care of the International Monetary Fund, European Union and even the British taxpayer it is indeed as Pat Doherty called it, “the impossible”. That future is dead.'</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Nigel also has a good go at the TUV and the UUP. But he also added,</div><blockquote style="text-align: justify;">'This is a party conference so a jest or two at the expense of rivals is to be expected. However, the DUP knows that there can be real and tangible benefits to greater co-operation and collaboration between the Unionist parties. The DUP demonstrated in advance of the Westminster campaign its willingness to work towards those benefits. Others didn’t. Despite this we were willing then to act and remain so now.'</blockquote><div style="text-align: justify;">Will this be a new tack of all the Unionist parties? And more importantly how will the different strands of unionism work together whilst remaining identifiably separate?</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Nigel also made a serious point on the changes in voting patterns</div><blockquote style="text-align: justify;">The DUP knows, whether it is on the streets of Belfast or the lanes of Tyrone, the day when votes could be expected has passed. Every vote must be earned. The DUP will earn them by offering a positive message, the best team and a vision for a better future. We must give people the reasons to vote, to get out of the arm chair and away from the television to go to the polling booth and to vote DUP.</blockquote><div style="text-align: justify;">It has been noted for some time now that the main voting pool has been reducing whether or not it is the 'garden centre prod' or perhaps the disengagement of the working classes. Nigel did strongly point out that the DUP 'electoral task in 2011 and beyond is to slay the enemy of apathy.'</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">What are your thoughts on the speech?</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>Nigel Dodds Speech to the DUP conference, 27 November 2010</b></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Before I begin with my speech I wish to take a moment to acknowledge the valiant service of our Armed Forces in Afghanistan. Their dedication to a dangerous task thousands of miles from home is an inspiration. Their sacrifices we shall never forget and our thoughts and prayers are with them.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">As we gather at the La Mon Hotel once again we have much to reflect upon. It was only seven years ago that the voters entrusted Unionism and Northern Ireland to our leadership. There was many a critic ready to predict failure. They were proven wrong, for the Democratic Unionist Party has risen to the challenge. Of course, this does not prevent them from predicting our demise again and again but they will be proven wrong again and again. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Under the DUP’s strong leadership there has been clear, steady and identifiable progress. How do we achieve this when others had repeatedly failed? We succeed because of the inner strength of this party, the strength to say No when it has to and Yes when it is right to. This party provides Unionism and Northern Ireland with what it needs - a united and strong team working for it at all levels – in Councils, Assembly, Westminster and the European Parliament. The outcome is a peace and stability which others desired but only we delivered. Stormont is back and about to complete its first full uninterrupted term. The square of policing and justice has been circled.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">What drives this inner strength? This strength is derived from a confidence and optimism that the future can be better. This party has a deep faith in itself and in its core beliefs – we believe we can meet any challenge whether it was negotiating a new Agreement or now tackling the economic downturn. We have met many significant challenges in recent years – but we have overcome them all and we will continue to build on these successes.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Let us be in no doubt the primary challenge in the next Assembly term will be transforming our economy. Ulster families are hurting. Jobs have been lost. Pay has been frozen. Inflation has drastically reduced or wiped out any pay and pension increases. Fuel and food costs are rising. House prices have fallen. The DUP recognises the tough choices they are facing. Government must respond likewise. That is why the DUP says to those demanding water charges be introduced that they have no idea what people are already having to cope with. The last thing hard-pressed families need is an extra £400 bill.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">The global downturn is challenge enough but now we have the Tory and Liberal Democrat cuts on top. When the DUP highlighted David Cameron’s cuts comments in the infamous Newsnight interview his Ulster Unionist cheerleaders accused us of scaremongering. The reality is worse than even our predictions with capital cuts of 40% as well as the deep cuts in revenue spending of significant concern. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">However, we should not overlook the amnesiacs of the Alliance party in all this. The day before the election the Alliance party revelled in their fraternal links with the Liberal Democrats and tried to milk Cleggmania for electoral benefit. They gladly accepted Nick Clegg’s ringing endorsement on the eve of polling day. Now they wander around asking who’s Nick?</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">This poor choice of friends by others does not distract us from what we need to do. The DUP has produced the most comprehensive set of proposals of how we tackle the budget deficit and keep our economy moving forward. Our Rising to the Challenge document not only shows how we can protect the vulnerable, protect front-line services and protect our economy but sets out an ambitious agenda to create 7,000 new jobs.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">For our task on the economy is not simply about dealing with the global downturn. Our task is not simply about managing the Coalition cuts. Our task is to transform our economy by growing our private sector. The DUP will end the perception that Northern Ireland is the sick man of the Union and make it the shining beacon of what a region of the United Kingdom can achieve. For let us be clear what the DUP are seeking to build is Northern Ireland’s second century. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">In the past Sinn Fein leaders would talk again and again of Irish Unity by 2016. When the Celtic Tiger was roaring it was more in the realms of fantasy than reality. Now that it is placed under the crisis care of the International Monetary Fund, European Union and even the British taxpayer it is indeed as Pat Doherty called it, “the impossible”. That future is dead.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">In 2012 we will mark the centenary of the Ulster Covenant. This document defined the first century of modern Unionism. The creation of Northern Ireland in 1921 was the ultimate consequence of the Covenant, the Unionist campaign and the supreme sacrifice made on the battlefields of the Great War. In the next Assembly term we will be taking the decisions that will build the Northern Ireland of 2021 and after.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Unionism will not need mass demonstrations in 2012. What it needs is a strong, united visionary team using every lever of power at its disposal to secure and build Northern Ireland’s second century. The initiative lies with us. The momentum lies with us. The better future lies with us. We must seize the initiative. We must drive the momentum. We must deliver the better future.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">The DUP will be the party of Unionism’s second century. We will take the best values of traditional Unionism and bind them with the new approaches needed for the years and decades ahead. Second Century Unionism will not be driven by the twists and turns of a tortuous peace process but by principle and by a politics that is responsive and relevant to the everyday lives of the people of Northern Ireland. A Unionism that supports the basic building block of society, the family, and with the answers people need on education, the economy and the constitution.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">We will drive forward the change that is needed. It is the DUP that sets the political agenda on the size of government in Northern Ireland cutting departments, quangos and MLAs. It is the DUP that sets the agenda on the future of our education system with the call for a Commission to plan a single education system. It is the DUP that sets the agenda on moving Stormont towards a voluntary coalition. On voluntary coalition I add this: there are fears of what such a system would mean. It is our job to identify them and address them. We must become the persuaders for change not just its advocates. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">In terms of delivering the TUV and UUP will not be the parties to deliver a better future for Northern Ireland, let alone Sinn Fein or the SDLP</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Following their electoral drubbing the TUV is pretending to change. TUV spokespersons now speak of the terrorist past of republicans. TUV spokespersons describe voluntary coalition as a longer-term goal. Jim Allister talks of:</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">“..moving Northern Ireland forward”</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Where have I heard about that before? Jim is even trying to drop the sneer and smile. Granted it’s a smile that makes Gordon Brown’s facial contortions seem genuine but Jim perseveres. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">These are some of the very positions Jim rejected and condemned us for in 2007. Three years of egotism, splits and backbiting with the end result of adopting our positions one by one. If he has genuinely moved then what is the point of the TUV? If he hasn’t, then a vote for the TUV remains the self-destruct button of Stormont and Unionism.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Then we have the Ulster Unionist Party. They have a new leader now, although, you wouldn’t be blamed for not noticing. Regardless they still have all the same old problems and the same old pomposity. Sadly for the UUP when they heard the phrase “steady as you drift” they didn’t realise it was a criticism. Instead they treated it as a masterplan.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">This is a party conference so a jest or two at the expense of rivals is to be expected. However, the DUP knows that there can be real and tangible benefits to greater co-operation and collaboration between the Unionist parties. The DUP demonstrated in advance of the Westminster campaign its willingness to work towards those benefits. Others didn’t. Despite this we were willing then to act and remain so now.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Why do we need a Second Century Unionism? We need to move Unionism forward to tackle the real opponent in the 2011 Assembly election and beyond. Our true opponent is not fellow Unionists nor the Alliance party nor even Nationalism. It is a silent enemy. It is a tempting enemy. It is a growing enemy. It is the enemy with the reasons for not voting. This enemy is the comfy armchair and television. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">The DUP knows, whether it is on the streets of Belfast or the lanes of Tyrone, the day when votes could be expected has passed. Every vote must be earned. The DUP will earn them by offering a positive message, the best team and a vision for a better future. We must give people the reasons to vote, to get out of the arm chair and away from the television to go to the polling booth and to vote DUP.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">In conclusion, our electoral task in 2011 and beyond is to slay the enemy of apathy. Our task is to energise the voters to back our vision for Northern Ireland’s second century. With our strength, our confidence, our faith and hard work, together we can do it. Through this the DUP will keep Northern Ireland moving forward.</div>A Selective Readinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02298907898956157153noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27734732.post-10474753791357895252010-11-27T10:52:00.000+00:002010-11-27T10:52:03.778+00:00My Adventures at the DUP Conference (part 1)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjtT9rDRQW5rfgWG3kJzEKCwxQ28DpFUHv9j8X7H2wfcvXdnESKBbUh0_DRns_Y2AqZmranFiBsas0wLX2EiwkkGzguUiAFrPwXdPorHFV2w_BFeSaZEl3hzB6G49_dFCib9nCRg/s1600/PB270297.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjtT9rDRQW5rfgWG3kJzEKCwxQ28DpFUHv9j8X7H2wfcvXdnESKBbUh0_DRns_Y2AqZmranFiBsas0wLX2EiwkkGzguUiAFrPwXdPorHFV2w_BFeSaZEl3hzB6G49_dFCib9nCRg/s200/PB270297.JPG" width="200" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;">I was not able to get down the the La Mon Hotel on the Friday (26 November) but have heard it was a good day with a number of discussion seminars going on in areas such as farming, food and environmental policy, health and policing. They also had a communications training for delegates only.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">I turned up for the main day on Saturday. And it was an interesting morning, mostly in the experience in getting to the hotel in the first place. With snow and ice filling my sight as i walked out to the car this morning i had a foreboding, then I remembered that today I will mostly be driving a Land Rover. Sorted.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">The drive was pleasant and the beauty of the La Mon nestling amongst the snow white hills of Castlereagh meant I could mostly forget the bitter cold. I would have taken a picture but got distracted after I bumped into Mervyn Storey in the car park and had a wee natter on my way in.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">My early morning was taken up with an FSB sponsored breakfast where I hopefully did not bore <a href="http://www.dup.org.uk/MyProfile.asp?MemberID=31">Jimmy Spratt</a> too much as we had a chat around the Justice system. I also had a great chat with <a href="http://www.dup.org.uk/MyProfile.asp?MemberID=227">Alastair Ross</a>.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrXbhHmjFL5y2jFv1Fg8DwO7RWxf8yOzXt68NsiNnDQIlrYdWEpFsMDAKERmabFr3WijPLWQmv1JnacLAdPnFc9y4oav8Laaku9A25kQRsphgHVcnaRXx1Z81PdQ9ohYsXrgHtUQ/s1600/PB270302.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrXbhHmjFL5y2jFv1Fg8DwO7RWxf8yOzXt68NsiNnDQIlrYdWEpFsMDAKERmabFr3WijPLWQmv1JnacLAdPnFc9y4oav8Laaku9A25kQRsphgHVcnaRXx1Z81PdQ9ohYsXrgHtUQ/s200/PB270302.JPG" width="200" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;">After registering properly I went into the main hall and picked up a conference timetable a speeches. Where upon i bumped into <a href="http://alaninbelfast.blogspot.com/">Alan Meban</a> (who did a great blog on <a href="http://alaninbelfast.blogspot.com/2010/11/la-mon-hotel-great-hotel-if-you-can.html">getting to the La Mon</a>). And the blogfest of geeks began. For a moment, before the lights went out during the panel discussion on 'Reforming Government and Financing Public Services'. <a href="http://www.dup.org.uk/MyProfile.asp?MemberID=39">Simon Hamilton</a>, the panel chair, quickly quipped that it the hotel power was under pressure because of the number of DUP in the building. The panel discussion ended with a speech from <a href="http://www.dup.org.uk/MyProfile.asp?MemberID=116">Sammy Wilson</a> - as per usual he was on form giving everyone in the room a good laugh whilst being hard hitting. His main theme was that the DUP are best placed to fix Northern Ireland. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Alan is also updating the<a href="http://sluggerotoole.com/2010/11/27/dup-conference-updated/"> DUP conference on Slugger</a>.</div>A Selective Readinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02298907898956157153noreply@blogger.com20tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27734732.post-5678477031625755962010-11-24T23:05:00.000+00:002010-11-24T23:05:22.739+00:00Are you sure you're not dead?Just a little bit of my Star Wars tomgeekery. Thought you all might appreciate a laugh after the past few days of utter economic depression.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><object height="385" width="480"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/98qmflLdOpI?fs=1&hl=en_GB&rel=0"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/98qmflLdOpI?fs=1&hl=en_GB&rel=0" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="480" height="385"></embed></object></div>A Selective Readinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02298907898956157153noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27734732.post-19204432400850591412010-11-23T22:17:00.003+00:002010-11-23T22:21:56.492+00:00Are our schools killing creativity?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.thersa.org/" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="173" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhQPs05YcoeRp5ZSro23IthuXue9VNwnX4RsfA0eEklg0J_DL3r8xve1kwbQyAr3bjiZ1X98DzFcgwteM_OO63T73vgRTKz4iyURxPbz0mOQhma41oqOFpDOoDEX7G6FQvZuA2Vw/s200/Changing+Paradigms.png" width="200" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;">My friend <a href="http://cimota.com/blog/">Matt on his blog</a> brought this to my attention.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><a href="http://www.sirkenrobinson.com/">Sir Ken Robinson</a> gives a very interesting lecture in <a href="http://www.thersa.org/">the RSA</a> and argues that education is structured along production lines which was a structure of education designed during the Enlightenment and the inductrial revolution. He argues that children are being educated out of creativity through the very structures that are there to provide them with knowledge.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Is this something Northern Ireland can learn from? Certainly it hits a chord with me. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Whilst the Minister for Culture Arts and Leisure seems to <a href="http://www.dup.org.uk/articles.asp?ArticleNewsID=2555">regard innovation and creativity as important</a>, I recognise pure enthusiasm for creativity and its potential is not a panacea to all our economic woes, it is a key ingredient. If Northern Ireland is to be at the leading edge of research, business and economic growth then it needs to be recognised that innovation and creativity will be extremely important. Lack of investment in our next generations will see a stagnation in lateral thinking, creativity and the ability to assess risk. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Let me explain a little. <b>H<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px;">azard</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px;"> </span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px;">is the potential to cause harm;</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px;"> <b>R</b></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px;"><b>isk</b></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px;"><b> </b></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px;">is the likelihood of harm.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px;">In our economically driven world a hazard is for instance going bust. That is a hazard every business has to face. Risk is the likelihood of going bust. In order to have the capabilities to manage risk, we need to have the ability to assess risk and even take a calculated risk in order to succeed. I think our education system, wonderful that it is and helped get me to where i am now, is woefully unprepared to provide for the creativity and risk taking that we need to succeed. We are driven towards inaction. Inaction means avoidance of risk, which means we do not go bust, which means we do not fail. The risk of failure and its stigma is putting people of following ideas that could be the next big thing.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px;">I am not saying that our education is just producing mindless automatons but the overall aim of education needs to be rethought. Why do we have education? What is the actual point of education? If it is based around getting a job then why not apprentice from 11 onwards? Very Orwellian indeed.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px;">As <a href="http://www.starwars.com/databank/character/yoda/">Yoda </a>once said 'Do, or do not. There is no try'. Maybe our education system, with a little imagination, will produce well rounded kids who have confidence to 'Do' and take risks and create something great.</span></div><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><object height="340" width="560"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/zDZFcDGpL4U?fs=1&hl=en_GB&rel=0"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/zDZFcDGpL4U?fs=1&hl=en_GB&rel=0" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="560" height="340"></embed></object></div>A Selective Readinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02298907898956157153noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27734732.post-85166465731642930242010-11-20T23:31:00.000+00:002010-11-20T23:31:41.838+00:00Ian preparing a return to the Alliance Party?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3ol-Dm_g8MvD1CIPjyfqwg9RBUocyIaz2bZCmbGBNWuNxh4d63ToK5tx0h-_LT_XoAk3C7Xh7HZLj0ZD8WwAOsISCwGkLB2itkGo1jokEqF0S8rSVm91dN11vK6ajQGqVcMP4Lw/s1600/ianparsley.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3ol-Dm_g8MvD1CIPjyfqwg9RBUocyIaz2bZCmbGBNWuNxh4d63ToK5tx0h-_LT_XoAk3C7Xh7HZLj0ZD8WwAOsISCwGkLB2itkGo1jokEqF0S8rSVm91dN11vK6ajQGqVcMP4Lw/s200/ianparsley.jpeg" width="200" /></span></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">In his latest post on his blog, Ian Parsley has explained that <a href="http://ianjamesparsley.wordpress.com/2010/11/20/resignation-2/">he has resigned from the Conservative Party</a> in Northern Ireland. This is not entirely a surprise as <a href="http://paulabradshaw.wordpress.com/">Paula Bradshaw</a>, his partner, resigned from the Ulster Unionist Party and recently joined the Alliance Party in early November this year after failing to be selected by the South Belfast Ulster Unionist Association to run for the Northern Ireland Assembly elections to take place in May 2011. Paula and Ian had both been 2010 Westminster candidates for the <a href="http://www.voteforchangeni.com/">UCUNF project</a>. No UCUNF candidates were elected. Some of the Westminster candidates have found themselves on the Assembly election ticket whilst others have not.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Ian has been a <a href="http://www.northdown.gov.uk/councillor_detail.asp?id=5&area=5">local Councillor</a> in<a href="http://www.northdown.gov.uk/"> North Down Borough Council</a> since 2005, first as an Alliance councillor and then as a Conservative councillor. In his present state of resignation that will mean he will be an independent councillor, until someone takes him in. </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">This now takes the total tally of Conservative Councillors down from three to two (<a href="http://www.ballymena.gov.uk/councillors.asp">Dierdre Nelson</a> and <a href="http://www.downdc.gov.uk/Your-Council/Councillors/BOWLES,-Peter.aspx">Peter Bowles</a>). </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">He had previously been the 2009 European candidate for the Alliance Party before joining the Conservative Party in September 2009 when he was employed by the <a href="http://www.centreforsocialjustice.org.uk/">Centre for Social Justice</a>, which eventually published an interesting document '<a href="http://www.centreforsocialjustice.org.uk/client/downloads/CSJ0032_Northern_Ireland_27.08_WEB.pdf">Breakthrough Northern Ireland</a>'.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">A lot of work seems to have been put into this and it will be interesting to see if Ian continues in this role as well or if he has also resigned from this as well in which case it will be interesting to see who is supposed to drive forward the policy recommendations. Will the CSJ maintain a presence in Northern Ireland? or will we once again be forgotten about? </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Does his resignation, along with a slap to the Conservatives and a wistful reminiscence of his time in the Alliance Party point to a wish to rejoin the Alliance Party? Indeed the last few paragraphs of his blog post point out his regret at leaving the Alliance Party in the way he did and he apologises for the hurt he caused. Definitely sounds like he is looking to rejoin the Alliance Party. </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">He is a capable politician, amiable gentleman and has a vision. I hope he finds a home he is able to continue his work from, whether or not that will be from a home in the Alliance Party? I am not too sure. </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">There is also a good run down on this by <a href="http://sluggerotoole.com/2010/11/20/parsley-quits-again/">Aldous Duke on Slugger O'Toole</a></span></div>A Selective Readinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02298907898956157153noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27734732.post-77297793044249265122010-11-19T23:59:00.001+00:002010-11-20T00:00:25.837+00:00UUP confirming prospective candidates for Assembly elections<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBukv4AfItcCei4Yt3ljvjtnLLpaFkE7-Dni5sSRPB-FCkzX8aJOGyojZ8lpx_gz0kb_JbAmf0bkQSFyXXOxwA46zGSm7uWge3OzMYHCbRX3MT5dEYzL3ktLDwHjg68RYze8nOBQ/s1600/uup.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: justify;"><img border="0" height="71" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBukv4AfItcCei4Yt3ljvjtnLLpaFkE7-Dni5sSRPB-FCkzX8aJOGyojZ8lpx_gz0kb_JbAmf0bkQSFyXXOxwA46zGSm7uWge3OzMYHCbRX3MT5dEYzL3ktLDwHjg68RYze8nOBQ/s200/uup.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Just hearing through the vine that the <a href="http://www.uup.org/">UUP </a>have been confirming with Assembly hopefuls that they are now being recognised by the Party as official prospective <a href="http://www.niassembly.gov.uk/">Northern Ireland Assembly</a> candidates. I am also hearing that more information will come from the Party on Monday though some names such as Jo-Anne Dobson and Mark Finlay have been confrimed. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">The NI Assembly election will take place on 5th May 2011. Elections for the local 26 councils will take place on the same day.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">If that were not enough there is a major possibility that we will also have to <a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-11243595">vote on voting</a>!</div>A Selective Readinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02298907898956157153noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27734732.post-1592213052844538832010-11-16T22:25:00.000+00:002010-11-16T22:25:35.628+00:00Hacks and Hackers hack hackable hack day<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPWxwqE1zQmYTDxT03eMrWo-ybZeQHaLJYf3jJ0TAkxi7ZcO2IKHZEmGwTcyw_CF70BBsd3oLsozx-xQX2syL2UERnemhFfNWjCa9VMdeTfT5Gk7G-n_mnvuVJ_rMhQjVzJpziKw/s1600/scraperwiki.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPWxwqE1zQmYTDxT03eMrWo-ybZeQHaLJYf3jJ0TAkxi7ZcO2IKHZEmGwTcyw_CF70BBsd3oLsozx-xQX2syL2UERnemhFfNWjCa9VMdeTfT5Gk7G-n_mnvuVJ_rMhQjVzJpziKw/s1600/scraperwiki.png" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">On Saturday i had the great pleasure of attending ScraperWiki's Hacks and Hackers Hack day held in the University of Ulster, Belfast. It was run by <a href="http://scraperwiki.com/">Scraperwiki</a>.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Scraperwiki, is an award-winning data mining tool, funded by <a href="http://www.4ip.org.uk/">4iP</a>. Hacks and Hackers Hack Day (on twitter the hashtag was <a href="http://twitter.com/#search?q=%23hhhbel">#hhhbel</a> ) was a one day event where web developers and designers got stuck with journalists and bloggers to produce projects and stories based on public data. It was sponsored by the School of Media, Film and Journalism at the University of Ulster and The Guardian (Many thanks for the opportunity!) and the Belfast visit was all part of the ScraperWiki UK and Ireland Hacks and Hackers tour.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Personally, I was totally unsure of what to expect. I don't code (so I am not a hacker) and I only vaguely make sense on this blog, sometimes (so I could only loosely claim to be a Hack). So I felt I was being a bit of a cheat when I arrived. Thankfully I found <a href="http://alaninbelfast.blogspot.com/">Alan in Belfast</a> and <a href="http://cimota.com/blog/">cimota </a> to vaguely hang around with and use to deflect any pertinent questions as to what I do. Scraperwiki's goal was to attract 'hacks' and 'hackers' from all different types of backgrounds: people from big media organisations, as well as individual online publishers and freelancers. They certainly accomplished that. There were more Hacks than Hackers (Hacks For The Win in turning up!!) but I think it actually worked out OK as the technical side could only happen once the ideas had been suitably worked out. As with any project, brainstorming and creating a plan of action is just as important as the doing. You need to know where you are going in order to get there.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigLWuBj7_rv8pK7PM2YVW-Q334yNxRh4sLBg5tTUmYLeflJKaTMbt84lcOy9B015wlfIvVuGLinT9ceyAH0Vkv-lKZBNPZoJCG0RtWzLj8P3P_lbjRmgoPNMkD4FuorZRbF8d8LQ/s1600/PB130069.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigLWuBj7_rv8pK7PM2YVW-Q334yNxRh4sLBg5tTUmYLeflJKaTMbt84lcOy9B015wlfIvVuGLinT9ceyAH0Vkv-lKZBNPZoJCG0RtWzLj8P3P_lbjRmgoPNMkD4FuorZRbF8d8LQ/s200/PB130069.JPG" width="200" /></a></div><br />
There was a nice introduction from the Scraperwiki team and a bit of background on what Scraperwiki was. Now, as I said I am not a hacker and most of the language went over my head, however I began to see the concept. It would help find information that is already publicly available but not very easy to find. The spin for hacks and jhackers was that the aim of the event was to show journalists how to use programming and design techniques to create online news stories and features; and vice versa, to show programmers how to find, develop, and polish up stories and features.<br />
<br />
The Scaperwiki team pushed this forward on the day by brainstorming 'datasets', or themes to likes of me, and then teams would form to create a real piece of datamining software (it would find stuff on the web in a thrice which would take you or me a very long time to dig up). Hmm, I think I have just decided I now like the word datamining. It makes me sound like I know what I am doing.<br />
<br />
So armed with our mandatory laptops and free WIFI, four intrepid teams of journalists and developers began to develop their chosen themes into ideas and then into a final project to be published and shared. Each team would present their project to the whole group. There was also a bit of a competition with a prize at the end of the day.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAdmjC9Bq6xsGONV_1HLuzC7gTGEgk1gQY-VFQOk0OuQdYqXeqxD12ahSnUp52FLWXxu5htiIQcd_UeeK4r3uBE6EmbDWSfs5G9PFl0ZlMRSJ4KU9gXaJuDKbnpa8zZ1tk4Ap5-w/s1600/PB130073.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAdmjC9Bq6xsGONV_1HLuzC7gTGEgk1gQY-VFQOk0OuQdYqXeqxD12ahSnUp52FLWXxu5htiIQcd_UeeK4r3uBE6EmbDWSfs5G9PFl0ZlMRSJ4KU9gXaJuDKbnpa8zZ1tk4Ap5-w/s200/PB130073.JPG" width="200" /></a></div><br />
I maintained my limpet like attachment to Alan and Matt whilst grasping onto poor <a href="http://www.learningpool.com/meet-the-team/a-bit-about-rob?TB_iframe=true">Rob Moore</a> from<a href="http://www.learningpool.com/"> Learning Pool</a> - the sucker who would be our coding monkey.<br />
<br />
We eventually got down to something vaguely approximating working on the project theme, that of politics (shock horror). In particular we were minded to do something around voting. Through a bit of idea making, in between watching <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zDZFcDGpL4U&feature=player_embedded">RSAnimate on changing education paradigms</a>, we started a creation journey towards voting patterns and perhaps how that would fit with socio economic levels within constituencies. This could provide a better picture for instance where instances of political disengagement was highest and the economic background. We used a number of websites for initial research including the <a href="http://www.ninis.nisra.gov.uk/">Northern Ireland Neighbourhood Information Service</a>, <a href="http://www.ark.ac.uk/">ARK</a>, and a few others, we refined the idea to an initial step of pulling down the information on the ARK website to firstly create a visual of voting patterns.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtleuY55b5x_OzhrGnqjkd5SI2y__3l_9JuoMgcs1o4lBy-aWdg_KL5aikc1FX8Eiu04B7XsI_xR9gW1HpBvOwghBlef1NVDK_73A3nFRcQKRiLf1pEEhXyqOe8pq3CZJfIcMCcg/s1600/PB130074.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtleuY55b5x_OzhrGnqjkd5SI2y__3l_9JuoMgcs1o4lBy-aWdg_KL5aikc1FX8Eiu04B7XsI_xR9gW1HpBvOwghBlef1NVDK_73A3nFRcQKRiLf1pEEhXyqOe8pq3CZJfIcMCcg/s200/PB130074.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">There was even pizza!!!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Dear help Rob and Alan (who can also code) who struggled with the coding and the government websites. Rob would look up every so often muttering '<br />
why do they use <br />
?? Grrrrrr' I thought it best not to ask and let him get on with it, feeding him some caffeine every no and again. In the end we decided that the project is a goer but we would only look at the voting statistics first as that was easier and would test the practical coding. Lo and behold, it worked. And it showed something we had not seen before. Or at least as clearly before. The lack of people voting.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDE23kkxAIlZ8DEfY3AFvsvPUGCp1cX2CQfloQF2Up8JwPftndiQg2HcS7tXY0ejTm6OyeUX4RzXVvcOailF_wmi-C3BfO1Y0oKG-OZvF6xvAeI1KaKloaLUq9Oa01bfntr2kZ0g/s1600/MrNoVote.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="207" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDE23kkxAIlZ8DEfY3AFvsvPUGCp1cX2CQfloQF2Up8JwPftndiQg2HcS7tXY0ejTm6OyeUX4RzXVvcOailF_wmi-C3BfO1Y0oKG-OZvF6xvAeI1KaKloaLUq9Oa01bfntr2kZ0g/s320/MrNoVote.png" width="320" /></a></div><br />
At the last Westminster election, we could see quite starkly, 17 out of 18 constituencies had Minority MPs. That is to say the number of non voters, who we called Mr No Vote, outstripped the number of those who did and out did the winning candidate by a mile. This caused us to discuss the issue of legitimacy. Yes over 50% in each constituency voted, in some cases only just, but the winner had no where near the number of votes that Mr No Vote did not cast. So apathy is winning out at the minute. The 18th constituency where the winner beat the number of no votes? Fermanagh and South Tyrone. This raised our eye brows, was the only motivator to get bigger numbers out to vote sectarianism? Looked like it as a riled divided community seemed determined not to let the other side in.<br />
<br />
OK, this is a bit simplistic but the graphics were quite stark.<br />
<br />
So coding done? Check. Visuals done? Check. Ready to present the findings? er, really? Had forgot about that.<br />
<br />
So in we went a bit nervous about it all and the presentations began. One group created a scraperwiki to glean <a href="http://scraperwiki.com/scrapers/courts-ni-judicial-decisions/">NI Court decisions</a> to investigate how effective the judicial process was and how effective the process was, one group created a scraperwiki <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">to </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">scrape the </span><a href="http://scraperwiki.com/scrapers/nijobfinder-public-salary/" style="font-family: inherit;">NI Jobfinder website and summarises the public/private/voluntary pay levels</a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">, another group created a Scraperwiki to scrape c</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">ontracts awarded for repairing buildings and so on, by the NI Housing Executive (I did not think of a <a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-northern-ireland-11487828">red sky</a> at this point at all, no no no. Not at all.) The we presented our project, <a href="http://scraperwiki.com/scrapers/mr_no_vote/">MrNoVote</a>. After the presentations a number of judges went out to discuss the projects and come back with a winner. And guess what? It was us that done it!! I could not believe it at all. I was still asking Matt afterwards if we had actually won. He quietly insisted in his usual MacDaddy way that yes it was true, now stopping asking.</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Overall I really think, after seeing it in practical use, scraperwiki has huge potential and a myriad of applications. It even makes me want to relive my coding days and learn to work with things like Python (I was disappointed to learn this is a coding language and not Eric Idle and co) or PHP.</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">A great big well done to the developers of Scraperwiki and I hope the madness continues into the future. As for our little project I think I saw a twinkle in Alan's eyes so MrNoVote will continue on and, unfortunately for politicians, will be very much alive to help assess the Assembly and Council elections next May.</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><br />
</span></div>A Selective Readinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02298907898956157153noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27734732.post-58773493311893537512010-11-15T22:38:00.000+00:002010-11-15T22:38:43.639+00:00Kill Bill (the double jobbing one that is)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjrI7xPwi8YPLHHp9O6aXRwfLVyisZrMNU8n4DdGeHiJGxHecCMhvICrrOQIFW0mNFd2UgEo9gjn1Te4ioXJfBkCCy39XhUZoDzs62JlaxbsReuV7sstzkOjlDvC-4E0O0f0AC6w/s1600/dawnpurvis.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjrI7xPwi8YPLHHp9O6aXRwfLVyisZrMNU8n4DdGeHiJGxHecCMhvICrrOQIFW0mNFd2UgEo9gjn1Te4ioXJfBkCCy39XhUZoDzs62JlaxbsReuV7sstzkOjlDvC-4E0O0f0AC6w/s200/dawnpurvis.JPG" width="200" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="http://www.dawnpurvis.com/">Dawn Purvis MLA</a> has just published a press release regarding the progress of her Private Members Bill on double jobbing in the NI Assembly. The Bill aims to end local Councillors being MLAs at the same time. Dawn had discussed the issue of double jobbing at a <a href="http://handofhistoryni.blogspot.com/2009/09/should-there-be-end-to-elected.html">NICVA event in 2009</a>.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"></span>Dawn says that the <a href="http://www.dawnpurvis.com/?p=115">DUP will try to use a veto to kill her bill</a> on double-jobbing by tabling a <a href="http://www.niassembly.gov.uk/sopdf/standing_orders_08.htm#28">Petition of Concern</a> to prevent the bill from becoming law.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><a href="http://www.niassembly.gov.uk/legislation/primary/2009/nia7_09.htm"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">The Bill itself has been through five stages of the legislative process</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">. After that all that is left for the Bill is the Final Stage (bet you are shocked at that!).</span> After the Final Stage the Bill then goes for Royal Assent. Once Royal Assent is given then it will become law.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span></div><br />
<div style="color: black; font-style: normal; line-height: 1.4; text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Dawn's objective is to reduce the practice of individuals holding more than one elected office at a time, an issue sometimes referred to as ‘multiple mandates’. </span>The question of ‘multiple mandates’ has been debated by the Assembly on a number of occasions, including on 10 March 2009 which focused on dual mandates between the Northern Ireland Assembly and the UK Parliament. On <a href="http://www.niassembly.gov.uk/record/reports2009/091123.htm#10">23 November 2009</a>, the Assembly resolved:</div><blockquote style="text-align: justify;">“That this Assembly notes the recommendations of the Committee on Standards in Public Life, ‘Supporting Parliament, Safeguarding the Taxpayer’; calls on all political parties within the Assembly and Parliament to commit to an end to “double-jobbing”, including private sector employment, ideally by the time of the scheduled election in May 2011 or, failing that, by 2015 at the latest; and further calls on the First Minister and deputy First Minister to convey the opinion of the Assembly on this matter to the Prime Minister and the Leader of the Opposition.”</blockquote><div style="color: black; font-style: normal; line-height: 1.4; text-align: justify;">It should be noted that the Assembly does not have the authority to legislate on disqualifying its members from being MPs.</div><div style="color: black; font-style: normal; line-height: 1.4; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="color: black; font-style: normal; text-align: justify;">Dawn is very strong in her reaction and said that "This is an outrageous attempt to block this legislation and prevent this important reform from being implemented. It also sets an extremely dangerous precedent. The DUP is using this procedure –which should be used with careful consideration – to support their own interests as a political party. I would call on Peter Robinson to support the final passage of the bill – after all he gave a commitment to bring an end to this practice of holding dual mandates."</div><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Dawn says on her website that she will be making more comments on the issue soon. The DUP have done it now!</span></div>A Selective Readinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02298907898956157153noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27734732.post-43773911627465728082010-11-14T15:19:00.001+00:002010-11-14T15:23:14.121+00:00Gerry goes south of the border, down Dundalk way<div style="text-align: right;"><a href="http://news.sky.com/skynews/Home/Politics/Sinn-Fein-Leader-Gerry-Adams-To-Stand-In-Irish-Republic-Election-And-Quits-NI-Assembly-And-Commons/Article/201011215807670?f=rss" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="112" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIVq52aqjWEXQpHXeR9uV-SmlWS7EzX0RjGzGIKIPN1lNf4dbM4qyQTlfcA11bJaD1y_qR1K4ZKPvNmTHsj8GwWyRKsdrjTl7AABF6uTPgwni5Xg934fAQOQmMCtTQQ3riVxvvyw/s200/Gerry+Adams.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Picking up on <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;"><a href="http://news.sky.com/skynews/Home/Politics/Sinn-Fein-Leader-Gerry-Adams-To-Stand-In-Irish-Republic-Election-And-Quits-NI-Assembly-And-Commons/Article/201011215807670?f=rss">Sky</a> </span>and <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;"><a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-northern-ireland-11751856">BBC</a> </span>that Gerry Adams will step down from the NI Assembly and, eventually, Westminster in order to run for a seat in the Irish parliament. <a href="http://sluggerotoole.com/2010/11/13/shhh%E2%80%A6you-didn%E2%80%99t-hear-it-here-first/">Mark McGregor</a> and <a href="http://sluggerotoole.com/2010/11/14/how-can-gerry-adams-be-an-mp-and-a-td-at-the-same-time/">Michael Shilliday</a> also pick up on this over on <a href="http://sluggerotoole.com/">Slugger O'Toole</a>.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><a href="http://www.sinnfein.ie/contents/19514" style="font-family: inherit;">He has indicated that he hopes to stand in the next Irish General Election</a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"> (likely to be called by Brian Cowan for 2011). He hopes to be a candidate in the Louth constituency. Arthur Morgan has been the </span>incumbent<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"> Sinn Fein TD in Louth for the past 8 years. However, he has publicly indicated that he will not be </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black; font-family: inherit;"><a href="http://www.sinnfein.ie/contents/19493">standing in the next Irish General Election in order to go back into business</a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">. At least it is not to <a href="http://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/news/politics/sinn-feins-billy-leonard-to-leave-frontline-politics-14994786.html">write a book</a>.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Gerry said his Stormont replacement would be chosen within the week, and that he would remain as MP for West Belfast until the Irish general election is called.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Mr Adams said in his speech at Edentubber that his decision to stand was a "<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;">significant initiative by the Sinn Fein leadership." he continued,</span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span></span></div><blockquote style="text-align: justify;">It is a measure of our determination to provide a real alternative to the consensus for cuts being pushed by the other parties. Ireland needs political change. We need change in the Dáil. We need more voices that will stand up against the consensus for cuts – more voices that will stand up for ordinary people. We need new politics. We need a political realignment. </blockquote><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-northern-ireland-11751856">BBC Mark Simpson's analysis</a> is telling.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span></div><blockquote style="text-align: justify;">As the peace process has settled down in recent years, Sinn Fein president Gerry Adams has often looked bored. There is no longer a new political crisis every week in Belfast. As a result, Mr Adams has a reduced workload and a much lower profile. That may not be the main reason he has decided to run for the Irish parliament, but it may well be a factor. While his right-hand man Martin McGuinness has, as deputy first minister, become the face of Sinn Fein at Stormont, Mr Adams has had a peripheral role. He spends a lot of time south of the border, but as an unelected politician he is effectively shouting from the sidelines. At 62, he has decided to try to re-invent himself. If elected he would try to lead a surge in support for Sinn Fein in the south. If he loses, it could spell the end of his long political career.</blockquote><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Sinn Fein currently has five MPs four TDs in the Irish parliament. If Gerry Adams retains the seat then it could cement his all Ireland political career, if he fails then his career will indeed be over. Either event will make an interesting centrepiece at the the Sinn Fein Ard Fheis next year, which for the first time, will be in Northern Ireland at the Waterfront Hall.<br />
<br />
Mind you the potential Dail General Election has also provided a surprise in Ulster-Scots circles as i have also just heard that <a href="http://1690andallthat.blogspot.com/2010/11/professor-billy-mcwilliams-to-run-for.html">Dr Billy McWilliams intends to stand in Donegal for the the Dail elections</a>. Fair Fae Ye Billy, Fair Fae Ye.</div>A Selective Readinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02298907898956157153noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27734732.post-54583312360728934132010-11-13T19:04:00.000+00:002010-11-13T19:04:38.774+00:00Remembrance and the Poppy<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH3sEJIka9U7Yh_1swpwTQku-KCIGtuzT325M57JancYhTEn2gAs-j9itPWLB6oJfezvqN5jPZKXTxA2M0hglGyNHrAEHIoWpJ6tfLovzivykzEqPPGfe1lyE4rG6qquCpk8lBjA/s1600/poppy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: justify;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH3sEJIka9U7Yh_1swpwTQku-KCIGtuzT325M57JancYhTEn2gAs-j9itPWLB6oJfezvqN5jPZKXTxA2M0hglGyNHrAEHIoWpJ6tfLovzivykzEqPPGfe1lyE4rG6qquCpk8lBjA/s200/poppy.jpg" width="133" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;">The Poppy. Evocative. Emotional. Divisive?</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">As we remember those who have fallen, as well as those who survived and all the families involved, the significance of the Poppy raises its divisive and conciliatory head in 2010.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">It has been reported already that <a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-northern-ireland-11733457">Margaret Ritchie will, as a leader of Nationalism, wear a poppy</a> on Remembrance Sunday. Conall Mcdevitt also sets out his take on his Leader <a href="http://oconallstreet.com/2010/11/11/wearing-a-poppy-as-an-act-of-reconciliation/">doing this as showing some element of respect and remembrance</a>. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">The Poppy has also been in the news due to people associating with divisive issues. Recently Jonathan Bell MLA highlighted an issue where <a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-northern-ireland-11740900">a manager in EXTERN asked staff to hide their poppies</a>. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 16px;">The BBC’s Director General has recently been contacted by </span></span><a href="http://www.belfastmedia.com/home_article.php?ID=2219" style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 16px;">solicitors representing a member of Relatives For Justice demanding an explicit explanation of their policy surrounding the wearing of poppies</a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 16px;">. The policy the solicitors want to be clarified to basically no poppies on show. The BBC were also </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 16px;">criticised</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 16px;"> on a UK basis for <a href="http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/8085785/BBC-criticised-for-early-Remembrance-poppies.html">encouraging their presenters to wear poppies too early</a>.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">And the issue of Poppy wearing is not restricted to Northern Ireland, BBC reported that Hollister in Hampshire, England has been caught up in a<a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-hampshire-11720096"> similar controversy with staff wearing the Poppy</a> </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">There was also the issue of <a href="http://draft.blogger.com/goog_953500300">C</a></span><a href="http://www.newsletter.co.uk/news/Celtic-poppy-protest-outrage.6616689.jp">eltic football fans held banners describing the remembrance poppy as "bloodstained"</a>.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Personally, I think Poppies are a symbol that does not glorify war or conflict. The Celtic fans were right, it is blood stained. That is the point. Poppies symbolise the whole concept that we should never forget the sacrifices of others be they combatant or non-combatant. We should celebrate the issue of personal bravery in adversity. It symbolises John 15:13 '<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #001320;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 21px;">Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.' It should not glorify war, nor promote bloodthirsty nationalistic pride. It should remind us of why there should be no more wars or conflict. It should reinforce pacifism. It should remind us to treat others as we would like to be treated. It should remind us that we should, no matter how we view the world or government, that men and women who have died in conflict should be remembered with dignity, the injured should be treated as a priority, families should not be forgotten and society should be more responsive to all those in need help and understanding.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #001320;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 21px;"><br />
</span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #001320;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 21px;">I will remember them on Sunday. What ever your own belief on the issue, I hope you will at least pause to think about how we as a society can learn from a violent past to build a peaceful future.</span></span></div>A Selective Readinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02298907898956157153noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27734732.post-91092826670097230412010-11-12T21:08:00.000+00:002010-11-12T21:08:32.320+00:00Political guide to tourists to the Island of Ireland<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-DkNKbCz8NRDp5nV3M1yKi0OMnJNHJp1hDlGaLPfIrBUm8QGezgX4GAFOqGgQVMDQ_Qo1Qhxl0rwGV10aa0F7wgOb_lzXdt4Kfc3TTMNI0-nAFJVgeENPKPdOdpk9ueEddyH64w/s1600/ireland.gif" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-DkNKbCz8NRDp5nV3M1yKi0OMnJNHJp1hDlGaLPfIrBUm8QGezgX4GAFOqGgQVMDQ_Qo1Qhxl0rwGV10aa0F7wgOb_lzXdt4Kfc3TTMNI0-nAFJVgeENPKPdOdpk9ueEddyH64w/s200/ireland.gif" width="185" /></span></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Had this drop in my mail box and thought i would share. A bit of Friday Fun. Enjoy.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><a href="http://twitter.com/#search?q=iamspartacus"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">WARNING - THIS MAY BE A JOKE!!</span></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>Political guide to tourists to the Island of Ireland</b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Ireland is an island to the west of Britain but Northern Ireland is just off the mainland - not the Irish mainland, the British mainland.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">The capital of Ireland is Dublin . It has a population of a million people, all of whom will be shopping in Newry this afternoon. They travel to Newry because it is in the North, which is not part of Ireland , but still pay in Euros.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Under the Irish constitution, the North used to be in Ireland , but a successful 30-year campaign of violence for Irish unity ensured that it is now definitely in the UK . Had the campaign lasted longer the North might now be in France .</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Belfast is the capital of Northern Ireland . It has a population of half a million, half of whom have houses in Donegal. Donegal is in the north but not in the North. It is in the South. No, not the south, the South.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">There are two parliaments in Ireland . The Dublin parliament is called the Dáil, (pronounced "Doyle"), an Irish word meaning a place where banks receive taxpayers' money. The one in Belfast is called Stormont, an Anglo-Saxon word meaning placebo, or deliberately ineffective drug.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Their respective jurisdictions are defined by the border, an imaginary line on the map to show fuel launderers where to dump chemical waste.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Protestants are in favour of the border, which generates millions of pounds in smuggling for Catholics, who are opposed to it.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Travel between the two states is complicated because Ireland is the only country in the world with two M1 motorways. The one in the North goes west to avoid the south and the one in the South goes north to avoid the price of drink.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">We have two types of democracy in Ireland . Dublin democracy works by holding a referendum and then allowing the government to judge the result. If the government thinks the result is wrong, the referendum is held again. Twice in recent years the government decided the people's choice was wrong and ordered a new referendum.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Belfast democracy works differently. It has a parliament with no opposition, so the government is always right. This system generates envy in many world capitals, especially Dublin .</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Ireland has three economies - northern, southern and black. Only the black economy is in the black. The other two are in the red.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">All versions of the IRA claim to be the real IRA but only one of them is the Real IRA. The North's biggest industry is the production of IRAs. Consequently, we now have the Provisional, Continuity and Real IRA. The Real IRA is by far the most popular among young graffiti writers simply because it is the easiest to spell.</span></div>A Selective Readinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02298907898956157153noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27734732.post-27651574721473686042010-11-08T21:08:00.000+00:002010-11-08T21:08:19.241+00:00Muppets, the lot of them!!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1UYbRF92UNmG9hG-3y8S3bxP22T1vpaxSYfFY7iDLOPw4mGpM1A43jggZIXq1mgsOKO24cnqcdkEQoCWqBKbSGDUDZu_VEzZeHK2SxfLYwPNTkOSxk4ez2P1LoZCuVbaPQXfDSg/s1600/muppet-movie_400.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1UYbRF92UNmG9hG-3y8S3bxP22T1vpaxSYfFY7iDLOPw4mGpM1A43jggZIXq1mgsOKO24cnqcdkEQoCWqBKbSGDUDZu_VEzZeHK2SxfLYwPNTkOSxk4ez2P1LoZCuVbaPQXfDSg/s320/muppet-movie_400.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">No I am not talking about politics this time.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 19px;"><span style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">I am in fact talking about "<a href="http://www.comingsoon.net/news/movienews.php?id=71438">The Greatest Muppet Movie Ever Made</a>", which to all intents and purposes will be the </span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 19px;">Greatest Muppet Movie Ever Made!!</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 19px;"><span style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 19px;"></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 19px;"><span style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">That's right, after about a decade of having to do with dvds we will be given an opportunity next year to see our greatest puppet favourites back on the big screen. <a href="http://www.collider.com/2010/11/07/movie-image-greatest-muppet-movie-ever-made-jason-segel/">Stephen Segal will be acting in it as well</a>.</span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 19px;"><span style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 19px;"><span style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">The film is </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">about a man, his girlfriend, and the man’s life-long nondescript, brown puppet best friend (probably with an iPhone) getting the Muppet gang, now all retired, together to save the TV studio that the original show was shot in. A villain, Tex Richman, is determined to drill for oil beneath the studio and will be taking over the studio in weeks. The only way to have a happy ending for the studio? Put on a show that draws ten million viewers!</span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 19px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhU1OGqoiQf7LedSCETL13H_4NCMUFFA5_k7DDhiUQOMJlieOSIqrVHBL6KzLdNukwx8zDysupKH7izuzg7ByXp7OYYq3m0wWh6QgOXGmkZ4wYUV3AwCF7I2aFfCELsADMcPzMUjQ/s1600/The-Greatest-Muppet-Movie-Ever-Made-slice-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="119" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhU1OGqoiQf7LedSCETL13H_4NCMUFFA5_k7DDhiUQOMJlieOSIqrVHBL6KzLdNukwx8zDysupKH7izuzg7ByXp7OYYq3m0wWh6QgOXGmkZ4wYUV3AwCF7I2aFfCELsADMcPzMUjQ/s320/The-Greatest-Muppet-Movie-Ever-Made-slice-1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 19px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">It is due to hit the big screens on 25 December 2011</span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 19px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 19px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">I can not wait. :) I am sooooooooo happy. Wagga Wagga Wagga!</span></span></div>A Selective Readinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02298907898956157153noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27734732.post-28690164543873333792010-11-08T19:22:00.000+00:002010-11-08T19:22:51.318+00:00No Government can be long secure without a formidable Opposition<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1vL0Tr1Lbs6EETj5dAxM8pEz2rv6pV4p6hdHI2kXHretlAafkr1PjKbeOcyC4uD5seTI8EsshDjQei0IbXpJgdFF9GXPWLIS_2DPND8fHFsOoHr74rhnGO1bg1eQn_n2vscy1JQ/s1600/uup.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" height="71" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1vL0Tr1Lbs6EETj5dAxM8pEz2rv6pV4p6hdHI2kXHretlAafkr1PjKbeOcyC4uD5seTI8EsshDjQei0IbXpJgdFF9GXPWLIS_2DPND8fHFsOoHr74rhnGO1bg1eQn_n2vscy1JQ/s200/uup.jpg" width="200" /></span></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">So said <a href="http://www.iwise.com/qbsxc">Benjamin Disraeli, 1st Earl of Beaconsfield</a>.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">And Tom Elliott MLA, Leader of the Ulster Unionist Party, has become Disraelian regarding this particular thought on oppositional politics.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Tom has <a href="http://www.uup.org/news/all-news/all-news-archive/northern-ireland-government-needs-an-opposition.php">outlined his concerns that the current political system at Stormont </a>does not bode well for Northern Ireland's future. Whilst proud of the UUP’s role in delivering a more peaceful Northern Ireland he recognises that the institutions are far from perfect. </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">He explains that the institution's weaknesses “have been accentuated by the tribalism of Sinn Fein and the DUP, as they carve up power and ensure a silo mentality at the heart of Government. This situation was manageable in a time of plenty; however, as we head into a difficult period that will be defined by fiscal constraint, we require responsive Government.”</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">He goes on to say that "It is a long standing position of the Ulster Unionist Party that Northern Ireland needs a more normalised form of Government with a voluntary 'cross-community' coalition and an official opposition that is better able to hold the Executive to account. As we head towards the Assembly election, with issues surrounding the selection of First Minister and the danger of a tribal campaign, the Ulster Unionist Party is determined about the need for such reform. It is clear from the workings of the current Executive that it is no functioning like a proper democratic government. With five different parties, who have different agendas and policies, this type of government is not productive for the long term future of Northern Ireland. In the long run change by legislation is what is needed, in the short-term the principled following of democratic parliamentary principles by political parties may be what is required to improve governance in Northern Ireland."</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Tom’s mention of heading “towards the Assembly election, with issues surrounding the selection of First Minister and the danger of a tribal campaign, the Ulster Unionist Party is determined about the need for such reform.” I would say this particular piece reflects the worry that the DUP run another 2007 type election which saw the UUP reduced from 27 elected in 2003 to only 18 elected in 2007. This is widely recognised as an upshot of the St Andrews Agreement and the changes made in it meant electioneering was driven on narrow lines of a Vote for the UUP is a wasted vote. As can be seen it worked, up to a point. The UUP is still strong enough to keep going and the DUP were not able to deliver that knock out blow. The boogeyman for Unionism this time is a Sinn Fein First Minister, which the DUP will capitalise upon (and I would expect them to do nothing less in order to increase their vote even more).</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">For nationalism the galvanising issue is less negative, as ever. Here Sinn Fein can really squeeze the SDLP by going to the polls saying they have a real chance to outshine intransigent Unionism by becoming the symbolic First Minister. Something to work for rather than against.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Alliance has always styled itself as the unofficial opposition, but that is now difficult as it is also a member of the NI Executive. That now means that out of 108 MLAs, 103 are ‘in government’.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">So where would oppositional politics fit in? How would it fit in? How could it even get to that point?</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">It helps when the now Secretary of State, Owen Patterson, as the Shadow Secretary of State, </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><a href="http://conservativehome.blogs.com/thetorydiary/2010/02/owen-paterson-signals-a-long-term-desire-to-shelve-forced-allparty-coalitions-at-stormont.html"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">promised to review the way in which the post of First Minister is awarded</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">. He did say that “There is no timetable on this and there is no hurry, but it has always been my party’s intention to negotiate the review mechanisms with all parties in Northern Ireland. This could be a long time coming but it would be done in close contact with all the existing parties and I think if it happens it would lead to a better Northern Ireland." He also clarified that “We would like to move towards voluntary coalition.” </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">So the UUP can say it still has some ideological links to the Conservative party, is this a sign of things to come?</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">In an opinion piece <a href="http://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/opinion/assembly-is-not-delivering-good-government-for-northern-ireland-14512879.html">Jim Allister, TUV Leader</a>, said, “Yet, at the core of mandatory coalition at Stormont is the denial of that basic right, compounded by the prohibition on having an opposition. Because it so defies the basic tenets of democracy, mandatory coalition can never be the basis for good and durable government. Its removal is a prerequisite. Likewise, at the top of government, workable authority is indispensable. The office of joint first ministers is an unworkable farce so it too must go. TUV is certainly opposed to terrorists in government but we are not opposed to shared government. The proper route to shared government, with every party in Northern Ireland being a minority party is voluntary coalition. By the practice of normal politics and negotiation after every election a government and opposition would evolve.”</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Turgon over on Slugger O’Toole talks about <a href="http://sluggerotoole.com/2010/05/05/the-prospects-of-voluntary-coalition/">the prospects of Voluntary coalition</a> and has <a href="http://sluggerotoole.com/2009/09/30/thoughts-on-voluntary-coalition/">thoughts on voluntary coalition</a>. There re also <a href="http://openunionism.wordpress.com/2010/03/07/an-answer-of-sorts-to-alex-kane/">similar debates over on Open Unionism</a>. </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">The DUP have also set out their stall that <a href="http://www.dup.org.uk/Building.asp">they want voluntary coalition</a> and have taken a very interesting step by consulting on it too. Can't have a better way to crowd source ideas and make sure you have you electorate going in your direction. Read the questions on the page, I have and think they are very much of the moment. One of the questions is "</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Would you prefer to see a voluntary coalition model of Government appointed?". </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">So is it a goer? </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Well I believe the SDLP would be very, very cautious about such an issue and Sinn Fein will not go for it at all. This means that unless the voluntary coalition government of the UK forces it through, then voluntary coalition will remain an aspiration. That would also leave any party going into opposition going in as an unoffical opposition.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Is it a realistic option for the UUP? Perhaps putting it into the May election manifesto as a real option? This may get round the issue that plagued the Party in 2007 over the question of 'to go into opposition or not' whilst working towards a credible electoral strength for 2015. Opposition is a double edged sword and needs to be thought about carefully, especially in a democratic system that does not recognise an official opposition but does recognise institutional sectarian head counts. It may also allow the UUP to be unconnected to the issue of who the First Minister will be. If the DUP can not credibly reduce the UUP numbers even more it may leave them in a vulnerable position and possibly isolate their electorate with more strongly held views. Could this strengthen the hand of the TUV any more? At the minute it does not look likely, but if they were to even get one or two seats that could cause problems in the longer term.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">I love the way Unionism is so straight forward.</span></div>A Selective Readinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02298907898956157153noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27734732.post-92016926631644338692010-11-07T23:21:00.000+00:002010-11-07T23:21:30.871+00:00Know your bloggers or No to bloggers<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoGdsqDpQQrIOxKdIYz59_fD1ZlQbFgXZxnzL0-RdQu3YMmdA2M0S__LLmMfNSQdqIEqwgibdPkhP0IH27AoQ2j7Ew0gWsJ1E_mRuf10KGdl9ovOFR3MpaponTkWBRSpuuTDRp8w/s1600/blogger.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoGdsqDpQQrIOxKdIYz59_fD1ZlQbFgXZxnzL0-RdQu3YMmdA2M0S__LLmMfNSQdqIEqwgibdPkhP0IH27AoQ2j7Ew0gWsJ1E_mRuf10KGdl9ovOFR3MpaponTkWBRSpuuTDRp8w/s200/blogger.jpg" width="153" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">I have just read an article in PR Week called <a href="http://www.prweek.com/uk/news/1038899/Social-media-Know-Bloggers/">Know your Bloggers</a> and seems to have been sparked of by the now famous <a href="http://www.telegraph.co.uk/technology/internet/8053717/Andrew-Marr-attacks-inadequate-pimpled-and-single-bloggers.html">Andrew Marr outburst about bloggers</a>. </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">The PR Week article highlights that PR professionals dismissing bloggers do so at their own peril. Though I would not necessarily be so dramatic. The case they use is basically a blogger, engaged by a company, complaining about the companies treatment. You don't even need to be a blogger to complain in a very public way - we have the Stephen Nolan Show.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">They even use a OnePoll survey to ask 3,000 people a number of questions regarding bloggers, trust and accuracy. It found 15% of people read blogs regularly and 54% read occasionally. 19% said blogs were a valuable addition to online news with 58% saying blogs were sometimes valuable additions.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Importantly only 6% believe bloggers get their facts right and 61% believe they get facts right sometimes. Interestingly, only 9% trust the Press to get their facts right and 61% believe they get facts right sometimes. So the Press (journalists) are only slightly more trusted than bloggers. And the common accusation about the quality of bloggers is down to lack of editorial experience, which does not seem to stack with the figures. a curve ball on the whole issue was a question about which news source being the most trustworthy to give accurate factual news. TV was at 62%, Radio at 15%, News papers at 14% and Blogs at 3%.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">I do believe bloggers add value to news coverage and information distribution. Sometimes it is the news outlets that use blogs to glean a story that the blogger has broken, so bloggers could be seen as contributing to news production in an active way, rather than just reacting to it. Some bloggers have gone on to be journalists, whilst some journalists have become prolific bloggers, like <a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/thereporters/markdevenport/">Mark Devenport</a>.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">The article also breaks bloggers down into 5 types - Expert, Hobby, Mummy, Professional and Opinion. I have not quite made my mind up about the 5 types but they seem to fit OK. Though just google 'types of blogger' and you will see the number going from 3 to 15.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">While i wonder about the overall usefulness of the artricle, it does interest me to begin looking at different NI blogs and trying to ties them into the 5 types. Most of the ones I would know off are either Hobby or Opinion blogs (with a little of the professional thrown in). For instance, <a href="http://bobballs.co.uk/wp/">Bobballs </a>or <a href="http://splinteredsunrise.wordpress.com/">Splintered Sunrise</a> or even <a href="http://threethousandversts.blogspot.com/">3000 Versts</a> would be Opinion Bloggers; <a href="http://weegamers.blogspot.com/">Wee Gamers from Northern Ireland</a> (my own), <a href="http://ajsgamingworld.blogspot.com/">AJs Gaming World</a>, or <a href="http://coloneltoffeeapplestoys.blogspot.com/">Colonel Toffeeapple's Toys</a> are Hobby; Slugger o'Toole would be a Opinion/Professional mix; <a href="http://alaninbelfast.blogspot.com/">Alan in Belfast</a> would be a Hobby/Opinion mix; <a href="http://cimota.com/blog/">cimota </a>would be a Opinion/Expert blog.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">And so it could continue on.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">I may perhaps try to use a format like this to split out blogs into areas of particular interest rather than lump them altogether. That might be a piece of advice a lot of us could take on board as we all search for better User Experience. </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;">There is also an interesting quick post up on <a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/ni/2010/11/how_has_blogging_changed.html">Will and Testament</a> about how blogs and blogging has changed. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div>A Selective Readinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02298907898956157153noreply@blogger.com1