Category: Direct Rule
The Benefits of Cross-Community Co-Operation?
The First Minister and Deputy First Minister have made their first public act by jointly signing a letter to Secretary of State for (Wales and) Northern Ireland. So? They've used this iconic act to request something that I'm sure we would all be gratefu… more »
The "Democratic" House
In a stunning rejection of basic democratic principles, NIO Minister David Hanson persuaded the House of Commons to reject amendments to the Northern Ireland (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill designed to make politics in Ulster more accountable (hat tip Pe… more »
From Troops Out to Colonial Despot
The Conservatives today accused Peter Hain's NIO of acting "like an arrogant colonial despot" over the Education Reform Order which will see grammar schools in Northern Ireland abolished. (For background, Kenneth Bloomfield summarises quite well in the T… more »
As British As Finchley
by beano on 27 Jun 2006 at 20:45. Categories: Northern Ireland, England, Wales, Local Wackos, Business & Economy, Direct Rule
MPs from the DUP and UUP have joined with the SDLP and Sinn Fein in urging the Minister for Social Development, David Hanson, not to repeal Northern Ireland's antiquated licensing laws by bringing the licensing procedures inline with those in England and… more »
Unappealing Verdict For Garvaghy Stirrers
by beano on 09 Jun 2006 at 22:01. Categories: Northern Ireland, Orange Order / Other Marches, Direct Rule, Republicans
I'm not sure which of these amused me more - the verdict being returned that the Garvaghy Road Residents Coalition are not the most oppressed people ever, or the fact that Sinn Fein's very own "No!" men are likely to appeal to Britain's highest court - t… more »
Maze "Masterplan" Launched
Ironic maybe, that just a day after my "The Lady's Not For Turning" post, (indicating that even with the return of a devolved executive, our overlords in the Labour cabinet won't allow local politicians to take decisions on matters that are actually impo… more »
The Lady's Not For Turning
I'm disgusted to learn that the government plan to continue ignoring the overwhelming majority of people in Northern Ireland, who backed retention of grammar schools in various polls. It seems that Maria Eagle, direct rule education minister, will push t… more »
Pointless
by beano on 12 May 2006 at 17:41. Categories: News, Northern Ireland, Sinn Fein, Direct Rule, Local Government
That's what Gerry Adams thinks of discussing "education reform, water charges, health and rates increases" when the assembly reconvenes on Monday. He has said that his party, Sinn Fein, will not take part in any discussion on these matters, and has criti… more »
Why I Can't Vote Alliance: Reason 1
by beano on 11 May 2006 at 17:36. Categories: Northern Ireland, Direct Rule, Local Government, Education
It's one thing to suggest that the 11+ needs to be replaced, but it's quite another to say that, despite evidence to the contrary, getting shot of academic selection completely will lead to anything other than a second-rate, comprehensive, education syst… more »
Hain Must Freeze Controversial Reforms
by beano on 29 Apr 2006 at 13:20. Categories: News, Northern Ireland, Direct Rule, Local Government, Education
Conservative MP David Liddington has called on the government to put a freeze on controversial reforms in the areas of education and local government until it becomes clear whether or not power sharing will be restored by the November 24th deadline impos… more »