The DUP

[lord bunberry]

I've not seen much of the news in the last 2 days, has anything been made of their controversial views and the fact that they now have a significant influence on U.K. politics.

[ronaldo7]

Interesting piece on the DUP in the Irish times.

https://t.co/e3353BRxm8

[Mr White]

Interesting piece on the DUP in the Irish times.

https://t.co/e3353BRxm8

That's a very interesting article. Hopefully their shady dealings and stone-age views will come under some proper scrutiny now that they've crawled out to help prop up the UK minority government.

[Mr Grieves]

I just cant see this deal lasting. There's a few Tories already unhappy because of the DUP's dodgy views.

[marinello59]

I just cant see this deal lasting. There's a few Tories already unhappy because of the DUP's dodgy views.

That's if it even gets off the ground.

[Betty Boop]

Surely a partnership with the DUP would have severe implications for the Good Friday Agreement, which promised neutrality from the UK government ?

[marinello59]

Surely a partnership with the DUP would have severe implications for the Good Friday Agreement, which promised neutrality from the UK government ?

That is a major worry and shows the lengths these *******s will go to in order to stay in power.

[SouthsideHarp_Bhoy]

Surely a partnership with the DUP would have severe implications for the Good Friday Agreement, which promised neutrality from the UK government ?

Alastair Campbell was on breakfast news this morn going mad about May putting the GFA in jeopardy

[Betty Boop]

That is a major worry and shows the lengths these *******s will go to in order to stay in power.

:agree: Desperate measures. Cannae see Sinn Fein being happy with that.

[Pretty Boy]

Alastair Campbell was on breakfast news this morn going mad about May putting the GFA in jeopardy

I can see why. For all the faults of the Blair government, and John Majors, their commitment to bring peace to NI was never in doubt.

However fragile that peace might be at the moment it simply can't be put in any further jeopardy to keep a lame duck PM in place.

[hibs#1]

Surely may has lost the plot?calling an election she didn't need to,then losing her majority,then going to jump into bed with the dup.after all the allegations thrown at corbyn being an ira sympathizer and this idiot is going in with the dup double standards much?

[Pretty Boy]

Surely may has lost the plot?calling an election she didn't need to,then losing her majority,then going to jump into bed with the dup.after all the allegations thrown at corbyn being an ira sympathizer and this idiot is going in with the dup double standards much?

Double standards has never bothered the Tories when it comes to NI.

They were vocal critics of Republican paramilitaries being supported and facilitated from Dublin yet a policy of collusion between the British military, RUC and security services and Loyalist paramilitaries was an open secret. There's suggestions the death toll runs into the hundreds.

[lord bunberry]

Surely every time there's a vote that requires DUP support there's going to be scrutiny on the type of people needed by the tories to win the vote. Even with a favourable press it's going to pile the pressure on May. I can't see anything other than another election in the near future.

[Hibbyradge]

Surely every time there's a vote that requires DUP support there's going to be scrutiny on the type of people needed by the tories to win the vote. Even with a favourable press it's going to pile the pressure on May. I can't see anything other than another election in the near future.

I agree.

The longer the Tories collude with them, the worse their popularity will become.

They may decide to go for a minority government in the knowledge that another election is inevitable, but it would limit the damage if a DUP deal.

[Betty Boop]

You have to laugh at the hypocrisy of the right wing media ,now trying to distance themselves from Theresa May.

[Colr]

The new grammar schools will have to teach creationism.

[Mr White]

:agree: Desperate measures. Cannae see Sinn Fein being happy with that.


Máirtín Ó Muilleoir certainly isn't. SDLP and Alliance party members also expressing concern about James Brokenshire's ability to remain inpartial during talks to restore the assembly if the DUP strike a deal with the UK government.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-northern-ireland-40239664

[Haymaker]

Surely a partnership with the DUP would have severe implications for the Good Friday Agreement, which promised neutrality from the UK government ?

Most of the hard-core Tories I've ever met think the GFA should be torn Up.

[JeMeSouviens]

https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2017/jun/12/orange-order-asks-dup-to-put-drumcree-march-on-wishlist-in-may-talks
:rolleyes:

[SouthsideHarp_Bhoy]

Heard that they sre asking for soft brexit and a, wait for it, £1billion pound investment in NI.

[Mr White]

https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2017/jun/12/orange-order-asks-dup-to-put-drumcree-march-on-wishlist-in-may-talks
:rolleyes:

Backward, nauseating ****wits. Aye let's not worry about the implications of Brexit for NI, the fact there's currently no agreement for the assembly at Stormont or health and education issues eh?

Let's prioritise allowing orangemen to march at Drumcree. FFS it annoys me on a daily basis that I live on the same island as those ignorant ****s. The scale of it and the reach they have is overwhelmingly depressing sometimes :grr:

[Mr White]

Heard that they sre asking for soft brexit and a, wait for it, £1billion pound investment in NI.

To be fair to them (that's usually impossible) they're right to go in high. They've been handed an unbelievable opportunity to improve NI and I hope they do their best to get a good deal out of this awful situation. Quite what they'd consider the finer detail of what constitutes a good deal to be is a whole other matter of course.

And then there's the manner they'd want to spend that money... the mind boggles.

[High-On-Hibs]

Anybody else hear the DUP MP Ian Paisley saying "the futures orange" on the BBC? Welcome to the future of UK politics. :rolleyes:

[ronaldo7]

Anybody else hear the DUP MP Ian Paisley saying "the futures orange" on the BBC? Welcome to the future of UK politics. :rolleyes:


Yep.

It's been happening for a while now, with, Ruth Davidson's, comments on Fratricidal conflict, unbecoming of a leader within the Scottish Parliament. The election of Orange order members to local councils, although small in number, is another sign.

Now we have the political wing of the UDA/UVF holding the WM minority gov over a barrel.

The futures Orange indeed, but only is some peoples eyes.

[Hibernia&Alba]

Remember this classic with Sammy Wilson?

"So is you Irish"?
"No, I'm British"
"So is you 'ere on 'oliday"?

:lolrangers:


https://youtu.be/n4TeNAT0Uc4

[ronaldo7]

Theresa is facing a ****storm over the next week or so. Hope it hurts.

https://t.co/GTca6UB9n1

[Mr White]

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-northern-ireland-40336803

So newly elected DUP MP Emma Little Pengelly doesn't think there's any need to remove UVF flags from a mixed community housing development in South East Belfast. Of course the fact that her father Noel Little served time in jail for paramilitary gun running and she failed to distance herself from backing received from Loyalist paramilitaries during her campaign are entirely irrelevant to her opinion on these flags and she'd feel exactly the same if it were IRA or INLA flags being displayed...

I've noticed a lot more UVF flags in Bangor this year, they're absolutely everywhere. It's interesting that the PSNI say it's not their responsibility to take them down.

It's awful that people like Ms Little Pengelly have power in NI. It's absolutely ****ing frightening that they're being used to prop up the tory government in Westminster.

[Hibernia&Alba]

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-northern-ireland-40336803

So newly elected DUP MP Emma Little Pengelly doesn't think there's any need to remove UVF flags from a mixed community housing development in South East Belfast. Of course the fact that her father Noel Little served time in jail for paramilitary gun running and she failed to distance herself from backing received from Loyalist paramilitaries during her campaign are entirely irrelevant to her opinion on these flags and she'd feel exactly the same if it were IRA or INLA flags being displayed...

I've noticed a lot more UVF flags in Bangor this year, they're absolutely everywhere. It's interesting that the PSNI say it's not their responsibility to take them down.

It's awful that people like Ms Little Pengelly have power in NI. It's absolutely ****ing frightening that they're being used to prop up the tory government in Westminster.

The thing that annoys me is the hypocrisy. Jeremy Corbyn was subjected to consistent accusations of being a friend of terrorists, but there's been no outcry so far in relation to Theresa May and her government. Why aren't we hearing the same moral outcry here, considering the history of some prominent DUP members, including MPs? Many of them have shared platform with Loyalist paramilitaries and refused to condemn their actions in the past. Corbyn was accused of refusing to condemn the IRA thirty years ago, yet we now have a situation where a party with a very murky past is actually enabling a government to survive. It's shameless hypocrisy from the right wing press.

[JeMeSouviens]

The thing that annoys me is the hypocrisy. Jeremy Corbyn was subjected to consistent accusations of being a friend of terrorists, but there's been no outcry so far in relation to Theresa May and her government. Why aren't we hearing the same moral outcry here, considering the history of some prominent DUP members, including MPs? Many of them have shared platform with Loyalist paramilitaries and refused to condemn their actions in the past. Corbyn was accused of refusing to condemn the IRA thirty years ago, yet we now have a situation where a party with a very murky past is actually enabling a government to survive. It's shameless hypocrisy from the right wing press.

It's a question of removal to some extent. Corbyn was a step removed from violent republicanism in the same way that the DUP were a step removed from violent loyalism. The Tories are a further step away from the DUP.

And, to be fair there has been more disquiet over a Tory/DUP deal than I expected. Although I concede not anything like as much as there should be ...

[hibsbollah]

The price of a parliamentary working majority: A £1billion sweetener for Ulster.

https://www.theguardian.com/politics/blog/live/2017/jun/26/brexit-eu-nationals-theresa-may-to-meet-arlene-foster-in-hope-of-finalising-torydup-deal-politics-live

[Mikey]

Why didn't the SNP step in to work with the Conservatives?

£1b investment and they could have steered Brexit more in the direction they wanted.

[SHODAN]

I wonder if we'll hear about tubthumping nationalists holding the Union to ransom, etc etc etc.

[Hibernia&Alba]

The price of a parliamentary working majority: A £1billion sweetener for Ulster.

https://www.theguardian.com/politics/blog/live/2017/jun/26/brexit-eu-nationals-theresa-may-to-meet-arlene-foster-in-hope-of-finalising-torydup-deal-politics-live

Northern Ireland; three Ulster counties are in the republic :wink:

The DUP are very tough negotiators and will squeeze every penny they can from Westminster. The issue of the peace process is more worrying than the money they get.

[hibsbollah]

Northern Ireland; three Ulster counties are in the republic :wink:

The DUP are very tough negotiators and will squeeze every penny they can from Westminster. The issue of the peace process is more worrying than the money they get.

Reading the annexe to the document now, extra money for health, education, broadband provision, housing, enterprise zones for deprived areas. It was trailed as being identifying areas of particular need; in reality its just a cash dump across all areas of government. A bribe.

[lord bunberry]

Why didn't the SNP step in to work with the Conservatives?

£1b investment and they could have steered Brexit more in the direction they wanted.
Because they have morals.

[High-On-Hibs]

Why didn't the SNP step in to work with the Conservatives?

£1b investment and they could have steered Brexit more in the direction they wanted.

Do you honestly think the Conservatives would have worked with the SNP over the DUP? I highly doubt it. But It would certainly have looked bad for the SNP to offer it in the first place.

[High-On-Hibs]

Well the medias taking a very calm view on all of this. Considering all of the negative trash they were spouting at the prospect of a Labour, SNP, SF deal. :whistle:

[Mr White]

Bunch of ****s the lot of them. Unfair on the other parts of UK that NI gets extra funding and on top of risking the GFA the DUP have taken the opportunity to bypass stormont on the devolved subject of implementation of the miltary covenant in NI.

[High-On-Hibs]

Will there be any burning effigies of Theresa May in Northern Ireland this year? Or will she get a free pass?

[hibsbollah]

There IS a magic money tree after all. If you're a homophobic climate change denying sectarian bigot there is:aok:

[Newry Hibs]

Reading the annexe to the document now, extra money for health, education, broadband provision, housing, enterprise zones for deprived areas. It was trailed as being identifying areas of particular need; in reality its just a cash dump across all areas of government. A bribe.

Marvellous. I'm all for it! Now if they could just get the traffic sorted in Belfast I'll gladly stop believing in dinosaurs (or whatever it is they think).

[marinello59]

Do you honestly think the Conservatives would have worked with the SNP over the DUP? I highly doubt it. But It would certainly have looked bad for the SNP to offer it in the first place.

Exactly. The SNP might happily work with the Tories to reintroduce animal maiming but they wouldn't have got involved in this.

[marinello59]

Well the medias taking a very calm view on all of this. Considering all of the negative trash they were spouting at the prospect of a Labour, SNP, SF deal. :whistle:

The BBC had described the deal as a bung within the first two sentences before going on to express concerns over the impact this could have on the Good Friday Agreement. You only see what you want to see.

[High-On-Hibs]

The BBC had described the deal as a bung within the first two sentences before going on to express concerns over the impact this could have on the Good Friday Agreement. You only see what you want to see.

Oh no... they really said "bung"? Somebody hold them back!

[High-On-Hibs]

https://scontent-lht6-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/19429999_243099939518746_7815210106741325283_n.jpg ?oh=bc24740d8c01ac5f774607a8e3d5d04f&oe=5A0E67C1

[hibsbollah]

Marvellous. I'm all for it! Now if they could just get the traffic sorted in Belfast I'll gladly stop believing in dinosaurs (or whatever it is they think).

They think dinosaur bones were put there to test our faith in God.

Stranger things have happened :greengrin

[Sylar]

Presumably, under the Barnett Formula, Scotland should be in for a windfall as a result of this 'agreement'?

[lucky]

The DUP have played a blinder against a weak Tory party. They knew the Tories were desperate so played hardball to get a deal that suits them. But there will be a political backlash against the May over this from inside and outside her party. SF don't come out to this well, they stand for seats, take the money but don't attend. If they turned up this deal would die but they'd be accused of costing NI money

[lucky]

Presumably, under the Barnett Formula, Scotland should be in for a windfall as a result of this 'agreement'?

It's not part of the Barnett formula

[Sylar]

It's not part of the Barnett formula

https://www.sundaypost.com/fp/dup-deal-may-generate-more-cash-for-scots/

[High-On-Hibs]

Presumably, under the Barnett Formula, Scotland should be in for a windfall as a result of this 'agreement'?

Nope...
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-scotland-politics-40406346

[Moulin Yarns]

They think dinosaur bones were put there to test our faith in God.

Stranger things have happened :greengrin

Yeah, it is just those strange stones shaped like bones, you know, a bit like when you look at a cloud and see the shape of a dolphin, or more like when you burn your toast and see the face of Jesus on it. All it does is test our faith :wink:

[Sylar]

Nope...
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-scotland-politics-40406346

Cheers.

I guess I'm not shocked!

[High-On-Hibs]

Cheers.

I guess I'm not shocked!

Just waiting for the highly predictable u-turn from fluffy who will be in full support of this now.

[McSwanky]

Horrible deal on so many fronts.

- Tories getting into bed with one side of what has always been a delicately balanced peace
- Tories flinging cash at above to ensure they cling onto power
- Tories even more brazenly than usual favouring one part of the UK over others (although at least it isn't the same part as usual)

The one thing I don't get is the outrage that people seem to be feeling over the Tories teaming up with people with the views of the DUP. I'm pretty sure if you look across the three hundred and however many elected Tories in the house, you'll find that a good proportion of them have views that sit quite nicely with those in the DUP.

This whole thing stinks, and if one good thing comes out of this whole mess instigated by May calling the election, it looks very much like the Tories are well on the way to making themselves unelectable next time round...

[High-On-Hibs]

if one good thing comes out of this whole mess instigated by May calling the election, it looks very much like the Tories are well on the way to making themselves unelectable next time round...

You overestimate the intellect of a particular part of the UK, which dictates British politics.

[Hibernia&Alba]

https://scontent-lht6-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/19429999_243099939518746_7815210106741325283_n.jpg ?oh=bc24740d8c01ac5f774607a8e3d5d04f&oe=5A0E67C1

Two coupons that could curdle milk. Foster has the look of a woman who fights blokes in pubs.

I don't know why May was never called out on her banal 'magic money tree phrase', when it's patently false. Why didn't anybody say just reply with "a couple of hundred billion found overnight to save the banks in 2008"? Austerity was an ideological choice: use the financial crisis to shrink the state. They were never properly challenged on it.

[snooky]

Do we have any law in the UK?
If so why is the Barnet Formula and the GFA violations are being overridden without challenge?
Is the government above the law? If so, why don't they just sack all the lawyers, tear up the rule books and go the whole hog?

[High-On-Hibs]

Do we have any law in the UK?
If so why is the Barnet Formula and the GFA violations are being overridden without challenge?
Is the government above the law? If so, why don't they just sack all the lawyers, tear up the rule books and go the whole hog?

Because it's "their" lawyers.....

[Geo_1875]

Do we have any law in the UK?
If so why is the Barnet Formula and the GFA violations are being overridden without challenge?
Is the government above the law? If so, why don't they just sack all the lawyers, tear up the rule books and go the whole hog?

Because they need someone to get them off when caught noncing.

[cabbageandribs1875]

As part of the deal, the military covenant will be implemented in full in Northern Ireland, meaning more focus on the treatment of military veterans, while the triple lock guarantee of at least a 2.5% rise
in the state pension each year, and winter fuel payments, will be maintained throughout the UK.
The DUP will support the Tories on all Brexit and security legislation
The UK's 2% Nato defence spending target will continue to be met
Cash support for farmers will remain at current levels until the next election
Both parties to adhere to commitments in Good Friday Agreement
No Irish border poll without "consent of the people"


is it really that bad ? some of these things won't suit everyone obviously

[marinello59]

You overestimate the intellect of a particular part of the UK, which dictates British politics.

What do you actually mean here? :confused:

[High-On-Hibs]

What do you actually mean here? :confused:

You know exactly what I mean and they'll continue to drag Scotland down with them.

[Pretty Boy]

May is essentially risking the entire peace process to cling onto power. Shameful.

[Pretty Boy]

As part of the deal, the military covenant will be implemented in full in Northern Ireland, meaning more focus on the treatment of military veterans, while the triple lock guarantee of at least a 2.5% rise
in the state pension each year, and winter fuel payments, will be maintained throughout the UK.
The DUP will support the Tories on all Brexit and security legislation
The UK's 2% Nato defence spending target will continue to be met
Cash support for farmers will remain at current levels until the next election
Both parties to adhere to commitments in Good Friday Agreement
No Irish border poll without "consent of the people"


is it really that bad ? some of these things won't suit everyone obviously




Both parties aren't adhering to the Good Friday Agreement which states Westminster must remain neutral on matters relating to NI.

How can the Tories claim to be neutral when they are relying on the support of one side to remain in power?

[Mr Grieves]

But.... but we've been hearing how Ruth Davidson and the 13 Scottish Tory MPs were going to be influential within this government, where's the extra funding for Scotland? :rolleyes:

This is a basically a bribe to keep Theresa May in power, it's not in the national interest and is completely unfair to the other nations within the UK.

[hibsbollah]

But.... but we've been hearing how Ruth Davidson and the 13 Scottish Tory MPs were going to be influential within this government, where's the extra funding for Scotland? :rolleyes:

This is a basically a bribe to keep Theresa May in power, it's not in the national interest and is completely unfair to the other nations within the UK.

:agree:
10,000 police officers=£0.6 billion.
1 DUP backhander=£1 billion.

[marinello59]

You know exactly what I mean and they'll continue to drag Scotland down with them.

No I don't. Maybe you could just say who you are sneering at this time.

[marinello59]

May is essentially risking the entire peace process to cling onto power. Shameful.

It's a disgraceful deal. I can only take comfort in the belief that it won't be enough to save her.

[ronaldo7]

This is the most critical part of the deal for me.

"In furtherance of these arrangements, the Government and the*DUP*will work together to ensure the necessary support can be established by both parties to fulfil these arrangements. A co-ordination committee will be convened for this purpose, chaired by the Government. The parties will agree the modus operandi of this committee. The Northern Ireland Secretary will not sit on this committee."

Are we to believe that the Northern Ireland Secretary will not be informed of the machinations of this committee?

This part is like a sharp stick in the eye to the Scottish parliament, who've already voted to hold a second Independence referendum. Not at this time doesn't seem to cut it.

"As set out in its General Election manifesto, the Conservative Party will never be neutral in expressing its support for the Union. As the UK Government we believe that Northern Ireland's future is best served within a stronger United Kingdom. We will always uphold the consent principle and the democratic wishes of the people of Northern Ireland. The Conservative Party will never countenance any constitutional arrangements that are incompatible with the consent principle."

The deal is only for 2 years, and I'd put cash on it, that they'll be back for more cash when it expires. Arlene will need to if she's to pay for her monstrosity of the cash for ash scandal.

It seems that the new Scottish Tories have been telt. Shut it. Canny hear any of them on the wires "Standing up for Scottish interests".

[High-On-Hibs]

No I don't. Maybe you could just say who you are sneering at this time.

I don't sneer. I am however accustomed to being sneered at by those who have a one dimensional view on nationalism.

[marinello59]

I don't sneer. I am however accustomed to being sneered at by those who have a one dimensional view on nationalism.

I guess dismissing everybody who does not agree with you as being ill informed doesn't count as sneering then.
Still waiting for you to explain your cryptic remark.

[Mr White]

And for some light-hearted relief from the drudgery of our current reality:

https://theulsterfry.com/business/co-tyrone-to-get-ceefax-by-2022-as-part-of-duptory-technology-deal/

[IGRIGI]

Looking forward to Ruth bringing home 1 billion in extra cash for the support of the Scottish Tories.

[Hibrandenburg]

The message from this for Scotland must be vote for a party that has no chance of winning the election and instead vote for a party that could swing the balance of power if you want to see significant improvements in infrastructure.

[Newry Hibs]

It's a disgraceful deal. I can only take comfort in the belief that it won't be enough to save her.

On the plus side, it looks like my journey to work will be 20 minutes shorter in a couple of years. So thanks to all the UK tax payers!

[Mr White]

On the plus side, it looks like my journey to work will be 20 minutes shorter in a couple of years. So thanks to all the UK tax payers!

How come? New roads south of Belfast? I haven't heard any details but a flyover from the west link to the M2 would be a big improvement.

[Newry Hibs]

How come? New roads south of Belfast? I haven't heard any details but a flyover from the west link to the M2 would be a big improvement.

Five live discussed one of the main infrastructure plans as the York Street junction. Some builder boss very happy. Even suggested shovels could be starting by the end of the summer as the plans are all available. Just need a bit of cash. If I was really greedy sorting out sprucefield M1 / A1 would be a bonus. 😀

[Mr White]

Five live discussed one of the main infrastructure plans as the York Street junction. Some builder boss very happy. Even suggested shovels could be starting by the end of the summer as the plans are all available. Just need a bit of cash. If I was really greedy sorting out sprucefield M1 / A1 would be a bonus. 😀

A tunnel from Donaghadee to Port Patrick would be top of my wishlist. It wouldn't need to be big enough to get a vehicle in, I'd be willing to crawl back to Scotland if it meant never being stuck on a ferry loaded full of huns ever again :greengrin

[Hibernia&Alba]

I never thought I would ever vote Tory, but, if Theresa May is interested, she can also buy my vote for £1.4 billion. I will even put the poster in the windae.

[Hibernia&Alba]

https://youtu.be/zAsEqCLy-GQ

[lapsedhibee]

https://youtu.be/zAsEqCLy-GQ

Not quite Paxo on Howard, but not far off it. Krishnan Guru Murthy was more or less openly guffawing at the answers some random govt minister was giving him on C4 news last night anaw. It appears some of the media have stopped taking the May govt seriously.

[hibsbollah]

Not quite Paxo on Howard, but not far off it. Krishnan Guru Murthy was more or less openly guffawing at the answers some random govt minister was giving him on C4 news last night anaw. It appears some of the media have stopped taking the May govt seriously.

Well it's an embarrassment. Traditionally politicians of all parties try to avoid answering the question, and we as the public give them kudos for how skilfully they do it. But the new generation of Tory MPs are playing a new game, inspired by the 'maybot', where they repeat a stock phrase again and again and again no matter what the question is. Someone somewhere has told them that it's effective, but Its terrible politics because it's so transparent. A Dianne Abbott gaff is embarrassing but it is also a demonstration of her humanity. I can't see it lasting long, James Harding or one of these media/marketing gurus will be along shortly to humanise them again with some intensive communication skills training pioneered by a global supermarket chain.

That's the way it works :aok:

[Smartie]

Five live discussed one of the main infrastructure plans as the York Street junction. Some builder boss very happy. Even suggested shovels could be starting by the end of the summer as the plans are all available. Just need a bit of cash. If I was really greedy sorting out sprucefield M1 / A1 would be a bonus. 😀

I'd have hoped that £1bn might get you a couple of JCBs.

[Newry Hibs]

I'd have hoped that £1bn might get you a couple of JCBs.

Can't really lean on a JCB as well as you can on a shovel.

Plus the JCBs will be being 'borrowed' to visit local cash points.

[Pretty Boy]

Well it's an embarrassment. Traditionally politicians of all parties try to avoid answering the question, and we as the public give them kudos for how skilfully they do it. But the new generation of Tory MPs are playing a new game, inspired by the 'maybot', where they repeat a stock phrase again and again and again no matter what the question is. Someone somewhere has told them that it's effective, but Its terrible politics because it's so transparent. A Dianne Abbott gaff is embarrassing but it is also a demonstration of her humanity. I can't see it lasting long, James Harding or one of these media/marketing gurus will be along shortly to humanise them again with some intensive communication skills training pioneered by a global supermarket chain.

That's the way it works :aok:

I can almost imagine Malcolm Tucker in the background:

'Why doesn't he know the ****ing lines, why are there ministers on TV who don't know the ****ing lines. We know he doesn't ****ing know what the **** he's doing but he needs to learn the ****ing lines. Make sure your ministers know the ****ing lines'

[Moulin Yarns]

https://fraserofallander.org/2017/06/27/bypassing-barnett/

[McSwanky]

https://fraserofallander.org/2017/06/27/bypassing-barnett/

This


this is the only time (certainly since devolution in 1999) that a decision to allocate outwith Barnett for devolved administrations has been made explicitly to secure the votes of a particular party at Westminster"

is the absolute point of this whole debate. It's bribery, plain and simple.

[Mr White]

As the deadline for talks to restore a power sharing agreement in NI approaches the DUP have stated their preference is now for direct rule. Funny that, now that they have leverage at Westminster. Sneaky *******s. It's a dangerous game they're playing and I don't see a good outcome any time soon.

[Pretty Boy]

As the deadline for talks to restore a power sharing agreement in NI approaches the DUP have stated their preference is now for direct rule. Funny that, now that they have leverage at Westminster. Sneaky *******s. It's a dangerous game they're playing and I don't see a good outcome any time soon.

When you consider it's already a time of high tension in Nationalist communities given the provocative, sorry traditional, marching season is upon us it beggars belief they can state a preference for direct rule.

There's going to be a high profile incident before the turn of the year imo. troubling times.

[ronaldo7]

You can buy lots of pallets with £1.5Billion :rolleyes:

18818

[Bristolhibby]

You can buy lots of pallets with £1.5Billion :rolleyes:

18818

What's their beef with the Polish?

I presume it's bacause they are Catholics.

I suppose they hate Palestinians bacause there is some sort of old connection and support from the IRA.

Pathetic bunch of bigots.

J

[ronaldo7]

What's their beef with the Polish?

I presume it's bacause they are Catholics.

I suppose they hate Palestinians bacause there is some sort of old connection and support from the IRA.

Pathetic bunch of bigots.

J

Not very bright this lot. This is what occurred last year.

https://t.co/cM9L1j3v2e

[ronaldo7]

Interesting piece regarding Emma Little-Pengelly(DUP MP), and her gun running father, along with the Ulster Resistance.

https://t.co/36IyfqrK36

[Mr White]

Interesting piece regarding Emma Little-Pengelly(DUP MP), and her gun running father, along with the Ulster Resistance.

https://t.co/36IyfqrK36

They really do have no shame to bang on about terrorist activities and the murder of innocent people in light of all in that article.

I wish it was possible to leave the legacy stuff behind as it's just keeps on opening up the same old wounds and divisions. I'm sure it's not as simple as that for the families affected but the politicalisation of the process just continues the tit for tat battles, though at least it's words rather than bullets being exchanged at present.

Btw the fact thats a weapon used in the recent murder of a 15 year old in a UK street is or was on display in the imperial war museum is a ****ing disgrace. That should never have happened.

[ronaldo7]

They really do have no shame to bang on about terrorist activities and the murder of innocent people in light of all in that article.

I wish it was possible to leave the legacy stuff behind as it's just keeps on opening up the same old wounds and divisions. I'm sure it's not as simple as that for the families affected but the politicalisation of the process just continues the tit for tat battles, though at least it's words rather than bullets being exchanged at present.

Btw the fact thats a weapon used in the recent murder of a 15 year old in a UK street is or was on display in the imperial war museum is a ****ing disgrace. That should never have happened.

I remember hearing about it at the time, and didn't understand how it could get there. It seems the RUC weapons and explosives research centre gave it to the Imperial War museum.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-32919223

http://irishpost.co.uk/troubles-murder-weapon-discovered-at-the-imperial-war-museum-in-london/

The families of the victims of the Ormeau Road murders have long believed that security forces colluded in the attack.
The second murder weapon used at the betting shop, a 9m handgun, was given to the paramilitary team by a British soldier.

Not sure how the police investigation turned out though.

[Mr White]

I remember hearing about it at the time, and didn't understand how it could get there. It seems the RUC weapons and explosives research centre gave it to the Imperial War museum.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-32919223

http://irishpost.co.uk/troubles-murder-weapon-discovered-at-the-imperial-war-museum-in-london/

The families of the victims of the Ormeau Road murders have long believed that security forces colluded in the attack.
The second murder weapon used at the betting shop, a 9m handgun, was given to the paramilitary team by a British soldier.

Not sure how the police investigation turned out though.

Thanks for the links. That's absolutely awful :no way:

[ronaldo7]

The Scottish Government are preparing to invoke a formal dispute procedure against the DUP deal.

I wonder which parties in the Scottish Parliament will get behind this?

http://www.heraldscotland.com/news/15387730.Scottish_Government_preparing_to_invoke_f ormal_dispute_procedure_with_UK_Government_over__q uot_squalid_quot____1bn_DUP_deal/

[Mr White]

Not very bright this lot. This is what occurred last year.

https://t.co/cM9L1j3v2e

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-northern-ireland-40532810

:crazy:

[Jonny1875]

If it all kicks off over here over the twelfth I can't wait to here what the DUP say.... I'm sure it'll be a laugh either way as they argue burning tricolours is their KKKulture.

[Mr Grieves]

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-northern-ireland-40532810

:crazy:

Oh my!

[ronaldo7]

Bonkers. The council, storing pallets for the loyalists.

http://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/news/northern-ireland/belfast-council-staff-fearing-for-safety-after-bonfire-pallets-theft-35860406.html?google_editors_picks=true

[Moulin Yarns]

Good News.

Laura Kuenssberg on Twitter


This could be tricky... Welsh and Scottish govts have started 'formal dispute resolution' with govt over DUP deal

[Mikey]

RIP RIP.

Apparently it's superstitious.....

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-northern-ireland-40705687

There's nothing superstitious about religion in general though eh......

[lapsedhibee]

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-northern-ireland-40705687

Daily Mash-like.

[Hibrandenburg]

RIP RIP.

Apparently it's superstitious.....

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-northern-ireland-40705687

There's nothing superstitious about religion in general though eh......

Don't use superstitious nonsense from the superstitious religion that gave birth to our superstitious religion. :rolleyes:

[ronaldo7]

The dark days of sectarianism raising it's ugly head again.

http://www.irishnews.com/news/northernirelandnews/2017/09/28/news/catholics-ordered-out-of-belfast-shared-housing-in-sectarian-threat-1148290/

[snooky]

The dark days of sectarianism raising it's ugly head again.

http://www.irishnews.com/news/northernirelandnews/2017/09/28/news/catholics-ordered-out-of-belfast-shared-housing-in-sectarian-threat-1148290/

It was a minor incident that finally burst the bubble that started the last troubles. I really despair sometimes.

[NAE NOOKIE]

What's their beef with the Polish?

I presume it's bacause they are Catholics.

I suppose they hate Palestinians bacause there is some sort of old connection and support from the IRA.

Pathetic bunch of bigots.

J

Probably true mate ...... The church notices in the local free magazine here has an article from Galashiels catholic church celebrating how they are going from strength to strength, in no small part due to a boost in attendances from the sizeable Polish community :greengrin

[Mr White]

I posted this on the first page of this thread back in June


http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-northern-ireland-40336803

So newly elected DUP MP Emma Little Pengelly doesn't think there's any need to remove UVF flags from a mixed community housing development in South East Belfast. Of course the fact that her father Noel Little served time in jail for paramilitary gun running and she failed to distance herself from backing received from Loyalist paramilitaries during her campaign are entirely irrelevant to her opinion on these flags and she'd feel exactly the same if it were IRA or INLA flags being displayed...

I've noticed a lot more UVF flags in Bangor this year, they're absolutely everywhere. It's interesting that the PSNI say it's not their responsibility to take them down.

It's awful that people like Ms Little Pengelly have power in NI. It's absolutely ****ing frightening that they're being used to prop up the tory government in Westminster.

The article is about resident's raising concerns about paramilitary flags in a mixed initiative housing area back in June. The same housing referenced in R7's post on this page. According to DUP MP Emma Little-Pengelly (daughter of a convicted loyalist paramilitary) there was no problem with the flags and nobody was too bothered. 3 months on and people have been forced out of their homes. She should be facing some serious questions about her conduct but as far as I know she isn't. These ****ers are teflon coated they really are.

[Hibernia&Alba]

Probably true mate ...... The church notices in the local free magazine here has an article from Galashiels catholic church celebrating how they are going from strength to strength, in no small part due to a boost in attendances from the sizeable Polish community :greengrin

This is Popery creeping back into Scotland. John Knox and Bill Struth are turning in their graves. It's a church in Galashiels today, but tomorrow it will be a counter-Reformation, and for that we cannot stand; put up with that we will not. This is the line in the sand; this our Drumcree. Will you stand with me, fellow DUP voters, crackpots and Rangers fans???

[ronaldo7]

The cover up continues.

https://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/news/northern-ireland/government-deliberately-excluding-dup-brexit-donation-from-public-owen-smith-36422820.html

[John_R_Corbett]

The cover up continues.

https://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/news/northern-ireland/government-deliberately-excluding-dup-brexit-donation-from-public-owen-smith-36422820.htmlquelle surprise

[Hibernia&Alba]

Ach, let's have some footage of Ian Paisley being dragged out of the European Parliament for heckling the pope. A perfectly mainstream political party :greengrin



https://youtu.be/JlbmIMbKZa4

[ronaldo7]

I'm not sure how anyone can impinge on the rights of those who don't speak Irish. It'd be like telling all those tourists in Edinburgh to shut the fek up.:greengrin

https://twitter.com/rtenews/status/963431662917996545