The Parliamentary Expenses of Northern Ireland MPs.

The Home Sectretary, Jacqui Smith, is having a rough time facing an investigation over her expenses claims.   She is not the first Politician to face such scrutiny.  She will not be the last.  Meanwhile, I produce the data for 2008 relating to the expense claims of Northern Ireland MPs.  The data makes interesting reading.       A B C [...]

Pressure on Gordon Brown over Presbyterian Mutual increases as its directors face investigation

Pressure is continuing on Gordon Brown to take action to save the Presbyterian Mutual Society.   In a post on the Ulster Unionist Website, Danny Kennedy MLA, has said that  “the Prime Minister Gordon Brown must now step in to save the Presbyterian Mutual Society after he stepped in to save the Dunfermline Building Society in [...]

The debate on the proposed Irish Language Act – Part I

Some weeks ago, I pledged that I would write a post about whether we should have an Irish Language Act.  It is, actually, a much more interesting topic than appears at first sight. As a Conservative who wants to pull down the sectarian wall which exists in our society, I regard this subject as one [...]

Neil Johnston is appointed as Campaign Director for Conservatives & Unionists

At a fund-raising dinner last night hosted by the Northern Ireland Conservative Party at the Europa Hotel, Belfast, it was announced that Neil Johnston has been appointed to the position of Campaign Director of the Conservative and Unionists.    Neil Johnston is currently the Chairman of the Northern Ireland Conservatives and a member of Conservative and [...]

“‘Ulster’ is something we have to leave behind”

Last night, the Conservative Party of Northern Ireland hosted a promotional and fund-raising dinner at the Europa Hotel.   Conservative area committee member, Tim Lewis, spokesman for business relations, introduced the speakers.  The main guest speaker was Northern Irishman, Colonel Tim Collins O.B.E.    Tim Collins initially reminded us of the sacrifices made by our servicemen.  There [...]

One in four women in Northern Ireland suffer domestic abuse

Earlier this week, I was forced to come in late to work and listened to a moving broadcast on BBC Radio Ulster.  The broadcast was about domestic abuse in Northern Ireland.   Basil McCrea MLA and Irene Wilson, a survivor victim of domestic abuse were interviewed.   In the programme, which lasted 20 minutes a tape was played [...]

Solicitor sues Catholic School for £5 million over sex abuse by a priest

I do not usually write about stories which are nothing to do with politics. I am making an exception in relation to a report that has caught my eye because my next post will be about the related subject of domestic abuse.    Stories about child sexual abuse have regularly appeared in the media for a [...]

Brown in talks with the Queen to allow Royals to marry Catholics

According to a report in today’s Daily Telegraph, The Prime Minister is in talks with the Queen to replace the Act of Settlement and other constitutional enactments with new legislation enable Monarchs to marry Roman Catholics.  The new proposals would also bring an end to male heirs of the same degree taking precedence over females [...]

Lord Myners in for the “High Jump”

Yesterday, the political career of Lord Myners moved a step closer to termination as it was revealed that during the weekend of 11-12th October, he did know, in substance, the size of Sir Fred Goodwin’s (proposed) pension before the agreement was reached on 13th October.   The Daily Telegraph has reported that Lord Myners, in a [...]

Pressure on Sinn Fein after Alliance/SDLP motion passed for 2 year temporary renewal of the 11 plus

The chaos on the ground, presently being experienced by Primary School children, their teachers and parents resulted in a political manoeuvre in the Assembly yesterday.   Yesterday, the following motion brought by the Alliance Party was approved by the Assembly  “That this Assembly notes that schools may choose to use an examination as part of their [...]