Monthly Archives: November 2011

Phone Hacking Inquiry Overview

Posted on November 24, 2011 by fitzjameshorse

Monday was the first day that evidence was taken in the Leveson Enquiry into phone hacking by the “News of the World” (and other excesses by British tabloid newspapers). For much of the summer Britain was convulsed by a series of … Continue reading →

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Football Is A Political…..er Football

Posted on November 19, 2011 by fitzjameshorse

Football (ie Soccer)  is the World Game. Ireland has TWO teams, the “Republic of Ireland” (representing the 26 counties) and “Northern Ireland” (representing the six counties). Now that might mean that people in Norn Iron actually support “Northern Ireland” but … Continue reading →

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The Arab Spring And The European Autumn

Posted on November 18, 2011 by fitzjameshorse

Remember the Arab Spring? Thousands of people in Egypt and Tunisia gathered in the streets to demand Democracy. The “West” supported this although turned a blind eye to the Saudia Arabian repression of protests in the neighbouring kingdom of Bahrain. … Continue reading →

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Family Wedding

Posted on November 14, 2011 by fitzjameshorse

I have not been posting here for a few days. A busy family time…as my younger son got married on Friday 11th November. A severe case of Empty Nest Syndrome.

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Alasdair McDonnell…The Maiden Speech…Oops.

Posted on November 9, 2011 by fitzjameshorse

On Saturday night, the SDLP was in euphoric mood. At the Annual Dinner…they partied hard and long. The scene was set for Alasdair McDonnell’s first speech as Party Leader. Live on BBC Norn Iron’s “Politics Show” Sunday lunchtime. The three … Continue reading →

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“Message Board” Politics Is Not Real Politics.

Posted on November 8, 2011 by fitzjameshorse

The question of involvement in (party) politics and whether being passive or active is interesting…..as the transition from “tinternet message board” to real life is a bit like getting your first pair of long trousers and entering into the adult … Continue reading →

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Dr Alasdair McDonnell…. Elected Leader of SDLP

Posted on November 6, 2011 by fitzjameshorse

Dr Alasdair McDonnell MP & MLA for South Belfast has been elected Leader of the SDLP. I was at the Ramada Hotel for the announcement just after 5pm. The room was packed as might be expected and many of the … Continue reading →

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SDLP Conference

Posted on November 5, 2011 by fitzjameshorse

I was at the Ramada Hotel for SDLP Conference. The main event, the Final Hustings. I thought all four candidates made excellent speeches. All tick some boxes. For me Patsy McGlone ticks more boxes than the others. Result will be … Continue reading →

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Poppy Season…Norn Iron

Posted on November 4, 2011 by fitzjameshorse

There is no point in ever trying to understand Norn Iron without understanding two concepts. The Irish/Nationalists/Republicans and British/Unionists/Loyalists inhabit parallel universes. Arguably a third “lets get alongerist” community lives in a fantasy world of its own. The other concept … Continue reading →

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Poppy Season…Britain

Posted on November 1, 2011 by fitzjameshorse

The Poppy Season has begun. The Poppy is the symbol of remembrance honoring Britains War Dead. It culminates in services at centotaphs and war memorials in Britains cities, towns and villages on Remembrance Sunday (the second Sunday in November). The … Continue reading →

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