Quote of the Week has to be from Ian James Parsley (still a member of the Alliance Party). Writing in his blog about NI21 (and isnt the batlle between Alliance and NI21 heating up nicely?) Mr Parsley (politician and businessman) states.
“Ultimately the real currency of politics is not votes but influence”.
To a democrat like myself that seems a tad undemocratic.
By the way have I ever mentioned that the Alliance Party (ian Parsley is sometimes a member) has 52,000 votes and two Executive seats?
Anyway one of the rather unfortunate things about Norn Iron politics is that people who couldnt get arrested never mind elected form pressure groups with fancy names and network with each other to further their agenda such as integrated schools and “normal politics”.
It is in effect an undemocratic and unaccountable Opposition. The arrogance is breathtaking. It is a scandal.
Keeping An Eye On the Czar of Russia 
I asked Ian Parsley: “What will Alliance put forward as their achievements in the Executive, in terms of traditional Alliance goals?” He stated: “More than NI21 that is the point”. However, even if that is the point, I do wonder in all of this if Alliance can credibly point to any achievements that come from their Ministers in the Executive, that can be seen as *inherently Alliance* policies? In the end the system in NI seems to result in the two largest parties getting their (joint) way on everything. That makes me think that Alliance, SDLP, and UUP are weakened by their involvement as they don’t have a free hand to criticise.
So being in government – unless FJH you see it in terms of Attwood’s perks – may not benefit SDLP that much anyway.
I will ignore the snide remarks about Attwood.
I cant believe you actually asked a question of Parsley.
very noble – no where is the tv remote?
Today is the day of the Disappeared and I was wondering if you were planning a blog entry to mark it?
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-northern-ireland-22989273
A more important matter than Parsley I dare say?
Today is apparently also “Tourettes” day. I’ll say no more on that.
Does the disappeared day refer to only victims of republicans?
I am surprised theres no thread on the Disappeared on Slugger.
If it wasnt so obviously tasteless Id say the Disappeared are the only people from West Belfast that they like over there.
But its tasteless so I wont say that.
I don’t think there were loyalist or state disappeared though I would say that it does not matter – surely we as republicans should be at greatest pains to support the victims of the disappeared? It is for US to show compassion and concern – to take a lead in discussing this issue. We are genuine, in terms of seeking reconciliation, after all.
One thing that I think is to be admired north of the border, is those people who stand up for the victims of their own “side” – it is natural to feel compassion for the victims of ones enemies but the person of integrity – and true republican values – must show as much – if not more – compassion for the victims of ones’ own combatants.
Well thats the theory.
I suppose you will be quoting that Parsley thing a few times. Have you ever met him?
Yes I will be quoting it because it is an absolute gem.
No I have never actually met him (I would not particuarly want to meet him) but I have been at at least one event where he was.