Mayor Appoints “Poet Laureate”

Just when you think that we have scraped the bottom of the bottom of the barrel in finding things to hide the squalid sectarian nature of Belfast….MTV Awards, Titanic, President Obama, World Police Games….the new Mayor Mairtin O’Muilleoir (Sinn Fein) shares his vision for his twelve months in office. Personally I distrust anyone who has a “vision”.
In fairness, appointing a Poet Laureate for the City has a certain charm. Very Gaelic Chieftain, complete with a Bard.
But it is COMEDY GOLD.
There is eleven months of one liners behind the phrase “Belfast Mayor Appoints Poet Laureate”
“Pretentious?…Mise” (“Pretentious?….Moi”).
How can we have a Poet Laureate.
The only rhyme I can think of for “Belfast” is “Elastoplast” which is apropriate as this is just another band aid…disguised as CULTURE.
Culture! What Crimes are committed in thy name?
Im as cultured as the next man….but honest to God.

12 Responses to Mayor Appoints “Poet Laureate”

factual says:

July 31, 2013 at 1:07 pm

Who did he appoint?

factual says:

July 31, 2013 at 1:37 pm

I see it’s Dr Morrisey, Reader in creative writing at the School of English at Queen’s.

She seems to pass academic muster: Honours include the Patrick Kavanagh Award, the Rupert and Eithne Strong Award and the Michael Hartnett Poetry Prize. Her poem Through The Square Window was awarded first prize in the UK National Poetry Competition. Between Here And There, The State Of The Prisons and Through The Square Window were shortlisted for the TS Eliot Prize.

According to the Arts Council: “Dr Morrisey will bring poetry to all the people of Belfast, reflecting the creativity of women and their contribution to the historical and contemporary life and character of the city. She will focus on the hidden Belfast by working with ethnic minority groups in the city, the young and the vulnerable, helping demonstrate how together they join in making one shared city.”

Fear Feirsteach says:

July 31, 2013 at 5:47 pm

Heard a brief interview with the Poet Laureate on Radio Ulster. She sounded very much like one of those letsgetalongerists you love to hate – went out of her way to deny having anything to do with ‘tribal politics’ or ‘the two communities’.

- fitzjameshorse says:
  
  July 31, 2013 at 6:12 pm
  
  Well….she would say that wouldnt she?
  Im not totally against Culture….Im sure its great.
  But having a Poet Laureate is just a bit stupid.
  As I understand it, the English Poet Laureate writes poetry to celebrate major events in British Life.
  What exactly is the Belfast Poet Laureate going to be writing a poem about?
  
  - Fear Feirsteach says:
    
    July 31, 2013 at 6:17 pm
    
    I think she means it. Sounds very much like something a communist might come off with.
  - fitzjameshorse says:
    
    July 31, 2013 at 6:29 pm
    
    A Communist Poet?
    The RED POETS SOCIETY.
    Sorry…couldnt resist.
  - kilclunylooney says:
    
    July 31, 2013 at 9:08 pm
    
    Probably about the World Police and Firemans Games as she’s too late for the Titanic and the City o’Culture.
  - Theresa says:
    
    August 1, 2013 at 5:40 pm
    
    Well, she could write about the never ending Saturday parades to the Ardoyne shops that are being planned; the fleg on the City hall on specified days to name but a couple of things to start with.
factual says:

July 31, 2013 at 9:13 pm

FJH my impression is you are not into poetry otherwise you would be more positive about this.

Also the idea “what will she write a poem about” suggests you don’t put pen to paper often youself.

Who was your favourite poet in leaving cert?

- fitzjameshorse says:
  
  July 31, 2013 at 9:58 pm
  
  Factual I have the soul of a poet.
  Blogging is the New Poetry.
  
James says:

August 1, 2013 at 5:07 pm

Do you know if she is from the nationalist community?

- fitzjameshorse says:
  
  August 1, 2013 at 6:11 pm
  
  No idea.
  and how is it relevant?