Monthly Archives: March 2014

Sam McAughtry RIP

Posted on March 30, 2014 by fitzjameshorse

Many of the Tributes which will be published and broadcast for Sam McAughtry who has died aged 90 will mention his working class Belfast background, his service in the British “Royal” Air Force during World War Two,his career in the … Continue reading →

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The Great Alliance Confidence Trick

Posted on March 26, 2014 by fitzjameshorse

If you get a reputation for getting up early…you can lie in bed all day. And the Alliance Party has this peculiar reputation for Decency in Public Affairs. It likes to present itself as the small party of moderation, squeezed … Continue reading →

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Musical Chairs In South Belfast

Posted on March 24, 2014 by fitzjameshorse

All Politics is local. And sometimes even a bit personal. There are times when the “moderate” Alliance Party has had a reputation for in-fighting and shafting each other. Thats an interesting dimension to the fall-out from Lo-Gate. BBC News is … Continue reading →

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Making Up

Posted on March 21, 2014 by fitzjameshorse

Raising £2 million for Cancer Treatment ….in just a few days is a brilliant achievement and am pleased to say that so many female friends were involved. Taking “selfies” without make-up…an excellent idea. I declare an interest here. My wife … Continue reading →

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# Tiochfaidh Ar Lo

Posted on March 21, 2014 by fitzjameshorse

As hashtags go…its pretty effective. Aliance Anna Lo MLA for South Belfast and the Party candidate in the European Election has grabbed the political headlines by saying that a United Ireland would be a pretty good idea. Thats a surprise. … Continue reading →

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When Bloggers Meet…

Posted on March 18, 2014 by fitzjameshorse

The Big Tweet Up…a meeting of Bloggers on the Belfast “blogging scene”….the MetroTextuals….took place last Thursday night in McHughs Bar in Custom House Square. It was a fitting venue, just across the square from The steps at tne Custom House, … Continue reading →

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FJHs St Patricks Day Message…Urbi Et Orbi

Posted on March 18, 2014 by fitzjameshorse

There is something about St Patrick’s Day. But I am not exactly sure what it is. To explain it…requires a History lesson. And there is something about the Irish. We live and breathe History. It is a cliche that some … Continue reading →

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“Lord” Ballyedmond…An Alternative Tribute

Posted on March 15, 2014 by fitzjameshorse

Its not exactly classy to speak ill of the Dead. And maybe, Death is so much of a tragedy to the bereaved that we should just hold our tongues at even the most unlikely “tributes”. But sometimes the record just … Continue reading →

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Good News Week…For SDLP

Posted on March 7, 2014 by fitzjameshorse

So here is a welcome piece of News for SDLP. They are the political party that the electorate trusts most on “economic issues”. I wonder how many people actually took the full meaning of the question on board. It is … Continue reading →

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John Hume…The Only Statesman?

Posted on March 5, 2014 by fitzjameshorse

It is of course entirely right and proper that John Hume is honoured in Derry today. But the Twittersphere is unusually quiet about it all. I make no apology for saying that John Hume is just about the only Statesman … Continue reading →

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