Monthly Archives: February 2016

Politics Message Boards…What’s The Point?

First of all let me emphasise that “Keeping An Eye On The Czar Of Russia” is not a “Politics Message Board”. This is a Blog, a Journal, the ramblings of one person…me. You may be reading this on 29th February … Continue reading

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General Election: Second Impressions

So…Day Two. For a Republic, the Election process is “sacred”…this nation at its best. Despite any personal or political preferences, the starting point is that the candidates and parties seek to serve the nation. Having said that, I cant say … Continue reading

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General Election: First Impressions

Saturday 2pm. RTE is still working on exit polls and tally accounts but some things are clear. Fine Gael has performed poorly and Labour have performed very poorly. Fianna Fáil have performed well…clearly forgiven by the electorate. Sinn Féin have … Continue reading

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General Election Prediction

Just for the craic. Ceann Comhairle (Speaker, unopposed)…..1 The other 157 seats. Fine Gael 52….Labour 10……(outgoing Govt wont reach the numbers to continue). Very bad day for Labour and blood on the carpet in TV studios) Fiann Fail…..33ish…..largely forgiven by … Continue reading

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SDLP: Signs Of Recovery

I am more of a pessimist than an optimist but I have never bought into the narrative that SDLP is a political party in “managed decline” (Slugger O’Toole passim). It seemed too much like an agenda, driven by people who … Continue reading

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So Many Blessings…So Many Disguise

So…just a few weeks after stating that not being selected to fight Fermanagh-South Tyrone was a “blessing in disguise”, Michelle Gildernew has generously decided to accept the nomination. This follows a specially convened Selection Convention which had only one purpose…to … Continue reading

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SDLP Youth: EU Referendum

So David Cameron is jetting around Europe looking for a “new deal” for Britain in the “European Union”. The likelihood is that he will be given some concessions and he will maximise these concessions to present to the British people … Continue reading

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What’s In A Name?

Interesting thread on Slugger O’Toole about place names, regerencing Mumbai/ Bombay and Derry/”Londonderry”. I am surprised that there was not more reference made to Irish place-names. Even if I wanted, I cant contribute to Slugger. I do not know my … Continue reading

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Republicans And Citizens.

Watching the American Presidential election process is a depressing experience. Not least because of the Money involved. One of the fault lines in American politics is the relationship between People and Government. The Americans seem obsessed with Tyrrany …not least … Continue reading

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BoobySands Gate

Sometimes you have to laugh. Mary Lou McDonald publishes a flyer and seemingly nobody did any proof-reading. “Booby Sands”. Sinn Féin are a slick organisation. It is entirely reasonable that critics of Sinn Féin take advantage when the slick staffers … Continue reading

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