Author Archives: fitzjameshorse

From Basil McIvor To Basil McCrea…

Posted on March 14, 2012 by fitzjameshorse

I have been watching “liberal unionism” for over forty years. And playing poker almost as long……….and I know a busted flush when I see one. When the cards are dealt, there is some Hope. But it all ends in Failure. … Continue reading →

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“Labour in Norn Iron” Conference

Posted on March 13, 2012 by fitzjameshorse

Having some time on my hands on Saturday, I went along to the “Labour Party in Norn Iron” Conference. This is best described as a group of fantasists who want …….indeed insist…..that the British Labour Party organises here. Despite feeble … Continue reading →

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Afghanistan…Carry On Up The Khyber

Posted on March 12, 2012 by fitzjameshorse

The bad news coming out of Afghanistan is truly shocking. Late last week six British soldiers were killed by a roadside bomb. This almost pales into insignificance with the news that a “rogue” American soldier killed sixteen Afghan civilians including … Continue reading →

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The Labour Party in Norn Iron…God Love Them.

Posted on March 9, 2012 by fitzjameshorse

The Labour Party in Norn Iron……they havent gone away you know. They are holding their annual conference (no seriously dont laugh!) in a South Belfast hotel tomorrow. For years the British Labour Party never organised in Norn Iron. The Party’s … Continue reading →

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So Farewell Then Tom Elliott

Posted on March 9, 2012 by fitzjameshorse

Tom Elliott, Leader of the UUP resigned tonight. He was elected to the position in the summer of 2010. Perhaps not surprisingly…….seemingly twenty per cent of the UUP voters who elected him were from his Fermanagh-South Tyrone constituency. Elliott is … Continue reading →

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Parsley Watch

Posted on March 8, 2012 by fitzjameshorse

A good night for those of us who have taken a keen interest in the political career of Ian Parsley. Alliance councillor elected on the last count in Holywood DEA (North Down) 2005. Alliance candidate…..defected to Conservative Unionists and stood … Continue reading →

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The Scottish Referendum…Quintin Oliver Steps In!

Posted on March 8, 2012 by fitzjameshorse

Interesting piece by Quintin Oliver on Slugger O’Toole-Stratagem site……..how to win a Scottish Refendum. So no sense of Irony…..in his “ten iron rules”. How exactly did the AV Referendum go Quintin? Was Stratagem perhaps involved?  

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Can We Shake On It? Seemingly Not

Posted on March 7, 2012 by fitzjameshorse

The British Olympics Team are being advised not to shake hands with people during the Games. Seemingly there is a chance of infection and highly trained athletes are very vulnerable to even minor infections which can have a bad effect … Continue reading →

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Paula Bradshaw Elected To Alliance Party Executive!!!

Posted on March 7, 2012 by fitzjameshorse

When Paula Bradshaw (and then Harry Hamilton) left the UUP ……there was an exchange of views on the Slugger O’Toole (partner of Stratagem who advises Rowntree which funds the Alliance Party) as to whether they would be fast-tracked by the … Continue reading →

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Has SDLP Turned The Corner?

Posted on March 6, 2012 by fitzjameshorse

It is now four months since the SDLP Annual Conference and the election of Alasdair McDonnell to replace Margaret Ritchie. Although Alasdair got off to a shaky start…that initial speech will haunt him……..and there was that furore over MLA salaries, things … Continue reading →

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