Author Archives: fitzjameshorse

The Rise And Fall Of Slugger O’Toole

Posted on February 1, 2012 by fitzjameshorse

I suspect that the obituary of Slugger O’Toole will be written soon. It should be sad to see an old friend dying on his feet…but sympathy is eroded when the dying person acts erratically and even viciously towards those who … Continue reading →

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David McNasty

Posted on February 1, 2012 by fitzjameshorse

David McNarry UUP MLA for Strangford is occasionally known as David McNasty. He is in his early 60s and has been a member of the Ulster Unionist Party since he was just 15 years old. He is also Assistant Grand Master … Continue reading →

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“Sir” Fred Goodwin Becomes “Mr” Fred Goodwin

Posted on February 1, 2012 by fitzjameshorse

I am no fan of the British “Honours” System. In so far as there should be awards at all, they should be for actually achieving something. But the system of awarding a MBE to a long-serving midwife who has delvered … Continue reading →

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Robert Burns …..Jacobite to Jacobin

Posted on January 26, 2012 by fitzjameshorse

It is somewhat ironic that in their search to find a culture……Unionists discovered the Ulster-Scots Culture and decided to honour Robert “Rabbie” Burns……..Burns Night being 25th January……..it seems almost churlish to point out that Robert Burns was born in 1759……..just … Continue reading →

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The Scotland Question

Posted on January 26, 2012 by fitzjameshorse

There is a surprising number of threads about Scottish independence on Norn Irons third best political website. In part this is tribal……Norn Irons unionists will, by default back a “United Kingdom” and oppose Scottish independence. Irish nationalists of course oppose … Continue reading →

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In Praise Of The Blogger Circa 1920

Posted on January 24, 2012 by fitzjameshorse

The statue celebrates the Speakers who made speeches to the people of Belfast from the steps of Customs House Square . There is nothing “new” about Blogging. The Blogosphere is really just the steps at the Customs House.

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A Fleadh In Their Ear? Culture In “Stroke City”.

Posted on January 24, 2012 by fitzjameshorse

Here is some good news. In July 2010, Derry was selected to be the City of Culture in 2013. Now here is some bad news. In July 2010, Londonderry was selected to be the UK City of Culture in 2013. … Continue reading →

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Whatever Happened the Leveson Inquiry

Posted on January 24, 2012 by fitzjameshorse

Thousands of people…….well ok……..ONE person has been asking why I no longer report on the Leveson Inquiry. Well basically I got tired but now I share reporting duties with two other folks at a dedicated site. Makes sense.

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Colin Duffy

Posted on January 22, 2012 by fitzjameshorse

I have no idea whether Colin Duffy, the dissident Republican from Lurgan, County Armagh is responsible for the murder of two British soldiers in 2009. Nor do I know if he is responsible for the murder of an Ulster Defence … Continue reading →

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The “Royal Maternity” Babies

Posted on January 22, 2012 by fitzjameshorse

For over forty years, I have got used to seeing local TV reporters standing in front of Belfast landmarks such as the City Hall or Courthouse. And too often I have seen familiar faces from BBC London or American news … Continue reading →

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