Category Archives: Uncategorized

SDLP Conference 2016

Posted on March 13, 2016 by fitzjameshorse

I was not at yesterday’s SDLP Annual Conference in Derry. In spite of my absence…or because of it…it was by all accounts , a success. Staging the Conference in March was a success. Assembly Elections  and the fixed term British … Continue reading →

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SDLP: Reasons To Be Cheerful

Posted on March 11, 2016 by fitzjameshorse

I wont be able to travel to Derry for the SDLP Conference tomorrow. It promises to be a Conference with a difference. It is in Derry, spiritual home of the Party and the constituency of new Leader, Colum Eastwood. I … Continue reading →

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Colum Eastwood In Upper Bann

Posted on March 9, 2016 by fitzjameshorse

As Mrs FJH says I never take her out, I surprised her by taking her to hear SDLP Leader, Colum Eastwood and Senator Mairia Cahill at a SDLP Upper Bann meeting tonight. SDLP Conference is on Saturday. The Party is … Continue reading →

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“Yer Own’s The Worst”

Posted on March 8, 2016 by fitzjameshorse

I am feeling oddly nostalgic this morning. In part it is because I as replying to a comment from “An Sionnach Fionn”. Three years ago, I gave a lecture on Norn Iron to a group of post-grads at Texas State … Continue reading →

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European Union: Talking Turkey

Posted on March 7, 2016 by fitzjameshorse

The curious thing about “Brexit” (the Referendum on whether Britain should stay in or leave the so-called European Union) is that it is a debate between Institutions that I dont like and Individuals who I dont like. On one side … Continue reading →

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Politics Message Boards…What’s The Point?

Posted on February 29, 2016 by fitzjameshorse

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

Posted on February 28, 2016 by fitzjameshorse

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

Posted on February 27, 2016 by fitzjameshorse

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

Posted on February 25, 2016 by fitzjameshorse

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

Posted on February 23, 2016 by fitzjameshorse

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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