The Haas Talks

[AQMP]

Presumably "we" want some recognition for our National Flag while the DUP no doubt want only one flag flying everywhere all over the 6 Cos??

The DUP wouldn't even find the 'no flags' option acceptable, even though that's the sensible and logical option.

I can't see where a sensible agreement will come from on any of this. On the unionist side of the house, the DUP have never taken the bold steps or compromises - they left that to the UUP at the GFA and then stepped into government afterwards, blaming the UUP for all the concessions, whilst enjoying the perks.

Also, quite alarming that they can get closer to a deal on the past than on flags.

Sadly, I think you may be right...

[glens abu]

It's all about keeping the pressure on for more equality.Unionists will always have to be dragged kicking and screaming.Unfortunatley

[Saffrongael]

It's all about keeping the pressure on for more equality.Unionists will always have to be dragged kicking and screaming.Unfortunatley

"more equality" ?!

[glens abu]

It's all about keeping the pressure on for more equality.Unionists will always have to be dragged kicking and screaming.Unfortunatley

"more equality" ?!

Yip,you not understand ::)equality in certain aspects of life in the North but still missing in others so the job in hand is to make this happen.Your wee chums on Friday night will not achieve it.

[Saffrongael]

It's all about keeping the pressure on for more equality.Unionists will always have to be dragged kicking and screaming.Unfortunatley

"more equality" ?!

Yip,you not understand ::)equality in certain aspects of life in the North but still missing in others so the job in hand is to make this happen.Your wee chums on Friday night will not achieve it.

Yep, if you take issue with you or the Shinners you are a dissident.

So what areas of life do Catholics not have equality in 2013?

Take your time.

[Wildweasel74]

Equality? well their should be no organization in northern ireland which bans persons on a religious grounds for a start, not that i got a sudden notion to join the orange order anyway.

[Maguire01]

Equality? well their should be no organization in northern ireland which bans persons on a religious grounds for a start, not that i got a sudden notion to join the orange order anyway.

Why not? You have to be a Catholic to join the Catholic Church, do you not?

[glens abu]

It's all about keeping the pressure on for more equality.Unionists will always have to be dragged kicking and screaming.Unfortunatley

"more equality" ?!

Yip,you not understand ::)equality in certain aspects of life in the North but still missing in others so the job in hand is to make this happen.Your wee chums on Friday night will not achieve it.

Yep, if you take issue with you or the Shinners you are a dissident.

So what areas of life do Catholics not have equality in 2013?

Take your time.

The reason for the talks,flags,parades and victims for a start.

[orangeman]

Haass talks: Sinn Féin 'have difficulties' but agreement possible Gerry Kelly said Sinn Féin had stayed away from 'histrionics' over the proposals

Sinn Féin have "a series of difficulties" with draft proposals on flags, parades and the legacy of the Troubles, a senior figure has said.

However, Gerry Kelly said it was possible to reach agreement this week if the "political will" was there.

The parties are involved in another round of talks, a day after receiving US diplomat Richard Haass's proposals.

"We are in this together, we have to come to a conclusion together, we are open for that," said Mr Kelly.

His comments were Sinn Féin's first public reaction to the draft proposals drawn up by Dr Haass and his team.

On Tuesday, DUP leader Peter Robinson said there would be "steam coming out of my ears" if he thought that the draft document was the final paper.

'Honourable compromise'

Mr Kelly said his party had deliberately stayed away from "histrionics".

Dr Haass said on Tuesday that he was still hopeful of reaching agreement.

The DUP will meet Dr Haass on Tuesday afternoon. Earlier, he met with Alliance and the SDLP.

Speaking during a break from the talks, he said a fresh draft document would be given to the parties on Wednesday.

SDLP leader Alasdair McDonnell said he believed there was room for "honourable compromise" and that the parties had to move away from "narrow political interest".

"What we're looking for is further building onto the foundations that are there," he said.

[Applesisapples]

It's all about keeping the pressure on for more equality.Unionists will always have to be dragged kicking and screaming.Unfortunatley

"more equality" ?!

Yip,you not understand ::)equality in certain aspects of life in the North but still missing in others so the job in hand is to make this happen.Your wee chums on Friday night will not achieve it.

Yep, if you take issue with you or the Shinners you are a dissident.

So what areas of life do Catholics not have equality in 2013?

Take your time.

They can't become head of state for a start. Look at the actions of unionist controlled councils, no parity of esteem on flags anthems etc, to start with.

[AQMP]

Would be amazed if SF agreed to a new NI fleg

[glens abu]

Would be amazed if SF agreed to a new NI fleg

No chance

[Kidder81]

Surprised these talks are receiving so much attention in the media, it's just another sham fight. DUP and Sinn Fèin both now saying they are unhappy with the outcome of the talks. So we will have the usual bollocks for a while, will they won't they agree to it until miraculously they then save the day and agree and try to look like saviours.

[orangeman]

Surprised these talks are receiving so much attention in the media, it's just another sham fight. DUP and Sinn Fèin both now saying they are unhappy with the outcome of the talks. So we will have the usual bollocks for a while, will they won't they agree to it until miraculously they then save the day and agree and try to look like saviours.

So predicatable.


It's as real life as Big Daddy and Giant Haystacks and Mick Mc Manus on a Saturday afternoon on World of Sport.

[Applesisapples]

except the DUP again Will wipe SF's eye. We are going to end up with the flag over the Guildhall. Listening to vox pops on the Falls from last nights Radio Ulster that will not necessarily annoy the new Northern Irish alive and living in West Belfast. Whilst to a man on the Shankill it was our fleg our country. Only a matter of time until we have the Ulster Banner flying over Connolly House.