Day to Day, what will the implementation of this Act do? Arguements on the radio seem to be reducing it to having both languages on road signs. Is this what iti is?
If it is introduced tomorrow, what does it mean? Compulsory teaching of Irish in schools? I say this as in the South,Republic, Free State call it whatever, the compulsory teaching of Irish hasn't been a resounding success. Most people would have a smattering of Irish words but would not be able to have a conversation in Irish (Gaeltacts being the exception). Is Northern Ireland going back to direct rule from London?
Foster said there would be no Irish language act on her watch. SF thought we will see about that and here we are.
Quote from: Hereiam on October 30, 2017, 12:13:36 PM
Foster said there would be no Irish language act on her watch. SF thought we will see about that and here we are.
Why not before though ? It's a total red herring. How many programmes for government have SF signed up for and not a mention of an ILA
Quote from: Minder on October 30, 2017, 12:15:40 PM
Quote from: Hereiam on October 30, 2017, 12:13:36 PM
Foster said there would be no Irish language act on her watch. SF thought we will see about that and here we are.
Why not before though ? It's a total red herring. How many programmes for government have SF signed up for and not a mention of an ILA
Perhaps Michelle O'Neill thought she needed a win to solidify her position, but shes left herself in a more precarious position because she might not have the credentials to weather backing down.
Quote from: Minder on October 30, 2017, 12:15:40 PM
Quote from: Hereiam on October 30, 2017, 12:13:36 PM
Foster said there would be no Irish language act on her watch. SF thought we will see about that and here we are.
Why not before though ? It's a total red herring. How many programmes for government have SF signed up for and not a mention of an ILA
You are missing the point SF couldn't give a stuff about the Irish language however the nationalist electorate have had enough hence the sudden u turn. SF pretty much were getting hammered by their own grass roots following years of DUP nonsense. All Martin McGuiness good intentions to make stormont work just ended up encouraging the DUP to take the piss more and more. If it wasnt the Irish language act it would have been something else. As mentioned earlier the euphoria with nationalism post GFA has long gone and quite frankly few will miss stormont. Direct rule means things will get done and bonus for SF is they can wash their hands of any unpopular decisions so why the fook would they want to go back to being the DUP's junior partner.
This issue sums up the nonsense that identity politics wields in the North.We may be starving,unable to access decent health or educational services,but all that matters is that one side does or doesn't get its way in a game constantly with a zero sum outcome.
Until the shift is made away from identity politics and the failed and obsolete philosophies of Ulster Unionism and Irish nationalism are marginalised,and a common Northern Irish identity emphasised and prioritised,thus eradicating division,we will never have an effective functioning assembly.
Quote from: T Fearon on October 30, 2017, 01:12:21 PM
This issue sums up the nonsense that identity politics wields in the North.We may be starving,unable to access decent health or educational services,but all that matters is that one side does or doesn't get its way in a game constantly with a zero sum outcome.
Until the shift is made away from identity politics and the failed and obsolete philosophies of Ulster Unionism and Irish nationalism are marginalised,and a common Northern Irish identity emphasised and prioritised,thus eradicating division,we will never have an effective functioning assembly.
No need for a ridiculous "Northern" Irish identity, the regular Irish one will do fine.
In the short term while unionists are playing these games, there is nothing to be done but to stand up to them.
What is an Irish identity? Is it imitating overpaid thick Premier League footballers by turning a hurling trophy celebration into a sleazefest with prostitutes? Is it legalising gay marriage? Secularism? I don't identify with any of those.
Quote from: T Fearon on October 30, 2017, 02:04:24 PM
What is an Irish identity? Is it imitating overpaid thick Premier League footballers by turning a hurling trophy celebration into a sleazefest with prostitutes? Is it legalising gay marriage? Secularism? I don't identify with any of those.
The people that are being brought up under this new "Northern Irish" identity, the first proper generation of them overwhelmingly support gay marriage and secularism. Sleazefests with prostitutes is hardly symbolic of wider southern Irish identity.
Quote from: T Fearon on October 30, 2017, 02:04:24 PM
What is an Irish identity? Is it imitating overpaid thick Premier League footballers by turning a hurling trophy celebration into a sleazefest with prostitutes? Is it legalising gay marriage? Secularism? I don't identify with any of those.
Be gob Tony but you have little to be worrying about.
You were born 30 years too late it seems.
As for Stormont it's obvious the Brits want to keep it in existence but if the Shinners genuinely couldn't care less about it then it's good night Irene.
So SF accepts British Tory/Direct Rule when they could keep their own hands on the tiller? Was the whole GFA argument propagated by them not that it enabled Irish men and women to run their own affairs? Did they not often allude to what Paisley said to McGuinness in 2006, "Martin we do not need Englishmen to tell us what to do?"
Why hand it over unnecessarily after putting so much effort in to ending Westminster rule?
Quote from: Rossfan on October 30, 2017, 02:54:05 PM
Quote from: T Fearon on October 30, 2017, 02:04:24 PM
What is an Irish identity? Is it imitating overpaid thick Premier League footballers by turning a hurling trophy celebration into a sleazefest with prostitutes? Is it legalising gay marriage? Secularism? I don't identify with any of those.
Be gob Tony but you have little to be worrying about.
You were born 30 years too late it seems.
As for Stormont it's obvious the Brits want to keep it in existence but if the Shinners genuinely couldn't care less about it then it's good night Irene.
Yes and no. I think SF want to do a deal but the problem (for them) is that the vast majority of their voters (and the wider nationalist constituency) don't give a shite whether Stormont comes back or not. The GFA and power sharing was an experiment worth trying, but it has failed. Too many deals have been endorsed by SF without a timetable for implementation.
Quote from: T Fearon on October 30, 2017, 03:15:07 PM
So SF accepts British Tory/Direct Rule when they could keep their own hands on the tiller? Was the whole GFA argument propagated by them not that it enabled Irish men and women to run their own affairs? Did they not often allude to what Paisley said to McGuinness in 2006, "Martin we do not need Englishmen to tell us what to do?"
Why hand it over unnecessarily after putting so much effort in to ending Westminster rule?
The other side of this argument is that "I don't care who empties my bins, as long as they are emptied by someone."
I feel like SF have scored a bit of an own-goal here. They "threatened" to walk out of power-sharing, and the unionists said "Okay then." Here's the problem. If you "threaten" to walk out of power-sharing, unionists don't perceive it as a threat. That's like "threatening" your child that you'll take away his vegetables if he doesn't eat them. They don't want power-sharing (or "mandatory coalition" as they call it) because of the old "not a catholic about the place" mentality. They'd rather have direct rule than let the fenians have a say in how the place is run.
Don't think that's right.DUP and UUP like the big Stormont salaries,family employment,cars etc.They are suspicious of direct rule as it will give Dublin a greater say etc.
Quote from: T Fearon on October 30, 2017, 04:36:02 PM
Don't think that's right.DUP and UUP like the big Stormont salaries,family employment,cars etc.They are suspicious of direct rule as it will give Dublin a greater say etc.
A rare post of yours that is actually on the money (in my opinion of course).
Quote from: T Fearon on October 30, 2017, 04:36:02 PM
Don't think that's right.DUP and UUP like the big Stormont salaries,family employment,cars etc.They are suspicious of direct rule as it will give Dublin a greater say etc.
Aren't they still getting paid? Would direct rule change that?
Quote from: JPGJOHNNYG on October 30, 2017, 01:06:22 PM
Quote from: Minder on October 30, 2017, 12:15:40 PM
Quote from: Hereiam on October 30, 2017, 12:13:36 PM
Foster said there would be no Irish language act on her watch. SF thought we will see about that and here we are.
Why not before though ? It's a total red herring. How many programmes for government have SF signed up for and not a mention of an ILA
You are missing the point SF couldn't give a stuff about the Irish language however the nationalist electorate have had enough hence the sudden u turn. SF pretty much were getting hammered by their own grass roots following years of DUP nonsense. All Martin McGuiness good intentions to make stormont work just ended up encouraging the DUP to take the piss more and more. If it wasnt the Irish language act it would have been something else. As mentioned earlier the euphoria with nationalism post GFA has long gone and quite frankly few will miss stormont. Direct rule means things will get done and bonus for SF is they can wash their hands of any unpopular decisions so why the fook would they want to go back to being the DUP's junior partner.
Nail on head. F**k Stormont, shut it down and flatten it
Quote from: red hander on October 30, 2017, 05:04:53 PM
Quote from: JPGJOHNNYG on October 30, 2017, 01:06:22 PM
Quote from: Minder on October 30, 2017, 12:15:40 PM
Quote from: Hereiam on October 30, 2017, 12:13:36 PM
Foster said there would be no Irish language act on her watch. SF thought we will see about that and here we are.
Why not before though ? It's a total red herring. How many programmes for government have SF signed up for and not a mention of an ILA
You are missing the point SF couldn't give a stuff about the Irish language however the nationalist electorate have had enough hence the sudden u turn. SF pretty much were getting hammered by their own grass roots following years of DUP nonsense. All Martin McGuiness good intentions to make stormont work just ended up encouraging the DUP to take the piss more and more. If it wasnt the Irish language act it would have been something else. As mentioned earlier the euphoria with nationalism post GFA has long gone and quite frankly few will miss stormont. Direct rule means things will get done and bonus for SF is they can wash their hands of any unpopular decisions so why the fook would they want to go back to being the DUP's junior partner.
Nail on head. F**k Stormont, shut it down and flatten it
What's the alternative then ?
Quote from: Minder on October 30, 2017, 05:10:13 PM
Quote from: red hander on October 30, 2017, 05:04:53 PM
Quote from: JPGJOHNNYG on October 30, 2017, 01:06:22 PM
Quote from: Minder on October 30, 2017, 12:15:40 PM
Quote from: Hereiam on October 30, 2017, 12:13:36 PM
Foster said there would be no Irish language act on her watch. SF thought we will see about that and here we are.
Why not before though ? It's a total red herring. How many programmes for government have SF signed up for and not a mention of an ILA
You are missing the point SF couldn't give a stuff about the Irish language however the nationalist electorate have had enough hence the sudden u turn. SF pretty much were getting hammered by their own grass roots following years of DUP nonsense. All Martin McGuiness good intentions to make stormont work just ended up encouraging the DUP to take the piss more and more. If it wasnt the Irish language act it would have been something else. As mentioned earlier the euphoria with nationalism post GFA has long gone and quite frankly few will miss stormont. Direct rule means things will get done and bonus for SF is they can wash their hands of any unpopular decisions so why the fook would they want to go back to being the DUP's junior partner.
Nail on head. F**k Stormont, shut it down and flatten it
What's the alternative then ?
I suppose it could be used as a site for the new Casement Park?
Joint authority as a preamble to reunification of the national territory. Now I know that's unlikely to happen in the short term, but the DUP won't hold the whip hand at Westminster forever. May's position is not strong, and the current sexual harassment row could see the debarring of several MPs (this row is not going to die down any time soon), leading to by-elections and a probable further weakening of her position, judging by the polls. She also has her own backstabbing Cabinet to contend with. Direct rule will involve greater Dublin input than the DUP thinks, as the Brits need Varadkar's support for a Brexit deal. Loss of Stormont will be a blow to unionists as it further weakens the institutions of this failed sectarian statelet. And let's face it, there are far too many hopeless MLAs on all sides. In what other field of life would such mediocre 'talents' rise to such a position if it wasn't down to a simple headcount along sectarian lines?
Quote from: armaghniac on October 30, 2017, 05:20:17 PM
Quote from: Minder on October 30, 2017, 05:10:13 PM
Quote from: red hander on October 30, 2017, 05:04:53 PM
Quote from: JPGJOHNNYG on October 30, 2017, 01:06:22 PM
Quote from: Minder on October 30, 2017, 12:15:40 PM
Quote from: Hereiam on October 30, 2017, 12:13:36 PM
Foster said there would be no Irish language act on her watch. SF thought we will see about that and here we are.
Why not before though ? It's a total red herring. How many programmes for government have SF signed up for and not a mention of an ILA
You are missing the point SF couldn't give a stuff about the Irish language however the nationalist electorate have had enough hence the sudden u turn. SF pretty much were getting hammered by their own grass roots following years of DUP nonsense. All Martin McGuiness good intentions to make stormont work just ended up encouraging the DUP to take the piss more and more. If it wasnt the Irish language act it would have been something else. As mentioned earlier the euphoria with nationalism post GFA has long gone and quite frankly few will miss stormont. Direct rule means things will get done and bonus for SF is they can wash their hands of any unpopular decisions so why the fook would they want to go back to being the DUP's junior partner.
Nail on head. F**k Stormont, shut it down and flatten it
What's the alternative then ?
I suppose it could be used as a site for the new Casement Park?
Surely not on top of a hill that height above Belfast. That would be like Tyrone CB being so stupid as to spend #7m building its centre of excellence on top of a hill 700 feet above sea level beside the wind turbine farms.
It should be remembered that the hugely controversial Universal Credit is just starting it's roll out in NI, both showers of tough decision dodgers will be happy to let the UK government take the flack for that shitfest and slip back into power late next Spring.
Quote from: armaghniac on October 30, 2017, 05:20:17 PM
Quote from: Minder on October 30, 2017, 05:10:13 PM
Quote from: red hander on October 30, 2017, 05:04:53 PM
Quote from: JPGJOHNNYG on October 30, 2017, 01:06:22 PM
Quote from: Minder on October 30, 2017, 12:15:40 PM
Quote from: Hereiam on October 30, 2017, 12:13:36 PM
Foster said there would be no Irish language act on her watch. SF thought we will see about that and here we are.
Why not before though ? It's a total red herring. How many programmes for government have SF signed up for and not a mention of an ILA
You are missing the point SF couldn't give a stuff about the Irish language however the nationalist electorate have had enough hence the sudden u turn. SF pretty much were getting hammered by their own grass roots following years of DUP nonsense. All Martin McGuiness good intentions to make stormont work just ended up encouraging the DUP to take the piss more and more. If it wasnt the Irish language act it would have been something else. As mentioned earlier the euphoria with nationalism post GFA has long gone and quite frankly few will miss stormont. Direct rule means things will get done and bonus for SF is they can wash their hands of any unpopular decisions so why the fook would they want to go back to being the DUP's junior partner.
Nail on head. F**k Stormont, shut it down and flatten it
What's the alternative then ?
I suppose it could be used as a site for the new Casement Park?
And it in Down and all...😁
Antrim could fix up Casement for their own massive crowds and Down would have a ground wholly in their own county.
Quote from: bennydorano on October 30, 2017, 06:19:24 PM
It should be remembered that the hugely controversial Universal Credit is just starting it's roll out in NI, both showers of tough decision dodgers will be happy to let the UK government take the flack for that shitfest and slip back into power late next Spring.
Yeah I actually think that's a huge factor, the shit is going to hit the fan in a big way with UC
I always thought there was no motivation for the DUP to restore Stormont. They're probably very happy with direct rule rather than having to share decision making with SF. Some interesting comments here on why SF might be watery on the restoration also. I just hope Varadkar takes an interest. I have no faith in him. I just think he tells everyone what they want to hear but ends up doing nothing.
Seriously, have a big fight on the site of Long Kesh. The winner keeps this place (Christ, what a prize!).
Sounds mad yes, but is there a better idea to sorting out this cesspit once and for all?
I am bewildered.I thought the big selling point of the GFA,was a functional Stormont,with Irishman and women running the North and South,hence we are no longer subject to "British" rule,though this will be negated by their current relationship with the Tories.
Believe me,Stormont is a big deal for the DUP,if it wasn't Arlene would be sitting in a safe DUP Westminster seat.They are also able to halt things like Gay Marriage etc,and will not trust Westminster not to deals with Dublin.
Similarly I can't see any advantage for SF,handing over the reigns to the Tories.Their enemies in Dublin will be able to accuse them of running away from government when the going got tough.
It's a different era now.Dublin will not be nearly as engaged as they were in previous eras,both they and the British thought the GFA was a final settlement.
Effectively every one in the North is going to be subject to Tory rule for which no one votec
Quote from: red hander on October 30, 2017, 05:24:17 PM
Joint authority as a preamble to reunification of the national territory. Now I know that's unlikely to happen in the short term, but the DUP won't hold the whip hand at Westminster forever. May's position is not strong, and the current sexual harassment row could see the debarring of several MPs (this row is not going to die down any time soon), leading to by-elections and a probable further weakening of her position, judging by the polls. She also has her own backstabbing Cabinet to contend with. Direct rule will involve greater Dublin input than the DUP thinks, as the Brits need Varadkar's support for a Brexit deal. Loss of Stormont will be a blow to unionists as it further weakens the institutions of this failed sectarian statelet. And let's face it, there are far too many hopeless MLAs on all sides. In what other field of life would such mediocre 'talents' rise to such a position if it wasn't down to a simple headcount along sectarian lines?
"current sexual harassment"
You mean the Shinners weren't the only ones touching up the young wans and young fellas
What has the GFA actually done for the ordinary Joe in the North? I'd hazard a guess and say feck all.
Quote from: BennyCake on October 30, 2017, 08:07:30 PM
What has the GFA actually done for the ordinary Joe in the North? I'd hazard a guess and say feck all.
It wasn't great before that, so I'd say it did a lot of good.
Quote from: BennyCake on October 30, 2017, 08:07:30 PM
What has the GFA actually done for the ordinary Joe in the North? I'd hazard a guess and say feck all.
My Dad used to take a different road to work every morning as a safety precaution against being shot for being a catholic. If he were still working I don't think he'd have to do that. Sounds like a big difference to me.
Quote from: armaghniac on October 30, 2017, 08:36:19 PM
Quote from: BennyCake on October 30, 2017, 08:07:30 PM
What has the GFA actually done for the ordinary Joe in the North? I'd hazard a guess and say feck all.
It wasn't great before that, so I'd say it did a lot of good.
Ceasefire was before GFA though.
Quote from: BennyCake on October 30, 2017, 08:45:10 PM
Ceasefire was before GFA though.
GFA made the ceasefire permanent.
The gfa agreement has done untold good for the north.
The only thing is the pricks have been on the gravy train from it and have done nothing useful ever since - and that is the lot of them not just one side!
Quote from: imtommygunn on October 30, 2017, 09:10:56 PM
The gfa agreement has done untild good for the north.
The only thing is the pricks have been on the gravy train from it and have done nothing useful ever since - and that is the lot of them not just one side!
What he said. Anyone who thinks the gfa has done nothing for everyone in the north is either lucky enough to be young enough not to have experienced the worst times or doesn't appreciate just how much has changed.
The politicians are a shower of c***ts with very few exceptions
Brokenshire has announced 3 days of time added on for stoppages.
Still time for a final score?
Might go to penalties....
And he'll add on another few days after that again
This is the final final deadline.....until the next final final deadline 😂
I think he'll have to pass a budget shortly. Which might suit those in the talks. .
The GFA was 20 years ago. It did a reasonable job. NI politics now seems to be more GFY. Go f#ck yourself.
Maybe NI needs a new settlement to reflect the relative weightings of nationalists and unionists. The statelet will need new symbols to reflect what is happening....
First point. The ILA act is not about the Irish language. It's essentially about forcing the unionists to actually accept that there is another community in NI who do not subscribe to GB values and who now make up about 50% of the population. Remember when they ruled NI themselves, there wasn't one RC employed in the civil service in Derry and they even managed to redraw boundaries to ensure they had a majority. Catholics didn't have the vote and peaceful attempts to change this with the civil rights saw them being battered off the streets and eventually Bloody Sunday. In forty years of Stormont Rule, a nationalist Mp only once got a bill passed (The Wild Birds Bill 1939). One bill in 40 years. Everywhere you look, there are sinister symbols of Britishness; Carson statue, the Holy Land streets, named after British colonies which they took with much bloodshed, Ireton St, named after Cromwell's son in law who created a famine in 1651 when he besieged Limerick. If youy think that's all old crusty history, just look at a decision made TODAY! Around the NI soccer team who have applied to wear poppies on their jerseys in their play off match. A total ingoring of the fact that 50% of the population and rising were the greatest victims of the very imperialism it seeks to triumph. SF did their best to plough on, keeping the thing going Martin McGuinness particularly, but the DUP couldn't help themselves. They protested violently side by side with loyalist murderers when a democratic vote was taken to take the union jack down from the City Hall on all but designated days, in line with UK. That flag shouldn't be up anywhere unless the tricolour is beside it, if there was true recognition of the Irish identity, but these people actually think it should be flying over a city that hasn't even a unionist majority any more. They changed the name of the NI boat from Banríon Uladh, to the Queen of Ulster, a proactive act of sectarion bigotry, they got rid of the Líofa grants to gaeltacht students etc etc etc.
It is not necessarily SF who is pushing this, but their voters who have told them on every single consultation to hold firm. The last consultation took place last Monday night among non activist nationalist business people. It took place in Belfast (Malone Lodge Hotel). They were told by that highly educated, well connected group of what would pass for SDLP voters not to move one muscle towards the executive until the ILA and other demands are met.
Quote from: Seany on October 31, 2017, 11:03:22 AM
First point. The ILA act is not about the Irish language. It's essentially about forcing the unionists to actually accept that there is another community in NI who do not subscribe to GB values and who now make up about 50% of the population. Remember when they ruled NI themselves, there wasn't one RC employed in the civil service in Derry and they even managed to redraw boundaries to ensure they had a majority. Catholics didn't have the vote and peaceful attempts to change this with the civil rights saw them being battered off the streets and eventually Bloody Sunday. In forty years of Stormont Rule, a nationalist Mp only once got a bill passed (The Wild Birds Bill 1939). One bill in 40 years. Everywhere you look, there are sinister symbols of Britishness; Carson statue, the Holy Land streets, named after British colonies which they took with much bloodshed, Ireton St, named after Cromwell's son in law who created a famine in 1651 when he besieged Limerick. If youy think that's all old crusty history, just look at a decision made TODAY! Around the NI soccer team who have applied to wear poppies on their jerseys in their play off match. A total ingoring of the fact that 50% of the population and rising were the greatest victims of the very imperialism it seeks to triumph. SF did their best to plough on, keeping the thing going Martin McGuinness particularly, but the DUP couldn't help themselves. They protested violently side by side with loyalist murderers when a democratic vote was taken to take the union jack down from the City Hall on all but designated days, in line with UK. That flag shouldn't be up anywhere unless the tricolour is beside it, if there was true recognition of the Irish identity, but these people actually think it should be flying over a city that hasn't even a unionist majority any more. They changed the name of the NI boat from Banríon Uladh, to the Queen of Ulster, a proactive act of sectarion bigotry, they got rid of the Líofa grants to gaeltacht students etc etc etc.
It is not necessarily SF who is pushing this, but their voters who have told them on every single consultation to hold firm. The last consultation took place last Monday night among non activist nationalist business people. It took place in Belfast (Malone Lodge Hotel). They were told by that highly educated, well connected group of what would pass for SDLP voters not to move one muscle towards the executive until the ILA and other demands are met.
Without going into all the details, I'd be in agreement with you in that the ILA is the straw to break the camels back for the shinners and Stormont
Excellent post Seany.
Trying to pretend that 45%+ of the population doesn't exist won't exactly help anything.
It is messy because it is about acknowledging that it is no longer a British/Protestant state for an exclusively British/Protestant people. Unionism is oppositional. It is the anti Irish. It is intractably so. And puerile.
The benches in Stormont were ordered to be the same as the House of Commons. The benches in the House of Commons have green backs . This was not acceptable in Stormont. So the backs are blue.
Gregory Campbell saying "Curry my yogurt can coca cola yer" in Stormont is not the sign of a confident community either.
Unionism has to make peace with what is defines itself that it is not. And it doesn't want to.
This is basically what the war was about.
Unionism needs a de Gaulle or a De Klerk or LBJ to lead the people to the land of reason.
And there is nobody.
I also think the cultural confidence of nationalists is very uncomfortable for Unionists. Unionism was built on the assumption that Taigs were backward and ignorant. You can't disenfranchise people who will fight for their rights.
Sleacht Néill won the camogie all Ireland last year. The club is part of a community that is dedicated to the promotion of Irish language and culture. Sporting excellence is a by-product.
Unionism is beyond saving. It has become an example of unifying Race, State, Religion and National Identity as one and the same. A victim of it's past success. It is a falsehood that can't survive without other factors not present in Unionism. As this becomes even more of a reality Unionism is in protection mode rather than celebration mode.
Other factors required for a large identity to survive are Language, Culture (music, dance etc), shared history, shared faith, geographic recognition (an identifiable and recognized border) and unity or a working relationship in leadership and often a common enemy.
This is not dissimilar to the break down in US society which has brought them to the stage of Trump. It's a false immigrant majority national identity with no shared values (if any of the above are of value).
I've always thought if the unionists can't find it in themselves to agree to an ILA it just shows they do not see nationalist or Irish culture as equal or of any value. Which a lot of us suspected was their inbuilt feeling anyway which they try (poorly) to hide. Some good posts here, Seany, seafood, vallk
People have suggested if a few Unionist just listened to a session, they'd see how close we are.
Just listen to this. Put Ulster Scots music into you tube and came up with this.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sTr7pmDS9_4
Quote from: Seany on October 31, 2017, 11:03:22 AM
First point. The ILA act is not about the Irish language. It's essentially about forcing the unionists to actually accept that there is another community in NI who do not subscribe to GB values and who now make up about 50% of the population. Remember when they ruled NI themselves, there wasn't one RC employed in the civil service in Derry and they even managed to redraw boundaries to ensure they had a majority. Catholics didn't have the vote and peaceful attempts to change this with the civil rights saw them being battered off the streets and eventually Bloody Sunday. In forty years of Stormont Rule, a nationalist Mp only once got a bill passed (The Wild Birds Bill 1939). One bill in 40 years. Everywhere you look, there are sinister symbols of Britishness; Carson statue, the Holy Land streets, named after British colonies which they took with much bloodshed, Ireton St, named after Cromwell's son in law who created a famine in 1651 when he besieged Limerick. If youy think that's all old crusty history, just look at a decision made TODAY! Around the NI soccer team who have applied to wear poppies on their jerseys in their play off match. A total ingoring of the fact that 50% of the population and rising were the greatest victims of the very imperialism it seeks to triumph. SF did their best to plough on, keeping the thing going Martin McGuinness particularly, but the DUP couldn't help themselves. They protested violently side by side with loyalist murderers when a democratic vote was taken to take the union jack down from the City Hall on all but designated days, in line with UK. That flag shouldn't be up anywhere unless the tricolour is beside it, if there was true recognition of the Irish identity, but these people actually think it should be flying over a city that hasn't even a unionist majority any more. They changed the name of the NI boat from Banríon Uladh, to the Queen of Ulster, a proactive act of sectarion bigotry, they got rid of the Líofa grants to gaeltacht students etc etc etc.
It is not necessarily SF who is pushing this, but their voters who have told them on every single consultation to hold firm. The last consultation took place last Monday night among non activist nationalist business people. It took place in Belfast (Malone Lodge Hotel). They were told by that highly educated, well connected group of what would pass for SDLP voters not to move one muscle towards the executive until the ILA and other demands are met.
Interesting.
I've come to think that bigotry is something we're going to have to live with in the current generation of unionist politicians and we'll just have to ride out the storm until a newer generation of moderates, the Trevor Ringland-types, become the normal face of unionism. Am I being too pessimistic? Is there value in trying to force the issue and force unionists to accept equality? Is it even possible to force them? Or will they always tend towards the extreme?
Quote from: Eamonnca1 on October 31, 2017, 04:43:23 PM
Quote from: Seany on October 31, 2017, 11:03:22 AM
Interesting.
I've come to think that bigotry is something we're going to have to live with in the current generation of unionist politicians and we'll just have to ride out the storm until a newer generation of moderates, the Trevor Ringland-types, become the normal face of unionism. Am I being too pessimistic? Is there value in trying to force the issue and force unionists to accept equality? Is it even possible to force them? Or will they always tend towards the extreme?
Trevor Ringland was a great rugby player and he seems like a decent sort, but he's one of those in cloud cuckoo land waiting for the "why can't we all just get along" constituency to rise up and occupy what is termed "the middle ground". There is no middle ground or if there is it's occupied by SF and the DUP.
Is it possible that the moderates all get fed up and leave the place, leaving the hardliners in the majority? Are the most talented potential leaders living elsewhere in the world and working in the private sector?
Israelis and Unionists share a promised land ideology and a military fetish plus a big brain drain leaving behind a less talented rump.
I hear our ones are more inclined to stick around, unionist youngsters are more inclined to move to England. Anybody ever hear that?
Quote from: AQMP on October 31, 2017, 04:50:36 PM
Quote from: Eamonnca1 on October 31, 2017, 04:43:23 PM
Quote from: Seany on October 31, 2017, 11:03:22 AM
Interesting.
I've come to think that bigotry is something we're going to have to live with in the current generation of unionist politicians and we'll just have to ride out the storm until a newer generation of moderates, the Trevor Ringland-types, become the normal face of unionism. Am I being too pessimistic? Is there value in trying to force the issue and force unionists to accept equality? Is it even possible to force them? Or will they always tend towards the extreme?
Trevor Ringland was a great rugby player and he seems like a decent sort, but he's one of those in cloud cuckoo land waiting for the "why can't we all just get along" constituency to rise up and occupy what is termed "the middle ground". There is no middle ground or if there is it's occupied by SF and the DUP.
The guy's naive in the extreme because he totally ignores the core issue. The British never had any right to be in Ireland, full stop. Everything flows from that
Are we to turn the clock back to 1169 and start again?????
Quote from: Eamonnca1 on October 31, 2017, 05:30:25 PM
I hear our ones are more inclined to stick around, unionist youngsters are more inclined to move to England. Anybody ever hear that?
Nationalists are more inclined to stay in touch even if they away for a while and maybe move back at some stage.
Quote from: Rossfan on October 31, 2017, 06:48:00 PM
Are we to turn the clock back to 1169 and start again?????
No putting the clock back, just stop the invasion.
Quote from: seafoid on October 31, 2017, 11:41:25 AM
It is messy because it is about acknowledging that it is no longer a British/Protestant state for an exclusively British/Protestant people. Unionism is oppositional. It is the anti Irish. It is intractably so. And puerile.
The benches in Stormont were ordered to be the same as the House of Commons. The benches in the House of Commons have green backs . This was not acceptable in Stormont. So the backs are blue.
Gregory Campbell saying "Curry my yogurt can coca cola yer" in Stormont is not the sign of a confident community either.
Unionism has to make peace with what is defines itself that it is not. And it doesn't want to.
This is basically what the war was about.
Unionism needs a de Gaulle or a De Klerk or LBJ to lead the people to the land of reason.
And there is nobody.
Anyone who tries to do a deal with the other side is fecked. Trimble, and even Paisley were chucked out. It's pointless even trying. What unionists need is a border poll in Britain, with an overwhelming vote to get rid of the North. That's what they need to hear - that their so called fellow Brits don't want anything to do with them or this place.
Quote from: Rossfan on October 31, 2017, 06:48:00 PM
Are we to turn the clock back to 1169 and start again?????
Where is their legitimacy to be in Ireland. The Irish people have certainly never given them that legitimacy. Grattan's Parliament didn't represent the Irish people
Quote from: Eamonnca1 on October 31, 2017, 04:43:23 PM
Quote from: Seany on October 31, 2017, 11:03:22 AM
First point. The ILA act is not about the Irish language. It's essentially about forcing the unionists to actually accept that there is another community in NI who do not subscribe to GB values and who now make up about 50% of the population. Remember when they ruled NI themselves, there wasn't one RC employed in the civil service in Derry and they even managed to redraw boundaries to ensure they had a majority. Catholics didn't have the vote and peaceful attempts to change this with the civil rights saw them being battered off the streets and eventually Bloody Sunday. In forty years of Stormont Rule, a nationalist Mp only once got a bill passed (The Wild Birds Bill 1939). One bill in 40 years. Everywhere you look, there are sinister symbols of Britishness; Carson statue, the Holy Land streets, named after British colonies which they took with much bloodshed, Ireton St, named after Cromwell's son in law who created a famine in 1651 when he besieged Limerick. If youy think that's all old crusty history, just look at a decision made TODAY! Around the NI soccer team who have applied to wear poppies on their jerseys in their play off match. A total ingoring of the fact that 50% of the population and rising were the greatest victims of the very imperialism it seeks to triumph. SF did their best to plough on, keeping the thing going Martin McGuinness particularly, but the DUP couldn't help themselves. They protested violently side by side with loyalist murderers when a democratic vote was taken to take the union jack down from the City Hall on all but designated days, in line with UK. That flag shouldn't be up anywhere unless the tricolour is beside it, if there was true recognition of the Irish identity, but these people actually think it should be flying over a city that hasn't even a unionist majority any more. They changed the name of the NI boat from Banríon Uladh, to the Queen of Ulster, a proactive act of sectarion bigotry, they got rid of the Líofa grants to gaeltacht students etc etc etc.
It is not necessarily SF who is pushing this, but their voters who have told them on every single consultation to hold firm. The last consultation took place last Monday night among non activist nationalist business people. It took place in Belfast (Malone Lodge Hotel). They were told by that highly educated, well connected group of what would pass for SDLP voters not to move one muscle towards the executive until the ILA and other demands are met.
Interesting.
I've come to think that bigotry is something we're going to have to live with in the current generation of unionist politicians and we'll just have to ride out the storm until a newer generation of moderates, the Trevor Ringland-types, become the normal face of unionism. Am I being too pessimistic? Is there value in trying to force the issue and force unionists to accept equality? Is it even possible to force them? Or will they always tend towards the extreme?
Trevor ringland may seem liberal but its a kind of warped liberal. His answer for the fleg problem was to fly the ulster banner I shit you not. On the same level as Rory I dont want to offend anyone or choose sides but ill wave the ulster banner at every opportunity. WTF do they not realise that it represents everything that was rotten with the one party junta that was OWC for 50 years - twats.
Quote from: red hander on October 31, 2017, 07:25:26 PM
Quote from: Rossfan on October 31, 2017, 06:48:00 PM
Are we to turn the clock back to 1169 and start again?????
Where is their legitimacy to be in Ireland. The Irish people have certainly never given them that legitimacy. Grattan's Parliament didn't represent the Irish people
They are there now. That is their legitimacy.
Quote from: red hander on October 31, 2017, 07:25:26 PM
Quote from: Rossfan on October 31, 2017, 06:48:00 PM
Are we to turn the clock back to 1169 and start again?????
Where is their legitimacy to be in Ireland. The Irish people have certainly never given them that legitimacy. Grattan's Parliament didn't represent the Irish people
Is the right to be British in Ireland not enshrined in the GFA? As this was voted through on both sides of the border, does that not provide legitimacy for unionists to be in Ireland?
Quote from: johnneycool on October 31, 2017, 11:24:58 AM
Quote from: Seany on October 31, 2017, 11:03:22 AM
First point. The ILA act is not about the Irish language. It's essentially about forcing the unionists to actually accept that there is another community in NI who do not subscribe to GB values and who now make up about 50% of the population. Remember when they ruled NI themselves, there wasn't one RC employed in the civil service in Derry and they even managed to redraw boundaries to ensure they had a majority. Catholics didn't have the vote and peaceful attempts to change this with the civil rights saw them being battered off the streets and eventually Bloody Sunday. In forty years of Stormont Rule, a nationalist Mp only once got a bill passed (The Wild Birds Bill 1939). One bill in 40 years. Everywhere you look, there are sinister symbols of Britishness; Carson statue, the Holy Land streets, named after British colonies which they took with much bloodshed, Ireton St, named after Cromwell's son in law who created a famine in 1651 when he besieged Limerick. If youy think that's all old crusty history, just look at a decision made TODAY! Around the NI soccer team who have applied to wear poppies on their jerseys in their play off match. A total ingoring of the fact that 50% of the population and rising were the greatest victims of the very imperialism it seeks to triumph. SF did their best to plough on, keeping the thing going Martin McGuinness particularly, but the DUP couldn't help themselves. They protested violently side by side with loyalist murderers when a democratic vote was taken to take the union jack down from the City Hall on all but designated days, in line with UK. That flag shouldn't be up anywhere unless the tricolour is beside it, if there was true recognition of the Irish identity, but these people actually think it should be flying over a city that hasn't even a unionist majority any more. They changed the name of the NI boat from Banríon Uladh, to the Queen of Ulster, a proactive act of sectarion bigotry, they got rid of the Líofa grants to gaeltacht students etc etc etc.
It is not necessarily SF who is pushing this, but their voters who have told them on every single consultation to hold firm. The last consultation took place last Monday night among non activist nationalist business people. It took place in Belfast (Malone Lodge Hotel). They were told by that highly educated, well connected group of what would pass for SDLP voters not to move one muscle towards the executive until the ILA and other demands are met.
Without going into all the details, I'd be in agreement with you in that the ILA is the straw to break the camels back for the shinners and Stormont
Yeah me too. No fan of sinn fein but they are doing the right thing here. The dup have never budged an inch for any nationalist. I doubt they would be near stormont only for the money they get. They have been laughing at the lot of us and have been for years.
I have never been in any way convinced they are even particularly interested in peace.
It isn't really about the irish language act and never has been. Ulster scots was only a retaliatory action.
Quote from: michaelg on October 31, 2017, 08:13:15 PM
Is the right to be British in Ireland not enshrined in the GFA? As this was voted through on both sides of the border, does that not provide legitimacy for unionists to be in Ireland?
Individuals can be British, Polish or Klingon if they wish.
It is declaring the place they happen to be as Britain, Poland or Kronos that is unacceptable.
Quote from: red hander on October 31, 2017, 07:25:26 PM
Quote from: Rossfan on October 31, 2017, 06:48:00 PM
Are we to turn the clock back to 1169 and start again?????
Where is their legitimacy to be in Ireland. The Irish people have certainly never given them that legitimacy.
The Referendums after the GFA surely?
Legitimised the current situation anyway.
Quote from: michaelg on October 31, 2017, 08:13:15 PM
Quote from: red hander on October 31, 2017, 07:25:26 PM
Quote from: Rossfan on October 31, 2017, 06:48:00 PM
Are we to turn the clock back to 1169 and start again?????
Where is their legitimacy to be in Ireland. The Irish people have certainly never given them that legitimacy. Grattan's Parliament didn't represent the Irish people
Is the right to be British in Ireland not enshrined in the GFA? As this was voted through on both sides of the border, does that not provide legitimacy for unionists to be in Ireland?
Of course unionists have a right to be in Ireland because of the history, but they had no right to steal the native people's land, nor rule over them at the point of a gun, nor have the right to ignore the democratically expressed will of 78% of the Irish people in 1918 by partitioning the national territory to establish a failed sectarian statelet.
Quote from: red hander on October 31, 2017, 08:45:01 PM
Quote from: michaelg on October 31, 2017, 08:13:15 PM
Quote from: red hander on October 31, 2017, 07:25:26 PM
Quote from: Rossfan on October 31, 2017, 06:48:00 PM
Are we to turn the clock back to 1169 and start again?????
Where is their legitimacy to be in Ireland. The Irish people have certainly never given them that legitimacy. Grattan's Parliament didn't represent the Irish people
Is the right to be British in Ireland not enshrined in the GFA? As this was voted through on both sides of the border, does that not provide legitimacy for unionists to be in Ireland?
Of course unionists have a right to be in Ireland because of the history, but they had no right to steal the native people's land, nor rule over them at the point of a gun, nor have the right to ignore the democratically expressed will of 78% of the Irish people in 1918 by partitioning the national territory to establish a failed sectarian statelet.
Why ask your original question then?
Waiting out on a irish language act? Where was this on the agenda past 10yrs; dont remember it been high up the list! Bigger priority be building some irish medium schools which are currently in mobile hell! The education service is a mess with no budgets to the point am closing classrooms and kicking out children in wheelchairs to be taught in corridors due to health and safety issues which there no money to fix due to no budgets! Time these stormont clowns had a reality check; got off the gravy train and actually go do the job they are supposed to or just go direct rule for good; which would end in tears all round
Quote from: Wildweasel74 on October 31, 2017, 08:57:13 PM
Waiting out on a irish language act? Where was this on the agenda past 10yrs; dont remember it been high up the list! Bigger priority be building some irish medium schools which are currently in mobile hell! The education service is a mess with no budgets to the point am closing classrooms and kicking out children in wheelchairs to be taught in corridors due to health and safety issues which there no money to fix due to no budgets! Time these stormont clowns had a reality check; got off the gravy train and actually go do the job they are supposed to or just go direct rule for good; which would end in tears all round
Which brings me to a question nobody seems to be asking: What are the contents of this elusive Irish language act? Is it to have government documents and all business in the Assembly translated into Irish? Or is it about doing something that'll actually improve the condition of the language, like making sure the Irish medium schools are properly resourced?
Quote from: michaelg on October 31, 2017, 08:56:03 PM
Quote from: red hander on October 31, 2017, 08:45:01 PM
Quote from: michaelg on October 31, 2017, 08:13:15 PM
Quote from: red hander on October 31, 2017, 07:25:26 PM
Quote from: Rossfan on October 31, 2017, 06:48:00 PM
Are we to turn the clock back to 1169 and start again?????
Where is their legitimacy to be in Ireland. The Irish people have certainly never given them that legitimacy. Grattan's Parliament didn't represent the Irish people
Is the right to be British in Ireland not enshrined in the GFA? As this was voted through on both sides of the border, does that not provide legitimacy for unionists to be in Ireland?
Of course unionists have a right to be in Ireland because of the history, but they had no right to steal the native people's land, nor rule over them at the point of a gun, nor have the right to ignore the democratically expressed will of 78% of the Irish people in 1918 by partitioning the national territory to establish a failed sectarian statelet.
Why ask your original question then?
You have a right to be British in Ireland because of the history. It's just that the British (authority) has no legitimacy, never had a legitimacy, and never will have a legitimacy to be in Ireland
Quote from: red hander on October 31, 2017, 09:11:21 PM
Quote from: michaelg on October 31, 2017, 08:56:03 PM
Quote from: red hander on October 31, 2017, 08:45:01 PM
Quote from: michaelg on October 31, 2017, 08:13:15 PM
Quote from: red hander on October 31, 2017, 07:25:26 PM
Quote from: Rossfan on October 31, 2017, 06:48:00 PM
Are we to turn the clock back to 1169 and start again?????
Where is their legitimacy to be in Ireland. The Irish people have certainly never given them that legitimacy. Grattan's Parliament didn't represent the Irish people
Is the right to be British in Ireland not enshrined in the GFA? As this was voted through on both sides of the border, does that not provide legitimacy for unionists to be in Ireland?
Of course unionists have a right to be in Ireland because of the history, but they had no right to steal the native people's land, nor rule over them at the point of a gun, nor have the right to ignore the democratically expressed will of 78% of the Irish people in 1918 by partitioning the national territory to establish a failed sectarian statelet.
Why ask your original question then?
You have a right to be British in Ireland because of the history. It's just that the British (authority) has no legitimacy, never had a legitimacy, and never will have a legitimacy to be in Ireland
Thanks.
Quote from: red hander on October 31, 2017, 08:45:01 PM
Of course unionists have a right to be in Ireland because of the history, but they had no right to steal the native people's land, nor rule over them at the point of a gun, nor have the right to ignore the democratically expressed will of 78% of the Irish people in 1918 by partitioning the national territory to establish a failed sectarian statelet.
The democratically expressed wishes of the Irish people in 1998 accepted the right of the British to rule the north for as long as the majority in there want them to. Do you not think we should go by the more recent vote?
Quote from: Eamonnca1 on October 31, 2017, 09:30:43 PM
Quote from: red hander on October 31, 2017, 08:45:01 PM
Of course unionists have a right to be in Ireland because of the history, but they had no right to steal the native people's land, nor rule over them at the point of a gun, nor have the right to ignore the democratically expressed will of 78% of the Irish people in 1918 by partitioning the national territory to establish a failed sectarian statelet.
The democratically expressed wishes of the Irish people in 1998 accepted the right of the British to rule the north for as long as the majority in there want them to. Do you not think we should go by the more recent vote?
+1
Latest statistics on the use of the Irish Language in RoI will provide considerable ammunition for those refusing a ILA in N.Ireland...........
http://www.thejournal.ie/census-irish-education-3712741-Nov2017/ (http://www.thejournal.ie/census-irish-education-3712741-Nov2017/)
Quote from: Owen Brannigan on November 24, 2017, 08:58:33 AM
Latest statistics on the use of the Irish Language in RoI will provide considerable ammunition for those refusing a ILA in N.Ireland...........
http://www.thejournal.ie/census-irish-education-3712741-Nov2017/ (http://www.thejournal.ie/census-irish-education-3712741-Nov2017/)
Shameful stats
Quote from: Owen Brannigan on November 24, 2017, 08:58:33 AM
Latest statistics on the use of the Irish Language in RoI will provide considerable ammunition for those refusing a ILA in N.Ireland...........
http://www.thejournal.ie/census-irish-education-3712741-Nov2017/ (http://www.thejournal.ie/census-irish-education-3712741-Nov2017/)
Or the stats support the urgent need to promote the language...
Quote from: AQMP on November 24, 2017, 10:36:57 AM
Quote from: Owen Brannigan on November 24, 2017, 08:58:33 AM
Latest statistics on the use of the Irish Language in RoI will provide considerable ammunition for those refusing a ILA in N.Ireland...........
http://www.thejournal.ie/census-irish-education-3712741-Nov2017/ (http://www.thejournal.ie/census-irish-education-3712741-Nov2017/)
Or the stats support the urgent need to promote the language...
Exactly. Stats can be twisted to suit any argument by the right person.
Quote from: Owen Brannigan on November 24, 2017, 08:58:33 AM
Latest statistics on the use of the Irish Language in RoI will provide considerable ammunition for those refusing a ILA in N.Ireland...........
http://www.thejournal.ie/census-irish-education-3712741-Nov2017/ (http://www.thejournal.ie/census-irish-education-3712741-Nov2017/)
What percentage if Scots speak Gaidhlig? ?
Quote from: Rossfan on November 24, 2017, 11:29:44 AM
Quote from: Owen Brannigan on November 24, 2017, 08:58:33 AM
Latest statistics on the use of the Irish Language in RoI will provide considerable ammunition for those refusing a ILA in N.Ireland...........
http://www.thejournal.ie/census-irish-education-3712741-Nov2017/ (http://www.thejournal.ie/census-irish-education-3712741-Nov2017/)
What percentage if Scots speak Gaidhlig? ?
Can't find anything on frequency of use but from Wikipedia:
"In the 2011 census of Scotland, 57,375 people (1.1% of the Scottish population aged over three years old) reported as able to speak Gaelic, 1,275 fewer than in 2001. The highest percentages of Gaelic speakers were in the Outer Hebrides. Only about half of speakers were fully literate in the language. Nevertheless, there are revival efforts, and the number of speakers of the language under age 20 did not decrease between the 2001 and 2011 censuses."
Quote from: Owen Brannigan on November 24, 2017, 08:58:33 AM
Latest statistics on the use of the Irish Language in RoI will provide considerable ammunition for those refusing a ILA in N.Ireland...........
http://www.thejournal.ie/census-irish-education-3712741-Nov2017/ (http://www.thejournal.ie/census-irish-education-3712741-Nov2017/)
In your haste to get a dig in at the Irish language you showed your complete inability to master the basic principles of writing a simple sentence in your mother tongue. Laughable.
At the DUP annual conference Belfast this saturday evening, the idea was broached that if an election is averted then the DUP will be ready to make a deal on the ILA.
Foster was reported (in the Irish Times) https://tinyurl.com/yczctoeq (https://tinyurl.com/yczctoeq) 'to be conciliatory and respectful when talking about the language while restating that in return Sinn Féin must respect British culture'.
So SF must respect British culture? I was curious to read more on what that respect would entail.
Wikipedia states in it's Culture of the United Kingdom web page that "The United Kingdom is also prominent in science and technology, producing world-leading scientists (e.g.Isaac Newton and Charles Darwin) and inventions"
Quote from: Main Street on November 26, 2017, 06:37:38 AM
At the DUP annual conference Belfast this saturday evening, the idea was broached that if an election is averted then the DUP will be ready to make a deal on the ILA.
Foster was reported (in the Irish Times) https://tinyurl.com/yczctoeq (https://tinyurl.com/yczctoeq) 'to be conciliatory and respectful when talking about the language while restating that in return Sinn Féin must respect British culture'.
So SF must respect British culture? I was curious to read more on what that respect would entail.
Wikipedia states in it's Culture of the United Kingdom web page that "The United Kingdom is also prominent in science and technology, producing world-leading scientists (e.g.Isaac Newton and Charles Darwin) and inventions"
Norf Island is not British, why would SF be required to show any more than cursory respect/ambivalence to English, Scottish and Welsh culture?
Quote from: tiempo on November 26, 2017, 07:42:47 AM
Quote from: Main Street on November 26, 2017, 06:37:38 AM
At the DUP annual conference Belfast this saturday evening, the idea was broached that if an election is averted then the DUP will be ready to make a deal on the ILA.
Foster was reported (in the Irish Times) https://tinyurl.com/yczctoeq (https://tinyurl.com/yczctoeq) 'to be conciliatory and respectful when talking about the language while restating that in return Sinn Féin must respect British culture'.
So SF must respect British culture? I was curious to read more on what that respect would entail.
Wikipedia states in it's Culture of the United Kingdom web page that "The United Kingdom is also prominent in science and technology, producing world-leading scientists (e.g.Isaac Newton and Charles Darwin) and inventions"
Norf Island is not British, why would SF be required to show any more than cursory respect/ambivalence to English, Scottish and Welsh culture?
All/most North Irelanders are automatically British citizens, by dint of birth.
The DUP now want Sinn Féin to respect Darwinism as part of a quid pro quo.
Quote from: Main Street on November 26, 2017, 07:46:20 AM
Quote from: tiempo on November 26, 2017, 07:42:47 AM
Quote from: Main Street on November 26, 2017, 06:37:38 AM
At the DUP annual conference Belfast this saturday evening, the idea was broached that if an election is averted then the DUP will be ready to make a deal on the ILA.
Foster was reported (in the Irish Times) https://tinyurl.com/yczctoeq (https://tinyurl.com/yczctoeq) 'to be conciliatory and respectful when talking about the language while restating that in return Sinn Féin must respect British culture'.
So SF must respect British culture? I was curious to read more on what that respect would entail.
Wikipedia states in it's Culture of the United Kingdom web page that "The United Kingdom is also prominent in science and technology, producing world-leading scientists (e.g.Isaac Newton and Charles Darwin) and inventions"
Norf Island is not British, why would SF be required to show any more than cursory respect/ambivalence to English, Scottish and Welsh culture?
All/most North Irelanders are automatically British citizens, by dint of birth.
The DUP now want Sinn Féin to respect Darwinism as part of a quid pro quo.
Norf Islanders are English, Scottish or Welsh as got born in Norf Island? Doesnt make any sense.
Quote from: Keyser soze on November 24, 2017, 12:06:47 PM
Quote from: Owen Brannigan on November 24, 2017, 08:58:33 AM
Latest statistics on the use of the Irish Language in RoI will provide considerable ammunition for those refusing a ILA in N.Ireland...........
http://www.thejournal.ie/census-irish-education-3712741-Nov2017/ (http://www.thejournal.ie/census-irish-education-3712741-Nov2017/)
In your haste to get a dig in at the Irish language you showed your complete inability to master the basic principles of writing a simple sentence in your mother tongue. Laughable.
But my failure to type 'an' doesn't affect the statistics which show how little the Irish language is used in RoI and its increasing irrelevance for most of the population and your inability to construct a logical argument in response to the statistics.