Sinn Fein? They have gone away, you know.

[Therealdonald]

Anyone who thinks this seat is there for the taking is seriously delusional. Both West Tyrone and Mid-Ulster are the safest seats for SF at the minute. Quit clutching at straws Owen. If there is going to be a victims campaigner stand, then be under no illusions SF will put in a big name,  personally would like to see Peter the Great stand.

[Owen Brannigan]

The result from the GE in June:

Barry McElduff (SF)            22,060        50.7%
Thomas Buchanan (DUP)    11,718        26.9%
Daniel McCrossan (SDLP)     5,635         13.0%
Alicia Clarke (UUP)              2,253          5.2%   
Stephen Donnelly (All)        1,000           2.3%
Ciaran McClean (Green)         427           1.0%
Barry Brown (CISTA)             393           0.9%

Majority                            10,342        23.8%

Turnout                            43,675        68.2%

On these figures it would take something earth shattering for SF to lose this seat.  McElduff got more than 50% of the vote.

What would happen if the candidate was to be a victim of the Omagh bomb running on a respect/reconciliation ticket? 

The SF vote maxed out in 2017, while in WT many voters opposed to SF no longer vote as it is pointless on a split vote trying to have their preferred candidate elected, only core non-SF voters turn out. 

There is plenty of scope to increase the non-SF vote if there was a prospect of sending a strong message to the politicians that the sectarian nonsense has no future. Someone like Stanley McComb would be capable of drawing a considerable non-partisan vote and would highlight the case for the victims of the Omagh bomb in their campaign for a proper inquiry.

Like West Belfast, West Tyrone has gained nothing from its SF representation in government in Belfast and elected to Westminster.  It has lost the acute hospital to FST and the A5 will begin at the other end in Foyle instead of an extension to the A4 dual carriageway (another serious accident at Garvaghy on Saturday night) due to decisions by SF ministers seeking party votes in other constituencies.  No new employment to replace the downgrading of the lost civil service jobs and at the Education Authority.  Yet SF supporters continue to return representatives every time, strange.

Do you have any facts to back any of this up?

The loss of the hospital and the change in the building of the A5 are facts.  Decisions taken by SF ministers are facts.  No new employment brought to replace jobs taken away by DUP-SF government by borrowing money to make people redundant are facts.  EA downgrading of WELB employment in Omagh a decision taken by SF minister is a fact.  SF supporters voting in SF candidates every time despite gaining nothing in terms of jobs or roads to the West and losing health facilities is a fact. Highest votes achieved in an election by SF in WT in 2017 elections is a fact.  Speaking to others who live in the constituency who do not support SF they are despondent at the lack of progress in health and employment and many tel me they no longer see a point of voting, others say they vote to stop their vote being stolen, that a fact.

Stanley McComb or another similar person of integrity standing in election against SF as a victims representative would beat SF, that's my opinion.

[longballin]

The result from the GE in June:

Barry McElduff (SF)            22,060        50.7%
Thomas Buchanan (DUP)    11,718        26.9%
Daniel McCrossan (SDLP)     5,635         13.0%
Alicia Clarke (UUP)              2,253          5.2%   
Stephen Donnelly (All)        1,000           2.3%
Ciaran McClean (Green)         427           1.0%
Barry Brown (CISTA)             393           0.9%

Majority                            10,342        23.8%

Turnout                            43,675        68.2%

On these figures it would take something earth shattering for SF to lose this seat.  McElduff got more than 50% of the vote.

What would happen if the candidate was to be a victim of the Omagh bomb running on a respect/reconciliation ticket? 

The SF vote maxed out in 2017, while in WT many voters opposed to SF no longer vote as it is pointless on a split vote trying to have their preferred candidate elected, only core non-SF voters turn out. 

There is plenty of scope to increase the non-SF vote if there was a prospect of sending a strong message to the politicians that the sectarian nonsense has no future. Someone like Stanley McComb would be capable of drawing a considerable non-partisan vote and would highlight the case for the victims of the Omagh bomb in their campaign for a proper inquiry.

Like West Belfast, West Tyrone has gained nothing from its SF representation in government in Belfast and elected to Westminster.  It has lost the acute hospital to FST and the A5 will begin at the other end in Foyle instead of an extension to the A4 dual carriageway (another serious accident at Garvaghy on Saturday night) due to decisions by SF ministers seeking party votes in other constituencies.  No new employment to replace the downgrading of the lost civil service jobs and at the Education Authority.  Yet SF supporters continue to return representatives every time, strange.

Do you have any facts to back any of this up?

The loss of the hospital and the change in the building of the A5 are facts.  Decisions taken by SF ministers are facts.  No new employment brought to replace jobs taken away by DUP-SF government by borrowing money to make people redundant are facts.  EA downgrading of WELB employment in Omagh a decision taken by SF minister is a fact.  SF supporters voting in SF candidates every time despite gaining nothing in terms of jobs or roads to the West and losing health facilities is a fact. Highest votes achieved in an election by SF in WT in 2017 elections is a fact.  Speaking to others who live in the constituency who do not support SF they are despondent at the lack of progress in health and employment and many tel me they no longer see a point of voting, others say they vote to stop their vote being stolen, that a fact.

Stanley McComb or another similar person of integrity standing in election against SF as a victims representative would beat SF, that's my opinion.

Not a chance

[Syferus]

This has been badly managed by SF from start to finish. O'Neill is no leader and never will be, she is a poor replacement and i still don't understand why she was picked for the job. The fact that media outlets were willing to take this into a second week shows that it was not going to be swept under the carpet so BMcE has done the right thing this time.
You have to fear for SF going forward if this is a sign of how they intend to manage small mistakes like this, there is a real possibility of them becoming how the SDLP are now if they are not careful.

This was far more than a small mistake and well you know.

[general_lee]

This has been badly managed by SF from start to finish. O'Neill is no leader and never will be, she is a poor replacement and i still don't understand why she was picked for the job. The fact that media outlets were willing to take this into a second week shows that it was not going to be swept under the carpet so BMcE has done the right thing this time.
You have to fear for SF going forward if this is a sign of how they intend to manage small mistakes like this, there is a real possibility of them becoming how the SDLP are now if they are not careful.

This was far more than a small mistake and well you know.

You'd know more about a pan loaf

[Syferus]

This has been badly managed by SF from start to finish. O'Neill is no leader and never will be, she is a poor replacement and i still don't understand why she was picked for the job. The fact that media outlets were willing to take this into a second week shows that it was not going to be swept under the carpet so BMcE has done the right thing this time.
You have to fear for SF going forward if this is a sign of how they intend to manage small mistakes like this, there is a real possibility of them becoming how the SDLP are now if they are not careful.

This was far more than a small mistake and well you know.

You'd know more about a pan loaf

It's a pity you think a comment like that in these circumstances makes you look anything but terrible. Learn your lesson on this one and just maybe your 'side' mightn't have to repeat the mistake in five years time.

[yellowcard]

The result from the GE in June:

Barry McElduff (SF)            22,060        50.7%
Thomas Buchanan (DUP)    11,718        26.9%
Daniel McCrossan (SDLP)     5,635         13.0%
Alicia Clarke (UUP)              2,253          5.2%   
Stephen Donnelly (All)        1,000           2.3%
Ciaran McClean (Green)         427           1.0%
Barry Brown (CISTA)             393           0.9%

Majority                            10,342        23.8%

Turnout                            43,675        68.2%

On these figures it would take something earth shattering for SF to lose this seat.  McElduff got more than 50% of the vote.

What would happen if the candidate was to be a victim of the Omagh bomb running on a respect/reconciliation ticket? 

The SF vote maxed out in 2017, while in WT many voters opposed to SF no longer vote as it is pointless on a split vote trying to have their preferred candidate elected, only core non-SF voters turn out. 

There is plenty of scope to increase the non-SF vote if there was a prospect of sending a strong message to the politicians that the sectarian nonsense has no future. Someone like Stanley McComb would be capable of drawing a considerable non-partisan vote and would highlight the case for the victims of the Omagh bomb in their campaign for a proper inquiry.

Like West Belfast, West Tyrone has gained nothing from its SF representation in government in Belfast and elected to Westminster.  It has lost the acute hospital to FST and the A5 will begin at the other end in Foyle instead of an extension to the A4 dual carriageway (another serious accident at Garvaghy on Saturday night) due to decisions by SF ministers seeking party votes in other constituencies.  No new employment to replace the downgrading of the lost civil service jobs and at the Education Authority.  Yet SF supporters continue to return representatives every time, strange.

Do you have any facts to back any of this up?

The loss of the hospital and the change in the building of the A5 are facts.  Decisions taken by SF ministers are facts.  No new employment brought to replace jobs taken away by DUP-SF government by borrowing money to make people redundant are facts.  EA downgrading of WELB employment in Omagh a decision taken by SF minister is a fact.  SF supporters voting in SF candidates every time despite gaining nothing in terms of jobs or roads to the West and losing health facilities is a fact. Highest votes achieved in an election by SF in WT in 2017 elections is a fact.  Speaking to others who live in the constituency who do not support SF they are despondent at the lack of progress in health and employment and many tel me they no longer see a point of voting, others say they vote to stop their vote being stolen, that a fact.

Stanley McComb or another similar person of integrity standing in election against SF as a victims representative would beat SF, that's my opinion.

I'll have some of whatever your smoking.

[gallsman]

Why are so many people here rushing to compare this to what the DUP would do? Is that really the standard you aspire to?

McElduff did the right thing, now let's move on and for once not to to make political capital out of it ffs.

[general_lee]

This has been badly managed by SF from start to finish. O'Neill is no leader and never will be, she is a poor replacement and i still don't understand why she was picked for the job. The fact that media outlets were willing to take this into a second week shows that it was not going to be swept under the carpet so BMcE has done the right thing this time.
You have to fear for SF going forward if this is a sign of how they intend to manage small mistakes like this, there is a real possibility of them becoming how the SDLP are now if they are not careful.

This was far more than a small mistake and well you know.

You'd know more about a pan loaf

It's a pity you think a comment like that in these circumstances makes you look anything but terrible. Learn your lesson on this one and just maybe your 'side' mightn't have to repeat the mistake in five years time.

It's a pity you think you know anything about Northern politics.

[general_lee]

Why are so many people here rushing to compare this to what the DUP would do? Is that really the standard you aspire to?

McElduff did the right thing, now let's move on and for once not to to make political capital out of it ffs.

Maybe because the DUP are probably the most obnoxious political party in Europe and causing offence seems to be a prerequisite to holding any senior position

[Owen Brannigan]

Take a few minutes to listen to Alan Black...........

https://sluggerotoole.com/2018/01/15/listen-to-alan-blacks-personal-account-of-the-kingsmill-massacre/

[gallsman]

Why are so many people here rushing to compare this to what the DUP would do? Is that really the standard you aspire to?

McElduff did the right thing, now let's move on and for once not to to make political capital out of it ffs.

Maybe because the DUP are probably the most obnoxious political party in Europe and causing offence seems to be a prerequisite to holding any senior position

So being better than the DUP is some sort of praise worthy achievement then?

[Franko]

The result from the GE in June:

Barry McElduff (SF)            22,060        50.7%
Thomas Buchanan (DUP)    11,718        26.9%
Daniel McCrossan (SDLP)     5,635         13.0%
Alicia Clarke (UUP)              2,253          5.2%   
Stephen Donnelly (All)        1,000           2.3%
Ciaran McClean (Green)         427           1.0%
Barry Brown (CISTA)             393           0.9%

Majority                            10,342        23.8%

Turnout                            43,675        68.2%

On these figures it would take something earth shattering for SF to lose this seat.  McElduff got more than 50% of the vote.

What would happen if the candidate was to be a victim of the Omagh bomb running on a respect/reconciliation ticket? 

The SF vote maxed out in 2017, while in WT many voters opposed to SF no longer vote as it is pointless on a split vote trying to have their preferred candidate elected, only core non-SF voters turn out. 

There is plenty of scope to increase the non-SF vote if there was a prospect of sending a strong message to the politicians that the sectarian nonsense has no future. Someone like Stanley McComb would be capable of drawing a considerable non-partisan vote and would highlight the case for the victims of the Omagh bomb in their campaign for a proper inquiry.

Like West Belfast, West Tyrone has gained nothing from its SF representation in government in Belfast and elected to Westminster.  It has lost the acute hospital to FST and the A5 will begin at the other end in Foyle instead of an extension to the A4 dual carriageway (another serious accident at Garvaghy on Saturday night) due to decisions by SF ministers seeking party votes in other constituencies.  No new employment to replace the downgrading of the lost civil service jobs and at the Education Authority.  Yet SF supporters continue to return representatives every time, strange.

Do you have any facts to back any of this up?

The loss of the hospital and the change in the building of the A5 are facts.  Decisions taken by SF ministers are facts.  No new employment brought to replace jobs taken away by DUP-SF government by borrowing money to make people redundant are facts.  EA downgrading of WELB employment in Omagh a decision taken by SF minister is a fact.  SF supporters voting in SF candidates every time despite gaining nothing in terms of jobs or roads to the West and losing health facilities is a fact. Highest votes achieved in an election by SF in WT in 2017 elections is a fact.  Speaking to others who live in the constituency who do not support SF they are despondent at the lack of progress in health and employment and many tel me they no longer see a point of voting, others say they vote to stop their vote being stolen, that a fact.

Stanley McComb or another similar person of integrity standing in election against SF as a victims representative would beat SF, that's my opinion.

Is it any wonder the SDLP is in the state it's in when you hear predictions like this.

Paraphrasing your post, employment and infrastructure seem to be the two biggest issues pertaining to the voters in WT.

What qualifications and experience would your preferred candidate Stanley McComb bring to the table to resolve these issues?

[Owen Brannigan]

The result from the GE in June:

Barry McElduff (SF)            22,060        50.7%
Thomas Buchanan (DUP)    11,718        26.9%
Daniel McCrossan (SDLP)     5,635         13.0%
Alicia Clarke (UUP)              2,253          5.2%   
Stephen Donnelly (All)        1,000           2.3%
Ciaran McClean (Green)         427           1.0%
Barry Brown (CISTA)             393           0.9%

Majority                            10,342        23.8%

Turnout                            43,675        68.2%

On these figures it would take something earth shattering for SF to lose this seat.  McElduff got more than 50% of the vote.

What would happen if the candidate was to be a victim of the Omagh bomb running on a respect/reconciliation ticket? 

The SF vote maxed out in 2017, while in WT many voters opposed to SF no longer vote as it is pointless on a split vote trying to have their preferred candidate elected, only core non-SF voters turn out. 

There is plenty of scope to increase the non-SF vote if there was a prospect of sending a strong message to the politicians that the sectarian nonsense has no future. Someone like Stanley McComb would be capable of drawing a considerable non-partisan vote and would highlight the case for the victims of the Omagh bomb in their campaign for a proper inquiry.

Like West Belfast, West Tyrone has gained nothing from its SF representation in government in Belfast and elected to Westminster.  It has lost the acute hospital to FST and the A5 will begin at the other end in Foyle instead of an extension to the A4 dual carriageway (another serious accident at Garvaghy on Saturday night) due to decisions by SF ministers seeking party votes in other constituencies.  No new employment to replace the downgrading of the lost civil service jobs and at the Education Authority.  Yet SF supporters continue to return representatives every time, strange.

Do you have any facts to back any of this up?

The loss of the hospital and the change in the building of the A5 are facts.  Decisions taken by SF ministers are facts.  No new employment brought to replace jobs taken away by DUP-SF government by borrowing money to make people redundant are facts.  EA downgrading of WELB employment in Omagh a decision taken by SF minister is a fact.  SF supporters voting in SF candidates every time despite gaining nothing in terms of jobs or roads to the West and losing health facilities is a fact. Highest votes achieved in an election by SF in WT in 2017 elections is a fact.  Speaking to others who live in the constituency who do not support SF they are despondent at the lack of progress in health and employment and many tel me they no longer see a point of voting, others say they vote to stop their vote being stolen, that a fact.

Stanley McComb or another similar person of integrity standing in election against SF as a victims representative would beat SF, that's my opinion.

Is it any wonder the SDLP is in the state it's in when you hear predictions like this.

Paraphrasing your post, employment and infrastructure seem to be the two biggest issues pertaining to the voters in WT.

What qualifications and experience would your preferred candidate Stanley McComb bring to the table to resolve these issues?

Absolutely none.  As I stated above my reason for proposing him or another of similar integrity is purely as a victims representative in response to the behaviour of all politicians in the last ten days. 

McElduff and other SF representatives have brought nothing to WT and only stood by while their colleagues took away the acute hospital and failed to hold on to the A5 to Omagh so another candidate who may not change the employment or health issues for WT will not matter as McElduff would have made no difference over the remainder of the current Westminster mandate in relation to bringing much needed infrastructure and employment to WT.

Your statement that 'employment and infrastructure seem to be the two biggest issues pertaining to the voters in WT' is incorrect as the majority of voters in WT given the results of the last two elections and SF voters would appear to prefer to keep the area down at the level created by years of unionist and direct rule by continuing to elect SF representatives who have been the main representatives for the last 20 years.

BTW I am not a member of the SDLP and my opinion that a victims representative as a candidate would bring out a vote to remove a future SF candidate has nothing to do with the SDLP.

[Il Bomber Destro]

BTW I am not a member of the SDLP

Hilarious.