Sinn Fein? They have gone away, you know.

[BennyCake]

I have little time for SF in the 26 and will have even less when the awful Marylou is crowned.
I know where they're coming from in the 6 and where their sidekicks the Provo IRA were coming from.
The lads who shot the Kingsmill workers certainly deserve to be called terrorists anyway.

Just read into why the Kingsmill incident happened. And identify those that died. That's all I'm saying.

That's part of the problem with looking back at the past. All incidents are related in one way or another. Dealing with each in isolation leads to a narrative that my victims are more important than your victims.

Then you have to ask about how much the british knew about every attack - they had quite a number of spies and agents working for them on both sides.

I remember in the 1970's, it seemed that each murder was bringing us closer and closer to outright civil war and only one more would tip us over the edge.

Y

It's war, these were ordinary people doing things they would not do in the normal course of their lives.

What is more important to look at were those who could have intervened before things spiraled out of control but chose not to - The Free State and British Governments.

That defence wouldn't fly at the Hague

How did ye get away with Dunmanway so?

This is from someone who couldn't find his way to Dundonald never mind Dunmanway. Your friend got a three month suspension so he has plenty time to work on hisc comedy act for Britain's got talent

He doesn't take his seat in a British parliament. He's unlikely to participate in a British talent show. Well, not with that kind of "act" anyway.

[Franko]

Sinn Féin thread.
SF MP makes a clown of himself.
Along comes Bombast in full deflector mode and still at it 10 pages later.
Just admit your hero made a bigger title of himself than usual.
Then go off and open FG or FF  threads to your hearts content.

McElduff is a fool.  I don't believe he meant to cause offence but all the same, what a monumental balls up.  SF missed a gilt edged opportunity to put a lid on this by removing him from his post as an MP.  He should have been thrown under the bus.  If he's that good a local rep, let him stand for election next time on a local level.

By the same token, Bomber is making some points here that the usual suspects want to wriggle away from but can't.

There is a Mary Boyle thread.  Here are the responses by a few of the Shinnerbasherbots.

Owenmoresider

"SF can't try to smear their opponents about that though."

Rossfan

"Maria Cahill
Tom Oliver
Young Quinn
.........."

"Outrage from Shinners is always taken with a large handful of salt by normal folk."


There is also a thread on the Stardust fire.  Again, here's the replies;

Rossfan

"What a pity they wouldn't listen to your great mind and vote Provo SF.
Then we'd all be in a corruption free honourable zone where no Politician would tell a lie or own Holiday homes etc etc.
Also could you point out where the "State is obstruciting Justice" in the Stardust case."

Syferus

"It's disgusting to use something like the Stardust tragedy as a flimsy excuse to play party politics."



Anyone for another serving of deflection and whataboutery?

[Avondhu star]

I have little time for SF in the 26 and will have even less when the awful Marylou is crowned.
I know where they're coming from in the 6 and where their sidekicks the Provo IRA were coming from.
The lads who shot the Kingsmill workers certainly deserve to be called terrorists anyway.

Just read into why the Kingsmill incident happened. And identify those that died. That's all I'm saying.

That's part of the problem with looking back at the past. All incidents are related in one way or another. Dealing with each in isolation leads to a narrative that my victims are more important than your victims.

Then you have to ask about how much the british knew about every attack - they had quite a number of spies and agents working for them on both sides.

I remember in the 1970's, it seemed that each murder was bringing us closer and closer to outright civil war and only one more would tip us over the edge.

Y

It's war, these were ordinary people doing things they would not do in the normal course of their lives.

What is more important to look at were those who could have intervened before things spiraled out of control but chose not to - The Free State and British Governments.

That defence wouldn't fly at the Hague

How did ye get away with Dunmanway so?

This is from someone who couldn't find his way to Dundonald never mind Dunmanway. Your friend got a three month suspension so he has plenty time to work on hisc comedy act for Britain's got talent

He doesn't take his seat in a British parliament. He's unlikely to participate in a British talent show. Well, not with that kind of "act" anyway.

I bet he takes the Queen's shilling. Of course all the Shinners do, some of them in cash from their handlers

[Il Bomber Destro]

Sinn Féin thread.
SF MP makes a clown of himself.
Along comes Bombast in full deflector mode and still at it 10 pages later.
Just admit your hero made a bigger title of himself than usual.
Then go off and open FG or FF  threads to your hearts content.

McElduff is a fool.  I don't believe he meant to cause offence but all the same, what a monumental balls up.  SF missed a gilt edged opportunity to put a lid on this by removing him from his post as an MP.  He should have been thrown under the bus.  If he's that good a local rep, let him stand for election next time on a local level.

By the same token, Bomber is making some points here that the usual suspects want to wriggle away from but can't.

There is a Mary Boyle thread.  Here are the responses by a few of the Shinnerbasherbots.

Owenmoresider

"SF can't try to smear their opponents about that though."

Rossfan

"Maria Cahill
Tom Oliver
Young Quinn
.........."

"Outrage from Shinners is always taken with a large handful of salt by normal folk."


There is also a thread on the Stardust fire.  Again, here's the replies;

Rossfan

"What a pity they wouldn't listen to your great mind and vote Provo SF.
Then we'd all be in a corruption free honourable zone where no Politician would tell a lie or own Holiday homes etc etc.
Also could you point out where the "State is obstruciting Justice" in the Stardust case."

Syferus

"It's disgusting to use something like the Stardust tragedy as a flimsy excuse to play party politics."



Anyone for another serving of deflection and whataboutery?

There was not one word of condemnation on it from the FS posters, apart from Seafoid.

Those who did comment tried to deflect it away or in someway defend it.

There's a Fine Gael thread here, it was left collecting tumbleweed when it recently emerged that a cabinet minister had knowledge of a campaign carried out by State bodies to smear a Garda Whistleblower as a child abuser. But the usual suspects are out in force when a bit of controversy hits on particular party, hard to take any sincerity in their outrage.

You'll also find most of these chaps will be too ashamed to outline their own particular political leanings while yapping on about shinnerbots.

[seafoid]

At the last UK election the 18 NI seats were divvied up between the DUP and SF. The SDLP was wiped out.
The politics in NI are completely polarised. It is more or less geographical as well.

SF have to prove that they are capable of delivering change that benefits voters. Otherwise voters will shaft them. 
Maybe the most interesting comment on this whole clusterfuck came regarding SF's respect equality and sectarianism agenda. It looks like plamas.

SF remind me a bit of the Tyrone footballers 2018 version. Very disciplined but no marquee forwards.

The All Ireland that SF are playing for is a United Ireland. They need to have the right people in place to take advantage of the UK's weakness. They need to be strategic. They need to think ahead. Maybe they can't. 

This has nothing to do with the Stardust. This is senior hurling.

[Itchy]

I have little time for SF in the 26 and will have even less when the awful Marylou is crowned.
I know where they're coming from in the 6 and where their sidekicks the Provo IRA were coming from.
The lads who shot the Kingsmill workers certainly deserve to be called terrorists anyway.

Just read into why the Kingsmill incident happened. And identify those that died. That's all I'm saying.

That's part of the problem with looking back at the past. All incidents are related in one way or another. Dealing with each in isolation leads to a narrative that my victims are more important than your victims.

Then you have to ask about how much the british knew about every attack - they had quite a number of spies and agents working for them on both sides.

I remember in the 1970's, it seemed that each murder was bringing us closer and closer to outright civil war and only one more would tip us over the edge.

It's war, these were ordinary people doing things they would not do in the normal course of their lives.

What is more important to look at were those who could have intervened before things spiraled out of control but chose not to - The Free State and British Governments.

That defence wouldn't fly at the Hague

How did ye get away with Dunmanway so?

This is from someone who couldn't find his way to Dundonald never mind Dunmanway. Your friend got a three month suspension so he has plenty time to work on hisc comedy act for Britain's got talent

Can none of ye answer the question?

Whats the question?

I don't recall anyone mocking the victims from Dunmanway or anywhere else on here so what is your point?

My Credentials - SF voter in all General Elections since i was allowed vote so am I allowed have an opinion on this guy? Seems credentials are important.

[Seany]

Just remember. Barry McElduff wasn't mocking anyone. He was making fun of himself. It is not against the law for an elected representative to have a bit of fun. His voters seem to like it. He tops the poll in every election he participates in and is known for his 24 hour service to his constituents. What is utterly sickening about this is the kicking he received from fellow politicians who know him, know his anti sectarian principles and know he meant absolutely nothing to do with Kingsmills when he put that loaf of bread on his head. There was no rational or logical advantage for him to gain by mocking the victims of a sectarian outrage that even horrified senior IRA figures and happened during a ceasefire. But the poor victims and relatives were the last thing on the minds of those who decided that this would be a great piece of moral high ground to bash him around the place.

[Itchy]

Just remember. Barry McElduff wasn't mocking anyone. He was making fun of himself. It is not against the law for an elected representative to have a bit of fun. His voters seem to like it. He tops the poll in every election he participates in and is known for his 24 hour service to his constituents. What is utterly sickening about this is the kicking he received from fellow politicians who know him, know his anti sectarian principles and know he meant absolutely nothing to do with Kingsmills when he put that loaf of bread on his head. There was no rational or logical advantage for him to gain by mocking the victims of a sectarian outrage that even horrified senior IRA figures and happened during a ceasefire. But the poor victims and relatives were the last thing on the minds of those who decided that this would be a great piece of moral high ground to bash him around the place.

I hear ya but I have to say it is very difficult to believe that. It comes across to me as a private joke that got out. We will never know for sure I suppose.

[haranguerer]

Just remember. Barry McElduff wasn't mocking anyone. He was making fun of himself. It is not against the law for an elected representative to have a bit of fun. His voters seem to like it. He tops the poll in every election he participates in and is known for his 24 hour service to his constituents. What is utterly sickening about this is the kicking he received from fellow politicians who know him, know his anti sectarian principles and know he meant absolutely nothing to do with Kingsmills when he put that loaf of bread on his head. There was no rational or logical advantage for him to gain by mocking the victims of a sectarian outrage that even horrified senior IRA figures and happened during a ceasefire. But the poor victims and relatives were the last thing on the minds of those who decided that this would be a great piece of moral high ground to bash him around the place.

Precisely

[thewobbler]

Just remember. Barry McElduff wasn't mocking anyone. He was making fun of himself. It is not against the law for an elected representative to have a bit of fun. His voters seem to like it. He tops the poll in every election he participates in and is known for his 24 hour service to his constituents. What is utterly sickening about this is the kicking he received from fellow politicians who know him, know his anti sectarian principles and know he meant absolutely nothing to do with Kingsmills when he put that loaf of bread on his head. There was no rational or logical advantage for him to gain by mocking the victims of a sectarian outrage that even horrified senior IRA figures and happened during a ceasefire. But the poor victims and relatives were the last thing on the minds of those who decided that this would be a great piece of moral high ground to bash him around the place.

Precisely

I wonder how far back in time one would have to go for an example of when Sinn Fein and its supports actually found a Sinn Fein member doing something wrong.

[Tubberman]

Just remember. Barry McElduff wasn't mocking anyone. He was making fun of himself. It is not against the law for an elected representative to have a bit of fun. His voters seem to like it. He tops the poll in every election he participates in and is known for his 24 hour service to his constituents. What is utterly sickening about this is the kicking he received from fellow politicians who know him, know his anti sectarian principles and know he meant absolutely nothing to do with Kingsmills when he put that loaf of bread on his head. There was no rational or logical advantage for him to gain by mocking the victims of a sectarian outrage that even horrified senior IRA figures and happened during a ceasefire. But the poor victims and relatives were the last thing on the minds of those who decided that this would be a great piece of moral high ground to bash him around the place.

Yes, it's important to reiterate that the real victim here is poor Barry McElduff

[Franko]

Just remember. Barry McElduff wasn't mocking anyone. He was making fun of himself. It is not against the law for an elected representative to have a bit of fun. His voters seem to like it. He tops the poll in every election he participates in and is known for his 24 hour service to his constituents. What is utterly sickening about this is the kicking he received from fellow politicians who know him, know his anti sectarian principles and know he meant absolutely nothing to do with Kingsmills when he put that loaf of bread on his head. There was no rational or logical advantage for him to gain by mocking the victims of a sectarian outrage that even horrified senior IRA figures and happened during a ceasefire. But the poor victims and relatives were the last thing on the minds of those who decided that this would be a great piece of moral high ground to bash him around the place.

Precisely

I wonder how far back in time one would have to go for an example of when Sinn Fein and its supports actually found a Sinn Fein member doing something wrong.

Erm... 1.26pm today Wobbler. 

And that's just on the GAA board.

[Jim_Murphy_74]

At the last UK election the 18 NI seats were divvied up between the DUP and SF. The SDLP was wiped out.
The politics in NI are completely polarised. It is more or less geographical as well.

SF have to prove that they are capable of delivering change that benefits voters. Otherwise voters will shaft them. 
Maybe the most interesting comment on this whole clusterfuck came regarding SF's respect equality and sectarianism agenda. It looks like plamas.

SF remind me a bit of the Tyrone footballers 2018 version. Very disciplined but no marquee forwards.

The All Ireland that SF are playing for is a United Ireland. They need to have the right people in place to take advantage of the UK's weakness. They need to be strategic. They need to think ahead. Maybe they can't. 

This has nothing to do with the Stardust. This is senior hurling.

I have been thinking about this for a while.  If you look at the long game then all Sinn Féin have to do here is not drop the ball.   Demographics are taking care of things.  In reality in a stalemate situation, it's the DUP that have to make a move.  Playing keep ball will only cost them as they need to widen their support base.  So really the onus is on them to broaden their appeal.  I see zero evidence of that or even an understanding of that from their utterances. 

I don't know the McElduff chap from Adam but I think that Shinners have mishandled things.  If he has done nothing wrong, then they should say so and back him.  By punishing him they are suggesting he did something wrong but by giving such a light punishment it seems like a fudge.  This halfway house effort will be grist to their critics' mills.

/Jim.

[square_ball]

Just remember. Barry McElduff wasn't mocking anyone. He was making fun of himself. It is not against the law for an elected representative to have a bit of fun. His voters seem to like it. He tops the poll in every election he participates in and is known for his 24 hour service to his constituents. What is utterly sickening about this is the kicking he received from fellow politicians who know him, know his anti sectarian principles and know he meant absolutely nothing to do with Kingsmills when he put that loaf of bread on his head. There was no rational or logical advantage for him to gain by mocking the victims of a sectarian outrage that even horrified senior IRA figures and happened during a ceasefire. But the poor victims and relatives were the last thing on the minds of those who decided that this would be a great piece of moral high ground to bash him around the place.

Precisely

I wonder how far back in time one would have to go for an example of when Sinn Fein and its supports actually found a Sinn Fein member doing something wrong.

Sinn Fein could put Barney the dinosaur up for election in West Tyrone and he'd still get elected. I don't think it's a ringing endorsement to say he tops the polls all the time. It's another case of voting through orange and green eyes.

[tiempo]

Just to be clear. Is Barry McElduff working in a 364 day window from which to take a video/photo of himself with a loaf of Kingsmill bread on his head each year?