Sinn Fein? They have gone away, you know.

[haranguerer]

Its very disappointing. While unionist politicians will regularly mention religion, nationalist very rarely do; a reflection of the importance it holds for each side - but with this leaflet, a moral high ground has been conceded, and I don't think it can be regained. Very misguided.

[Applesisapples]

While I agree that it is poor form by Sinn Fein; a bit of context please. It's North Belfast fgs. When in Rome and all that.

How come it is only a sectarian head count when its the Shinners? All Unionist parties have no difficulty standing single candidates when a head count is in there favour.

We all know the realities of sectarian headcounts, but nothing has been quite as blatant as this leaflet. Unionists can say they want to maximise 'unionist' representation - unless i've missed it, they haven't explicitly been talking about 'protestant' representation. It's a subtle difference, and most people can see through it, but it's an important difference.

You are splitting hairs. There is no other way to get the point across.

[general_lee]

While I agree that it is poor form by Sinn Fein; a bit of context please. It's North Belfast fgs. When in Rome and all that.

It's all fine if that's the way they want to campaign. But forget all talk of republican principles - this is catholic nationalism.

Well the reaction of other SFers outside of Belfast would suggest that it isn't.

[Maguire01]

While I agree that it is poor form by Sinn Fein; a bit of context please. It's North Belfast fgs. When in Rome and all that.

How come it is only a sectarian head count when its the Shinners? All Unionist parties have no difficulty standing single candidates when a head count is in there favour.

We all know the realities of sectarian headcounts, but nothing has been quite as blatant as this leaflet. Unionists can say they want to maximise 'unionist' representation - unless i've missed it, they haven't explicitly been talking about 'protestant' representation. It's a subtle difference, and most people can see through it, but it's an important difference.

You are splitting hairs. There is no other way to get the point across.

As i've said, if that's what they're all about, stand up and say it, but don't pretend to be standing on some honourable republican principles.

[Minder]

A few SF ones broke rank and criticised the party over the leaflet, which is rare.

[foxcommander]

Elections are headcounts. Nigel Dodds is the incumbent. They have (rightly or wrongly) shown figures that indicate that if enough of one section of the community vote for their candidate Mr Dodds will not be returned.
I don't know what the previous demographics in N belfast were but perhaps in the past nationalist candidates didn't have a hope of winning the seat.
It's not much different to the unionist pacts in F/S tyrone etc., just a bit more blatant. Who said elections weren't dirty? everyone pulls out the stops to win.

[theticklemister]

A few SF ones broke rank and criticised the party over the leaflet, which is rare.

Where did you see this Minder?

[topcuppla]

Sinn Fein's negative campaigning in Newry and Armagh sum them up, posters of McNulty in a skip, if you are going to debate, debate.  Not one party leader came across with anything to offer on the BBC debate last night.

[93-DY-SAM]

Sinn Fein's negative campaigning in Newry and Armagh sum them up, posters of McNulty in a skip, if you are going to debate, debate.  Not one party leader came across with anything to offer on the BBC debate last night.

That's because only one party leader was actually present and he's voting for another party.

Seriously though it was as depressing as feck.....this tweet summed it up - https://twitter.com/LADFLEG/status/595667268677332992

"You could watch this #NIDebate with the sound down and still guess with 100% accuracy what the spoofers are saying"

[orangeman]

Good to see SF taking the opportunity to meet with Prince Charles in an act of reconciliation.
If these 2 sides can make peace and reconcile with each other and apologise for the past, this example of sound leadership should be used throughout the world's trouble spots.

Well done Gerry and Marty. Another step along the way.

[topcuppla]

Yeah well done lads so you will meet the Royal, banquet with them, shake hands, exchange pleasantries etc but will you f**k enter their parliament, even know you do because you enter stormount which is technically their parliament as well!

[Pub Bore]

Yeah well done lads so you will meet the Royal, banquet with them, shake hands, exchange pleasantries etc but will you f**k enter their parliament, even know you do because you enter stormount which is technically their parliament as well!

Tis a rare enough thing to see a silk purse turned into a sow's ear.

[give her dixie]

If Oliver Cromwell was to return and pay a visit they would trip over themselves to meet him and tell us all how it good for the peace process. 

[deiseach]

If Oliver Cromwell was to return and pay a visit they would trip over themselves to meet him and tell us all how it good for the peace process.

That's a bit harsh. They go to great lengths to avoid his statue.

[armaghniac]

If Oliver Cromwell was to return and pay a visit they would trip over themselves to meet him and tell us all how it good for the peace process.

That's a bit harsh. They go to great lengths to avoid his statue.

If he came back and cleaned out Drogheda, some good could come of it.