Sinn Fein? They have gone away, you know.

[Gabriel_Hurl]

So MON, as SF leader in north attends the funeral of a leading figure in the IRA who played a major part in bringing the organisation along into in the peace process .... shocking

MON followed regulations and guidelines in attending the funeral ... shocking

Massive crowds turned out in West Belfast for the funeral of one of their own ... shocking

Can't believe this story has garnered so much discussion.  I suggest that no one should take their lead from the tabloid journalism of Stephen Nolan. 

If MON was to resign, and SF refused to nominate a successor, biggest losers would be the DUP, they must have very short memories.

I don't give a shite!!

This is the Cummings thing all over again one rule for them and another for everyone else. Families not allowed at funerals for 4 months but a big IRA man dies so it's ok for the leader to go to that while others suffered?

Bullshit! I couldn't care less what the DUP have said or what loyalists will do she's plain wrong and her apology wasn't worth a f**k. Those defending her are brainwashed dickheads stuck in the past!!

What she has done the past few days is not leadership it's a far cry from it!

Maybe you've been brainwashed by Stephen Nolan and the media hysteria ... MON attended a funeral and adhered to regulations ... the fact that thousands lined the streets, in social distancing formation, what did you want MON specifically to do differently?

Taking selfies is adhering to regulations?

[Applesisapples]

Not good that SF attended this funeral in the way they did. However lost in all of this is the fact that for two weeks at the start of the pandemic MON almost alone was calling for a quicker lockdown whilst Naomi Long and the other Unionist parties followed Boris. They are being pathetically hypocritical in calling out SF now. That said all those who had to bury loved ones in lockdown deserved better than the Storey funeral and deserve a flu and frank apology from MON, she has undone much of the good work unnecessarily. That said it is done nothing to be gained by the political point scoring now going on. Too much work to be done to get businesses up and running and to protect against mass redundancy and an autumn spike.

[Rossfan]

Not the Shinners finest hour to say the least.
I see they've had to stand down some of their organisation in Dublin where they nominated some lùlá for Mayor.

[trailer]

You're doing a great job.

Thanks, this is the encouragement I need to keep going.

[Main Street]

SF equality agenda on display in Roselawn as well I see. Why was the remains taken to Milltown Cemetery? And then onto Roselawn for cremation? All of this took place in Lockdown - which SF pushed for aggressively!

He was always going to Roselawn for cremation. Milltown was for show.

In the middle of a pandemic? Not exactly a necessary journey was it?

One day people will wake up... I just hope it's not to late.

Far away from the puritanical tribes in the north to just good old fashioned southern hypocrisy.
FF party broke a cardinal travel restriction when a returning MEP from international crossroads Brussels, did not enter 14 day quarantine and attended a party conference on the weekend  straight after arrival. He was finally forced to own up today.

Did Fine Gael's MEP McGuinness  make the same trip to attend their party conference?
Anybody grab any opportune selfies?

[armaghniac]

Hypocrisy isn't a thing anymore. Whataboutery has killed it!

It is an extension of legal precedent. You can do what you like as as long as you show that someone else got away with it before.

[trailer]

This Bobby Storey story not going away. How did SF take control of Roselawn Cemetery? Everyday more questions arise.

[BennyCake]

This Bobby Storey story not going away. How did SF take control of Roselawn Cemetery? Everyday more questions arise.

"Time for your lunch break, big lad"

"But I've just had my lu... Yes, big muscly Shinner bloke".

[armaghniac]

This Bobby Storey story not going away. How did SF take control of Roselawn Cemetery? Everyday more questions arise.

"Time for your lunch break, big lad"

"But I've just had my lu... Yes, big muscly Shinner bloke".

Yes, I'm sure that I can buy another lunch with that.

[Evil Genius]

Some of the people on here could do the boul Malachi a favour and lend them their handbook, so he might see how close he is...

A helpful guide. "Imagined: Sinn Fein's handbook for trolls... don't argue, just insult and never, ever say you're sorry
Malachi O'Doherty"

Commentators get hung up on ideas of free speech when all they have to do is hit the block button, says Malachi O'Doherty

I have never read the Sinn Fein handbook for social media trolls, but I imagine it reads something like this. Don't defend, attack. Never admit to being wrong about anything. Never concede that the movement has ever made a mistake.

We no longer advertise the principle that we are the only legitimate government of Ireland, but we do conduct ourselves in all affairs with a respect for this fundamental truth. No one knows better than we do what the nature of conflict is here and where the arc of history - our destiny - is taking us.

The best way in which you can serve our inevitable destiny is to scoff at those who doubt it. Treat their opinions as unworthy. In fact, do not engage with their arguments. Treat them as fools, at best, and more likely as liars and propagandists.

Instead of discussing the self-evident truths that the nation is one and that the movement is the unwavering champion of that truth, attack their motives for denying it.

It is obvious why unionists cling to the fantasy that the Union with Britain can endure. They are colonial lackies, behaving like children squealing when their comfort blanket is ripped away from them.

When their ancestors went to other countries, they became nationals of those countries. They are now Americans and Australians and English.

But here they thought they could remain British and carved out a corner of the country for themselves at the expense of the rest of us.

Well, their time is running out.

But, ask yourself: why do some journalists and commentators sneer at republicans? These are professional lackies of the unionist system.

Remember, when they appear on the Nolan Show, or in the papers, they are getting paid to say what they say. These are not their genuine opinions you hear. Indeed, some of them are such spineless parrots that they don't have opinions. So, tell them what you think of them; that they are gutless hypocrites and - worse - they are traitors to the Republic.

The Republic is the ultimate destiny of a free Ireland. Pearse didn't invent the idea. He recognised it as a fundamental truth. Okay, don't get into that argument or they will think you are being a bit mystical, but remember: there is no alternative vision of Irish destiny that makes any sense.

In terms of tactics and approaches, there are devices you need to deploy.

First, hide your identity. Make up a pseudonym, or handle. The party can advise you if you can't think of one.

It is preferable to use a name that sounds cool and witty and at the same time Irish. Think modern Ireland. To be Gaelic is to be cool. But avoid the leprechaun, floppy green hat, Finn MacCool and shamrock stuff. Our project is not to be thought folksy, or chauvinistic.

You will need several of these names, because you will be setting up new accounts frequently. This is guerrilla warfare. We attack and retreat, re-group and attack again.

For example, if Jamie Bryson has said something outrageous on the Nolan show, use a new account to go after him. Just insult him. Don't offer him the thread of an argument he can come back on.

Your comrades will be alert to the new account and will come on board as followers.

If Bryson checks your followers and sees that you only have five or six, he will ignore it. Likewise, you should watch out for your comrades' new identities and get in behind them.

And the beauty of it is that, if Bryson then reacts, he will bring your tweet to the attention of the thousands who follow him.

Don't hold back, but remember: it is always better to tell him that he is a dumb squirt than to say anything which accords any dignity to his position.

If you say something like, for instance, "Jamie, how will you preserve the Union when the demographics are against you?" you are providing him with an opening.

He will say, "So, it is about ethnic conquest after all, is it?" And then you have to answer that and you have a debate going. And when there is a debate, you can lose.

You have to belittle him, not provide him with a platform. The objective is to make him tire of social media, to feel that it is always going to be a disheartening, uphill struggle to be taken seriously.

What you want is for him to wake up some morning feeling that it is no longer worth the trouble to go back on Twitter and face tons of abuse. That is our victory. And not just Jamie, but all the turncoats and lickspittles.

If you get someone to refuse Nolan because it is simply too wearisome and demoralising to face another day of derision and scorn, that is a victory.

Be alert to those who will accuse the republican family of past atrocities. Don't engage on their ground.

Suppose someone says, "What about all the children you sent out with bombs who blew themselves up?" The worst response would be: "'We were a young movement, finding our way and we made mistakes."

No, it's better to hit back with: "Have a bit more compassion for their grieving families. Anyway, what about the youngsters the Brits sent out with guns that were too big for them?" It is never to be about our failings, but about theirs.

Remember at all times that you are a party activist, deploying techniques of counter-propaganda that have been developed by professionals.

These techniques have been tested and they work. If you doubt that, then look at how inept the commentariat are. They have a simple weapon that they can use against you: all they need to do is block you.

But they are so befuddled by their notions of free speech and liberal discourse and other blather they picked up in sociology seminars that they think they have a duty to allow you to attack them. It's really quite funny, but they don't think strategically.

They are so full of themselves they don't see that they have made themselves Aunt Sallies for the movement, until one day they do and they give up.

First and foremost, comrades, enjoy your baiting of these fools, then go about your lives with pride and satisfaction in the knowledge that they could walk past you on the street and they wouldn't even know that you were the one that led the charge against them that morning.

[screenexile]

I'll dish out criticism of Sinn Fein when I feel they deserve it but credit where it's due Mary Lou lives rent free in Leo's head he really is a vile wee bollox!!

[johnnycool]

Some of the people on here could do the boul Malachi a favour and lend them their handbook, so he might see how close he is...

A helpful guide. "Imagined: Sinn Fein's handbook for trolls... don't argue, just insult and never, ever say you're sorry
Malachi O'Doherty"

Commentators get hung up on ideas of free speech when all they have to do is hit the block button, says Malachi O'Doherty

I have never read the Sinn Fein handbook for social media trolls, but I imagine it reads something like this. Don't defend, attack. Never admit to being wrong about anything. Never concede that the movement has ever made a mistake.

We no longer advertise the principle that we are the only legitimate government of Ireland, but we do conduct ourselves in all affairs with a respect for this fundamental truth. No one knows better than we do what the nature of conflict is here and where the arc of history - our destiny - is taking us.

The best way in which you can serve our inevitable destiny is to scoff at those who doubt it. Treat their opinions as unworthy. In fact, do not engage with their arguments. Treat them as fools, at best, and more likely as liars and propagandists.

Instead of discussing the self-evident truths that the nation is one and that the movement is the unwavering champion of that truth, attack their motives for denying it.

It is obvious why unionists cling to the fantasy that the Union with Britain can endure. They are colonial lackies, behaving like children squealing when their comfort blanket is ripped away from them.

When their ancestors went to other countries, they became nationals of those countries. They are now Americans and Australians and English.

But here they thought they could remain British and carved out a corner of the country for themselves at the expense of the rest of us.

Well, their time is running out.

But, ask yourself: why do some journalists and commentators sneer at republicans? These are professional lackies of the unionist system.

Remember, when they appear on the Nolan Show, or in the papers, they are getting paid to say what they say. These are not their genuine opinions you hear. Indeed, some of them are such spineless parrots that they don't have opinions. So, tell them what you think of them; that they are gutless hypocrites and - worse - they are traitors to the Republic.

The Republic is the ultimate destiny of a free Ireland. Pearse didn't invent the idea. He recognised it as a fundamental truth. Okay, don't get into that argument or they will think you are being a bit mystical, but remember: there is no alternative vision of Irish destiny that makes any sense.

In terms of tactics and approaches, there are devices you need to deploy.

First, hide your identity. Make up a pseudonym, or handle. The party can advise you if you can't think of one.

It is preferable to use a name that sounds cool and witty and at the same time Irish. Think modern Ireland. To be Gaelic is to be cool. But avoid the leprechaun, floppy green hat, Finn MacCool and shamrock stuff. Our project is not to be thought folksy, or chauvinistic.

You will need several of these names, because you will be setting up new accounts frequently. This is guerrilla warfare. We attack and retreat, re-group and attack again.

For example, if Jamie Bryson has said something outrageous on the Nolan show, use a new account to go after him. Just insult him. Don't offer him the thread of an argument he can come back on.

Your comrades will be alert to the new account and will come on board as followers.

If Bryson checks your followers and sees that you only have five or six, he will ignore it. Likewise, you should watch out for your comrades' new identities and get in behind them.

And the beauty of it is that, if Bryson then reacts, he will bring your tweet to the attention of the thousands who follow him.

Don't hold back, but remember: it is always better to tell him that he is a dumb squirt than to say anything which accords any dignity to his position.

If you say something like, for instance, "Jamie, how will you preserve the Union when the demographics are against you?" you are providing him with an opening.

He will say, "So, it is about ethnic conquest after all, is it?" And then you have to answer that and you have a debate going. And when there is a debate, you can lose.

You have to belittle him, not provide him with a platform. The objective is to make him tire of social media, to feel that it is always going to be a disheartening, uphill struggle to be taken seriously.

What you want is for him to wake up some morning feeling that it is no longer worth the trouble to go back on Twitter and face tons of abuse. That is our victory. And not just Jamie, but all the turncoats and lickspittles.

If you get someone to refuse Nolan because it is simply too wearisome and demoralising to face another day of derision and scorn, that is a victory.

Be alert to those who will accuse the republican family of past atrocities. Don't engage on their ground.

Suppose someone says, "What about all the children you sent out with bombs who blew themselves up?" The worst response would be: "'We were a young movement, finding our way and we made mistakes."

No, it's better to hit back with: "Have a bit more compassion for their grieving families. Anyway, what about the youngsters the Brits sent out with guns that were too big for them?" It is never to be about our failings, but about theirs.

Remember at all times that you are a party activist, deploying techniques of counter-propaganda that have been developed by professionals.

These techniques have been tested and they work. If you doubt that, then look at how inept the commentariat are. They have a simple weapon that they can use against you: all they need to do is block you.

But they are so befuddled by their notions of free speech and liberal discourse and other blather they picked up in sociology seminars that they think they have a duty to allow you to attack them. It's really quite funny, but they don't think strategically.

They are so full of themselves they don't see that they have made themselves Aunt Sallies for the movement, until one day they do and they give up.

First and foremost, comrades, enjoy your baiting of these fools, then go about your lives with pride and satisfaction in the knowledge that they could walk past you on the street and they wouldn't even know that you were the one that led the charge against them that morning.

I wonder what Malachi thinks Jamie Brysons position is..

[Evil Genius]

Some of the people on here could do the boul Malachi a favour and lend them their handbook, so he might see how close he is...

A helpful guide. "Imagined: Sinn Fein's handbook for trolls... don't argue, just insult and never, ever say you're sorry
Malachi O'Doherty"

Commentators get hung up on ideas of free speech when all they have to do is hit the block button, says Malachi O'Doherty

I have never read the Sinn Fein handbook for social media trolls, but I imagine it reads something like this. Don't defend, attack. Never admit to being wrong about anything. Never concede that the movement has ever made a mistake.

We no longer advertise the principle that we are the only legitimate government of Ireland, but we do conduct ourselves in all affairs with a respect for this fundamental truth. No one knows better than we do what the nature of conflict is here and where the arc of history - our destiny - is taking us.

The best way in which you can serve our inevitable destiny is to scoff at those who doubt it. Treat their opinions as unworthy. In fact, do not engage with their arguments. Treat them as fools, at best, and more likely as liars and propagandists.

Instead of discussing the self-evident truths that the nation is one and that the movement is the unwavering champion of that truth, attack their motives for denying it.

It is obvious why unionists cling to the fantasy that the Union with Britain can endure. They are colonial lackies, behaving like children squealing when their comfort blanket is ripped away from them.

When their ancestors went to other countries, they became nationals of those countries. They are now Americans and Australians and English.

But here they thought they could remain British and carved out a corner of the country for themselves at the expense of the rest of us.

Well, their time is running out.

But, ask yourself: why do some journalists and commentators sneer at republicans? These are professional lackies of the unionist system.

Remember, when they appear on the Nolan Show, or in the papers, they are getting paid to say what they say. These are not their genuine opinions you hear. Indeed, some of them are such spineless parrots that they don't have opinions. So, tell them what you think of them; that they are gutless hypocrites and - worse - they are traitors to the Republic.

The Republic is the ultimate destiny of a free Ireland. Pearse didn't invent the idea. He recognised it as a fundamental truth. Okay, don't get into that argument or they will think you are being a bit mystical, but remember: there is no alternative vision of Irish destiny that makes any sense.

In terms of tactics and approaches, there are devices you need to deploy.

First, hide your identity. Make up a pseudonym, or handle. The party can advise you if you can't think of one.

It is preferable to use a name that sounds cool and witty and at the same time Irish. Think modern Ireland. To be Gaelic is to be cool. But avoid the leprechaun, floppy green hat, Finn MacCool and shamrock stuff. Our project is not to be thought folksy, or chauvinistic.

You will need several of these names, because you will be setting up new accounts frequently. This is guerrilla warfare. We attack and retreat, re-group and attack again.

For example, if Jamie Bryson has said something outrageous on the Nolan show, use a new account to go after him. Just insult him. Don't offer him the thread of an argument he can come back on.

Your comrades will be alert to the new account and will come on board as followers.

If Bryson checks your followers and sees that you only have five or six, he will ignore it. Likewise, you should watch out for your comrades' new identities and get in behind them.

And the beauty of it is that, if Bryson then reacts, he will bring your tweet to the attention of the thousands who follow him.

Don't hold back, but remember: it is always better to tell him that he is a dumb squirt than to say anything which accords any dignity to his position.

If you say something like, for instance, "Jamie, how will you preserve the Union when the demographics are against you?" you are providing him with an opening.

He will say, "So, it is about ethnic conquest after all, is it?" And then you have to answer that and you have a debate going. And when there is a debate, you can lose.

You have to belittle him, not provide him with a platform. The objective is to make him tire of social media, to feel that it is always going to be a disheartening, uphill struggle to be taken seriously.

What you want is for him to wake up some morning feeling that it is no longer worth the trouble to go back on Twitter and face tons of abuse. That is our victory. And not just Jamie, but all the turncoats and lickspittles.

If you get someone to refuse Nolan because it is simply too wearisome and demoralising to face another day of derision and scorn, that is a victory.

Be alert to those who will accuse the republican family of past atrocities. Don't engage on their ground.

Suppose someone says, "What about all the children you sent out with bombs who blew themselves up?" The worst response would be: "'We were a young movement, finding our way and we made mistakes."

No, it's better to hit back with: "Have a bit more compassion for their grieving families. Anyway, what about the youngsters the Brits sent out with guns that were too big for them?" It is never to be about our failings, but about theirs.

Remember at all times that you are a party activist, deploying techniques of counter-propaganda that have been developed by professionals.

These techniques have been tested and they work. If you doubt that, then look at how inept the commentariat are. They have a simple weapon that they can use against you: all they need to do is block you.

But they are so befuddled by their notions of free speech and liberal discourse and other blather they picked up in sociology seminars that they think they have a duty to allow you to attack them. It's really quite funny, but they don't think strategically.

They are so full of themselves they don't see that they have made themselves Aunt Sallies for the movement, until one day they do and they give up.

First and foremost, comrades, enjoy your baiting of these fools, then go about your lives with pride and satisfaction in the knowledge that they could walk past you on the street and they wouldn't even know that you were the one that led the charge against them that morning.

I wonder what Malachi thinks Jamie Brysons position is..

Well, well, well.

Five weeks of the board's Shinnerbots proving entirely unable to think of anything which wouldn't have confirmed Malachi's perceptive asnalysis, before one of them broke under the pressure and just HAD to post.

And like some game of Republican Bingo, he achieved not one, not two, but three "Troll Marks":

1. Play the man (Malachi), not the ball;
2. Whataboutery;
3. Drag in Jamie Bryson somehow.

And all that in the space of a nine word post - commendable productivity!

P.S. A bonus for the handle, JC: "It is preferable to use a name that sounds cool and witty and at the same time Irish. Think modern Ireland. To be Gaelic is to be cool. But avoid the leprechaun, floppy green hat, Finn MacCool and shamrock stuff. Our project is not to be thought folksy, or chauvinistic."

[general_lee]

What the fück is a shinnerbot exactly?

[Evil Genius]

What the fück is a shinnerbot exactly?

Answers on a postcard/tweet/phone call to Connolly House, Belfast.