Seems the UUP has once again pushed the self destruct button.
' The Ulster Unionist Party has picked Tom Elliott as its new leader.
Mr Elliott, 46, who represents Fermanagh and South Tyrone, saw off the challenge of Lagan Valley MLA Basil McCrea by 643 votes to 294.
Sir Reg Empey had announced he would quit as Ulster Unionist leader in the aftermath of a disastrous general election which left it with no MPs.
Many of the party's senior figures, including all but one of its MLAs, had declared their backing for Mr Elliott.
Mr Elliott said his party needed to be united and build ahead of next year's assembly elections.
"What I want for the Ulster Unionist Party is the very same thing I want for Northern Ireland; I want people with a settled mindset to live in comfort and peace within this province and within the union," he said.
Mr Elliott was seen as the "establishment" candidate, with his background as a senior Orangeman and former UDR soldier, while McCrea had hoped to secure enough votes from rank-and-file members, positioning himself as a moderniser.
In the past decade, the UUP has gone from having 10 MPs to none.
One of the first tasks for Mr Elliott will be healing any rifts within the party.
He will also have to set about winning back voters from the DUP and attracting unionists who no longer vote at all. '
Quote
Tom Elliott, a 46-year-old Assembly member for Fermanagh-South Tyrone, has tonight been selected as the new leader of the Ulster Unionist Party. He will succeed Sir Reg Empey.
A traditionalist Ulster Unionist, part-time farmer and former member of the Royal Irish Regiment and Ulster Defence Regiment he defeated the Lagan Valley MLA, 50-year-old Basil McCrea, viewed as a party moderniser.
Over 900 of the 2,000 UUP members entitled to participate in the poll gathered in Belfast's Waterfront hall to vote for the new leader. As UUP members assembled it became quickly apparent that Mr Elliott had the advantage.
He entered the Waterfront conscious that he had the backing of the majority of the party's Assembly members behind him. He also put considerable organisation into his campaign. Five buses ferried many of his supporters to Belfast from Fermanagh and Tyrone this evening.
Mr McCrea, however, had hoped that the majority of rank and file members would rally to his cause. But in the end Mr Elliott won by 643 votes to 294.
While Mr McCrea, who was born in Ramelton, Co Donegal, sought more middle-ground unionist support Mr Elliott played to a conservative base.
He indicated he would not attend a GAA match or gay pride march, and in one radio interview last week pointedly refused to unequivocally offer an opinion as to who he wanted to win the All-Ireland final, Down or Cork.
Sounds like he'd be a gas man on a night out.
... and the deckchairs are once more rearranged on the Titanic
Ah bless him.
The UUP had formed working relationships with the PUP, then the Tories. Who's next?
Quote from: Orior on September 23, 2010, 01:29:32 AM
Ah bless him.
The UUP had formed working relationships with the PUP, then the Tories. Who's next?
SSA-Social Security Agency?(jobseekers)
At least he spared us any guff about reaching out to non-unionists on bread and butter issues. The only issue is the Union
Trevor Ringland was on the Nolan show this morning, Radio Ulster - he was disgusted with the fact that Elliott, in one of his first interviews as party leader said that he had no intention of, or wouldn't even consider attending Croke Park if an Ulster team reached the final next year.
Ringland thoughts his stance on the GAA was disgraceful, stating that he can get his hands on two tickets for next years final through his contacts.
He wants Elliott to confirm over the next two days that he will agree to go to the final next year, as a show of the party moving on.
If not, Ringland is leaving the UUP.
Quote from: BarryBreensBandage on September 23, 2010, 01:37:53 PM
Trevor Ringland was on the Nolan show this morning, Radio Ulster - he was disgusted with the fact that Elliott, in one of his first interviews as party leader said that he had no intention of, or wouldn't even consider attending Croke Park if an Ulster team reached the final next year.
Ringland thoughts his stance on the GAA was disgraceful, stating that he can get his hands on two tickets for next years final through his contacts.
He wants Elliott to confirm over the next two days that he will agree to go to the final next year, as a show of the party moving on.
If not, Ringland is leaving the UUP.
Think the two tickets would be better In the hands of a "true Gael" than some Unionist politician trying to gain ground with the more moderate voters.
Quote from: Minder on September 23, 2010, 01:54:04 PM
Quote from: BarryBreensBandage on September 23, 2010, 01:37:53 PM
Trevor Ringland was on the Nolan show this morning, Radio Ulster - he was disgusted with the fact that Elliott, in one of his first interviews as party leader said that he had no intention of, or wouldn't even consider attending Croke Park if an Ulster team reached the final next year.
Ringland thoughts his stance on the GAA was disgraceful, stating that he can get his hands on two tickets for next years final through his contacts.
He wants Elliott to confirm over the next two days that he will agree to go to the final next year, as a show of the party moving on.
If not, Ringland is leaving the UUP.
Think the two tickets would be better In the hands of a "true Gael" than some Unionist politician trying to gain ground with the more moderate voters.
Define a "true gael" please
Quote from: Minder on September 23, 2010, 01:54:04 PM
Quote from: BarryBreensBandage on September 23, 2010, 01:37:53 PM
Trevor Ringland was on the Nolan show this morning, Radio Ulster - he was disgusted with the fact that Elliott, in one of his first interviews as party leader said that he had no intention of, or wouldn't even consider attending Croke Park if an Ulster team reached the final next year.
Ringland thoughts his stance on the GAA was disgraceful, stating that he can get his hands on two tickets for next years final through his contacts.
He wants Elliott to confirm over the next two days that he will agree to go to the final next year, as a show of the party moving on.
If not, Ringland is leaving the UUP.
Think the two tickets would be better In the hands of a "true Gael" than some Unionist politician trying to gain ground with the more moderate voters.
ringland is a regular attendee at GAA matches both in Croke Park and elsewhere. He may make political kudos out of it sometime but he was going to games before he was a member of the UUP. He is friends with people I know who would be republicans albeit it moderate, and he has been going to Croke Park with them for years. If people would listen to th elike of him more often there would be less shite holding us back.
Quote from: Boycey on September 23, 2010, 02:10:22 PM
Quote from: Minder on September 23, 2010, 01:54:04 PM
Quote from: BarryBreensBandage on September 23, 2010, 01:37:53 PM
Trevor Ringland was on the Nolan show this morning, Radio Ulster - he was disgusted with the fact that Elliott, in one of his first interviews as party leader said that he had no intention of, or wouldn't even consider attending Croke Park if an Ulster team reached the final next year.
Ringland thoughts his stance on the GAA was disgraceful, stating that he can get his hands on two tickets for next years final through his contacts.
He wants Elliott to confirm over the next two days that he will agree to go to the final next year, as a show of the party moving on.
If not, Ringland is leaving the UUP.
Think the two tickets would be better In the hands of a "true Gael" than some Unionist politician trying to gain ground with the more moderate voters.
Define a "true gael" please
It was a nod to the obsession people have lately on "true Gaels",hence the quotation marks. I would like it explained too
big ot
(http://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/multimedia/archive/00342/N_Ireland_News_10-1_342962t.jpg)
This is my favourite part of the story
"During the leadership campaign he sought to win grassroots backing by telling supporters he would never attend a GAA event or a gay pride event"
A lot more in common with the pink parade than we thought!
Quote from: brokencrossbar1 on September 23, 2010, 02:14:21 PM
Quote from: Minder on September 23, 2010, 01:54:04 PM
Quote from: BarryBreensBandage on September 23, 2010, 01:37:53 PM
Trevor Ringland was on the Nolan show this morning, Radio Ulster - he was disgusted with the fact that Elliott, in one of his first interviews as party leader said that he had no intention of, or wouldn't even consider attending Croke Park if an Ulster team reached the final next year.
Ringland thoughts his stance on the GAA was disgraceful, stating that he can get his hands on two tickets for next years final through his contacts.
He wants Elliott to confirm over the next two days that he will agree to go to the final next year, as a show of the party moving on.
If not, Ringland is leaving the UUP.
Think the two tickets would be better In the hands of a "true Gael" than some Unionist politician trying to gain ground with the more moderate voters.
ringland is a regular attendee at GAA matches both in Croke Park and elsewhere. He may make political kudos out of it sometime but he was going to games before he was a member of the UUP. He is friends with people I know who would be republicans albeit it moderate, and he has been going to Croke Park with them for years. If people would listen to th elike of him more often there would be less shite holding us back.
Well said - it was actually refreshing hearing Ringlands point of view, and he made Lord Ken Maginnis of Gooleywooley sound like a clown.
Here is how BBC NI reported it:
Ulster Unionist Trevor Ringland has said he will leave the party if new leader Tom Elliott does not show a new attitude towards the GAA.
Mr Elliott was elected leader of the party on Wednesday night.
In previous radio interviews he said he had no interest in attending gaelic games.
However, Mr Ringland, who contested East Belfast in May's general election, said Mr Elliott needed to reach out to the nationalist community.
"I would guarantee him that if there is an Ulster team in the all-Ireland final next year I will get him two tickets for that final," the former Irish rugby international said.
"I want to hear him say in the next few days that if I get him those tickets that he will go to that match.
"Because I see people who are reaching out to the unionist community, reaching out to try and build a shared society here and they need encouragement as well
"They need to see and hear a unionism that actually wants to have a relationship with them."
Mr Ringland said if Mr Elliott does not make such a commitment "he's taking the party in a direction I'm not comfortable with".
Disappointed but not surprised. Would have much preferred Basil McCrea. :-[
Would it matter if the UUP elected Dame Edna Everage as leader?
They are a party going nowhere fast.
Shame that the more celebral like Ringland may find they have nowhere left to go
Quote from: Shamrock Shore on September 23, 2010, 06:08:44 PM
Would it matter if the UUP elected Dame Edna Everage as leader?
They are a party going nowhere fast.
Shame that the more celebral like Ringland may find they have nowhere left to go
You beat me to it. They are on a path to oblivion and there is no turning back regardless of leader.
Listening to Elliott, I can't understand why he's not in the DUP.
Quote from: Tonto on September 23, 2010, 05:56:04 PM
Disappointed but not surprised. Would have much preferred Basil McCrea. :-[
Me too as he looks like a big cuddly teddy bear.
Dont like the look of that Elliott boyo, never mind some of the shite he has been spoutin lately!
Fair play to Trevor Ringland, wouldn't it be great if there were more of his ilk in Unionism in the north.
http://www.rte.ie/sport/gaa/championship/2010/0923/ringland_elliott_gaa.html
Great news all round.
Should mean that there will be no agreed candidate next time round in Fermangh and South Tyrone.
All this stuff about the Gaa is old news to Fermanagh people.
When Fermanagh reached there second Ulster final in 08 this is what Elliott had to say
QuoteQuote"It is clearly much more than [a sporting organisation]. Along with many other rules, like flying the Irish Tricolour and playing the Irish National Anthem at all games, wherever they are held, along with the on and off field intimidation of Protestant players leaves many people from the Protestant or Unionist community feel that the game or sport in this organisation is just a small part of it and the wider Irish republicanism product plays a much larger part of it .. the underlying ethos of the organisation cannot be ignored. I had received a number of comments from my constituents clearly upset at the continual 'in your face' antics of the Fermanagh GAA supporters during recent weeks.
"That is why some of these people were saying to me that they would prefer that Fermanagh would lose in order to halt this constant barrage of Fermanagh GAA hype, which had at least an anxiety factor but often leading to what was a sense of intimidation, particularly in the workplace. This is coupled with most of these work places not allowing a Poppy to be worn in the run-up to Remembrance Sunday or the employees just being too afraid to do so, but GAA tops being a common feature to be worn.
"However I must warn that while most people from my community have a respect and tolerance for the GAA and those who wish to participate in it, we will not accept any intimidation. There is more to Fermanagh than just the Fermanagh GAA.
"Therefore, it may be helpful for that group to more carefully consider its approach with their fellow county citizens in future important GAA events"
Quote from: FermGael on September 23, 2010, 10:16:00 PM
Great news all round.
Should mean that there will be no agreed candidate next time round in Fermangh and South Tyrone.
All this stuff about the Gaa is old news to Fermanagh people.
When Fermanagh reached there second Ulster final in 08 this is what Elliott had to say
QuoteQuote"It is clearly much more than [a sporting organisation]. Along with many other rules, like flying the Irish Tricolour and playing the Irish National Anthem at all games, wherever they are held, along with the on and off field intimidation of Protestant players leaves many people from the Protestant or Unionist community feel that the game or sport in this organisation is just a small part of it and the wider Irish republicanism product plays a much larger part of it .. the underlying ethos of the organisation cannot be ignored. I had received a number of comments from my constituents clearly upset at the continual 'in your face' antics of the Fermanagh GAA supporters during recent weeks.
"That is why some of these people were saying to me that they would prefer that Fermanagh would lose in order to halt this constant barrage of Fermanagh GAA hype, which had at least an anxiety factor but often leading to what was a sense of intimidation, particularly in the workplace. This is coupled with most of these work places not allowing a Poppy to be worn in the run-up to Remembrance Sunday or the employees just being too afraid to do so, but GAA tops being a common feature to be worn.
"However I must warn that while most people from my community have a respect and tolerance for the GAA and those who wish to participate in it, we will not accept any intimidation. There is more to Fermanagh than just the Fermanagh GAA.
"Therefore, it may be helpful for that group to more carefully consider its approach with their fellow county citizens in future important GAA events"
Unbelieveable stuff. Spoken obviously by someone who forms an opinion without any knowledge of the subject - Wouldn't exactly inspire hope for the political party he is affiliated to.
I remember Tyrone Howe joining UUP and he had the same tone as Ringland - does anyone Know what happened his political career? Last I seen of him, he was commentating for Sky.
Think you're all missing the point here. Elliott has been elected not to reach out to non unionists or expand his party's narrow views, but to conclude at the very least an electoral pact with the DUP, then possibly a longer term merger.As soon as Arlene is elected leader of the DUP expect giant strides.
As Trimble and Paisley and Robinson and Empey despised each other, it was never going to be possible to conclude any deal on agreed candidates. But it shouldn't be too difficult to conclude such a pact between two Fermanagh people with no history personally of tearing each other to pieces
Well his words are not a million miles away from those of Basil Brooke, another Fermanagh farmer who was leader of the UUP, who, at an Orange Institution rally on 12 July 1933, said :
" Many in this audience employ Catholics, but I have not one about my place. Catholics are out to destroy Ulster...If we in Ulster allow Roman Catholics to work on our farms we are traitors to Ulster...I would appeal to loyalists, therefore, wherever possible, to employ good Protestant lads and lassies. "
Says a lot about Elliot when you have Jackie McDonald in today's Irish News saying how much he enjoyed attending last weeks All Ireland and how young loyalists could learn a lot from it
Quote from: Newbridge Exile on September 25, 2010, 12:55:03 PM
Says a lot about Elliot when you have Jackie McDonald in today's Irish News saying how much he enjoyed attending last weeks All Ireland and how young loyalists could learn a lot from it
It is just wrong that someone like Jackie McDonald is in Croke park at an AIF
Quote from: FermGael on September 23, 2010, 10:16:00 PM
a
"However I must warn that while most people from my community have a .... tolerance for the GAA and those who wish to participate in it,
[/quote]
That's nice of them to tolerate the members of the 52% majority in their County. >:(
As long as they sit in the back of the bus perhaps >:(
Quote from: Minder on September 25, 2010, 01:32:13 PM
Quote from: Newbridge Exile on September 25, 2010, 12:55:03 PM
Says a lot about Elliot when you have Jackie McDonald in today's Irish News saying how much he enjoyed attending last weeks All Ireland and how young loyalists could learn a lot from it
It is just wrong that someone like Jackie McDonald is in Croke park at an AIF
If he paid his money then fine but if he got in free so someone would see what a lovely gesture it is then balls to it. And im not saying that "true gaels" should be in front of the queue, one mans 70 euro is as good as the next but when club members can't get a ticket because they are being given away for this nonsense does my head in.
Which club is Trevor Ringland a member of that he can get tickets so handy?
Quote from: T Fearon on September 25, 2010, 12:20:06 PM
Think you're all missing the point here. Elliott has been elected not to reach out to non unionists or expand his party's narrow views, but to conclude at the very least an electoral pact with the DUP, then possibly a longer term merger.As soon as Arlene is elected leader of the DUP expect giant strides.
As Trimble and Paisley and Robinson and Empey despised each other, it was never going to be possible to conclude any deal on agreed candidates. But it shouldn't be too difficult to conclude such a pact between two Fermanagh people with no history personally of tearing each other to pieces
Tony the two of them have been tearing pieces out of each other since Arlene left the UUP.
A lot of bitterness there.
Quote from: andoireabu on September 25, 2010, 01:54:05 PM
Quote from: Minder on September 25, 2010, 01:32:13 PM
Quote from: Newbridge Exile on September 25, 2010, 12:55:03 PM
Says a lot about Elliot when you have Jackie McDonald in today's Irish News saying how much he enjoyed attending last weeks All Ireland and how young loyalists could learn a lot from it
It is just wrong that someone like Jackie McDonald is in Croke park at an AIF
If he paid his money then fine but if he got in free so someone would see what a lovely gesture it is then balls to it. And im not saying that "true gaels" should be in front of the queue, one mans 70 euro is as good as the next but when club members can't get a ticket because they are being given away for this nonsense does my head in.
Which club is Trevor Ringland a member of that he can get tickets so handy?
He was in a corporate box so he wouldn't have been paying €70 anyway, nor would he have been taking a ticket away from a club member. I think it's no harm for a couple of tickets to be used in this way, especially if a positive message goes back to 'the other side'. It also shows up the likes of Elliott for the bigots they are.
The fact that he says young Loyalists could learn a lot from the GAA and should join, speaks volumes.
Quote from: ziggysego on September 25, 2010, 07:10:50 PM
The fact that he says young Loyalists could learn a lot from the GAA and should join, speaks volumes.
Do you believe hi or thinks he gives a shit? Playing to the crowd?
Quote from: Minder on September 25, 2010, 07:51:58 PM
Quote from: ziggysego on September 25, 2010, 07:10:50 PM
The fact that he says young Loyalists could learn a lot from the GAA and should join, speaks volumes.
Do you believe hi or thinks he gives a shit? Playing to the crowd?
You're a cynical bloke. What about his own crowd? Mightnt be the most welcome thing to be saying in some people's eyes.
Quote from: ziggysego on September 25, 2010, 08:13:39 PM
Quote from: Minder on September 25, 2010, 07:51:58 PM
Quote from: ziggysego on September 25, 2010, 07:10:50 PM
The fact that he says young Loyalists could learn a lot from the GAA and should join, speaks volumes.
Do you believe hi or thinks he gives a shit? Playing to the crowd?
You're a cynical bloke. What about his own crowd? Mightnt be the most welcome thing to be saying in some people's eyes.
Peace and reconciliation is a lucrative business Zig. His mate Mr. Mary McAleese would expect him to say nothing else.
Quote from: Maguire01 on September 25, 2010, 06:13:49 PM
Quote from: andoireabu on September 25, 2010, 01:54:05 PM
Quote from: Minder on September 25, 2010, 01:32:13 PM
Quote from: Newbridge Exile on September 25, 2010, 12:55:03 PM
Says a lot about Elliot when you have Jackie McDonald in today's Irish News saying how much he enjoyed attending last weeks All Ireland and how young loyalists could learn a lot from it
It is just wrong that someone like Jackie McDonald is in Croke park at an AIF
If he paid his money then fine but if he got in free so someone would see what a lovely gesture it is then balls to it. And im not saying that "true gaels" should be in front of the queue, one mans 70 euro is as good as the next but when club members can't get a ticket because they are being given away for this nonsense does my head in.
Which club is Trevor Ringland a member of that he can get tickets so handy?
He was in a corporate box so he wouldn't have been paying €70 anyway, nor would he have been taking a ticket away from a club member. I think it's no harm for a couple of tickets to be used in this way, especially if a positive message goes back to 'the other side'. It also shows up the likes of Elliott for the bigots they are.
when i posted i didn't know he was in a corporate box so fair enough nobody missed out on a ticket. what i would ask is what message is going back to the "other side"? i'm all for people from the non GAA community watching our games and seeing what they mean. I take a great sense of pride in it. But what good is puting Jackie McDonald in a corporate box doing for community relations? I see no difference in him than i do in Martin McGuiness. Two men who held a certain point of view and then took up another one because it suited them.
Quote from: andoireabu on September 26, 2010, 03:06:18 AM
when i posted i didn't know he was in a corporate box so fair enough nobody missed out on a ticket. what i would ask is what message is going back to the "other side"? i'm all for people from the non GAA community watching our games and seeing what they mean. I take a great sense of pride in it. But what good is puting Jackie McDonald in a corporate box doing for community relations? I see no difference in him than i do in Martin McGuiness. Two men who held a certain point of view and then took up another one because it suited them.
I couldn't agree more
Jackie Mac (and a group of his fellow travellers, ie it wasn't just one ticket) were Corporate Guests last Sunday of our esteemed President, who herself takes time out at least twice a year to go to Croke Park amid arranging visits to Ireland by Elizabeth Windsor.
Great picture in to-day's Sunday Life of Jackie cosying up to former President Paddy Mc Flynn at Croke Park, with the wine glasses and napkins in the background.
By the way in response to his crossing of the rubicon last Sunday,risking life and limb etc, Jackie now wonders if he can bring himself to do this, why can't young nationalists not learn to play the fife and lambeg drum up in Sandy Row! I kid you not, read the article!
Quote from: andoireabu on September 26, 2010, 03:06:18 AM
Quote from: Maguire01 on September 25, 2010, 06:13:49 PM
Quote from: andoireabu on September 25, 2010, 01:54:05 PM
Quote from: Minder on September 25, 2010, 01:32:13 PM
Quote from: Newbridge Exile on September 25, 2010, 12:55:03 PM
Says a lot about Elliot when you have Jackie McDonald in today's Irish News saying how much he enjoyed attending last weeks All Ireland and how young loyalists could learn a lot from it
It is just wrong that someone like Jackie McDonald is in Croke park at an AIF
If he paid his money then fine but if he got in free so someone would see what a lovely gesture it is then balls to it. And im not saying that "true gaels" should be in front of the queue, one mans 70 euro is as good as the next but when club members can't get a ticket because they are being given away for this nonsense does my head in.
Which club is Trevor Ringland a member of that he can get tickets so handy?
He was in a corporate box so he wouldn't have been paying €70 anyway, nor would he have been taking a ticket away from a club member. I think it's no harm for a couple of tickets to be used in this way, especially if a positive message goes back to 'the other side'. It also shows up the likes of Elliott for the bigots they are.
when i posted i didn't know he was in a corporate box so fair enough nobody missed out on a ticket. what i would ask is what message is going back to the "other side"? i'm all for people from the non GAA community watching our games and seeing what they mean. I take a great sense of pride in it. But what good is puting Jackie McDonald in a corporate box doing for community relations? I see no difference in him than i do in Martin McGuiness. Two men who held a certain point of view and then took up another one because it suited them.
I don't have it to hand but it was positive.
Quote from: T Fearon on September 26, 2010, 10:57:11 AM
Jackie Mac (and a group of his fellow travellers, ie it wasn't just one ticket) were Corporate Guests last Sunday of our esteemed President, who herself takes time out at least twice a year to go to Croke Park amid arranging visits to Ireland by Elizabeth Windsor.
So not unlike a lot of 'fans' from the counties themselves who manage to secure a ticket for the final.
Quote from: Maguire01 on September 26, 2010, 11:01:56 AM
Quote from: andoireabu on September 26, 2010, 03:06:18 AM
Quote from: Maguire01 on September 25, 2010, 06:13:49 PM
Quote from: andoireabu on September 25, 2010, 01:54:05 PM
Quote from: Minder on September 25, 2010, 01:32:13 PM
Quote from: Newbridge Exile on September 25, 2010, 12:55:03 PM
Says a lot about Elliot when you have Jackie McDonald in today's Irish News saying how much he enjoyed attending last weeks All Ireland and how young loyalists could learn a lot from it
It is just wrong that someone like Jackie McDonald is in Croke park at an AIF
If he paid his money then fine but if he got in free so someone would see what a lovely gesture it is then balls to it. And im not saying that "true gaels" should be in front of the queue, one mans 70 euro is as good as the next but when club members can't get a ticket because they are being given away for this nonsense does my head in.
Which club is Trevor Ringland a member of that he can get tickets so handy?
He was in a corporate box so he wouldn't have been paying €70 anyway, nor would he have been taking a ticket away from a club member. I think it's no harm for a couple of tickets to be used in this way, especially if a positive message goes back to 'the other side'. It also shows up the likes of Elliott for the bigots they are.
when i posted i didn't know he was in a corporate box so fair enough nobody missed out on a ticket. what i would ask is what message is going back to the "other side"? i'm all for people from the non GAA community watching our games and seeing what they mean. I take a great sense of pride in it. But what good is puting Jackie McDonald in a corporate box doing for community relations? I see no difference in him than i do in Martin McGuiness. Two men who held a certain point of view and then took up another one because it suited them.
I don't have it to hand but it was positive.
I have yesterdays IN here. A few select quotes from Jackie:
"It was a great day. The stadium is 5 star and the event was 5 star. We really appreciate the hospitality that was shown to us...it made me think about Windsor Park and the need for a new stadium there. We need something we can be proud of"
"There was a time when I thought the game was sectarian (but some tasty grants from Aras soon changed that) but the GAA changing the ruling on security forces changed that." I may have added a bit to that...
"...if our kids are to grow up together...we need to appreciate each others culture".
"It might even come as a bit of a culture shock to say to young loyalists to play GAA but it is a very physical and challenging game".
"
Quote from: Tony Baloney on September 26, 2010, 11:17:00 AM
Quote from: Maguire01 on September 26, 2010, 11:01:56 AM
Quote from: andoireabu on September 26, 2010, 03:06:18 AM
Quote from: Maguire01 on September 25, 2010, 06:13:49 PM
Quote from: andoireabu on September 25, 2010, 01:54:05 PM
Quote from: Minder on September 25, 2010, 01:32:13 PM
Quote from: Newbridge Exile on September 25, 2010, 12:55:03 PM
Says a lot about Elliot when you have Jackie McDonald in today's Irish News saying how much he enjoyed attending last weeks All Ireland and how young loyalists could learn a lot from it
It is just wrong that someone like Jackie McDonald is in Croke park at an AIF
If he paid his money then fine but if he got in free so someone would see what a lovely gesture it is then balls to it. And im not saying that "true gaels" should be in front of the queue, one mans 70 euro is as good as the next but when club members can't get a ticket because they are being given away for this nonsense does my head in.
Which club is Trevor Ringland a member of that he can get tickets so handy?
He was in a corporate box so he wouldn't have been paying €70 anyway, nor would he have been taking a ticket away from a club member. I think it's no harm for a couple of tickets to be used in this way, especially if a positive message goes back to 'the other side'. It also shows up the likes of Elliott for the bigots they are.
when i posted i didn't know he was in a corporate box so fair enough nobody missed out on a ticket. what i would ask is what message is going back to the "other side"? i'm all for people from the non GAA community watching our games and seeing what they mean. I take a great sense of pride in it. But what good is puting Jackie McDonald in a corporate box doing for community relations? I see no difference in him than i do in Martin McGuiness. Two men who held a certain point of view and then took up another one because it suited them.
I don't have it to hand but it was positive.
I have yesterdays IN here. A few select quotes from Jackie:
"It was a great day. The stadium is 5 star and the event was 5 star. We really appreciate the hospitality that was shown to us...it made me think about Windsor Park and the need for a new stadium there. We need something we can be proud of"
"There was a time when I thought the game was sectarian (but some tasty grants from Aras soon changed that) but the GAA changing the ruling on security forces changed that." I may have added a bit to that...
"...if our kids are to grow up together...we need to appreciate each others culture".
"It might even come as a bit of a culture shock to say to young loyalists to play GAA but it is a very physical and challenging game".
"
As an association I think we are confident enough to let anyone who wishes to engage with us regardless of their political view or religious background do so. The GAA plays a key role in Irish Society, there are 1 million Unionists on this island and if the Association can play a part in outreaching to them and as a result build strong community relations then this is something to be commended. There is a whole generation of loyalist children who are being forgotten about, loyalist working class areas have the highest rates of illiteracy, teenage pregnancy, drug and alcohol abuse....as Irish men and women we have a duty to do something and assist that section of our community, finally the President or her office does not give out grants, she has non-executive role and in my view has done an outstanding job building bridges during her term of office.
Quote from: Beir Bua on September 26, 2010, 12:57:24 PM
Quote from: Tony Baloney on September 26, 2010, 11:17:00 AM
Quote from: Maguire01 on September 26, 2010, 11:01:56 AM
Quote from: andoireabu on September 26, 2010, 03:06:18 AM
Quote from: Maguire01 on September 25, 2010, 06:13:49 PM
Quote from: andoireabu on September 25, 2010, 01:54:05 PM
Quote from: Minder on September 25, 2010, 01:32:13 PM
Quote from: Newbridge Exile on September 25, 2010, 12:55:03 PM
Says a lot about Elliot when you have Jackie McDonald in today's Irish News saying how much he enjoyed attending last weeks All Ireland and how young loyalists could learn a lot from it
It is just wrong that someone like Jackie McDonald is in Croke park at an AIF
If he paid his money then fine but if he got in free so someone would see what a lovely gesture it is then balls to it. And im not saying that "true gaels" should be in front of the queue, one mans 70 euro is as good as the next but when club members can't get a ticket because they are being given away for this nonsense does my head in.
Which club is Trevor Ringland a member of that he can get tickets so handy?
He was in a corporate box so he wouldn't have been paying €70 anyway, nor would he have been taking a ticket away from a club member. I think it's no harm for a couple of tickets to be used in this way, especially if a positive message goes back to 'the other side'. It also shows up the likes of Elliott for the bigots they are.
when i posted i didn't know he was in a corporate box so fair enough nobody missed out on a ticket. what i would ask is what message is going back to the "other side"? i'm all for people from the non GAA community watching our games and seeing what they mean. I take a great sense of pride in it. But what good is puting Jackie McDonald in a corporate box doing for community relations? I see no difference in him than i do in Martin McGuiness. Two men who held a certain point of view and then took up another one because it suited them.
I don't have it to hand but it was positive.
I have yesterdays IN here. A few select quotes from Jackie:
"It was a great day. The stadium is 5 star and the event was 5 star. We really appreciate the hospitality that was shown to us...it made me think about Windsor Park and the need for a new stadium there. We need something we can be proud of"
"There was a time when I thought the game was sectarian (but some tasty grants from Aras soon changed that) but the GAA changing the ruling on security forces changed that." I may have added a bit to that...
"...if our kids are to grow up together...we need to appreciate each others culture".
"It might even come as a bit of a culture shock to say to young loyalists to play GAA but it is a very physical and challenging game".
"
As an association I think we are confident enough to let anyone who wishes to engage with us regardless of their political view or religious background do so. The GAA plays a key role in Irish Society, there are 1 million Unionists on this island and if the Association can play a part in outreaching to them and as a result build strong community relations then this is something to be commended. There is a whole generation of loyalist children who are being forgotten about, loyalist working class areas have the highest rates of illiteracy, teenage pregnancy, drug and alcohol abuse....as Irish men and women we have a duty to do something and assist that section of our community, finally the President or her office does not give out grants, she has non-executive role and in my view has done an outstanding job building bridges during her term of office.
Are you John Hume? You missed "an eye for an eye leaves everyone blind".
Elliot on the Politics Show tonight:
"I have never attended a GAA match and I have no intention of ever attending a GAA match."
Also, there's a difference between reaching out to unionists and having the President invite a bunch of murdering bastards to a match in Croker. The Jackie McDonald invitation, regardless of how wonderful he found the whole thing, is a complete and utter disgrace.
Quote from: gallsman on September 26, 2010, 10:44:40 PM
Elliot on the Politics Show tonight:
"I have never attended a GAA match and I have no intention of ever attending a GAA match."
Also, there's a difference between reaching out to unionists and having the President invite a bunch of murdering b**tards to a match in Croker. The Jackie McDonald invitation, regardless of how wonderful he found the whole thing, is a complete and utter disgrace.
I don't think we needed to bring the loyalists in to achieve this to be fair.
Quote from: Maguire01 on September 26, 2010, 11:05:54 PM
Quote from: gallsman on September 26, 2010, 10:44:40 PM
Elliot on the Politics Show tonight:
"I have never attended a GAA match and I have no intention of ever attending a GAA match."
Also, there's a difference between reaching out to unionists and having the President invite a bunch of murdering b**tards to a match in Croker. The Jackie McDonald invitation, regardless of how wonderful he found the whole thing, is a complete and utter disgrace.
I don't think we needed to bring the loyalists in to achieve this to be fair.
True.
Trevor Ringland has resigned from the Ulster Unionist Party. Stating the party should be opposing segregation and "he's (Tom Elliot) taking the party in a direction I'm not comfortable with".
Quote from: ziggysego on October 04, 2010, 12:34:55 PM
Trevor Ringland has resigned from the Ulster Unionist Party. Stating the party should be opposing segregation and "he's (Tom Elliot) taking the party in a direction I'm not comfortable with".
Fair play to him...
Between Ringland and the Paula Bradshaw debacle, the Ulster Unionists continue to dig. Will either or both jump to Alliance? There's potentially an Assembley seat for each of them.
In an era when good news is hard to come by I find it comforting, enjoyable and very funny watching the UUP go through its final death throes, though I am sad that Reg Empty's comb-over will not be as regular a feature on the TV
Fred Cobain remains tight lipped on the matter
(http://news.bbc.co.uk/olmedia/1865000/images/_1867022_fredcobain-150.jpg)
Quote from: red hander on October 04, 2010, 07:20:27 PM
In an era when good news is hard to come by I find it comforting, enjoyable and very funny watching the UUP go through its final death throes, though I am sad that Reg Empty's comb-over will not be as regular a feature on the TV
You enjoy the DUP having gained the upper hand over them? I find that to be strange thinking as the UUP were always the more moderate unionists
Quote from: ardmhachaabu on October 04, 2010, 08:44:38 PM
Quote from: red hander on October 04, 2010, 07:20:27 PM
In an era when good news is hard to come by I find it comforting, enjoyable and very funny watching the UUP go through its final death throes, though I am sad that Reg Empty's comb-over will not be as regular a feature on the TV
You enjoy the DUP having gained the upper hand over them? I find that to be strange thinking as the UUP were always the more moderate unionists
But moderation lost them votes, and comedians like wee Jeffrey and that woman who looks like Robbie Coltrane.
Quote from: Orior on October 04, 2010, 09:04:38 PM
Quote from: ardmhachaabu on October 04, 2010, 08:44:38 PM
Quote from: red hander on October 04, 2010, 07:20:27 PM
In an era when good news is hard to come by I find it comforting, enjoyable and very funny watching the UUP go through its final death throes, though I am sad that Reg Empty's comb-over will not be as regular a feature on the TV
You enjoy the DUP having gained the upper hand over them? I find that to be strange thinking as the UUP were always the more moderate unionists
But moderation lost them votes, and comedians like wee Jeffrey and that woman who looks like Robbie Coltrane.
Moderation or incompetence?
Quote from: ardmhachaabu on October 04, 2010, 08:44:38 PM
Quote from: red hander on October 04, 2010, 07:20:27 PM
In an era when good news is hard to come by I find it comforting, enjoyable and very funny watching the UUP go through its final death throes, though I am sad that Reg Empty's comb-over will not be as regular a feature on the TV
You enjoy the DUP having gained the upper hand over them? I find that to be strange thinking as the UUP were always the more moderate unionists
I never even mentioned the DUP, but thanks for telling me what I'm thinking. As you're such a mind-reader, you'll know what I was thinking about you when I saw your reply. UUP moderate? Considering the history of the statelet and what went on between 1921 and 1969, I, to quote yourself, find that to be strange thinking
Quote from: red hander on October 04, 2010, 09:56:42 PM
Quote from: ardmhachaabu on October 04, 2010, 08:44:38 PM
Quote from: red hander on October 04, 2010, 07:20:27 PM
In an era when good news is hard to come by I find it comforting, enjoyable and very funny watching the UUP go through its final death throes, though I am sad that Reg Empty's comb-over will not be as regular a feature on the TV
You enjoy the DUP having gained the upper hand over them? I find that to be strange thinking as the UUP were always the more moderate unionists
I never even mentioned the DUP, but thanks for telling me what I'm thinking. As you're such a mind-reader, you'll know what I was thinking about you when I saw your reply. UUP moderate? Considering the history of the statelet and what went on between 1921 and 1969, I, to quote yourself, find that to be strange thinking
They are, or were, certainly the lesser of two evils regardless of any history. Bradshaw and Ringland are two of the most nationalist-friendly unionists in the entirety of the North, so it's strange that they have both left--could see Sylvia, Trevor and Paula negotiating a middle way between the UUP and Alliance. In Westminster this could mean more split votes, but in the Assembly they would have a real chance of gaining power and more influence. There's no question that a large proportion, maybe even a majority, of people who traditionally vote for the UUP think along the more conciliatory lines of those three.
Handy Mind Reader (http://www.opendb.net/element/235.php)
Quote from: stibhan on October 04, 2010, 10:13:43 PM
Quote from: red hander on October 04, 2010, 09:56:42 PM
Quote from: ardmhachaabu on October 04, 2010, 08:44:38 PM
Quote from: red hander on October 04, 2010, 07:20:27 PM
In an era when good news is hard to come by I find it comforting, enjoyable and very funny watching the UUP go through its final death throes, though I am sad that Reg Empty's comb-over will not be as regular a feature on the TV
You enjoy the DUP having gained the upper hand over them? I find that to be strange thinking as the UUP were always the more moderate unionists
I never even mentioned the DUP, but thanks for telling me what I'm thinking. As you're such a mind-reader, you'll know what I was thinking about you when I saw your reply. UUP moderate? Considering the history of the statelet and what went on between 1921 and 1969, I, to quote yourself, find that to be strange thinking
They are, or were, certainly the lesser of two evils regardless of any history. Bradshaw and Ringland are two of the most nationalist-friendly unionists in the entirety of the North, so it's strange that they have both left--could see Sylvia, Trevor and Paula negotiating a middle way between the UUP and Alliance. In Westminster this could mean more split votes, but in the Assembly they would have a real chance of gaining power and more influence. There's no question that a large proportion, maybe even a majority, of people who traditionally vote for the UUP think along the more conciliatory lines of those three.
100% correct stibhan
red hander, want another couple of straws to cluth to? You seemed to be delighting in the UUP imploding, I reminded you of the alternative for unionists. Was there something wrong with me doing that?
Quote from: Orior on October 04, 2010, 09:04:38 PM
Quote from: ardmhachaabu on October 04, 2010, 08:44:38 PM
Quote from: red hander on October 04, 2010, 07:20:27 PM
In an era when good news is hard to come by I find it comforting, enjoyable and very funny watching the UUP go through its final death throes, though I am sad that Reg Empty's comb-over will not be as regular a feature on the TV
You enjoy the DUP having gained the upper hand over them? I find that to be strange thinking as the UUP were always the more moderate unionists
But moderation lost them votes, and comedians like wee Jeffrey and that woman who looks like Robbie Coltrane.
Does anyone else think that Wee Jeffrey made a major bollocks of leaving the UUP when he did?
If he'd had voiced his disapproval of Trimbles tactics and then faded into the background, he'd have been a shoe in for their leadership now rather than being an also-ran for the DUP who ultimately went onto do exactly what they and Wee Jeffrey critised Trimble for.
As for the current moderate unionists like Ringland and co, I'm not so sure they've brought the unionist electorate with them. Ringland didn't do too well in Castlereagh which would have a fairly sizeable garden centre, blue rinse, unionist type which you'd have thought he'd appeal to especially with the protest vote against Peter swinging to Alliance's Long.
Paula has now quit the Ulster Unionst Party.
A terrible week for the party and unlike some here, I'm sorry to see this happen. The UUP need people like Trevor & Paula within their ranks, if they were to have any wider appeal than the usual demographic.
It is a reflection on where the UUP is now and where Tom Elliot is taking, so I'm noybworried if they continue to implode further. They are trying to out DUP the DUP and we don't need another party like that.
They've dug their own grave, so as far I'm concerned, they can lie in it.
i fear the result of all this will be a super power within unionism i.e. the DUP, they will probably be the largest party, retain first minister, veto everything remotely tainted 'green' and keep the croppies down :-\
I see Freddie Mercury, aka Harry Hamilton, has also jumped ship and is open to approaches from Alliance. Did anyone else see Tom Elliott on Hearts & Minds last night? Brutal. The Ulster Unionist Party may well sink without trace next May.
The UUP over the last number of years has been one slow moving car crash and I for one have very little sympathy. They alienated their own electorate with 'big house' Unionism and then flirted with the DUP and the tories in turn. They have no credibility as a political entity and their relevance is gone as an antidote to the DUP and its nihilism.
I also can't help being amused as to the debate on who's the most Taig friendly, my suspicion is that the GAA issue is a hobby horse for political capital. Why should we give a monkey's who would sit at the Ulster final? It never bothered us before, why now?
The Belfast boys are not pleased with the country culchies being bussed into Belfast and trying to tell them what to do and how to do it.
Quote from: orangeman on December 03, 2010, 11:18:01 PM
The Belfast boys are not pleased with the country culchies being bussed into Belfast and trying to tell them what to do and how to do it.
Trouble is the culchies still dream of a pre '69 'Ulster' where Catholics knew their place and the 'white trash' prods followed the bowler hat brigade.
Livin' in the past that bunch, Elliott is conducting the Orange band on the deck of the Ark Royal. They're practically bust financially, another electoral catastrophe will finish them off.
Quote from: caughtredhanded on December 03, 2010, 11:24:11 PM
Quote from: orangeman on December 03, 2010, 11:18:01 PM
The Belfast boys are not pleased with the country culchies being bussed into Belfast and trying to tell them what to do and how to do it.
Trouble is the culchies still dream of a pre '69 'Ulster' where Catholics knew their place and the 'white trash' prods followed the bowler hat brigade.
Livin' in the past that bunch, Elliott is conducting the Orange band on the deck of the Ark Royal. They're practically bust financially, another electoral catastrophe will finish them off.
Noel Thompson says that the DUP have stolen their clothes in the same way that SF did the same to SDLP.
Tom's "leadership" will not have helped them avoid another reversal at the next election.
They suspended some Belfast big noise who dared to criticise the current leadership. Not looking good for them.
Quote from: caughtredhanded on December 03, 2010, 11:24:11 PM
Quote from: orangeman on December 03, 2010, 11:18:01 PM
The Belfast boys are not pleased with the country culchies being bussed into Belfast and trying to tell them what to do and how to do it.
Trouble is the culchies still dream of a pre '69 'Ulster' where Catholics knew their place and the 'white trash' prods followed the bowler hat brigade.
Livin' in the past that bunch, Elliott is conducting the Orange band on the deck of the Ark Royal. They're practically bust financially, another electoral catastrophe will finish them off.
So who they vote for then in Kesh, Lack or Ballinamallard?
Quote from: Aaron Boone on December 03, 2010, 11:55:42 PM
Quote from: caughtredhanded on December 03, 2010, 11:24:11 PM
Quote from: orangeman on December 03, 2010, 11:18:01 PM
The Belfast boys are not pleased with the country culchies being bussed into Belfast and trying to tell them what to do and how to do it.
Trouble is the culchies still dream of a pre '69 'Ulster' where Catholics knew their place and the 'white trash' prods followed the bowler hat brigade.
Livin' in the past that bunch, Elliott is conducting the Orange band on the deck of the Ark Royal. They're practically bust financially, another electoral catastrophe will finish them off.
So who they vote for then in Kesh, Lack or Ballinamallard?
Good question, they will probably parade some 'great white hope' who reminds them of Harry West and his ilk only to have him humiliated at the polls by the slicker SF machine. The big house unionists still havn't fully accepted that we're all a bit more politically literate and sophisticated now. Just trotting out the stereotypical war hero with a well cultivated moustache and public school accent does not elect an MP.
I know a lot of people who traditionally voted UUP who now feel conned by their readiness to change hats when it suited.
QuoteSo who they vote for then in Kesh, Lack or Ballinamallard?
They won't "lack" anyone to vote for.
(http://www.newenergyfocus.com/resources/listimg/news/Arlene_Foster_1@body.jpg)
Anyone else catch Elliott's conference speech. Obama, watch your back!
Seriously dull. Although Clontibret got a mention.
Elliott is stepping down. http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-northern-ireland-17306313
Who will take over? Kennedy or McCrea. McCrea seems less hardline of the two.
Quote from: amallon on March 09, 2012, 09:41:58 AM
Who will take over? Kennedy or McCrea. McCrea seems less hardline of the two.
Where's that Charlton Heston as Moses jpeg
Quote from: amallon on March 09, 2012, 09:41:58 AM
Who will take over? Kennedy or McCrea. McCrea seems less hardline of the two.
A lot of McCrea supporters would have left the party by now. I can see someone like, unfortunately, Mike Nesbitt taking over the party.
I was in contact with a former UUP member, who is now an NI Tory. He says the word is that Elliot is going to stand for Europe and Nicholson is going for the Leadership.
Quote from: ziggysego on March 09, 2012, 12:50:26 PM
I was in contact with a former UUP member, who is now an NI Tory. He says the word is that Elliot is going to stand for Europe and Nicholson is going for the Leadership.
A picture of Tory Boy shortly before his meeting with Ziggy
(http://news.bbc.co.uk/olmedia/220000/images/_220139_harry_enfield_tory_boy_300.jpg)
Quote from: ziggysego on March 09, 2012, 12:50:26 PM
I was in contact with a former UUP member, who is now an NI Tory. He says the word is that Elliot is going to stand for Europe and Nicholson is going for the Leadership.
You mean you read it on twatter.
Quote from: Agent Orange on March 10, 2012, 08:48:37 PM
Quote from: ziggysego on March 09, 2012, 12:50:26 PM
I was in contact with a former UUP member, who is now an NI Tory. He says the word is that Elliot is going to stand for Europe and Nicholson is going for the Leadership.
You mean you read it on twatter.
Na, had a conversation with him.
You would have good contacts within the UUP ziggey, Im with you.
They don't have a great range of options for a new leader.
Kennedy - no charisma and wouldn't be much different to Elliott.
Nesbitt - too new. Not sure he could take the party with him. But definitely a more slick operator than Kennedy.
McCrea and McCallister - both seem like decent sorts, definitely at the more progressive end of unionism, but would never be able to take the party with them. I often wonder why they're not in Alliance.
Quote from: Maguire01 on March 11, 2012, 09:05:08 PM
They don't have a great range of options for a new leader.
Kennedy - no charisma and wouldn't be much different to Elliott.
Nesbitt - too new. Not sure he could take the party with him. But definitely a more slick operator than Kennedy.
McCrea and McCallister - both seem like decent sorts, definitely at the more progressive end of unionism, but would never be able to take the party with them. I often wonder why they're not in Alliance.
McCallister seems like the most pragmatic...
I know someone who knows him well and he is a decent fella by all accounts.
Poor Kennedy hasnt the brains we was born with...he has been punching above his weight for years and has got away with it.
Bitter hoor too...I'm sure he loves the surname he inherited.
Nesbitt..slick?? Smarmey more like.
McCrea seems able enough.
Any one apart from Kenndey would be an improvement on Elliott.
Quote from: 5 Sams on March 11, 2012, 09:23:47 PM
Quote from: Maguire01 on March 11, 2012, 09:05:08 PM
They don't have a great range of options for a new leader.
Kennedy - no charisma and wouldn't be much different to Elliott.
Nesbitt - too new. Not sure he could take the party with him. But definitely a more slick operator than Kennedy.
McCrea and McCallister - both seem like decent sorts, definitely at the more progressive end of unionism, but would never be able to take the party with them. I often wonder why they're not in Alliance.
McCallister seems like the most pragmatic...
I know someone who knows him well and he is a decent fella by all accounts.
Poor Kennedy hasnt the brains we was born with...he has been punching above his weight for years and has got away with it.
Bitter hoor too...I'm sure he loves the surname he inherited.
Nesbitt..slick?? Smarmey more like.
McCrea seems able enough.
Any one apart from Kenndey would be an improvement on Elliott.
But at the same time, is Kennedy the only one who could stop an
immediate implosion? Would the others alienate factions of the party so much that it would split? McCallister and McCrea might be competent and pragmatic, but they're too progressive and liberal for a big section of the party, in my opinion.
Just pick the biggest tube out of all the potential candidates and there's your new leader.
In saying tha though is McCallister not deputy leader at the min? Would he not stand a good chance?
Quote from: fitzroyalty on March 11, 2012, 11:58:01 PM
Just pick the biggest tube out of all the potential candidates and there's your new leader.
In saying tha though is McCallister not deputy leader at the min? Would he not stand a good chance?
He's only deputy leader because he was the only MLA to support McCrea in 2010's leadership campaign - it was Elliott's way of keeping the other side sweet. I doubt McCallister would have sufficient support within the Assembly team or wider party.
Quote from: ziggysego on March 09, 2012, 12:50:26 PM
I was in contact with a former UUP member, who is now an NI Tory. He says the word is that Elliot is going to stand for Europe and Nicholson is going for the Leadership.
He's not much of a source. Looks like Nicholson is supporting Kennedy.
Quote from: Maguire01 on March 12, 2012, 06:43:05 PM
Quote from: ziggysego on March 09, 2012, 12:50:26 PM
I was in contact with a former UUP member, who is now an NI Tory. He says the word is that Elliot is going to stand for Europe and Nicholson is going for the Leadership.
He's not much of a source. Looks like Nicholson is supporting Kennedy.
I'm cutting my links with him!!
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-northern-ireland-17344343
McAllister looking to form an opposition in Stormont if elected leader. Kennedy preferring the 'joined up' Unionist approach with the DUP.
McAllister is a very hardworking local politician in our area. He does great consituency work especially on the agricultural side of things.
I remember back in 2010 when Down were in the All Ireland Final, he openly said in the local press that he would be supporting the Mourne county at Croker and that he was wishing for a Down win. Not too many Unionists would come out with that sort of craic down our way.
Quote from: Maguire01 on March 12, 2012, 06:43:05 PM
Quote from: ziggysego on March 09, 2012, 12:50:26 PM
I was in contact with a former UUP member, who is now an NI Tory. He says the word is that Elliot is going to stand for Europe and Nicholson is going for the Leadership.
He's not much of a source. Looks like Nicholson is supporting Kennedy.
Told you not to believe everything you read on twitter.
McCrea not running, but supporting McCallister. Nesbitt has the nomination papers but has yet to decide.
Kennedy will probably win, which may be the final nail in the coffin for the UUP.
Quote from: Agent Orange on March 13, 2012, 07:58:19 PM
Kennedy will probably win, which may be the final nail in the coffin for the UUP.
Well you obviously believe everything on Twitter. That's word for word what I told Tory Boy ;)
If Kennedy wins, McCrea and McCallister should probably just join Alliance.
Mike Nesbitt has thrown his hat in.
Quote14 March 2012 Last updated at 12:17 ET
Mike Nesbitt to contest UUP leadership
The Strangford MLA is expected to formally launch his campaign at Stormont on Thursday.
John McCallister and Danny Kennedy will also contest the leadership of the party.
Lagan Valley MLA Basil McCrea has told the BBC he will not be seeking the UUP leadership, but would be backing Mr McCallister.
Candidates have until Friday to hand in their nomination papers, with the leadership election due on 31 March.
Mr Nesbitt's supporters say he has received the backing of four MLAS , two peers and a number of young unionists.
About as moderate as they come, I'd imagine. Would he have have a chance of getting in though?
Its hard to like Nesbitt he comes across as being insincere and smarmy.
Quote from: amallon on March 15, 2012, 07:57:43 AM
Its hard to like Nesbitt he comes across as being insincere and smarmy.
Like a politician then!
Would say his leanings would be too liberal to collect enough votes. I've nevee heard him being associated with of the loyal orders.
Quote from: Tony Baloney on March 15, 2012, 08:44:33 AM
Quote from: amallon on March 15, 2012, 07:57:43 AM
Its hard to like Nesbitt he comes across as being insincere and smarmy.
Like a politician then!
Would say his leanings would be too liberal to collect enough votes. I've nevee heard him being associated with of the loyal orders.
I don't think he has any connection to the loyal orders. I don't think McCallister has either, but i'm open to correction. He seems to have more support than McCallister in terms of MLAs.
I'm not actually sure there's much difference between him and McCallister in terms of being liberal - the biggest difference is the 'opposition' question.
Regional Development Minister Danny Kennedy will not stand for the leadership of the Ulster Unionists.
He said he had decided that a potentially difficult and divisive leadership election was not in the interest of the party.
Nominations for the leadership will close at 17:00 GMT on Friday.
The Newry and Armagh MLA said he had not made any deals with the other candidates John McCallister or Mike Nesbitt.
The UUP set to have its first leader that's not an orangeman then.
Nesbitt looks most likely to win. Maybe he can stabilise the party, and even bring out some 'stay at home' voters.
Nesbitt wins with 81% of the vote (536 vs 129). He was always the favourite, but that's some margain - bigger than Tom's win over Basil.
They consistently get the wrong man. Empty, Tom and now Nesbitt.
Quote from: Tony Baloney on March 31, 2012, 02:24:12 PM
They consistently get the wrong man. Empty, Tom and now Nesbitt.
Who or what is the right man?
Quote from: Tony Baloney on March 31, 2012, 02:24:12 PM
They consistently get the wrong man. Empty, Tom and now Nesbitt.
I'd prefer McCallister myself, but i'm not a UUP voter. I'm not sure there was/is a 'right' man for them though. Sine the DUP went MOR, there's not much to differentiate the two.
Quote from: trileacman on March 31, 2012, 02:30:49 PM
Quote from: Tony Baloney on March 31, 2012, 02:24:12 PM
They consistently get the wrong man. Empty, Tom and now Nesbitt.
Who or what is the right man?
None of the above.
If I was voting it would be McCallister all day long. Nesbitt is just a smarmy ****, at least McCallister was unequivocal in his stance on opposition, McNarry etc.
They have an uphill task ahead of them as it is very cosy at the top table.
Well at the risk of sounding like an American "I like this guy because he'd be fun to have a beer with" voter, I actually like Nesbitt. Always enjoyed watching the banter between him and the likes of Paul Clarke and Adrian Logan on UTV Live at Six. And so far the stuff he's been saying is moderate and catholic-friendly. It's a long way from the sash-wearing croppie-lie-down Trimble era. Let's see what he's made of.
But he's not saying anything, just media friendly sound bites. The few policies he does say, he does a U-turn on. McCallister would have been a much stronger leader for the UUP. Under Nesbitt, they'll continue to decline.
Quote from: ziggysego on March 31, 2012, 11:46:04 PM
But he's not saying anything, just media friendly sound bites. The few policies he does say, he does a U-turn on. McCallister would have been a much stronger leader for the UUP. Under Nesbitt, they'll continue to decline.
Opposition was never going to happen though, it isn't legislated for and won't be whilst Sinn Fein/DUP (and I can't see any difference in them) are in "power".
Quote from: ziggysego on March 31, 2012, 11:46:04 PM
But he's not saying anything, just media friendly sound bites. The few policies he does say, he does a U-turn on. McCallister would have been a much stronger leader for the UUP. Under Nesbitt, they'll continue to decline.
That's six counties politics Ziggy.
Smarmy and all as Nesbitt is, Eamonn Mallie fairly left him stuck for words after he got elected.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-northern-ireland-17574895
Quote from: Dougal Maguire on April 01, 2012, 02:15:51 PM
Smarmy and all as Nesbitt is, Eamonn Mallie fairly left him stuck for words after he got elected.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-northern-ireland-17574895
Stuck for words? Are you watching the same clip?
And don't get me started on Mallie.
EM Who are you going to pick as your deputy John McAllister or might it be Joanne Dobson
MN (attempting to mimic Mallie) I don't know Eamonn, I don't know who I'm going to pick yet
EM What do you mean you don't know, are you in charge or aren't you? Come on
MN I'm here for um eh, (turns away) I've 2 weeks Eamonn
Colleague You've got to get upstairs come on
(A relieved Nesbitt exits stage left)
Now I'm satisfied that stuck for words is a fair description of 'I'm here for um eh, I've 2 weeks Eamonn' as a response to 'Are you in charge or not?'
I don't agree. He was telling Mallie that he hadn't made his mind up (and to be fair, he was hardly going to make such an announcement to a journalist in the hallway) but Mallie kept on asking the same question. Then he was 'distracted' by someone else and walked away. If Mallie was talking to me, i'd get 'distracted' very quicky too.
Quote from: Maguire01 on April 01, 2012, 05:25:55 PM
I don't agree. He was telling Mallie that he hadn't made his mind up (and to be fair, he was hardly going to make such an announcement to a journalist in the hallway) but Mallie kept on asking the same question. Then he was 'distracted' by someone else and walked away. If Mallie was talking to me, i'd get 'distracted' very quicky too.
Quare accent for a South Armagh lad.
Quote from: Tony Baloney on April 01, 2012, 08:41:36 PM
Quote from: Maguire01 on April 01, 2012, 05:25:55 PM
I don't agree. He was telling Mallie that he hadn't made his mind up (and to be fair, he was hardly going to make such an announcement to a journalist in the hallway) but Mallie kept on asking the same question. Then he was 'distracted' by someone else and walked away. If Mallie was talking to me, i'd get 'distracted' very quicky too.
Quare accent for a South Armagh lad.
;D
Quote from: Dougal Maguire on April 01, 2012, 09:12:42 PM
Quote from: Tony Baloney on April 01, 2012, 08:41:36 PM
Quote from: Maguire01 on April 01, 2012, 05:25:55 PM
I don't agree. He was telling Mallie that he hadn't made his mind up (and to be fair, he was hardly going to make such an announcement to a journalist in the hallway) but Mallie kept on asking the same question. Then he was 'distracted' by someone else and walked away. If Mallie was talking to me, i'd get 'distracted' very quicky too.
Quare accent for a South Armagh lad.
Don't start me on that! While I think Mallie was brilliant hitting Mr Smug with the line 'are you in charge or aren't you' I think his accent, hairstyle etc. is a joke
Does BC1 talk like that?
Quote from: Tony Baloney on April 01, 2012, 09:24:19 PM
Does BC1 talk like that?
Spoke to them on on several occasions. Polar opposites when it comes to accent, but both have them same sense of self-importance about themselves. :o
Sean Brown and Francis Bradley 'not real victims' says Tom Elliot
http://www.midulstermail.co.uk/news/local/sean-brown-and-francis-bradley-not-real-victims-says-tom-elliot-1-4143334
Published on Thursday 9 August 2012 10:47
FORMER Ulster Unionist Party leader Tom Elliot has said two South Derry men killed during the Troubles were 'not real victims' because they were not murdered by the IRA.
Speaking at a meeting held in Cookstown on Friday night, the MLA slammed money being spent into re-examining the murder of Bellaghy man Sean Brown, killed by loyalists in 1997, and Francis Bradley, shot dead by special forces in Toomebridge in 1986.
Mr Elliot said that the money being used should benefit the "real victims" of the Troubles - the friends and family of those murdered by the IRA.
He also urged those present to demand inquests into the IRA deaths of relatives to "choke the system up".
He made his comments at a meeting organised by Cookstown UUP councillor Robert Kelly, attended by a number of people maimed, injured or who had lost loved ones at the hands of the IRA.
At the gathering, Mr Elliot read a numbe rof names from the list of 44 deaths set to be re-investigated by the Coroners Service. Among those were 61 year-old Mr Brown, Castledawson man Francis Bradley and 50 year-old Joan Connolly from West Belfast.
Speaking at the Royal Hotel on Friday night, the Fermanagh and South Tyrone MLA described the inquests as a "huge difficulty".
He said: "I don't think many of those, in fact I don't think any of them, and I haven't studied the list, are people that were murdered by the Provisional IRA or the Republican movement."
"And that is the difficulty that we have. We almost have 44 separate public inquiries that are going to open up in the very near future, if some of them already haven't opened up."
Mr Elliot added that he believed that if the "real victims" of the Troubles - relatives of those murdered by the Provisional IRA - could "band together", they could "stop" the inquests from happening.
"How can we do anything about it? And let me say folks, there is quite a substantial pot of money in the process at the moment, but how is it going to be spent? The vast majority of it is unlikely to be spent on the people who really need it and who should really have access to it.
"It's more likely to be spent on those people who are maybe relatives of the people on the list like this, that the Attorney General is going to have coroner court inquests into. And let me tell you folks, we have heard about the millions that was spent on Bloody Sunday, whenever these 44 cases start to open up God knows how much will be spent on them as well. How do we do anything about it?"
"I actually believe if we could get the people who are the real victims to band together in some way and come forward and say that they want inquests into the murders of their loved ones, it would at least choke the system up. That if you had 1000 cases to be inquired into and investigated, then at least it would likely block this system up, and stop this (inquests) from happening."
The former Ulster Unionist leader added: "I just believe the system is continually being weighed against the security forces in Northern Ireland and the former security forces in Northern Ireland."
Mr Elliot's comments will no doubt anger the families of both Mr Brown and Mr Bradley. In both cases questions remain over the deaths of both South Derry men.
20 year-old Francis Bradley was shot eight times by special forces at a paramilitary weapons store at a remote farm.
In the wake of the killing, the IRA denied the young Catholic was a member of the organisation.
The initial inquest heard that soldiers who confronted Mr Bradley shouted at him to stop and he turned on them in a threatening manner, at which point they opened fire. But other evidence suggested he was shot from behind at close range.
Sean Brown, 61, was abducted by an LVF gang as he locked up the Wolfe Tones Gaelic Athletic Club in Bellaghy on May 12, 1997.
The father-of-six was shot several times in the head and his body was later found beside his burnt out car in Randalstown.
Alongside victims campaigner William Frazer, also present at the meeting, Mr Elliot said he would assist those who wanted the death of a loved one re-investigated by the Attorney General.
It really is pathetic how low weak little men like this will stoop to get a few votes! :-\
Disgraceful comments. Will be interesting to see if Nesbitt will move to censure him like he did Ken Magennis re. same sex marriage.
That's outrageous! It won't even get many votes, the man is a boll|x of the first order.
That mindset is phenomenal.
Quote from: rrhf on August 10, 2012, 10:38:40 AM
That mindset is phenomenal.
the level of biggotry is just staggering, how anyone would want that man to represent them is beyond me.
The unfortunate thing is that as they try to regain vots from the DUP the UUP seem to be going more extreme, which if anything will turn more against them. Elliott is a political zombie and will be gone at the next round of elections.
BTW ziggy, I saw that ye cheeky fecker!
http://www.newsletter.co.uk/news/local/elliott-clarifies-victims-remarks-1-4149413
The man is a dipstick.
Quote from: blewuporstuffed on August 10, 2012, 10:45:41 AM
Quote from: rrhf on August 10, 2012, 10:38:40 AM
That mindset is phenomenal.
the level of biggotry is just staggering, how anyone would want that man to represent them is beyond me.
Thats the problem, with those remarks more, not less will want him to represent them. Theres a lot of bigots about, most of them in the unionist community, as ironic as that statement may sound, its true. Thats also where most racist incidents in the north are coming from, as a bye the bye.