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Non GAA Discussion => General discussion => Topic started by: give her dixie on March 13, 2012, 12:39:10 AM

Title: Moyle District Council Officially Twins With Gaza City
Post by: give her dixie on March 13, 2012, 12:39:10 AM
http://gazatvnews.com/2012/03/irish-council-officially-twins-with-gaza-city-municiaplity/

Tonight, in the monthly meeting of Moyle District Council in Ireland, they officially confirmed a twinning with the Gaza City Municipality. This is the 1st official twinning with a municipality in Gaza and any council in Europe.

Moyle District Council is in the North East of Ireland, and within its district are the stunning Glens of Antrim, Bushmills which is world famous for its whiskey, and the Giants Causeway, which is a UNESCO world heritage site.
Title: Re: Moyle District Council Officially Twins With Gaza City
Post by: Evil Genius on March 13, 2012, 02:07:56 PM
Quote from: give her dixie on March 13, 2012, 12:39:10 AM
http://gazatvnews.com/2012/03/irish-council-officially-twins-with-gaza-city-municiaplity/

Tonight, in the monthly meeting of Moyle District Council in Ireland, they officially confirmed a twinning with the Gaza City Municipality. This is the 1st official twinning with a municipality in Gaza and any council in Europe.

Moyle District Council is in the North East of Ireland, and within its district are the stunning Glens of Antrim, Bushmills which is world famous for its whiskey, and the Giants Causeway, which is a UNESCO world heritage site.
Twinned with Gaza?

Reminds me of the quip by the late, great Linda Smith, who when asked if her home town of Erith was twinned with anywhere, replied "No, but it's got a suicide pact with Dagenham"  :D
Title: Re: Moyle District Council Officially Twins With Gaza City
Post by: bailestil on March 13, 2012, 02:53:35 PM
And to think some people think that Councils waste taxpayers money?

Tune in Next Week, Strabane District Council will agree to try and resolve Famines in Afria.
Title: Re: Moyle District Council Officially Twins With Gaza City
Post by: Tony Baloney on March 13, 2012, 03:44:05 PM
Would strongly suspect that ex-SF eejit Paudie McShane is behind this. Who exactly benfits from such a twinning?
Title: Re: Moyle District Council Officially Twins With Gaza City
Post by: Maguire01 on March 13, 2012, 05:41:41 PM
Quote from: Tony Baloney on March 13, 2012, 03:44:05 PM
Who exactly benfits from such a twinning?
Councillors. A good excuse for a junket.
Title: Re: Moyle District Council Officially Twins With Gaza City
Post by: muppet on March 13, 2012, 05:55:58 PM
Quote from: Maguire01 on March 13, 2012, 05:41:41 PM
Quote from: Tony Baloney on March 13, 2012, 03:44:05 PM
Who exactly benfits from such a twinning?
Councillors. A good excuse for a junket.

Great idea. I think we should twin this Board with one in Santa Monica. Who wants to come with me to set it up?
Title: Re: Moyle District Council Officially Twins With Gaza City
Post by: Minder on March 13, 2012, 05:59:02 PM
Quote from: Tony Baloney on March 13, 2012, 03:44:05 PM
Would strongly suspect that ex-SF eejit Paudie McShane is behind this. Who exactly benfits from such a twinning?

He is.
Title: Re: Moyle District Council Officially Twins With Gaza City
Post by: Tony Baloney on March 13, 2012, 06:22:16 PM
Quote from: Maguire01 on March 13, 2012, 05:41:41 PM
Quote from: Tony Baloney on March 13, 2012, 03:44:05 PM
Who exactly benfits from such a twinning?
Councillors. A good excuse for a junket.
Even local councillors wouldn't be lining up for a junket to Gaza! Not unless it was a stopping off point to go and look at "something" in Dubai or somewhere.
Title: Re: Moyle District Council Officially Twins With Gaza City
Post by: seafoid on March 13, 2012, 07:43:55 PM
Support like this is very important for the morale of the people of Gaza. The Israelis have spent 45 years beating it into them that the world doesn't care about them. It started off with batons and is now at  white phosphorous.

Well done to Moyle. 
Title: Re: Moyle District Council Officially Twins With Gaza City
Post by: 5 Sams on March 13, 2012, 07:48:12 PM
Quote from: Íseal agus crua isteach a on March 13, 2012, 07:03:11 PM
Tony Baloney you and your brother minder are arguably two of the most stupid b**tards to post on this board. Complete and utter arse wholes of the highest order and thats putting it mildly.

Whoa....back up there low and hard...I have to agree with the lads here...councillors will fill their boots at every opportunity...any opportunity for a jolly they will take it...the lads in Newry love their wee trips to Clare (ok not so bad), Milwaukee (to encourage trade links....ee right) and fcukin Russia (on fact finding trips)...

Tony and Minder are 100% right....
Title: Re: Moyle District Council Officially Twins With Gaza City
Post by: Maguire01 on March 13, 2012, 07:57:59 PM
Quote from: seafoid on March 13, 2012, 07:43:55 PM
Support like this is very important for the morale of the people of Gaza.
In what way? How many ordinary people in Gaza will ever know about this twinning? What difference is it likely to make to them?
Title: Re: Moyle District Council Officially Twins With Gaza City
Post by: give her dixie on March 13, 2012, 08:28:49 PM
Well, the usual responses have appeared, and don't come as any shock or surprise.

To start with, Paudie McShane travelled to Gaza 18 months ago along with myself on one of the Viva Palestina convoys. He had a Ford Transit van filled with over £20,000 worth of mostly donated medical aid, and educational supplies. He organised many fundraising events, and not one penny came from Moyle council. This wasn't a usual council junket that we have come to expect and see on a regular occassion.

In Gaza, his aid was delivered to a medical centre and and a school. His van donated to a charity that specialise in helping to build facilities for disabled children. To this day, it is an invaluable asset to the charity, and to the disabled people who benefit daily. Remember, Gaza has the highest number of amputee's and wheelchair users per head of capitia due to the constant assaults from Israel.

While we were in Gaza, we had meetings with different municipalities, and a plan was undertaken to explore the possibilities of an official twinning. Upon his return, he went to work on twinning, and as expected, faced several hurdles. Overcoming these hurdles, which included a full legal review, a vote was taken, and last night, the vote carried, and the twinning was rubber stamped. Deal done.

So, what benefits are there to Gaza? Well, they have submitted a plan whereby they want to build "The Moyle Peace Park", which will be a facility for children to play, and learn about the area they are twinned with. Other ventures in the pipeline will include conflict resolution and a sharing of expert knowledge in various related fields.

Why shouldn't Moyle, Omagh, Limavady, Enniskillen or wherever twin with a town or city in Gaza? They twin with towns all over the world, and no one really knows what true benefits they bring. Do any of you know what town your council has twinned with, and if it has been of any use?

The twinning is going ahead, and no doubt more voices will oppose it. However, it is a done deal. If it genuinely helps the people of Gaza city, and in some small way improves the lives of the men women and children living there, then it will be a success. This past weekend, 25 Palestinians were murdered by Israeli airstrikes and all the western leaders didn't speak out. Maybe, just maybe this small gesture will show them that real people care for them, and will not forget them.

I for one am very proud of Paudie and his fellow councilors who voted last night to make this happen, and no doubt, the people of Gaza city are too.
Title: Re: Moyle District Council Officially Twins With Gaza City
Post by: 5 Sams on March 13, 2012, 08:38:19 PM
All magnificent work...pity all "Twinning" exercises don't deliver the same benefits :-\
Title: Re: Moyle District Council Officially Twins With Gaza City
Post by: Tony Baloney on March 13, 2012, 08:54:15 PM
Dixie, any idea how the unionist vote went?

Again, don't think anyone can have any issue with the work being done at the coal face by you, Paudie etc. Just not sure what twinning brings.
Title: Re: Moyle District Council Officially Twins With Gaza City
Post by: Maguire01 on March 13, 2012, 08:54:29 PM
Quote from: give her dixie on March 13, 2012, 08:28:49 PM
Why shouldn't Moyle, Omagh, Limavady, Enniskillen or wherever twin with a town or city in Gaza? They twin with towns all over the world, and no one really knows what true benefits they bring. Do any of you know what town your council has twinned with, and if it has been of any use?
I see no reason why this should be different to any other twinning. I'm questioning in general as to what benefits such a move brings. I haven't seen any benefits in my experience. People closely involved in local politics might see something that Joe Public wouldn't.

Quote from: give her dixie on March 13, 2012, 08:28:49 PM
If it genuinely helps the people of Gaza city, and in some small way improves the lives of the men women and children living there, then it will be a success.
Well that's a given. The question is whether it will make any difference.

And the aid trip is commendable. But will twinning now lead to junkets and/or expense to the Council? What can the twinning potentially deliver that couldn't be achieved otherwise? (In case it's not clear, these are genuine questions and not 'digs'.)
Title: Re: Moyle District Council Officially Twins With Gaza City
Post by: muppet on March 13, 2012, 08:57:44 PM
Quote from: 5 Sams on March 13, 2012, 08:38:19 PM
All magnificent work...pity all "Twinning" exercises don't deliver the same benefits :-\

Twinning is usually a waste of taxpayer's money, but there are exceptions and this may very well be one of them.
Title: Re: Moyle District Council Officially Twins With Gaza City
Post by: Tony Baloney on March 13, 2012, 09:16:47 PM
Quote from: muppet on March 13, 2012, 08:57:44 PM
Quote from: 5 Sams on March 13, 2012, 08:38:19 PM
All magnificent work...pity all "Twinning" exercises don't deliver the same benefits :-\

Twinning is usually a waste of taxpayer's money, but there are exceptions and this may very well be one of them.
Hearty congratulations to MDC if that proves to be the case.
Title: Re: Moyle District Council Officially Twins With Gaza City
Post by: seafoid on March 13, 2012, 09:17:37 PM
Quote from: Maguire01 on March 13, 2012, 07:57:59 PM
Quote from: seafoid on March 13, 2012, 07:43:55 PM
Support like this is very important for the morale of the people of Gaza.
In what way? How many ordinary people in Gaza will ever know about this twinning? What difference is it likely to make to them?

They get all the news from the outside world. People under siege remember the acts of kindness of strangers long after the nightmare ends.

Measaim gur subhach don Mhumhain an fhuaim
'S dá maireann go dubhach de chrú na mbua
Torann na dtonn le sleasaibh na long
Ag tarraingt go teann 'n-ár gceann ar cuairt

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RWnDter4QE4
Title: Re: Moyle District Council Officially Twins With Gaza City
Post by: give her dixie on March 13, 2012, 09:18:16 PM
Thanks for the replies folks. As expected, the Unionists opposed it, and the TUV councillor is none too happy....

As I said earlier, it will take a bit of time to se if it works out, and considering this will be one twinning that will be under the microscope, it will have to be dealt with in a way that is open and transparent.

In my local council on Dungannon, I know we are twinned with somewhere else, in fact, a few other places. I tried looking on their web site earlier, and they have no mention of where they are twinned. So, I was at a loss to see who they are twinned with, and what benefits there are to the district.

I noticed Omagh is twinned with East Kilbride in Scotland though.....

As for junkets, this weekend will see an exodus of politicians heading all over the globe for St Patricks day. Shamrocks, Snakes and Shililelaghs bullshit.

My view on this twinning is to leave the jury out on it, and see how it goes. I have high hopes it will work, and if not for an economic benefit, at least a humanitarian one.

Title: Re: Moyle District Council Officially Twins With Gaza City
Post by: seafoid on March 13, 2012, 09:20:13 PM
The Israelis won't let anyone from Norn Irn anywhere near Gaza. Look at what they did to the Freedom Flotilla last year.
They are sociopaths.  No worry of any taxpayer money going on junkets. 
Title: Re: Moyle District Council Officially Twins With Gaza City
Post by: Tony Baloney on March 13, 2012, 10:58:27 PM
Dixie, this from Ballycastle Chronicle...

MOYLE District Council last night (Monday) decided to twin with Gaza and support the troubled region on a humanitarian basis, as an outcome was finally reached on the long-running motion. The council chamber, however, was clearly divided, the room split on the voting.  Chairperson, Cllr Padraig McShane, along with Sinn Fein councillors Cara McShane, Noreen McAllister and Margaret Anne McKillop, Independent councillors Seamus Blaney and Colum Thompson and the SDLP's Donal Cunningham all supported the motion that will now see Moyle District Council proceed with the formal twinning with the municipality of Gaza by a signed agreement, with the 'Antrim to Gaza' group tasked to implement the twinning programme. Those seven votes, in support of the twinning agreement, were enough to see the motion passed by just one vote against the six councillors who voiced their opposition - DUP councillors Robert McIlroy and David McAllister, UUP representatives William Graham and Joan Baird, TUV councillor Sharon McKillop and Independent Randall McDonnell. The proposal to twin Moyle with Gaza was first tabled by Cllr Padraig McShane, who is a member of the Antrim to Gaza group, almost 12 months ago, shortly after he returned from the Middle East region where he had been delivering medical aid. Since it was first proposed it has divided the council chamber and Sheskburn House and had been brought back and forward to council meetings on numerous occasions since. Back in November, councillors requested that legal advice, which has cost council around £860, be sought on the effects of Moyle twinning with Gaza and at Monday night's meeting, Chief Executive Richard Lewis informed councillors that following a full circle of correspondence between their solicitor, the Northern Ireland Office and Stormont, "judgement [was to be made] on the part of the individual councillors now as to whether or not to proceed with the proposed twinning plan." What ensued was a heated debate in which the unionist councillors and Cllr McDonnell made it clear they would not be supporting the twinning motion while the nationalist councillors, along with councillors Blaney and Thompson and the chairperson, indicated they would support the humanitarian aid effort between Moyle and Gaza. Cllr Sharon McKillop said the motion did not receive cross-party support while Cllr Baird said that if Moyle wanted to help the people of Gaza they should do so through international aid agencies.  Cllr McDonnell said twinning with any other place should be of benefit to both areas and he said he could not see where the benefit lay for Moyle.  Cllr Graham said the decision to twin Moyle with Gaza would cause a lot of damage to relations in Moyle.
Title: Re: Moyle District Council Officially Twins With Gaza City
Post by: dillinger on March 13, 2012, 11:33:00 PM
The Moyle Peace Park. Any plans for a Sands Peace Park etc? Or is there already one there?
Title: Re: Moyle District Council Officially Twins With Gaza City
Post by: Mike Sheehy on March 14, 2012, 07:56:32 AM
Shouldn't someone twin with a town in Darfur ? or would that go against the anti-African pro-Arab-aparteid supporting clique of Seafoid and give her dixie?


Title: Re: Moyle District Council Officially Twins With Gaza City
Post by: give her dixie on November 27, 2012, 05:49:51 PM
http://ballycastle.thechronicle.uk.com/articles/news/30738/gaza-twinning-withdrawn/

Gaza twinning withdrawn

Thursday, 29 November 2012

Moyle's twinning arrangement with Gaza has been withdrawn - after a Sinn Fein motion calling for support for the region backfired.

The issue unfolded at Moyle District Council's meeting on Monday night, where Colum Thompson (SF) highlighted the 'renewed indiscriminate air and ground attacks from Israel, into our twin the Municipality of Gaza', and asked that 'Moyle District Council expresses our total repulsion at these actions and reiterates our solidarity with the besieged people of Gaza'.

This immediately prompted a raft of protests from Unionist Councillors - led by the DUP's Robert McIlroy who said that 'we are dealing with terrorists' and 'we should not be associated with that'.
He called on the Council to withdraw from its 'alignment' with Gaza.

Joan Baird (UUP) said she wanted to express sympathy to both sides involved in the 'bloody, awful conflict' but the Council needed to remain impartial and focus on issues on its own doorstep.
"We need to put local people first and step away from being international players", she said.
Her sentiments were echoed by the TUV's Sharon McKillop, who called the Sinn Fein proposal 'imbalanced' and 'distracting from matters that really affect the area'.

Independent Councillor Paudie McShane, who has been the architect of the twinning arrangement, said he was 'disappointed' by the motion as the twinning was a humanitarian , rather than a political gesture.

At his request, the Sinn Fein motion was withdrawn.

'Unbelievable' situation

In spite of protests from the party and Cllr McShane, who branded the situation 'unbelievable', a vote to withdraw from the twinning arrangement was then pushed through.
The initial vote resulted in a tie (seven in favour, seven against) but after a slight delay where the Council Chairperson told the chamber that she did not agree with using the power, Sandra Hunter (UUP) exercised her casting vote to break the stalemate.

Cllr McShane immediately branded the decision 'disgusting for the children of Gaza'.
Afterwards, he accused Sinn Fein of putting 'their own egos ahead of what is right by Gaza'.

"The motion by Councillor Thompson should not have been placed on the agenda given I had personally warned Sinn Fein of the repercussions of their stunt ten days ago.

"Everyone in the chamber knew there was 14 Councillors evenly split and the Chair had the casting vote. It was not rocket science to determine what would happen.

"As far as I am concerned, this has given Unionism the headline it desperately craved but it should be noted that the Antrim to Gaza Group will continue to implement the terms of the Twinning Agreement given it was a permanent Twinning mechanism. This vote changes nothing," he said.
Title: Re: Moyle District Council Officially Twins With Gaza City
Post by: seafoid on November 27, 2012, 06:28:30 PM
Quote from: Mike Sheehy on March 14, 2012, 07:56:32 AM
Shouldn't someone twin with a town in Darfur ? or would that go against the anti-African pro-Arab-aparteid supporting clique of Seafoid and give her dixie?


Mike Sheehy

I hope you stick around to experience the fall of Zionism live here on the gaaboard.


http://www.haaretz.com/blogs/strenger-than-fiction/likud-beitenu-is-headed-for-a-showdown-with-the-world.premium-1.480946

Netanyahu's situation is becoming well-nigh untenable: He is leader of a party that opposes territorial compromise and will no doubt want to step up settlement construction and expansion, while Palestine is becoming an established fact of international law, possibly with the endorsement of major Western states like Britain. Even if Palestinians refrain from bringing complaints against Israel to the International Criminal Court, they will now have increased international leverage in fighting Israel's settlement activity.
Pitching UN recognition of Palestine against the new Likud's extreme right-wing ideology could lead towards a showdown between a Likud-Beitenu government and the world at large. Skeptical about the possibility of reaching a viable agreement with Palestinians, most Israelis have opted for the prolongation of the status quo in which Israel expands settlements without annexing the West Bank. This gradual de facto colonization under the aegis of an unclear legal situation is now likely to come to an end.
Title: Re: Moyle District Council Officially Twins With Gaza City
Post by: Eamonnca1 on November 27, 2012, 10:12:19 PM
Quote from: 5 Sams on March 13, 2012, 07:48:12 PM
Milwaukee (to encourage trade links....ee right)

I could think of better places to go in the states than Milwaukee, no fault to Milwaukee.  Its claims to fame are a big brewing industry and the biggest hurling club in the USA. Not much else that I'm aware of.
Title: Re: Moyle District Council Officially Twins With Gaza City
Post by: AZOffaly on November 28, 2012, 01:56:12 PM
Is Happy Days not set in Milwaukee as well? Heyyyyyyyyy
Title: Re: Moyle District Council Officially Twins With Gaza City
Post by: glens abu on November 29, 2012, 09:21:52 AM
Quote from: give her dixie on November 27, 2012, 05:49:51 PM
http://ballycastle.thechronicle.uk.com/articles/news/30738/gaza-twinning-withdrawn/

Gaza twinning withdrawn

Thursday, 29 November 2012

Moyle's twinning arrangement with Gaza has been withdrawn - after a Sinn Fein motion calling for support for the region backfired.

The issue unfolded at Moyle District Council's meeting on Monday night, where Colum Thompson (SF) highlighted the 'renewed indiscriminate air and ground attacks from Israel, into our twin the Municipality of Gaza', and asked that 'Moyle District Council expresses our total repulsion at these actions and reiterates our solidarity with the besieged people of Gaza'.

This immediately prompted a raft of protests from Unionist Councillors - led by the DUP's Robert McIlroy who said that 'we are dealing with terrorists' and 'we should not be associated with that'.
He called on the Council to withdraw from its 'alignment' with Gaza.

Joan Baird (UUP) said she wanted to express sympathy to both sides involved in the 'bloody, awful conflict' but the Council needed to remain impartial and focus on issues on its own doorstep.
"We need to put local people first and step away from being international players", she said.
Her sentiments were echoed by the TUV's Sharon McKillop, who called the Sinn Fein proposal 'imbalanced' and 'distracting from matters that really affect the area'.

Independent Councillor Paudie McShane, who has been the architect of the twinning arrangement, said he was 'disappointed' by the motion as the twinning was a humanitarian , rather than a political gesture.

At his request, the Sinn Fein motion was withdrawn.

'Unbelievable' situation

In spite of protests from the party and Cllr McShane, who branded the situation 'unbelievable', a vote to withdraw from the twinning arrangement was then pushed through.
The initial vote resulted in a tie (seven in favour, seven against) but after a slight delay where the Council Chairperson told the chamber that she did not agree with using the power, Sandra Hunter (UUP) exercised her casting vote to break the stalemate.

Cllr McShane immediately branded the decision 'disgusting for the children of Gaza'.
Afterwards, he accused Sinn Fein of putting 'their own egos ahead of what is right by Gaza'.

"The motion by Councillor Thompson should not have been placed on the agenda given I had personally warned Sinn Fein of the repercussions of their stunt ten days ago.

"Everyone in the chamber knew there was 14 Councillors evenly split and the Chair had the casting vote. It was not rocket science to determine what would happen.

"As far as I am concerned, this has given Unionism the headline it desperately craved but it should be noted that the Antrim to Gaza Group will continue to implement the terms of the Twinning Agreement given it was a permanent Twinning mechanism. This vote changes nothing," he said.

People can't complain that SF don't put down motions condemning Israel and then when they do its a fault.This will be revisited when there is a full council again and the twinning with Gaza will be reinstated.
Title: Re: Moyle District Council Officially Twins With Gaza City
Post by: give her dixie on November 29, 2012, 02:09:36 PM
Glens, to the best of my knowledge I don't think any councils anywhere in the north put forward the following motion: " expresses our total repulsion at these actions and reiterates our solidarity with the besieged people of Gaza".

I also didn't see any MLA's call to " expresses our total repulsion at these actions and reiterates our solidarity with the besieged people of Gaza" at Stormont.

Colum Thompson was asked 10 days before the meeting not to bring it up by the very man who had initiated and created the twinning. Paudie put a lot of work into the twinning, and he just wasn't a politician who went on a freebe to Gaza for a tour. He brought a van filled with £30,000 worth of humanitarian aid. Personally, I think Colum should have respected Paudie as he correctly predicted the outcome of such a motion.

This twinning means a lot to the people of Gaza who suffered so much. They didn't need a council statement to know the people of Moyle cared. Colum's actions can't be dressed up as he made a mistake and the TUV are laughing.

Title: Re: Moyle District Council Officially Twins With Gaza City
Post by: Mike Sheehy on November 30, 2012, 09:48:49 PM
Quote from: seafoid on November 27, 2012, 06:28:30 PM


Mike Sheehy

I hope you stick around to experience the final solution to the jewish question live here on the gaaboard.


Glad you finally came clean about your true motives.
Title: Re: Moyle District Council Officially Twins With Gaza City
Post by: Itchy on November 30, 2012, 10:26:50 PM
I think you are right mike. While I agree with the general idea that Israel is a rogue state and operates a disgraceful and aggressive war on the innocent people of Gaza but reading seafoods posts the mask tends to slip and in my mind he exhibits a hatred of Jews. I for one, a supporter of Palestinian Independence, do not want to be associated with that type of thinking.
Title: Re: Moyle District Council Officially Twins With Gaza City
Post by: Mike Sheehy on December 01, 2012, 01:02:12 AM
Exactly. What is ironic is that the obvious, vicious, anti-semitism of fellas like him fuels the paranoid, "we-wont-be-exterminated-again" mentality of the Israeli state that perpetuates this conflict.They know that he and his ilk are waiting for any sign of weakness.

Everybody knows that Israel has a case to answer for, we dont need 100 pages of cut'n'paste to tell us this, yet he bangs on and on and on about the jews. Its so obvious his hatred of jews has long outstripped any genuine  concern he might once have had for the palestinian cause.
Title: Re: Moyle District Council Officially Twins With Gaza City
Post by: trileacman on December 01, 2012, 10:53:21 AM
Quote from: Mike Sheehy on December 01, 2012, 01:02:12 AM
Exactly. What is ironic is that the obvious, vicious, anti-semitism of fellas like him fuels the paranoid, "we-wont-be-exterminated-again" mentality of the Israeli state that perpetuates this conflict.They know that he and his ilk are waiting for any sign of weakness.

Everybody knows that Israel has a case to answer for, we dont need 100 pages of cut'n'paste to tell us this, yet he bangs on and on and on about the jews. Its so obvious his hatred of jews has long outstripped any genuine  concern he might once have had for the palestinian cause.
I said the same a couple of weeks ago. His fanaticism is particularly unnerving.
Title: Re: Moyle District Council Officially Twins With Gaza City
Post by: give her dixie on October 18, 2013, 05:35:47 AM
Well, if you wait long enough, the truth will always emerge, and last Monday night at a council meeting of Moyle Councillors, a Sinn Fein councillor resigned and in giving her reasons, had this to say about how the party sought to bring down the twinning agreement as it had become "an embarrassment to some friends of the party"

Now, who could those friends be, and why is supporting Palestine an embarrassment?

This is the statement the former Sinn Féin councillor Margaret Anne McKillop released on the twinning.

"And in what could send shock-waves through Moyle and further afield, in her resignation statement the Councillor accuses Sinn Féin Councillors of undermining and eventually ending Moyle's Twinning Agreement with Gaza, claiming they had been instructed to, as the agreement had become "an embarrassment to some 'friends of the party'".

http://ballycastle.thechronicle.uk.com/articles/news/36446/councillor-in-shock-resignation/
Title: Re: Moyle District Council Officially Twins With Gaza City
Post by: theticklemister on October 18, 2013, 10:47:10 PM
Quote from: give her dixie on October 18, 2013, 05:35:47 AM
Well, if you wait long enough, the truth will always emerge, and last Monday night at a council meeting of Moyle Councillors, a Sinn Fein councillor resigned and in giving her reasons, had this to say about how the party sought to bring down the twinning agreement as it had become "an embarrassment to some friends of the party"

Now, who could those friends be, and why is supporting Palestine an embarrassment?

This is the statement the former Sinn Féin councillor Margaret Anne McKillop released on the twinning.

"And in what could send shock-waves through Moyle and further afield, in her resignation statement the Councillor accuses Sinn Féin Councillors of undermining and eventually ending Moyle's Twinning Agreement with Gaza, claiming they had been instructed to, as the agreement had become "an embarrassment to some 'friends of the party'".

http://ballycastle.thechronicle.uk.com/articles/news/36446/councillor-in-shock-resignation/

Anybody anymore info on this??
Title: Re: Moyle District Council Officially Twins With Gaza City
Post by: give her dixie on October 19, 2013, 12:46:59 AM
Quote from: theticklemister on October 18, 2013, 10:47:10 PM
Quote from: give her dixie on October 18, 2013, 05:35:47 AM
Well, if you wait long enough, the truth will always emerge, and last Monday night at a council meeting of Moyle Councillors, a Sinn Fein councillor resigned and in giving her reasons, had this to say about how the party sought to bring down the twinning agreement as it had become "an embarrassment to some friends of the party"

Now, who could those friends be, and why is supporting Palestine an embarrassment?

This is the statement the former Sinn Féin councillor Margaret Anne McKillop released on the twinning.

"And in what could send shock-waves through Moyle and further afield, in her resignation statement the Councillor accuses Sinn Féin Councillors of undermining and eventually ending Moyle's Twinning Agreement with Gaza, claiming they had been instructed to, as the agreement had become "an embarrassment to some 'friends of the party'".

http://ballycastle.thechronicle.uk.com/articles/news/36446/councillor-in-shock-resignation/

Anybody anymore info on this??

This is her full statement on the Moyle Twinning, and how Sinn Fein brought it down with the help of the Unionists.

"Locally Sinn Fein Councillors undermined and eventually ended Moyle's Twinning Agreement with Gaza. Because of the makeup of the Council Sinn Fein could be seen to support the Agreement with Gaza while also undermining it. On Monday the 26th of November 2012 Sinn Fein made proposals condemning the Israeli bombardments on Gaza. With the full knowledge of Sinn Fein, Unionists made a counterproposal and the Ulster Unionist Chairman with the casting vote ended the Gaza Twinning.
I and several other Councillors questioned the rational only to be informed the Agreement
had become an embarrassment to some 'friends of the party'.  The agreement was based on humanitarianism and not politics."
Title: Re: Moyle District Council Officially Twins With Gaza City
Post by: keep her low this half on October 19, 2013, 02:09:21 AM
And if you had bothered to quote the entire chronicle article you would have noted that the Councillor who resigned only did so after she failed to get the SF nomination for the super councils next year. Apparently SF policy about Gaza and everywhere else was fine until about 10 days ago.
Title: Re: Moyle District Council Officially Twins With Gaza City
Post by: give her dixie on October 19, 2013, 04:02:54 AM
Quote from: keep her low this half on October 19, 2013, 02:09:21 AM
And if you had bothered to quote the entire chronicle article you would have noted that the Councillor who resigned only did so after she failed to get the SF nomination for the super councils next year. Apparently SF policy about Gaza and everywhere else was fine until about 10 days ago.

And if you had of bothered to read the thread title you will have seen it was about Moyle twinning with Gaza. The Coucillor gave several reasons for her resignation, and the decision by Sinn Fein to side with the Unionists and bring it down because it was "an embarrasment to some of their friends" was just one of the reasons. The question still remains, who are the friends that they are talking about?
Title: Re: Moyle District Council Officially Twins With Gaza City
Post by: give her dixie on October 19, 2013, 04:10:41 AM
Maybe it's their friend Ron Prossor, the former Israeli Ambassador to Britain, who they met at a "Northern Ireland Friends Of Israel" event at Stormont a few weeks after Operation Cast Lead when 1,400 Palestinians were slaughtered?


(http://nifriendsofisrael.files.wordpress.com/2009/07/adams_mcooper03-ambassador-meets-sinn-fein.jpg?w=300&h=200)

(http://nifriendsofisrael.files.wordpress.com/2009/07/belfast___060509_073-first-and-deputy-first-ministers1.jpg?w=450&h=337)
Title: Re: Moyle District Council Officially Twins With Gaza City
Post by: Minder on October 19, 2013, 10:55:12 AM
Margaret Anne McKillop would certainly be one of the more able local councillors and I am surprised she didn't get selected for the next council elections. Who was selected?
Title: Re: Moyle District Council Officially Twins With Gaza City
Post by: keep her low this half on October 19, 2013, 10:04:31 PM
It did not say who got the nomination but I would take a guess at Colum Thompson, although as I say that is  just a guess.
Title: Re: Moyle District Council Officially Twins With Gaza City
Post by: Minder on October 19, 2013, 10:29:50 PM
Quote from: keep her low this half on October 19, 2013, 10:04:31 PM
It did not say who got the nomination but I would take a guess at Colum Thompson, although as I say that is  just a guess.

I read earlier it was Cara McShane, Colum Thompson & Kieran Mulholland.
Title: Re: Moyle District Council Officially Twins With Gaza City
Post by: glens abu on October 19, 2013, 11:04:55 PM
A woman scorned lol and Dixie :-[
Title: Re: Moyle District Council Officially Twins With Gaza City
Post by: give her dixie on October 21, 2013, 08:43:52 PM
Quote from: glens abu on October 19, 2013, 11:04:55 PM
A woman scorned lol and Dixie :-[

Very intelligent response Glens. Nothing to say how Sinn Fein colluded with the Unionists in order to bring down the twinning because "it was an embarrassment to some of their friends"? Any idea who these "friends" are?
Title: Re: Moyle District Council Officially Twins With Gaza City
Post by: glens abu on October 21, 2013, 08:53:42 PM
Quote from: give her dixie on October 21, 2013, 08:43:52 PM
Quote from: glens abu on October 19, 2013, 11:04:55 PM
A woman scorned lol and Dixie :-[

Very intelligent response Glens. Nothing to say how Sinn Fein colluded with the Unionists in order to bring down the twinning because "it was an embarrassment to some of their friends"? Any idea who these "friends" are?

Why don't you ask the councillor who was deselected,as I said a woman scorned.
Title: Re: Moyle District Council Officially Twins With Gaza City
Post by: give her dixie on October 21, 2013, 08:57:12 PM
Quote from: glens abu on October 21, 2013, 08:53:42 PM
Quote from: give her dixie on October 21, 2013, 08:43:52 PM
Quote from: glens abu on October 19, 2013, 11:04:55 PM
A woman scorned lol and Dixie :-[

Very intelligent response Glens. Nothing to say how Sinn Fein colluded with the Unionists in order to bring down the twinning because "it was an embarrassment to some of their friends"? Any idea who these "friends" are?

Why don't you ask the councillor who was deselected,as I said a woman scorned.

I am asking you glens.
Title: Re: Moyle District Council Officially Twins With Gaza City
Post by: glens abu on October 21, 2013, 09:07:42 PM
Quote from: give her dixie on October 21, 2013, 08:57:12 PM
Quote from: glens abu on October 21, 2013, 08:53:42 PM
Quote from: give her dixie on October 21, 2013, 08:43:52 PM
Quote from: glens abu on October 19, 2013, 11:04:55 PM
A woman scorned lol and Dixie :-[

Very intelligent response Glens. Nothing to say how Sinn Fein colluded with the Unionists in order to bring down the twinning because "it was an embarrassment to some of their friends"? Any idea who these "friends" are?

Why don't you ask the councillor who was deselected,as I said a woman scorned.

I am asking you glens.

You are asking me to read her mind,I haven't a clue what she is talking about and don't believe her,but you do so go ask her.Dixie I would give what you say a bit more credit if every post you make now wasnt SF bashing so can't really take what you say seriously anymore.You are like the rest of these boys who become dissatisfied with SF,can't disagree with certain policies and move on,it becomes abuse about everything and everyone so sorry can't take you seriously.
Title: Re: Moyle District Council Officially Twins With Gaza City
Post by: give her dixie on October 21, 2013, 09:14:21 PM
Quote from: glens abu on October 21, 2013, 09:07:42 PM
Quote from: give her dixie on October 21, 2013, 08:57:12 PM
Quote from: glens abu on October 21, 2013, 08:53:42 PM
Quote from: give her dixie on October 21, 2013, 08:43:52 PM
Quote from: glens abu on October 19, 2013, 11:04:55 PM
A woman scorned lol and Dixie :-[

Very intelligent response Glens. Nothing to say how Sinn Fein colluded with the Unionists in order to bring down the twinning because "it was an embarrassment to some of their friends"? Any idea who these "friends" are?

Why don't you ask the councillor who was deselected,as I said a woman scorned.

I am asking you glens.

You are asking me to read her mind,I haven't a clue what she is talking about and don't believe her,but you do so go ask her.Dixie I would give what you say a bit more credit if every post you make now wasnt SF bashing so can't really take what you say seriously anymore.You are like the rest of these boys who become dissatisfied with SF,can't disagree with certain policies and move on,it becomes abuse about everything and everyone so sorry can't take you seriously.

Glens, the lady in question made a statement, which i'm sure you have read. In her statement she tells how sinn Fein pulled down the twinning with the help of the Unionists, and you have nothing to say about it? You can attack me all you like and dance around the subject, but the fact remains that sinn Fein pulled it down because it was embarrassing to some of their friends. Have you any idea who these freinds might be? Would it be their Israeli friend Ron Prossor?
Title: Re: Moyle District Council Officially Twins With Gaza City
Post by: glens abu on October 21, 2013, 09:28:00 PM
Quote from: give her dixie on October 21, 2013, 09:14:21 PM
Quote from: glens abu on October 21, 2013, 09:07:42 PM
Quote from: give her dixie on October 21, 2013, 08:57:12 PM
Quote from: glens abu on October 21, 2013, 08:53:42 PM
Quote from: give her dixie on October 21, 2013, 08:43:52 PM
Quote from: glens abu on October 19, 2013, 11:04:55 PM
A woman scorned lol and Dixie :-[

Very intelligent response Glens. Nothing to say how Sinn Fein colluded with the Unionists in order to bring down the twinning because "it was an embarrassment to some of their friends"? Any idea who these "friends" are?

Why don't you ask the councillor who was deselected,as I said a woman scorned.

I am asking you glens.

You are asking me to read her mind,I haven't a clue what she is talking about and don't believe her,but you do so go ask her.Dixie I would give what you say a bit more credit if every post you make now wasnt SF bashing so can't really take what you say seriously anymore.You are like the rest of these boys who become dissatisfied with SF,can't disagree with certain policies and move on,it becomes abuse about everything and everyone so sorry can't take you seriously.

Glens, the lady in question made a statement, which i'm sure you have read. In her statement she tells how sinn Fein pulled down the twinning with the help of the Unionists, and you have nothing to say about it? You can attack me all you like and dance around the subject, but the fact remains that sinn Fein pulled it down because it was embarrassing to some of their friends. Have you any idea who these freinds might be? Would it be their Israeli friend Ron Prossor?

Again don't believe her but I do know that SF have and will always support the Palestinian cause and you know as well as you have been with them many a time at rallies and on the ships to break the blockade.Because one scorned women who has been deselected suddenly makes a statement like that and you believe her proves my point in the last post.
Title: Re: Moyle District Council Officially Twins With Gaza City
Post by: give her dixie on October 21, 2013, 09:46:32 PM
Quote from: glens abu on October 21, 2013, 09:28:00 PM
Quote from: give her dixie on October 21, 2013, 09:14:21 PM
Quote from: glens abu on October 21, 2013, 09:07:42 PM
Quote from: give her dixie on October 21, 2013, 08:57:12 PM
Quote from: glens abu on October 21, 2013, 08:53:42 PM
Quote from: give her dixie on October 21, 2013, 08:43:52 PM
Quote from: glens abu on October 19, 2013, 11:04:55 PM
A woman scorned lol and Dixie :-[

Very intelligent response Glens. Nothing to say how Sinn Fein colluded with the Unionists in order to bring down the twinning because "it was an embarrassment to some of their friends"? Any idea who these "friends" are?

Why don't you ask the councillor who was deselected,as I said a woman scorned.

I am asking you glens.

You are asking me to read her mind,I haven't a clue what she is talking about and don't believe her,but you do so go ask her.Dixie I would give what you say a bit more credit if every post you make now wasnt SF bashing so can't really take what you say seriously anymore.You are like the rest of these boys who become dissatisfied with SF,can't disagree with certain policies and move on,it becomes abuse about everything and everyone so sorry can't take you seriously.

Glens, the lady in question made a statement, which i'm sure you have read. In her statement she tells how sinn Fein pulled down the twinning with the help of the Unionists, and you have nothing to say about it? You can attack me all you like and dance around the subject, but the fact remains that sinn Fein pulled it down because it was embarrassing to some of their friends. Have you any idea who these freinds might be? Would it be their Israeli friend Ron Prossor?

Again don't believe her but I do know that SF have and will always support the Palestinian cause and you know as well as you have been with them many a time at rallies and on the ships to break the blockade.Because one scorned women who has been deselected suddenly makes a statement like that and you believe her proves my point in the last post.

Glens, to a certain point, Sinn Fein will support the Palestinian cause. Supporting them in the form of the Twinning was a step too far` for them, and they brought it down. A quick refresh for you would be to go back to the 2nd page in this thread. There you will see that they were warned 10 days before their actions that night that the twinning would come down if they went ahead. They went ahead anyway with full co operation of the Unionists. Plus, if you read on down you will find that you confidently predicted that at the next full council meeting it would be re instated. It wasn't, as you well know.

As for me been with them at rallies and on the ships, well that is a lie. I have never been on any ship to Gaza, and as for the rallies, it's hard to forget been at the rally outside the City Hall the day the Mavi Marmara was attacked and 9 people were murdered. Gerry Adams was also there, and when asked to speak, he refused. However, his picture appeared in all the papers at having been there.

As for the lady in question been de selected it is worth pointing out that her name was put forward by her Cumann, and not by herself. You are just following the party line in saying she is a woman scorned. It is just a pity that neither the party nor yourself adressed one single point she made in her resignation letter.

The truth is that Sinn Fein brought the twinning down with the full co operation of the Unionists because "it was embarrassing to some of their friends". Some friends they are to the besieged Palestinians living in Gaza.
Title: Re: Moyle District Council Officially Twins With Gaza City
Post by: glens abu on October 21, 2013, 09:55:14 PM
Quote from: give her dixie on October 21, 2013, 09:46:32 PM
Quote from: glens abu on October 21, 2013, 09:28:00 PM
Quote from: give her dixie on October 21, 2013, 09:14:21 PM
Quote from: glens abu on October 21, 2013, 09:07:42 PM
Quote from: give her dixie on October 21, 2013, 08:57:12 PM
Quote from: glens abu on October 21, 2013, 08:53:42 PM
Quote from: give her dixie on October 21, 2013, 08:43:52 PM
Quote from: glens abu on October 19, 2013, 11:04:55 PM
A woman scorned lol and Dixie :-[

Very intelligent response Glens. Nothing to say how Sinn Fein colluded with the Unionists in order to bring down the twinning because "it was an embarrassment to some of their friends"? Any idea who these "friends" are?

Why don't you ask the councillor who was deselected,as I said a woman scorned.

I am asking you glens.

You are asking me to read her mind,I haven't a clue what she is talking about and don't believe her,but you do so go ask her.Dixie I would give what you say a bit more credit if every post you make now wasnt SF bashing so can't really take what you say seriously anymore.You are like the rest of these boys who become dissatisfied with SF,can't disagree with certain policies and move on,it becomes abuse about everything and everyone so sorry can't take you seriously.

Glens, the lady in question made a statement, which i'm sure you have read. In her statement she tells how sinn Fein pulled down the twinning with the help of the Unionists, and you have nothing to say about it? You can attack me all you like and dance around the subject, but the fact remains that sinn Fein pulled it down because it was embarrassing to some of their friends. Have you any idea who these freinds might be? Would it be their Israeli friend Ron Prossor?

Again don't believe her but I do know that SF have and will always support the Palestinian cause and you know as well as you have been with them many a time at rallies and on the ships to break the blockade.Because one scorned women who has been deselected suddenly makes a statement like that and you believe her proves my point in the last post.

Glens, to a certain point, Sinn Fein will support the Palestinian cause. Supporting them in the form of the Twinning was a step too far` for them, and they brought it down. A quick refresh for you would be to go back to the 2nd page in this thread. There you will see that they were warned 10 days before their actions that night that the twinning would come down if they went ahead. They went ahead anyway with full co operation of the Unionists. Plus, if you read on down you will find that you confidently predicted that at the next full council meeting it would be re instated. It wasn't, as you well know.

As for me been with them at rallies and on the ships, well that is a lie. I have never been on any ship to Gaza, and as for the rallies, it's hard to forget been at the rally outside the City Hall the day the Mavi Marmara was attacked and 9 people were murdered. Gerry Adams was also there, and when asked to speak, he refused. However, his picture appeared in all the papers at having been there.

As for the lady in question been de selected it is worth pointing out that her name was put forward by her Cumann, and not by herself. You are just following the party line in saying she is a woman scorned. It is just a pity that neither the party nor yourself adressed one single point she made in her resignation letter.

The truth is that Sinn Fein brought the twinning down with the full co operation of the Unionists because "it was embarrassing to some of their friends". Some friends they are to the besieged Palestinians living in Gaza.

As I said before regarding yourself I just can't believe anything you say now about Gerry Adams or anyone else in SF and if this Lady was so principled why did she wait until she was deselected before she made all these accusations against the party,others like Angela Nelson who disagreed with the party and left I can respect both them and their views but find it hard to believe anything this woman says.
Title: Re: Moyle District Council Officially Twins With Gaza City
Post by: give her dixie on October 21, 2013, 10:11:51 PM
Quote from: glens abu on October 21, 2013, 09:55:14 PM
Quote from: give her dixie on October 21, 2013, 09:46:32 PM
Quote from: glens abu on October 21, 2013, 09:28:00 PM
Quote from: give her dixie on October 21, 2013, 09:14:21 PM
Quote from: glens abu on October 21, 2013, 09:07:42 PM
Quote from: give her dixie on October 21, 2013, 08:57:12 PM
Quote from: glens abu on October 21, 2013, 08:53:42 PM
Quote from: give her dixie on October 21, 2013, 08:43:52 PM
Quote from: glens abu on October 19, 2013, 11:04:55 PM
A woman scorned lol and Dixie :-[

Very intelligent response Glens. Nothing to say how Sinn Fein colluded with the Unionists in order to bring down the twinning because "it was an embarrassment to some of their friends"? Any idea who these "friends" are?

Why don't you ask the councillor who was deselected,as I said a woman scorned.

I am asking you glens.

You are asking me to read her mind,I haven't a clue what she is talking about and don't believe her,but you do so go ask her.Dixie I would give what you say a bit more credit if every post you make now wasnt SF bashing so can't really take what you say seriously anymore.You are like the rest of these boys who become dissatisfied with SF,can't disagree with certain policies and move on,it becomes abuse about everything and everyone so sorry can't take you seriously.

Glens, the lady in question made a statement, which i'm sure you have read. In her statement she tells how sinn Fein pulled down the twinning with the help of the Unionists, and you have nothing to say about it? You can attack me all you like and dance around the subject, but the fact remains that sinn Fein pulled it down because it was embarrassing to some of their friends. Have you any idea who these freinds might be? Would it be their Israeli friend Ron Prossor?

Again don't believe her but I do know that SF have and will always support the Palestinian cause and you know as well as you have been with them many a time at rallies and on the ships to break the blockade.Because one scorned women who has been deselected suddenly makes a statement like that and you believe her proves my point in the last post.

Glens, to a certain point, Sinn Fein will support the Palestinian cause. Supporting them in the form of the Twinning was a step too far` for them, and they brought it down. A quick refresh for you would be to go back to the 2nd page in this thread. There you will see that they were warned 10 days before their actions that night that the twinning would come down if they went ahead. They went ahead anyway with full co operation of the Unionists. Plus, if you read on down you will find that you confidently predicted that at the next full council meeting it would be re instated. It wasn't, as you well know.

As for me been with them at rallies and on the ships, well that is a lie. I have never been on any ship to Gaza, and as for the rallies, it's hard to forget been at the rally outside the City Hall the day the Mavi Marmara was attacked and 9 people were murdered. Gerry Adams was also there, and when asked to speak, he refused. However, his picture appeared in all the papers at having been there.

As for the lady in question been de selected it is worth pointing out that her name was put forward by her Cumann, and not by herself. You are just following the party line in saying she is a woman scorned. It is just a pity that neither the party nor yourself adressed one single point she made in her resignation letter.

The truth is that Sinn Fein brought the twinning down with the full co operation of the Unionists because "it was embarrassing to some of their friends". Some friends they are to the besieged Palestinians living in Gaza.

As I said before regarding yourself I just can't believe anything you say now about Gerry Adams or anyone else in SF and if this Lady was so principled why did she wait until she was deselected before she made all these accusations against the party,others like Angela Nelson who disagreed with the party and left I can respect both them and their views but find it hard to believe anything this woman says.

Glens, unlike Gerry Adams, I don't lie. I was standing beside him that day in Belfast when he refused to speak at the rally been held to speak out against the Israeli murder of 9 innocent people.

Whatever the timing of the councillors resignation, the fact remains that she told the truth on why the twinning was brought down. Just a pity that the party, and yourself for that matter, refuse to comment on it and instead call her either a liar or a woman scorned.

Title: Re: Moyle District Council Officially Twins With Gaza City
Post by: muppet on October 22, 2013, 11:00:41 PM
Dixie surely you know the routine by now.

Stage 1. Attack the individual.

Stage 2. Claim any inconvenient source is discredited.
Title: Re: Moyle District Council Officially Twins With Gaza City
Post by: gallsman on October 23, 2013, 10:22:18 AM
At the end of the day, hark back to the first page of this thread and it's a tiny storm in a f**king massive teacup.

Dixie, I acknowledge how dedicated you are to your work on behalf of the people of Palestine but, at the end of the day, what would twinning ever have delivered? Nothing. What percentage of the Gaza population were aware of the proposed twinning? What percentage were devastated when it collapsed?
Title: Re: Moyle District Council Officially Twins With Gaza City
Post by: theticklemister on October 23, 2013, 10:49:35 AM
Quote from: gallsman on October 23, 2013, 10:22:18 AM
At the end of the day, hark back to the first page of this thread and it's a tiny storm in a f**king massive teacup.

Dixie, I acknowledge how dedicated you are to your work on behalf of the people of Palestine but, at the end of the day, what would twinning ever have delivered? Nothing. What percentage of the Gaza population were aware of the proposed twinning? What percentage were devastated when it collapsed?

I believe it was a symbolic decision to show that another part of the world isaware the suffering and plight that the people of Gaza is going through
Title: Re: Moyle District Council Officially Twins With Gaza City
Post by: gallsman on October 23, 2013, 10:55:18 AM
Quote from: theticklemister on October 23, 2013, 10:49:35 AM
Quote from: gallsman on October 23, 2013, 10:22:18 AM
At the end of the day, hark back to the first page of this thread and it's a tiny storm in a f**king massive teacup.

Dixie, I acknowledge how dedicated you are to your work on behalf of the people of Palestine but, at the end of the day, what would twinning ever have delivered? Nothing. What percentage of the Gaza population were aware of the proposed twinning? What percentage were devastated when it collapsed?

I believe it was a symbolic decision to show that another part of the world isaware the suffering and plight that the people of Gaza is going through

Exactly - this bickering about who said what, who undermined who, whether SF's policies and practices differ does absolutely nothing to alleviate the suffering of the the people in Gaza. Political (you can just about call it that) infighting a thousand miles away over a symbolic gesture that would have had no material impact whatsoever.
Title: Re: Moyle District Council Officially Twins With Gaza City
Post by: glens abu on October 23, 2013, 11:07:21 AM
Quote from: muppet on October 22, 2013, 11:00:41 PM
Dixie surely you know the routine by now.

Stage 1. Attack the individual.

Stage 2. Claim any inconvenient source is discredited.

Dixie already knows he does that,doesnt need you to tell him.
Title: Re: Moyle District Council Officially Twins With Gaza City
Post by: muppet on October 23, 2013, 11:46:59 AM
To be honest this looks like the murky world of real politics.

Rather than operating in ideological isolation, as they have always done, Sinn Féin (and whoever the counter-party is) now has matured to live with some give and take. The frustrating thing for some supporters who are particularly focussed on single issues, will be when the 'give' comes down on their issue, as it appears to be the case with this councillor and Dixie.

It is now never about the merit of the argument, it is only about politics.

In a strange way this actually shows that politics up north is actually slowly moving away from the past medieval ranting to somewhere in the wheeling and dealing 20th century, and joining the UK & Ireland there.
Title: Re: Moyle District Council Officially Twins With Gaza City
Post by: give her dixie on October 23, 2013, 12:09:22 PM
Quote from: gallsman on October 23, 2013, 10:22:18 AM
At the end of the day, hark back to the first page of this thread and it's a tiny storm in a f**king massive teacup.

Dixie, I acknowledge how dedicated you are to your work on behalf of the people of Palestine but, at the end of the day, what would twinning ever have delivered? Nothing. What percentage of the Gaza population were aware of the proposed twinning? What percentage were devastated when it collapsed?

Without going back into the benefits that I outlined a few pages back at the time of the twinning, suffice to say it firstly was a symolic gesture of solidarity from one part of Ireland to one part of Palestine. Secondly, there was the humanitarian aspect, and thirdly, it was the 1st council in Ireland to twin with a city in Palestine.

The news of the twinning was very widely reported across the world in Palestinian solidarity circles, and it inspired others to pursue similar ideas. In Gaza, it was also big news as every news channel reported on it, both in print and on TV.

We will never get to know how it would have eventually played out given that it was stopped in it's tracks in its early days, but i'm quite sure if it had of been running for a while, there would have been tangible results.

As for Sinn Fein, they can hang their head in shame over this as they use the Palestinian cause as a political football whenever it suits them. Sure only recently they had a Palestinian speaker at their Ard Fheis in order to show their party faithful that they support Palestine. However, when push came to shove, they put their selfish interests first and brought the twinning down.

Up until this twinning took place, several members of Sinn Fein, including the then mayor, Paul Fleming, went on several junkets to Gaza and on those occassions they promised the mayor of Khan Younis that they would twin Derry city with them. This went on for a couple of years, and each time they would bring a piece of crystal calling Khan younis their "Sister City". Following the official Moyle twinning, the officials in Khan Younis pushed them on taking the twinning to an official level. They were told that it wouldn't be happening, and sister city was the best they could do.

From the start of this thread I have been posting on the progress of the twinning. People can read into it and believe what they want to. I for one was very proud of the twinning, and it's a shame that it was brought down by those who claim to support Palestine.

PS Sure you never know, Khan Younis might be twinned yet with another council in Ireland, only this time officially.........

Title: Re: Moyle District Council Officially Twins With Gaza City
Post by: Nally Stand on October 23, 2013, 12:26:27 PM
Quote from: muppet on October 23, 2013, 11:46:59 AM
To be honest this looks like the murky world of real politics.

Rather than operating in ideological isolation, as they have always done, Sinn Féin (and whoever the counter-party is) now has matured to live with some give and take. The frustrating thing for some supporters who are particularly focussed on single issues, will be when the 'give' comes down on their issue, as it appears to be the case with this councillor and Dixie.

It is now never about the merit of the argument, it is only about politics.

In a strange way this actually shows that politics up north is actually slowly moving away from the past medieval ranting to somewhere in the wheeling and dealing 20th century, and joining the UK & Ireland there.

So the north has been stuck in the past, but the south hasn't? Not the impression I got during the presidential elections!
Title: Re: Moyle District Council Officially Twins With Gaza City
Post by: muppet on October 24, 2013, 01:08:16 AM
Quote from: Nally Stand on October 23, 2013, 12:26:27 PM
Quote from: muppet on October 23, 2013, 11:46:59 AM
To be honest this looks like the murky world of real politics.

Rather than operating in ideological isolation, as they have always done, Sinn Féin (and whoever the counter-party is) now has matured to live with some give and take. The frustrating thing for some supporters who are particularly focussed on single issues, will be when the 'give' comes down on their issue, as it appears to be the case with this councillor and Dixie.

It is now never about the merit of the argument, it is only about politics.

In a strange way this actually shows that politics up north is actually slowly moving away from the past medieval ranting to somewhere in the wheeling and dealing 20th century, and joining the UK & Ireland there.

So the north has been stuck in the past, but the south hasn't? Not the impression I got during the presidential elections!

The north is only now moving into normal politics.

The south has been mired in politics for a long time.
Title: Re: Moyle District Council Officially Twins With Gaza City
Post by: Saffrongael on October 28, 2013, 10:14:35 PM
Sinn Feins Martina Anderson is on a junket to Palestine at the minute.
Title: Re: Moyle District Council Officially Twins With Gaza City
Post by: give her dixie on October 29, 2013, 01:11:44 AM
Quote from: Saffrongael on October 28, 2013, 10:14:35 PM
Sinn Feins Martina Anderson is on a junket to Palestine at the minute.

At the same time as Martin McGuinness was heaping praise on Caterpillar (along with another £1 million grant, bringing to nearly £3 million they have received this year). Stating "Caterpillar is an important investor, not only in terms of jobs and wealth creation but also in the credibility its presence lends to doing business here", McGuinness forgot how Caterpillar equipment is used on a daily basis to demolish Palestinian homes by the thousands? Or maybe he forgot how their D9 Dozer killed Rachel Corrie? Or, did he forget how they sent 750 people to the dole just a year ago?
Title: Re: Moyle District Council Officially Twins With Gaza City
Post by: theskull1 on October 29, 2013, 01:24:42 AM
GHD ... I'm not saying youre not right to highlight double standards and hypocrisy when its there to be highlighted.

My question is ...is there a principled politician out there who would tell investors to take a run and jump as they try to develop the local economy? Easy to be principled is it not from where we're sitting?

Its an ugly world out there
Title: Re: Moyle District Council Officially Twins With Gaza City
Post by: mylestheslasher on October 29, 2013, 02:01:50 PM
Quote from: give her dixie on October 29, 2013, 01:11:44 AM
Quote from: Saffrongael on October 28, 2013, 10:14:35 PM
Sinn Feins Martina Anderson is on a junket to Palestine at the minute.

At the same time as Martin McGuinness was heaping praise on Caterpillar (along with another £1 million grant, bringing to nearly £3 million they have received this year). Stating "Caterpillar is an important investor, not only in terms of jobs and wealth creation but also in the credibility its presence lends to doing business here", McGuinness forgot how Caterpillar equipment is used on a daily basis to demolish Palestinian homes by the thousands? Or maybe he forgot how their D9 Dozer killed Rachel Corrie? Or, did he forget how they sent 750 people to the dole just a year ago?

I agree with you on quite a lot of things Dixie but this is just nonsense. Caterpillar make earth moving equipment, not weapons of war. If the end user decides to drive a caterpillar over someone how can the company be held responsible. Should all the sub contractors who supply gears, engines etc etc to Caterpillar be also boycotted. This is a silly argument and you'd be better sticking to the many other sensible arguments that are out there instead of trying to win this one.
Title: Re: Moyle District Council Officially Twins With Gaza City
Post by: glens abu on October 29, 2013, 02:11:31 PM
Quote from: mylestheslasher on October 29, 2013, 02:01:50 PM
Quote from: give her dixie on October 29, 2013, 01:11:44 AM
Quote from: Saffrongael on October 28, 2013, 10:14:35 PM
Sinn Feins Martina Anderson is on a junket to Palestine at the minute.

At the same time as Martin McGuinness was heaping praise on Caterpillar (along with another £1 million grant, bringing to nearly £3 million they have received this year). Stating "Caterpillar is an important investor, not only in terms of jobs and wealth creation but also in the credibility its presence lends to doing business here", McGuinness forgot how Caterpillar equipment is used on a daily basis to demolish Palestinian homes by the thousands? Or maybe he forgot how their D9 Dozer killed Rachel Corrie? Or, did he forget how they sent 750 people to the dole just a year ago?

I agree with you on quite a lot of things Dixie but this is just nonsense. Caterpillar make earth moving equipment, not weapons of war. If the end user decides to drive a caterpillar over someone how can the company be held responsible. Should all the sub contractors who supply gears, engines etc etc to Caterpillar be also boycotted. This is a silly argument and you'd be better sticking to the many other sensible arguments that are out there instead of trying to win this one.

Have already been down that road with Dixie but he has his wee anti SF hat on at the minute and so blinded with hate. :-[
Title: Re: Moyle District Council Officially Twins With Gaza City
Post by: gallsman on October 29, 2013, 02:35:27 PM
Quote from: give her dixie on October 29, 2013, 01:11:44 AM
Quote from: Saffrongael on October 28, 2013, 10:14:35 PM
Sinn Feins Martina Anderson is on a junket to Palestine at the minute.
Or maybe he forgot how their D9 Dozer killed Rachel Corrie?

Oh f**k off. "Caterpillar responsible for Rachel Corrie death".
Title: Re: Moyle District Council Officially Twins With Gaza City
Post by: seafoid on October 29, 2013, 04:02:36 PM
Quote from: gallsman on October 29, 2013, 02:35:27 PM
Quote from: give her dixie on October 29, 2013, 01:11:44 AM
Quote from: Saffrongael on October 28, 2013, 10:14:35 PM
Sinn Feins Martina Anderson is on a junket to Palestine at the minute.
Or maybe he forgot how their D9 Dozer killed Rachel Corrie?

Oh f**k off. "Caterpillar responsible for Rachel Corrie death".
Do caterpillar make the armoured Dozers or is it the Israelis who modify them?
Rachel Corrie's murder was not ideal  for the Caterpillar brand. 
Title: Re: Moyle District Council Officially Twins With Gaza City
Post by: gallsman on October 29, 2013, 04:20:38 PM
Quote from: seafoid on October 29, 2013, 04:02:36 PM
Quote from: gallsman on October 29, 2013, 02:35:27 PM
Quote from: give her dixie on October 29, 2013, 01:11:44 AM
Quote from: Saffrongael on October 28, 2013, 10:14:35 PM
Sinn Feins Martina Anderson is on a junket to Palestine at the minute.
Or maybe he forgot how their D9 Dozer killed Rachel Corrie?

Oh f**k off. "Caterpillar responsible for Rachel Corrie death".
Do caterpillar make the armoured Dozers or is it the Israelis who modify them?
Rachel Corrie's murder was not ideal  for the Caterpillar brand.

Regardless, to imply that, on principle, Caterpillar bear some responsibility for her death is ludicrous.

Should Irish nationalists oppose Land Rover given their connection to the RUC?

Should Americans oppose Boeing for supplying the 9/11 hijackers with a plane that could be hijacked?

Utter nonsense.
Title: Re: Moyle District Council Officially Twins With Gaza City
Post by: seafoid on October 29, 2013, 04:24:16 PM
Quote from: gallsman on October 29, 2013, 04:20:38 PM
Quote from: seafoid on October 29, 2013, 04:02:36 PM
Quote from: gallsman on October 29, 2013, 02:35:27 PM
Quote from: give her dixie on October 29, 2013, 01:11:44 AM
Quote from: Saffrongael on October 28, 2013, 10:14:35 PM
Sinn Feins Martina Anderson is on a junket to Palestine at the minute.
Or maybe he forgot how their D9 Dozer killed Rachel Corrie?

Oh f**k off. "Caterpillar responsible for Rachel Corrie death".
Do caterpillar make the armoured Dozers or is it the Israelis who modify them?
Rachel Corrie's murder was not ideal  for the Caterpillar brand.

Regardless, to imply that, on principle, Caterpillar bear some responsibility for her death is ludicrous.

Should Irish nationalists oppose Land Rover given their connection to the RUC?

Should Americans oppose Boeing for supplying the 9/11 hijackers with a plane that could be hijacked?

Utter nonsense.
Companies that profit from oppression have nothing to be proud of.
Should Dunnes have sold South African oranges in 1984? 

Norn Irn needs jobs .
But Caterpillar ?

Reminds me of this song

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rlcHnp5FEdc
Title: Re: Moyle District Council Officially Twins With Gaza City
Post by: Saffrongael on October 29, 2013, 05:02:33 PM
Quote from: glens abu on October 29, 2013, 02:11:31 PM
Quote from: mylestheslasher on October 29, 2013, 02:01:50 PM
Quote from: give her dixie on October 29, 2013, 01:11:44 AM
Quote from: Saffrongael on October 28, 2013, 10:14:35 PM
Sinn Feins Martina Anderson is on a junket to Palestine at the minute.

At the same time as Martin McGuinness was heaping praise on Caterpillar (along with another £1 million grant, bringing to nearly £3 million they have received this year). Stating "Caterpillar is an important investor, not only in terms of jobs and wealth creation but also in the credibility its presence lends to doing business here", McGuinness forgot how Caterpillar equipment is used on a daily basis to demolish Palestinian homes by the thousands? Or maybe he forgot how their D9 Dozer killed Rachel Corrie? Or, did he forget how they sent 750 people to the dole just a year ago?

I agree with you on quite a lot of things Dixie but this is just nonsense. Caterpillar make earth moving equipment, not weapons of war. If the end user decides to drive a caterpillar over someone how can the company be held responsible. Should all the sub contractors who supply gears, engines etc etc to Caterpillar be also boycotted. This is a silly argument and you'd be better sticking to the many other sensible arguments that are out there instead of trying to win this one.

Have already been down that road with Dixie but he has his wee anti SF hat on at the minute and so blinded with hate. :-[

But you weren't, he made a couple of points about Sinn Feins words and contrastly their actions on Palestine, you weren't able to rebutt any of it.
Title: Re: Moyle District Council Officially Twins With Gaza City
Post by: glens abu on October 29, 2013, 05:13:37 PM
Quote from: Saffrongael on October 29, 2013, 05:02:33 PM
Quote from: glens abu on October 29, 2013, 02:11:31 PM
Quote from: mylestheslasher on October 29, 2013, 02:01:50 PM
Quote from: give her dixie on October 29, 2013, 01:11:44 AM
Quote from: Saffrongael on October 28, 2013, 10:14:35 PM
Sinn Feins Martina Anderson is on a junket to Palestine at the minute.

At the same time as Martin McGuinness was heaping praise on Caterpillar (along with another £1 million grant, bringing to nearly £3 million they have received this year). Stating "Caterpillar is an important investor, not only in terms of jobs and wealth creation but also in the credibility its presence lends to doing business here", McGuinness forgot how Caterpillar equipment is used on a daily basis to demolish Palestinian homes by the thousands? Or maybe he forgot how their D9 Dozer killed Rachel Corrie? Or, did he forget how they sent 750 people to the dole just a year ago?

I agree with you on quite a lot of things Dixie but this is just nonsense. Caterpillar make earth moving equipment, not weapons of war. If the end user decides to drive a caterpillar over someone how can the company be held responsible. Should all the sub contractors who supply gears, engines etc etc to Caterpillar be also boycotted. This is a silly argument and you'd be better sticking to the many other sensible arguments that are out there instead of trying to win this one.

Have already been down that road with Dixie but he has his wee anti SF hat on at the minute and so blinded with hate. :-[

But you weren't, he made a couple of points about Sinn Feins words and contrastly their actions on Palestine, you weren't able to rebutt any of it.
[/quote

Again you are talking nonsense,I am talking about the debate we had about Catapiller a few months ago,now away and check with Martin Og before you type balls.
Title: Re: Moyle District Council Officially Twins With Gaza City
Post by: Itchy on October 29, 2013, 05:18:22 PM
Seafood - I imagine you don't shop anywhere given that if you are so inclined you could link almost any business with something you find offensive. You and Dixie should get a room, obviously a morally sound room.
Title: Re: Moyle District Council Officially Twins With Gaza City
Post by: seafoid on October 29, 2013, 05:57:31 PM
Quote from: Itchy on October 29, 2013, 05:18:22 PM
Seafood - I imagine you don't shop anywhere given that if you are so inclined you could link almost any business with something you find offensive. You and Dixie should get a room, obviously a morally sound room.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iz0Vef4Fu8U
Title: Re: Moyle District Council Officially Twins With Gaza City
Post by: Itchy on October 29, 2013, 09:12:19 PM
Quote from: seafoid on October 29, 2013, 05:57:31 PM
Quote from: Itchy on October 29, 2013, 05:18:22 PM
Seafood - I imagine you don't shop anywhere given that if you are so inclined you could link almost any business with something you find offensive. You and Dixie should get a room, obviously a morally sound room.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iz0Vef4Fu8U

And your point is what in relation to caterpillar. May I ask what car make you drive?
Title: Re: Moyle District Council Officially Twins With Gaza City
Post by: Itchy on October 29, 2013, 10:22:25 PM
Seafood are u going through the www furiously trying to find a car make that was never used in a crime? Maybe one of those electric yokes. Anyhow, let's boycott all cars, its the only way to stop crazies using them to run people down.
Title: Re: Moyle District Council Officially Twins With Gaza City
Post by: give her dixie on November 05, 2013, 10:45:02 AM
Some interesting points made on the subject of Caterpillar and the International calls for a boycott of their products.

Since 1967 over 30,000 Palestinian homes have been demolished by Israel, using mainly Caterpillar equipment. Everyone from Amnesty International, Human Rights Watch, Richard Falk the UN Special Special Rapporteur on Palestine, and indeed Sinn Fein have called for a boycott of Caterpillar.

Just last week demolition orders were served on homes in the West Bank that will force 15,000 people from their homes. At the same time, they announced plans to build 1,500 more houses for illegal settlers from across the globe. Caterpillar equipment will be to the forefront to the demolition and the construction of these houses. 

At this years Ard Fheis, motion 106 was passed that said "This Ard Fheis extends our continuing solidarity with the people of Palestine and urges full support for the boycott and divestment (BDS) campaign of Israeli goods and services, including Caterpillar" For Martin McGuinnes to come out in full support of Caterpillar displays hypocrisy at the highest level.

Caterpillar know full well what their products do in Palestine, and until they act to stop supplying their products to the IDF, they will come under increasing pressure. Every year more and more people and companies are pulling their investments out because of this very reason.

I find it disgraceful that our tax payers money is going to a company that ignores International Law. I think that the various Departments in Stormont handing out public money should have in place certain standards that companies receiving said money adhere to.

Plus, we must not forget that Caterpillar dumped 750 workers on the dole not that long ago. For them to receive millions in return is a joke. No doubt when the grants run out they will feck off once again laughing all the way to the bank.