The SDLP

[RedHand88]

I never actually knew the SDLP abstained from the house of lords. Why hasn't this been thrown at them before?

Because they don't abstain. They don't accept peerages (rightly in my view) to an unelected house. That's the difference.

So instead of entering a house in parliament and representing Irish nationalism, giving us a voice, they choose not to as a matter of principle?

[trailer]

I never actually knew the SDLP abstained from the house of lords. Why hasn't this been thrown at them before?

Because they don't abstain. They don't accept peerages (rightly in my view) to an unelected house. That's the difference.

So instead of entering a house in parliament and representing Irish nationalism, giving us a voice, they choose not to as a matter of principle?

No, they don't accept peerages. So they can't enter the HOL. Now if they accepted the peerage and then didn't turn up, that would be abstaining.
Hope that clears that up for you.

[Snapchap]

Typical stoop. Won't seek election to the Dáil but happy to take a Tory granted title and seat in a House of Lords that she herself long described as an "anachronistic institution".

Some record for SDLP leaders:

Gerry Fitt - Joined the House of Lords and became 'Barron Fitt of Bell's Hill'.
Mark Duran - Left to join the conservative FG.
Margaret Ritchie - Announced she was "delighted" to accept a Tory bestowed peerage (she has yet to choose where she wants to become 'Baroness' of, for her title)
Alasdair McDonnell - Attempted to forge links with the right wing PD's and regularly invited the right-wing, borderline racist Michael McDowell to canvass with him.
Colm Eastwood - Forged an "alliance" with Fianna Fáil - a conservative party led by a dyed-in-the-wool partitionist.

Some nationalists!

[Rossfan]

Do you have to be a loony leftie to qualify as a "nationalist"??

[Itchy]

Do you have to be a loony leftie to qualify as a "nationalist"??

SDLP = Socialist Democratic Labour Party

From their website...

As the party of civil rights, the SDLP is working for an Ireland free from poverty, prejudice and injustice; a vibrant country of energy, enterprise and endeavour, where economic prosperity delivers better public services and greater opportunities for all

So they are a left wing party.

So if you are in that party and decide to become a Lord or join a right wing party somewhere else, I think it is fair to call that person as a hypocrite. Nothing to do with being a loony leftie.

[general_lee]

Do you have to be a loony leftie to qualify as a "nationalist"??

f**k me. Any “nationalist” that joins the House of Lords will rightfully have their credentials questioned.

[Rossfan]

The point made was that some SDLP people joined FG or were consorting with FF who are both right wing and therefore couldn't be called "nationalist".

[general_lee]

The point made was that some SDLP people joined FG or were consorting with FF who are both right wing and therefore couldn't be called "nationalist".

To be fair they may as well just join the UUP in the north

[Angelo]

Nothing the stoops do would surprise me.

[red hander]

Margaret Ritchie to enter the lords. Jesus wept, I know the SDLP are sore at having no MP's and I know that she has technically resigned. But HTF on principle can any Irish Nationalist join the lords?

Hardly a surprise;




Margaret still taking the soup.

Typical stoop. Brits wave a wee bauble or bit of ermine their way and they're bowing and scraping. A failed politician who claims she will represent nationakists in Lords. She can fcuk right off

[RedHand88]

I eagerly await her advocating for Irish unity in the House of lords.

[playwiththewind1st]

Margaret Ritchie to enter the lords. Jesus wept, I know the SDLP are sore at having no MP's and I know that she has technically resigned. But HTF on principle can any Irish Nationalist join the lords?

Hardly a surprise;




Margaret still taking the soup.

Typical stoop. Brits wave a wee bauble or bit of ermine their way and they're bowing and scraping. A failed politician who claims she will represent nationakists in Lords. She can fcuk right off

Three hundred quid a day, just for turning up + Assembly pension. There's a good living to be made out of it.

[Applesisapples]

To me any right thinking Irish Nationalist could not on principle take an oath to s foreign state or head of state. I know Margaret, not well but still. I can not fathom why she has sold out. I support SF and their abstention policy.

[Rossfan]

Didn't SDLP MPs take their Commons seats and that Oath for years?

[hardstation]

To me any right thinking Irish Nationalist could not on principle take an oath to s foreign state or head of state. I know Margaret, not well but still. I can not fathom why she has sold out. I support SF and their abstention policy.

Not that I disagree with you but this is a Custer’s last stand. For 30 years, Sinn Féin have been masters in making even the most unpalatable acts political successes for “Irish Nationalists”. They get a kick back calling them sell outs and then their PR operation kicks in and suddenly shaking the queen’s hand is actually what the war was about achieving.