Sinn Fein? They have gone away, you know.

[square_ball]

Dear Austin,
the biggest obstacle to a UI is the majority in the 6 Cos who don't currently want it.
Giving out about "FFG"(sic) won't change that.

After reunification there won't be a need for a "Green" (Catholic/Nationalist) party in the North. SF might reinvent themselves as a populist party for moaners, whingers, etc- they're more or less that in the 26 anyway.
Most of Fascist Steenson's transfers went to SF.
Their once left of centre voters are going to Social Democrats.

I think it's underestimated the distaste of FFG in the North. They would not easily pick up voters here in the event of a UI. And I think that's a fact they are well aware of.

Disliked by nationalists and unionists (because of protocol). That said, in the event of a UI (which there will be), the people will have to decide who is best qualified to take control of the economic interests of the country. I doubt too many will bestow that responsibility on Sinn Féin or DUP. It will likely be some sort of centrist coalition. SF can claim they have two hands tied behind their back running Stormont but neither they or DUP have shown any kind of economic gumption, done nothing to stop big farmer pollution, and all Bald Brit Burrows can do is copy Dublin economic policy by asking for lower corporation tax, which Stormont has had power to enact if they can produce a plan to UK treasury that they will recoup losses from reducing it and grow revenue. The biggest economic driver for North has been the Varadkar/Coveney protocol which has dramatically increased exports, but no one ever seems to highlight positive NISRA stats on this issue apart from Birnie putting a negative spin on it for Unionist readers by calling it diversion of trade from Britain to 26 counties.

This will be a novelty for voters in the North.

[Rossfan]

Will re-education camps be required?

[Snapchap]

If the SF Bill (or stunt) had been passed would that make Ireland united???

FFG were clear they aren't against the spirit of it, but were unsure about the strict timelines. It's common at national and local government level to be in favour of the spirit of something but oppose the substantive measures in a bill. That doesn't mean an opposition in principle.

SF and their fanboys will paint it that way, of course.

Is it also common for parties to find nitpicking excuses to oppose a bill which they would like to pretend they otherwise support?

That's called scrutiny. It's not "nitpicking".

So the idea that a party would come up with an excuse for not supporting a bill they'd otherwise like to say the'd support, is just fanciful? The sort of cynical thing that politicians wouldn't do?

[JollyGreenGiant]

If the SF Bill (or stunt) had been passed would that make Ireland united???

FFG were clear they aren't against the spirit of it, but were unsure about the strict timelines. It's common at national and local government level to be in favour of the spirit of something but oppose the substantive measures in a bill. That doesn't mean an opposition in principle.

SF and their fanboys will paint it that way, of course.

Is it also common for parties to find nitpicking excuses to oppose a bill which they would like to pretend they otherwise support?

That's called scrutiny. It's not "nitpicking".

So the idea that a party would come up with an excuse for not supporting a bill they'd otherwise like to say the'd support, is just fanciful? The sort of cynical thing that politicians wouldn't do?

Quite frankly, yes. Why would an administration tie itself to deadlines that may not be workable?

[marty34]

If the SF Bill (or stunt) had been passed would that make Ireland united???

FFG were clear they aren't against the spirit of it, but were unsure about the strict timelines. It's common at national and local government level to be in favour of the spirit of something but oppose the substantive measures in a bill. That doesn't mean an opposition in principle.

SF and their fanboys will paint it that way, of course.

Is it also common for parties to find nitpicking excuses to oppose a bill which they would like to pretend they otherwise support?

That's called scrutiny. It's not "nitpicking".

So the idea that a party would come up with an excuse for not supporting a bill they'd otherwise like to say the'd support, is just fanciful? The sort of cynical thing that politicians wouldn't do?

Quite frankly, yes. Why would an administration tie itself to deadlines that may not be workable?

Ask FFG about the National Children's Hospital.

[JollyGreenGiant]

If the SF Bill (or stunt) had been passed would that make Ireland united???

FFG were clear they aren't against the spirit of it, but were unsure about the strict timelines. It's common at national and local government level to be in favour of the spirit of something but oppose the substantive measures in a bill. That doesn't mean an opposition in principle.

SF and their fanboys will paint it that way, of course.

Is it also common for parties to find nitpicking excuses to oppose a bill which they would like to pretend they otherwise support?

That's called scrutiny. It's not "nitpicking".

So the idea that a party would come up with an excuse for not supporting a bill they'd otherwise like to say the'd support, is just fanciful? The sort of cynical thing that politicians wouldn't do?

Quite frankly, yes. Why would an administration tie itself to deadlines that may not be workable?

Ask FFG about the National Children's Hospital.

Do you have their phone number, and i'll give them a ring.

I'm dont mean to be facetious, but i'm not sure how that is relevant. I don't disagree that the whole situations with the hospital is a disgrace.

[weareros]

If the SF Bill (or stunt) had been passed would that make Ireland united???

FFG were clear they aren't against the spirit of it, but were unsure about the strict timelines. It's common at national and local government level to be in favour of the spirit of something but oppose the substantive measures in a bill. That doesn't mean an opposition in principle.

SF and their fanboys will paint it that way, of course.

Is it also common for parties to find nitpicking excuses to oppose a bill which they would like to pretend they otherwise support?

That's called scrutiny. It's not "nitpicking".

So the idea that a party would come up with an excuse for not supporting a bill they'd otherwise like to say the'd support, is just fanciful? The sort of cynical thing that politicians wouldn't do?

Quite frankly, yes. Why would an administration tie itself to deadlines that may not be workable?

Ask FFG about the National Children's Hospital.

Stormont has managed to surpass them in costs and delays.

National Children's Hospital not world's most expensive healthcare facility, report finds
New children's hospital being built in Belfast more expensive per square metre and per bed

https://www.irishtimes.com/health/2025/01/31/national-childrens-hospital-not-worlds-most-expensive-healthcare-facility-report-finds/