Tomorrow, 1st July will be day one for the new DUP Ministers.
Edwin Poots - Environment
Planning issues will be firmly on his mind as will the cross cutting elements of the Strategic Energy Framework
Robin Newton - Junior Minister, OFMDFM
Children, Elderly, International Relations and a host of other issues will feature
Nelson McCausland - Culture, Arts and Leisure
Olympics, languages and funding will all be on his mind
Sammy Wilson - Finance and Personnel
The Budget and how to get the papers to other Ministers a bit quicker will be on his mind
It will be an interesting summer as these new Ministers bed in to their new portfolios.
Tuesday 30 June 2009
Tuesday 23 June 2009
New MLA Code of Conduct
The timing couldnt bve more perfect. In the light of the expenses sacndal a new Speaker is elected to the House of Commons (John Bercow MP) and the Assembly has a new code of conduct for MLAs. Some of the highlights include:
- Register to show any money earned from outside work
- Standards and Privileges Committee will have the power to suspend MLAs who are in breacfh of the Code without any pay
- Family members who are paid rent will be noted on the register
Most interestingly for NI - MLAs will have to take care in the manner in which they express opinions. Presumably this is to target perceived sectarian, rascist of homopobic comments. It will be interesting to see the impact that this will have on MLAs and interpretations of this. I can see some court cases down the line!
- Register to show any money earned from outside work
- Standards and Privileges Committee will have the power to suspend MLAs who are in breacfh of the Code without any pay
- Family members who are paid rent will be noted on the register
Most interestingly for NI - MLAs will have to take care in the manner in which they express opinions. Presumably this is to target perceived sectarian, rascist of homopobic comments. It will be interesting to see the impact that this will have on MLAs and interpretations of this. I can see some court cases down the line!
New SDLP Assembly Team
The SDLP have announced their new Assembly team.
EMPOYMENT AND LEARNING – Pat Ramsey replaces Alex Attwood
AGRICULTURE AND RURAL DEVELOPMENT – Patsy McGlone replaces PJ Bradley
REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT – Tommy Gallagher replaces John Dallat
ENVIRONMENT – John Dallat replaces Tommy Gallagher
OFMDFM – Alex Attwood replaces Dolores Kelly
CULTURE ARTS AND LEISURE – PJ Bradley replaces Pat Ramsey
Mary Bradley will replace Alban Maginness on the Social Development Committee, while Thomas Burns remains spokesman.
CHAIRS
ETI – Mark Durkan will be replaced by Alban Maginness
ENVIRONMENT – Patsy McGlone will be replaced by Dolores Kelly.
OTHER COMMITTEES
John Dallat replaces Declan O’Loan on the Committee for Procedures.
Tommy Gallagher replaces Pat Ramsey on the Audit Committee.
Patsy McGlone replaces John Dallat on Public Accounts Committee.
Declan O’Loan replaces Thomas Burns on Public Accounts Committee.
Carmel Hanna will replace Alban Maginness as a member of the Assembly Commission.
Pat Ramsey is now the Assembly Group Whip.
EMPOYMENT AND LEARNING – Pat Ramsey replaces Alex Attwood
AGRICULTURE AND RURAL DEVELOPMENT – Patsy McGlone replaces PJ Bradley
REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT – Tommy Gallagher replaces John Dallat
ENVIRONMENT – John Dallat replaces Tommy Gallagher
OFMDFM – Alex Attwood replaces Dolores Kelly
CULTURE ARTS AND LEISURE – PJ Bradley replaces Pat Ramsey
Mary Bradley will replace Alban Maginness on the Social Development Committee, while Thomas Burns remains spokesman.
CHAIRS
ETI – Mark Durkan will be replaced by Alban Maginness
ENVIRONMENT – Patsy McGlone will be replaced by Dolores Kelly.
OTHER COMMITTEES
John Dallat replaces Declan O’Loan on the Committee for Procedures.
Tommy Gallagher replaces Pat Ramsey on the Audit Committee.
Patsy McGlone replaces John Dallat on Public Accounts Committee.
Declan O’Loan replaces Thomas Burns on Public Accounts Committee.
Carmel Hanna will replace Alban Maginness as a member of the Assembly Commission.
Pat Ramsey is now the Assembly Group Whip.
Monday 22 June 2009
New DUP Ministers
First Minister Peter Robinson has reshufrfled his ministerial team. These mew appointments will shadow the present Ministers until the end of the summer.
DUP Ministers
First Minister Peter Robinson
Culture, Arts and Leisure Nelson McCausland
Enterprise, Trade and Investment Arlene Foster
Environment Edwin Poots
Finance & Personnel Sammy Wilson
Junior OFMDFM Robin Newton
New Committee Chairs will be announced before the end of the week.
DUP Ministers
First Minister Peter Robinson
Culture, Arts and Leisure Nelson McCausland
Enterprise, Trade and Investment Arlene Foster
Environment Edwin Poots
Finance & Personnel Sammy Wilson
Junior OFMDFM Robin Newton
New Committee Chairs will be announced before the end of the week.
Wednesday 17 June 2009
Responsibility
Oh what a lovely city we live in. I work on the Lisburn Road in Belfast and last night over 100 men, women, children and babies were forced to leave their homes. Why? because they were Romanians.
Our radio shows including Stephen Nolan will rightly today be dominated by this but what will that achieve? Most of the comments on the show will be opposed to this activity whilst one or two idiots who have no idea of what they are talking about will support the thugs who do this.The thugs who do this do not listen to the Nolan show. But they are known. By an large these people are known by the police.
Extra patrols? this has to be the most pathetic response to this kind of activity. The Police have a responsibility to protect the public when are they going to enforce this? Last time I saw a police officer they had several options (non lethal) from tear gas to batons - whilst this may be distasteful to some lets ask the parents of the 5 day old baby what they think after all they are the only people with a real right to comment in this situation. The police have video cameras on their trucks and if the BBC can show pictures that reveal faces are we seriously suggesting the police cant capture the same images?
Politicians and church leaders will come out today and say look at the response we have made to this giving shelter and food as well as condeming this activity which by the way is highly commendable. They will also say the people of Belfast are against this. Are we? How many of us will protest? How many of us will keep watch? How many of us will chase away these idiots?
Or as is more likely will we shake our heads say what a terrible thing and do nothing. Even protests at City Hall against murders of soldiers that threaten to take us back to the bad old days what were there 1-2000 people? and while this goes on the arrogant, stupid and busy try to walk over people making a dignified protest. Hardly a major statement from a population of 1.8million people or even 5million.
This society will not change or improve until the vast majority of ordinary people do something I for one will not be holding my breath? The following is just a reminder
When the Nazis came for the communists,
I remained silent;
I was not a communist.
Then they locked up the social democrats,
I remained silent;
I was not a social democrat.
Then they came for the trade unionists,
I did not protest;
I was not a trade unionist.
Then they came for the Jews,
I did not speak out;
I was not a Jew.
When they came for me,
there was no one left to speak out for me.
Our radio shows including Stephen Nolan will rightly today be dominated by this but what will that achieve? Most of the comments on the show will be opposed to this activity whilst one or two idiots who have no idea of what they are talking about will support the thugs who do this.The thugs who do this do not listen to the Nolan show. But they are known. By an large these people are known by the police.
Extra patrols? this has to be the most pathetic response to this kind of activity. The Police have a responsibility to protect the public when are they going to enforce this? Last time I saw a police officer they had several options (non lethal) from tear gas to batons - whilst this may be distasteful to some lets ask the parents of the 5 day old baby what they think after all they are the only people with a real right to comment in this situation. The police have video cameras on their trucks and if the BBC can show pictures that reveal faces are we seriously suggesting the police cant capture the same images?
Politicians and church leaders will come out today and say look at the response we have made to this giving shelter and food as well as condeming this activity which by the way is highly commendable. They will also say the people of Belfast are against this. Are we? How many of us will protest? How many of us will keep watch? How many of us will chase away these idiots?
Or as is more likely will we shake our heads say what a terrible thing and do nothing. Even protests at City Hall against murders of soldiers that threaten to take us back to the bad old days what were there 1-2000 people? and while this goes on the arrogant, stupid and busy try to walk over people making a dignified protest. Hardly a major statement from a population of 1.8million people or even 5million.
This society will not change or improve until the vast majority of ordinary people do something I for one will not be holding my breath? The following is just a reminder
When the Nazis came for the communists,
I remained silent;
I was not a communist.
Then they locked up the social democrats,
I remained silent;
I was not a social democrat.
Then they came for the trade unionists,
I did not protest;
I was not a trade unionist.
Then they came for the Jews,
I did not speak out;
I was not a Jew.
When they came for me,
there was no one left to speak out for me.
Monday 15 June 2009
Iraq Inquiry - Opportunity Lost?
The Prime Minister lost a valuable opportunity today to gain the confidence of the electorate when he announced that the Iraq Inquiry would be held in private. The PM stated only a week ago that he would change his style of leadershipo and had learned lessons. This appears not to be the case.
Naturally elements of such an inquiry would include evidence from the Security Services and these would have to be held at least partially in private. But the Iraq war was incredibly divisive across the UK and the decision to hold the inquiry in private will do nothing to heal that division.
The results will not be made known until after the next election. This again offers opportunities for delay and a sense of a lack of urgency in this matter.
Naturally elements of such an inquiry would include evidence from the Security Services and these would have to be held at least partially in private. But the Iraq war was incredibly divisive across the UK and the decision to hold the inquiry in private will do nothing to heal that division.
The results will not be made known until after the next election. This again offers opportunities for delay and a sense of a lack of urgency in this matter.
Friday 12 June 2009
Campaign for Irish Unity
The following is courtesy of www.breakingnews.ie
Sinn Féin launches new island unity campaign12/06/2009 - 14:01:51
Sinn Féin launched a global campaign to reunify Ireland today with the claim that many unionists are open to their plans.
Unionists in the North's business community were particularly persuaded about the benefits of an all-island economy, according to senior party member Conor Murphy.
The Stormont Regional Development Minister said its campaign will include Irish diaspora events around the world, with conferences in the US, Australia, England and Scotland.
“I think in many senses, with quite a lot of unionism, the quieter element of unionism that isn’t perhaps heard so often, we are pushing at an open door with some of them,” he said.
Mr Murphy will head the party’s new international campaign along with the party’s Donegal senator Pearse Doherty.
They insisted it made economic sense to have a united Ireland.
“At a time like this, given the current economic difficulties, people may ask is this affordable at this stage?” said Mr Murphy.
“I would argue there is more of an impetus in actually trying to sustain the economic future of this island through dismantling things which hinder economic development on the island.”
Mr Doherty added: “It makes complete nonsense to have a country of six million people divided, running two different systems, health systems, tourism systems, infrastructure systems, it makes no sense whatsoever.”
Party leader Gerry Adams will attend the first gathering in New York tomorrow at which former Beirut hostage Brian Keenan will speak.
Another event will be staged in London in July.
Sinn Féin launches new island unity campaign12/06/2009 - 14:01:51
Sinn Féin launched a global campaign to reunify Ireland today with the claim that many unionists are open to their plans.
Unionists in the North's business community were particularly persuaded about the benefits of an all-island economy, according to senior party member Conor Murphy.
The Stormont Regional Development Minister said its campaign will include Irish diaspora events around the world, with conferences in the US, Australia, England and Scotland.
“I think in many senses, with quite a lot of unionism, the quieter element of unionism that isn’t perhaps heard so often, we are pushing at an open door with some of them,” he said.
Mr Murphy will head the party’s new international campaign along with the party’s Donegal senator Pearse Doherty.
They insisted it made economic sense to have a united Ireland.
“At a time like this, given the current economic difficulties, people may ask is this affordable at this stage?” said Mr Murphy.
“I would argue there is more of an impetus in actually trying to sustain the economic future of this island through dismantling things which hinder economic development on the island.”
Mr Doherty added: “It makes complete nonsense to have a country of six million people divided, running two different systems, health systems, tourism systems, infrastructure systems, it makes no sense whatsoever.”
Party leader Gerry Adams will attend the first gathering in New York tomorrow at which former Beirut hostage Brian Keenan will speak.
Another event will be staged in London in July.
Budget Debate Next Week
Just a little alert
The June Monitoring round and Budget are beiong debated in the Assembly next week. This is likely to be the last Budget debate for Finance Minister Nigel Dodds as he is expected to be out in the highly anticipated DUP reshuffle.
The Monitoring Round lets Departments know how much money thay have spent or underspent and the Budget reallocates any un used resources. So as usual expect health and social housing to be winners. Lets watch education.
The June Monitoring round and Budget are beiong debated in the Assembly next week. This is likely to be the last Budget debate for Finance Minister Nigel Dodds as he is expected to be out in the highly anticipated DUP reshuffle.
The Monitoring Round lets Departments know how much money thay have spent or underspent and the Budget reallocates any un used resources. So as usual expect health and social housing to be winners. Lets watch education.
Double Jobbing and Reshuffle
There is an old Chinese curse - may you live in interesting times. Well that has never been more true in NI.
The double jobbing issue is still excercising our politicians ahead of recess on 4th July. Social Development Minister Margaret Ritchie has resigned her seat on Down
Council. This follows party leader Mark Durkan stating a few weeks ago that if he were to stand for Westminster again he would give up being an MLA.
The DUP are spending a lot of time focusing on the issue especially in light of its poor showing in the European elections. First Minister Robinson and one other will be keeping both MLA and MP positions. Nigel Dodds is likely now to let his MLA position go so he will be busy in Westminster and assisting his wife in her new role as MEP. Now its speculation time as to who will get what therefore the following comes with a bit of a caution. So place your bets!
First Minister will remain Peter Robinson
Arlene Foster who has done well given the economic recession may move from Enterprise Trade and Investment to Finance and Personnel
Simon Hamilton an up and coming star of the party mat either take the Junior Minister at OFMDFM (Office of First and Deputy First Minister)or the Environment portfolio
Edwin Poots may return to the Executive as Minister at Enterprise, Trade and Investment
Nelson McCausland may replace Gregory Campbell at Culture Arts and Leisure
One thought crosses my mind Peter Robinson going home to say to Mrs Robinson your not an MLA anymore Iris...oh to be a fly on the wall.
Peter Weir may get the post of Junior Minister
The double jobbing issue is still excercising our politicians ahead of recess on 4th July. Social Development Minister Margaret Ritchie has resigned her seat on Down
Council. This follows party leader Mark Durkan stating a few weeks ago that if he were to stand for Westminster again he would give up being an MLA.
The DUP are spending a lot of time focusing on the issue especially in light of its poor showing in the European elections. First Minister Robinson and one other will be keeping both MLA and MP positions. Nigel Dodds is likely now to let his MLA position go so he will be busy in Westminster and assisting his wife in her new role as MEP. Now its speculation time as to who will get what therefore the following comes with a bit of a caution. So place your bets!
First Minister will remain Peter Robinson
Arlene Foster who has done well given the economic recession may move from Enterprise Trade and Investment to Finance and Personnel
Simon Hamilton an up and coming star of the party mat either take the Junior Minister at OFMDFM (Office of First and Deputy First Minister)or the Environment portfolio
Edwin Poots may return to the Executive as Minister at Enterprise, Trade and Investment
Nelson McCausland may replace Gregory Campbell at Culture Arts and Leisure
One thought crosses my mind Peter Robinson going home to say to Mrs Robinson your not an MLA anymore Iris...oh to be a fly on the wall.
Peter Weir may get the post of Junior Minister
Tuesday 9 June 2009
Subject to Change - The Cabinet
The Cabinet as it sits at 3.38pm on Tuesday 9 June 2009. Comes with a health warning - Subject to Change
The Cabinet
Prime Minister, First Lord of the Treasury and Minister for the Civil Service
The Rt Hon Gordon Brown MP
Leader of the House of Commons and Lord Privy Seal; Minister for Women and Equality (and deputising for the Prime Minister at PMQs)
The Rt Hon Harriet Harman QC MP
First Secretary of State, Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills and Lord President of the Council
The Rt Hon Lord Mandelson
Chancellor of the Exchequer
The Rt Hon Alistair Darling MP
Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs
The Rt Hon David Miliband MP
Secretary of State for Justice and Lord Chancellor
The Rt Hon Jack Straw MP
Secretary of State for the Home Department
The Rt Hon Alan Johnson MP
Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
The Rt Hon Hilary Benn MP
Secretary of State for International Development
The Rt Hon Douglas Alexander MP
Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government
The Rt Hon John Denham MP
Secretary of State for Children, Schools and Families
The Rt Hon Ed Balls MP
Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change
The Rt Hon Ed Miliband MP
Secretary of State for Health
The Rt Hon Andy Burnham MP
Secretary of State for Northern Ireland
The Rt Hon Shaun Woodward MP * & #
Leader of the House of Lords and Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster
The Rt Hon Baroness Royall of Blaisdon
Minister for the Cabinet Office, and for the Olympics and Paymaster General
The Rt Hon Tessa Jowell MP
Secretary of State for Scotland
The Rt Hon Jim Murphy MP
Secretary of State for Work and Pensions
The Rt Hon Yvette Cooper MP
Chief Secretary to the Treasury
The Rt Hon Liam Byrne MP
Secretary of State for Wales
The Rt Hon Peter Hain MP
Secretary of State for Defence
The Rt Hon Bob Ainsworth MP
Secretary of State for Transport
Lord Adonis
Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport
Ben Bradshaw MP
Other Ministers
Law Officers
Attorney General - The Rt Hon Baroness Scotland of Asthal QC***
Solicitor General - Vera Baird QC MP
Advocate General for Scotland - Lord Davidson of Glen Clova QC
Department for Business, Innovation and Skills
Minister of State - The Rt Hon Pat McFadden MP**
Minister of State - The Rt Hon Lord Drayson* & ** (jointly with the Ministry of Defence)
Minister of State - The Rt Hon David Lammy MP
Minister of State - The Rt Hon Rosie Winterton MP*** (jointly with the Department for Communities and Local Government)
Minister of State - Lord Davies of Abersoch CBE* (jointly with the Foreign and Commonwealth Office)
Minister of State - Kevin Brennan MP (jointly with the Department for Children, Schools and Families)
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State - Lord Carter of Barnes (jointly with the Department for Culture, Media and Sport)
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State - Ian Lucas MP
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State - Baroness Vadera (jointly with Cabinet Office)
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State* - Lord Young of Norwood Green (and Lord in Waiting - paid)
HM Treasury
Financial Secretary - The Rt Hon Stephen Timms MP
Minister of State - Phil Woolas MP (jointly with the Home Office)
Economic Secretary - Ian Pearson MP†
Exchequer Secretary - Kitty Ussher MP†
Financial Services Secretary - Lord Myners CBE‡
Foreign and Commonwealth Office
Minister of State - The Rt Hon Lord Malloch-Brown KCMG**
Minister of State - Lord Davies of Abersoch CBE* (jointly with the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills)
Minister of State - Ivan Lewis MP
Minister of State - Glenys Kinnock
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State - Chris Bryant MP
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State - Baroness Taylor of Bolton (jointly with the Ministry of Defence)
Ministry of Justice
Minister of State - The Rt Hon Michael Wills MP
Minister of State - Maria Eagle MP (jointly with the Government Equalities Office)
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State - Lord Bach
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State - Bridget Prentice MP
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State - Claire Ward MP
Home Office
Minister of State - The Rt Hon David Hanson MP
Minister of State - Phil Woolas MP (jointly with HM Treasury)
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State - Meg Hillier MP
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State - Alan Campbell MP
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State - Admiral Lord West of Spithead GCB DSC
Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
Minister of State - Jim Fitzpatrick MP
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State - Huw Irranca-Davies MP
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State - Dan Norris MP*
Department for International Development
Minister of State - Gareth Thomas MP
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State - Michael Foster MP (Worcester)
Department for Communities and Local Government
Minister of State - The Rt Hon John Healey MP**
Minister of State - The Rt Hon Rosie Winterton MP*** (jointly with the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills)
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State - Shahid Malik MP
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State - Sarah McCarthy-Fry MP
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State - Ian Austin MP
Department for Children, Schools and Families
Minister of State - The Rt Hon Dawn Primarolo MP***
Minister of State - Vernon Coaker MP
Minister of State - Kevin Brennan MP (jointly with the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills)
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State - Iain Wright MP
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State - Baroness Morgan of Drefelin
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State* - Diana Johnson MP (and Assistant Government Whip - paid)
Department of Energy and Climate Change
Minister of State - Lord Hunt of Kings Heath OBE; and Deputy Leader of the House of Lords
Minister of State - Joan Ruddock MP
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State - David Kidney MP*
Department of Health
Minister of State - Gillian Merron MP
Minister of State - Mike O’Brien MP
Minister of State - Phil Hope MP
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State - Ann Keen MP
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State - Professor Lord Darzi of Denham KBE
Northern Ireland Office
Minister of State - Paul Goggins MP
Cabinet Office
Minister of State - Angela E Smith MP
Parliamentary Secretary - Baroness Vadera (jointly with the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills)
Ministry of Defence
Minister of State - Bill Rammell MP
Minister of State - The Rt Hon Lord Drayson* & ** (jointly with the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills)
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State - Baroness Taylor of Bolton (jointly with Foreign and Commonwealth Office)
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State - Quentin Davies MP*
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State - Kevan Jones MP
Office of the Leader of the House of Commons
Parliamentary Secretary - Barbara Keeley MP
Government Equalities Office
Minister of State - Maria Eagle MP (jointly with the Ministry of Justice)
Parliamentary Secretary - Michael Foster MP* (Hastings)
Department for Transport
Minister of State - Sadiq Khan MP***
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State - Paul Clark MP
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State - Chris Mole MP
Department for Work and Pensions
Minister of State - The Rt Hon Jim Knight MP**
Minister of State - Angela Eagle MP
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State - Helen Goodman MP
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State - Jonathan Shaw MP
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State - Lord McKenzie of Luton
Department for Culture, Media and Sport
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State - Lord Carter of Barnes (jointly with the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills)
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State - Barbara Follett MP
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State - Gerry Sutcliffe MP
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State - Siôn Simon MP*
Wales Office
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State - Wayne David MP
Scotland Office
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State - Ann McKechin MP
The Cabinet
Prime Minister, First Lord of the Treasury and Minister for the Civil Service
The Rt Hon Gordon Brown MP
Leader of the House of Commons and Lord Privy Seal; Minister for Women and Equality (and deputising for the Prime Minister at PMQs)
The Rt Hon Harriet Harman QC MP
First Secretary of State, Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills and Lord President of the Council
The Rt Hon Lord Mandelson
Chancellor of the Exchequer
The Rt Hon Alistair Darling MP
Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs
The Rt Hon David Miliband MP
Secretary of State for Justice and Lord Chancellor
The Rt Hon Jack Straw MP
Secretary of State for the Home Department
The Rt Hon Alan Johnson MP
Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
The Rt Hon Hilary Benn MP
Secretary of State for International Development
The Rt Hon Douglas Alexander MP
Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government
The Rt Hon John Denham MP
Secretary of State for Children, Schools and Families
The Rt Hon Ed Balls MP
Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change
The Rt Hon Ed Miliband MP
Secretary of State for Health
The Rt Hon Andy Burnham MP
Secretary of State for Northern Ireland
The Rt Hon Shaun Woodward MP * & #
Leader of the House of Lords and Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster
The Rt Hon Baroness Royall of Blaisdon
Minister for the Cabinet Office, and for the Olympics and Paymaster General
The Rt Hon Tessa Jowell MP
Secretary of State for Scotland
The Rt Hon Jim Murphy MP
Secretary of State for Work and Pensions
The Rt Hon Yvette Cooper MP
Chief Secretary to the Treasury
The Rt Hon Liam Byrne MP
Secretary of State for Wales
The Rt Hon Peter Hain MP
Secretary of State for Defence
The Rt Hon Bob Ainsworth MP
Secretary of State for Transport
Lord Adonis
Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport
Ben Bradshaw MP
Other Ministers
Law Officers
Attorney General - The Rt Hon Baroness Scotland of Asthal QC***
Solicitor General - Vera Baird QC MP
Advocate General for Scotland - Lord Davidson of Glen Clova QC
Department for Business, Innovation and Skills
Minister of State - The Rt Hon Pat McFadden MP**
Minister of State - The Rt Hon Lord Drayson* & ** (jointly with the Ministry of Defence)
Minister of State - The Rt Hon David Lammy MP
Minister of State - The Rt Hon Rosie Winterton MP*** (jointly with the Department for Communities and Local Government)
Minister of State - Lord Davies of Abersoch CBE* (jointly with the Foreign and Commonwealth Office)
Minister of State - Kevin Brennan MP (jointly with the Department for Children, Schools and Families)
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State - Lord Carter of Barnes (jointly with the Department for Culture, Media and Sport)
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State - Ian Lucas MP
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State - Baroness Vadera (jointly with Cabinet Office)
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State* - Lord Young of Norwood Green (and Lord in Waiting - paid)
HM Treasury
Financial Secretary - The Rt Hon Stephen Timms MP
Minister of State - Phil Woolas MP (jointly with the Home Office)
Economic Secretary - Ian Pearson MP†
Exchequer Secretary - Kitty Ussher MP†
Financial Services Secretary - Lord Myners CBE‡
Foreign and Commonwealth Office
Minister of State - The Rt Hon Lord Malloch-Brown KCMG**
Minister of State - Lord Davies of Abersoch CBE* (jointly with the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills)
Minister of State - Ivan Lewis MP
Minister of State - Glenys Kinnock
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State - Chris Bryant MP
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State - Baroness Taylor of Bolton (jointly with the Ministry of Defence)
Ministry of Justice
Minister of State - The Rt Hon Michael Wills MP
Minister of State - Maria Eagle MP (jointly with the Government Equalities Office)
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State - Lord Bach
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State - Bridget Prentice MP
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State - Claire Ward MP
Home Office
Minister of State - The Rt Hon David Hanson MP
Minister of State - Phil Woolas MP (jointly with HM Treasury)
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State - Meg Hillier MP
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State - Alan Campbell MP
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State - Admiral Lord West of Spithead GCB DSC
Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
Minister of State - Jim Fitzpatrick MP
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State - Huw Irranca-Davies MP
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State - Dan Norris MP*
Department for International Development
Minister of State - Gareth Thomas MP
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State - Michael Foster MP (Worcester)
Department for Communities and Local Government
Minister of State - The Rt Hon John Healey MP**
Minister of State - The Rt Hon Rosie Winterton MP*** (jointly with the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills)
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State - Shahid Malik MP
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State - Sarah McCarthy-Fry MP
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State - Ian Austin MP
Department for Children, Schools and Families
Minister of State - The Rt Hon Dawn Primarolo MP***
Minister of State - Vernon Coaker MP
Minister of State - Kevin Brennan MP (jointly with the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills)
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State - Iain Wright MP
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State - Baroness Morgan of Drefelin
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State* - Diana Johnson MP (and Assistant Government Whip - paid)
Department of Energy and Climate Change
Minister of State - Lord Hunt of Kings Heath OBE; and Deputy Leader of the House of Lords
Minister of State - Joan Ruddock MP
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State - David Kidney MP*
Department of Health
Minister of State - Gillian Merron MP
Minister of State - Mike O’Brien MP
Minister of State - Phil Hope MP
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State - Ann Keen MP
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State - Professor Lord Darzi of Denham KBE
Northern Ireland Office
Minister of State - Paul Goggins MP
Cabinet Office
Minister of State - Angela E Smith MP
Parliamentary Secretary - Baroness Vadera (jointly with the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills)
Ministry of Defence
Minister of State - Bill Rammell MP
Minister of State - The Rt Hon Lord Drayson* & ** (jointly with the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills)
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State - Baroness Taylor of Bolton (jointly with Foreign and Commonwealth Office)
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State - Quentin Davies MP*
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State - Kevan Jones MP
Office of the Leader of the House of Commons
Parliamentary Secretary - Barbara Keeley MP
Government Equalities Office
Minister of State - Maria Eagle MP (jointly with the Ministry of Justice)
Parliamentary Secretary - Michael Foster MP* (Hastings)
Department for Transport
Minister of State - Sadiq Khan MP***
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State - Paul Clark MP
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State - Chris Mole MP
Department for Work and Pensions
Minister of State - The Rt Hon Jim Knight MP**
Minister of State - Angela Eagle MP
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State - Helen Goodman MP
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State - Jonathan Shaw MP
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State - Lord McKenzie of Luton
Department for Culture, Media and Sport
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State - Lord Carter of Barnes (jointly with the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills)
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State - Barbara Follett MP
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State - Gerry Sutcliffe MP
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State - Siôn Simon MP*
Wales Office
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State - Wayne David MP
Scotland Office
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State - Ann McKechin MP
European Results and the future
There are many headlines in this European Election. Sinn Fein has topped the poll has to be the most painful for the DUP who previously topped the poll in every election since 1979. In previous elections the DUP transfers would have carried Jim Nicholson into Europe but now he is second place and announcing a comeback for the UUP.
The most interesting comment that I have come across so far comes from DUP leader Peter Robinson he said: "I'm not one who regularly blogs but I did read one comment which I thought was pertinent where it said Sinn Fein have an awful lot to learn from the DUP in terms of governance but the DUP have an awful lot to learn from Sinn Fein in terms of communicating with their base."
The DUP were beaten into third place for several reasons
- Public unhappiness over the expenses scandal
- A loud and effective Jim Allister (66,000 votes)
- A candidate who performed badly in public and didnt energise the DUP base to come out and vote
- An outdated campaign focusing on 'Smashing Sinn Fein' rather than giving constituents positive messages about the benefits of Europe.
The results will have an impact on the future of the Assembly. The 66,000 votes for Jim Allister whilst some are a protest against DUP will probably be sufficient for him to get 4 or 5 seats at the next Assembly election.
The DUP may go on a harder attack on Sinn Fein in future policies and debates to show their core electorate that they are 'still in charge of unionism'. This may have an impact on the devolution of policing and justice powers to Northern Ireland.
The DUP reshuffle which is expected over the coming weeks will be an opprtunity for the leadership to bring in some young talent such as Simon Hamilton and return Edwin Poots to the Executive table. It will also start to shift the focus from their worst showing in 30 years.
The most interesting comment that I have come across so far comes from DUP leader Peter Robinson he said: "I'm not one who regularly blogs but I did read one comment which I thought was pertinent where it said Sinn Fein have an awful lot to learn from the DUP in terms of governance but the DUP have an awful lot to learn from Sinn Fein in terms of communicating with their base."
The DUP were beaten into third place for several reasons
- Public unhappiness over the expenses scandal
- A loud and effective Jim Allister (66,000 votes)
- A candidate who performed badly in public and didnt energise the DUP base to come out and vote
- An outdated campaign focusing on 'Smashing Sinn Fein' rather than giving constituents positive messages about the benefits of Europe.
The results will have an impact on the future of the Assembly. The 66,000 votes for Jim Allister whilst some are a protest against DUP will probably be sufficient for him to get 4 or 5 seats at the next Assembly election.
The DUP may go on a harder attack on Sinn Fein in future policies and debates to show their core electorate that they are 'still in charge of unionism'. This may have an impact on the devolution of policing and justice powers to Northern Ireland.
The DUP reshuffle which is expected over the coming weeks will be an opprtunity for the leadership to bring in some young talent such as Simon Hamilton and return Edwin Poots to the Executive table. It will also start to shift the focus from their worst showing in 30 years.
Friday 5 June 2009
Who is next?
Re arranging the deck chairs on the Titanic didnt help and a cabinet reshuffle isnt expected to do much good for Gordon Brown.
There appears to be a rush of Ministers to resign most praise the Prime Minister but one or two have a kick (Blears and Purnell). Defence Secretary John Hutton is going too. Will the last cabinet minister please turn out the lights.
Jack Straw appears to be staying put inspite of gross incompetence and negligence over the stabbing of two French students. The Chancellor is rumoured to have refused to go. Tough luck Ed.
Our own Shaun Woodward (Secretary of State for Northern Ireland) is tipped for promotion - Home Secretary? and loyal Alan Johnson is bound to be promoted?... Minister or Leader?
Brown stands a chance of finding out, like so many employees these days, that his services are no longer required via email.An email is doing the rounds seeking his resignation.
I wonder does he feel like Maggie when she knew the knives were out?
There appears to be a rush of Ministers to resign most praise the Prime Minister but one or two have a kick (Blears and Purnell). Defence Secretary John Hutton is going too. Will the last cabinet minister please turn out the lights.
Jack Straw appears to be staying put inspite of gross incompetence and negligence over the stabbing of two French students. The Chancellor is rumoured to have refused to go. Tough luck Ed.
Our own Shaun Woodward (Secretary of State for Northern Ireland) is tipped for promotion - Home Secretary? and loyal Alan Johnson is bound to be promoted?... Minister or Leader?
Brown stands a chance of finding out, like so many employees these days, that his services are no longer required via email.An email is doing the rounds seeking his resignation.
I wonder does he feel like Maggie when she knew the knives were out?
Thursday 4 June 2009
Time to Vote
Back from holidays and its time to vote. It is important. Yes expenses scandal and not agreeing with the actions of politicians and parties may make you sick but the only way to end that is to vote. Twenty years ago our television screens were covered with dramatic scenes from China. Brave students, journalists and others stood up infront of bullets and very memorably tanks to protest and in some cases die for the right to vote. If you agree - vote, if you disagree - vote, if you are happy, sad, angry, fed up - vote.
Often I hear people say politicians do nothing for me they are only interested in fighting the otherside. Staying at home will not solve that but voting can! Remenber if you dont like the politicians just remember who put them there.
There may indeed be another opportunity to vote soon. Gordon Brown has lost four cabinet ministers and in Prime Ministers Questions he refused to say that the Chancellor would still be in his post in the near future. Its relatively easy to predict that the Conservatives will win but will they do any better?
Whatever you feel about politics at the moment your vote can change it or your vote can keep it. Analysts are predicting 50% turn out for the European elections today - thats pretty pathetic - if you don't vote why should people listen to you complain?
Often I hear people say politicians do nothing for me they are only interested in fighting the otherside. Staying at home will not solve that but voting can! Remenber if you dont like the politicians just remember who put them there.
There may indeed be another opportunity to vote soon. Gordon Brown has lost four cabinet ministers and in Prime Ministers Questions he refused to say that the Chancellor would still be in his post in the near future. Its relatively easy to predict that the Conservatives will win but will they do any better?
Whatever you feel about politics at the moment your vote can change it or your vote can keep it. Analysts are predicting 50% turn out for the European elections today - thats pretty pathetic - if you don't vote why should people listen to you complain?
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