Eye Spy NI

Irish Government and National Recovery

2011-03-07T00:07:00.000-08:00

I spent a day in Dublin next week it was cold, bright but pleasant. Election posters hung on lamp posts with almost a kind of sad look. So the elections is all changed utterly is a terrible beauty born? Speaking to a few friends the answer would have to be no not really. The faces have changed but the problems and peoples fears of job losses and higher taxes have not gone.

There is an anger at all politicians. As I got off the train various papers had the story that the politicians had been ignoring the warnings from the Department for Finance for 10 years. This colours the anger.

It is easy to over hear the anger at Bertie and who pays for the tribunals, anger at the Cowen government for perceived arrogance and big pay packets and redundnacy payments. Business are very wary and waiting to see what happens.

Despite the newly elected TDs cheering and on people shoulders at the election centres the overall atmosphere was gloom. Now its time to see when the cheering stops and what the new government can do.

Great Renewable Energy News for NI

2011-02-25T05:40:00.000-08:00

Great jobs and renewable energy investment announcement

Gaelectric secures planning approval for 42 MW wind farm at Dunbeg, Co. Derry

Dunbeg wind farm will represent a total investment of €68 million and will generate sufficient renewable power to meet the electricity demand of 24,000 homes

Gaelectric also announces financial close on 4.6 MW Skrine wind farm, Co. Roscommon with Triodos Bank

Thursday, 24 February, 2011 – The Irish renewable energy group, Gaelectric, has secured full planning approval for a 42 MW wind farm at Dunbeg, Co. Derry. Dunbeg will be one of the most significant wind farm developments on the island of Ireland and will generate sufficient renewable power to meet the electricity demand of 24,000homes. The total investment at Dunbeg will amount to €68 million (Stg£58 million).

The development will consist of 14 wind turbines with a maximum hub height of 80 metres and a maximum blade diameter of 90 metres.

Commenting on the Dunbeg planning approval, Gaelectric Chief Executive Brendan McGrath, said:

“This is a very significant milestone for our business and greatly strengthens Gaelectric’s platform in the energy market. We have now secured planning approval for over 80MW of wind energy developments in Northern Ireland. The Dunbeg site is a world-class energy resource and accounts for over half of this generation capacity.”

Within the last 12 Months, Gaelectric has secured full planning approval for its Northern Ireland wind farm developments at Carn Hill, Co. Antrim (15 MW), Cregganconroe, Co. Tyrone (12.5 MW) and Inishative, Co. Tyrone (15 MW). In total, Gaelectric is currently progressing 200 MW of wind energy projects on the island of Ireland.

Mr. McGrath acknowledged the commitment and support of the Northern Ireland Executive to a sustainable energy future on the island of Ireland. He said:

“Our Northern Ireland projects will be invaluable in securing a sustainable energy future on the island of Ireland. The role of the NI Environment Minister, Mr. Edwin Poots, has been particularly important in ensuring that development policy allows renewable energy projects to be progressed while ensuring effective planning controls and protection of the natural environment.”

Environment Minister Edwin Poots said: Reaching the 40% renewable energy target by 2020 is not just a desire for the Northern Ireland Executive, it is an imperative. The Dunbeg proposal will assist us in achieving this. It is also an important planning decision given the site sensitivities and will set a precedent for future applicaions in the Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty."

The Dunbeg site is located near the A37 midway between Limavady and Coleraine, and within the Binevenagh AONB (Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty). Planning approval follows Gaelectric’s successful appeal to the Northern Ireland Planning Appeals Commission which overturned an earlier decision of the Northern Ireland Planning Service to refuse approval. Approval has also co-incided with a planning policy decision that an AONB designation should not of itself present a barrier to the sustainable development of renewable energy projects.

Making the Dunbeg announcement, Gaelectric Operations Director, Mike Denny, said:

“Dunbeg will not only provide a significant boost to Northern Ireland’s renewable energy capacity, it will also generate jobs, support increased workforce skills and provide economic activity to the area.”

He said: “Gaelectric has completed an extensive consultation programme to update local communities on the Dunbeg project and a locally administered community fund will be established to support community projects in the area.”

Great Broadband News in NI

2011-02-21T11:11:00.000-08:00

We are constantly subjected to all the negative stories from the media on business, politics and employment. We should spend more time celebrating successes than focusing on the negative. Perhaps our politics and economics would be better for it. I dont mean ignoring reality but it is said you get more of what you focus on.

Today there was a very positive announcement for our part of the world.

BT announced a multimillion investment in fibre broadband infrastructure that puts NI in one of the top regional positions in the UK and Europe. 60 more jobs and 215,000 businesses and households have access to faster broadband. This will make NI a big target for investment

With more investments of this nature and perhaps this type of story taking the lead in news a more positive and propserous futre can be achieved.

Bio Business in NI - Great Story

2011-02-18T08:03:00.000-08:00

Spent part of the day at a very interesting conference hosted by Belfast Metropolitan College and Bio Business. The event focused on skills and innovation.

I am not a scientist but I was very impressed at some of the products, many produced here, that companies small and large are producing that can assist health professionals keep track of a patients health without ever leaving the office.

Telehealth/Connected Health has potential savings to the health service and could lead to:reduced waiting lists; reduced hospital admissions; more effective and timely treatment which again would remove costs; greater communication between patient and medical staff and indeed between medical professionals.

The point is that this expertise is here, now, investing and employing people. This needs to recognised at the highest political and business levels. InvestNI should be supported in helping our companies export technology which will create high skilled and high paid jobs at home.

But the benefits of this technology should be felt here, at home, now in order to help our health service make significant savings in the near future.

The Bio Sector also needs outlets to showcase its products to government here in NI and all-island as well as the trade missions abroad.Hopefully this would help government see that small companies can make as a significant impact as big companies and procurement rules should be reformed to recognise this.

I was very impressed this morning and thanks to BMC and Bio Business for a very interesting morning. Now lets spread the good news!

Back again

2011-02-17T11:16:00.000-08:00

Yes my legions of fans I have returned! That should mean so much to all 3 of you. Its been about a year since I have blogged and what a year it has been.

Big news first - I have started my own public affairs company called Resolute Public Affairs. The website should be available soon! Also moving to a new house in April in South Belfast - so all you election candidates be aware.

I have started again because so much appears to be happening in the world of politics at the moment - Local and Assembly elections in May; a budget that has no programme for government; a budget that votes were taken on before the public consultation had even ended! oh yeah and various crises in the health service - 46,000 x-rays ignored - but dont worry everyone will keep their jobs!

There will also be elections in the Republic of Ireland which will have a bearing on what happens in our part of the world.

Hopefully the new posts will be interesting and regular it would be great to hear any and all comments

Cheers

Terry

What has the Assembly Ever Done For Us?

2010-02-16T01:36:00.000-08:00

Finance Minister Sammy Wilson began the debate on the Budget yesterday. This is likely to be the toughest ever budget in NI with significant cuts to most departments but most publicly the Health Department. So perhaps to get his response in early he outlined what he thought the Assembly had succeeded in doing in the last 12 months

"Since last April:
· 14 major school building projects have been completed – with a further two projects likely to complete soon;
· Funding of almost £203million was made available to our two universities to cover teaching, learning and research;
· A new technology and skills centre opened at the South West College and new facilities are under construction at the Belfast Metropolitan College.
· In the Health Service, the Northern Ireland Ambulance Service took receipt of 66 new ambulances;
· Construction work has begun on the new South West Hospital in Enniskillen and new Health and Wellbeing Centres in West Belfast;
· A new Dementia Services Development Centre and the Knockbreda Health and Care Centre has opened in Belfast whilst the Downe Hospital in Downpatrick opened in May;
· A £17million contract has been awarded to provide additional dentists in access 'hotspots' across Northern Ireland.
· 1,268 farm businesses have received letters of offer in relation to the first tranche of the Farm Modernisation Programme, whilst farmers have benefitted through funding of £300million under the Common Agricultural Policy;
· £2.1billion pounds of social security benefits and income support was made available to support people across Northern Ireland;
· 1,750 social and over 500 affordable houses were built, leaving us on track to deliver 10,000 social and affordable homes by 2013 and, in so doing, helping us support the construction industry during challenging times."

Policing and Justice.....

2010-02-08T02:40:00.000-08:00

Last week was a long week and I am reasonably sure that most people have heard enough on Policing and Justice to last them a long time. Bad news I am afraid - politics in Northern Ireland is likely to be dominated by this issue for several months to come.

Today,nominations are being accepted from people who wish to put themselves forward for the post of Justice Minister. Note this is not explicitly restricted to political parties so anyone from Stephen Nolan to yours truly could give it a go!

SF and DUP have stated that they will not take the position. For some strange reason the two big partiers have decided not to run the d'hondt sysyetm by which Ministers are chosen and have pretty much opted for an Alliance Party Minister. This is open to challenge and I am sure that the new SDLP leader Margaret Ritchie will see this as the first test of her leadership.

The Alliance Party leader David Ford is even rumoured to be not happy at the prospect unless more is done to advance a shared future in Northern Ireland. I am all for advancing a shared future but teh Alliance Party do not have a sufficient mandate to hold a ministerial office. I like many others have a few questions

1. Why is d'hondt not being run? If it were the SDLP would be in line for the post.

2. Why have the two main parties abdicated their desire to hold the post. Could it be because the holder of that office could never do a really good job no matter how they were supported?

3. If we cant find an agreed nominee are we back to square one or will we run d'hondt which has been good enough for all the other ministers to date?

These answers will come slowly and painfully over the coming weeks and months. It aint over yet folks and the fat lady is likely to be a lot thinner by the time it does.

Today is the Day!

2010-02-01T05:13:00.000-08:00

Today is the Day. A week ago the blog was a bit depressing and a great lack of hope. Today that is turned around as many in politics and the media are preparing for an announcement that will allow policing and justice to be devolved to the NI Assembly.

Whilst the details of any deal will have to be examined and must include the settlement of issues from all political persuasions. It should be noted that only 62.3% of people in Northern Ireland turned out to vote at the last Assembly elections in 2007. This leaves 37.7% of people who are not represented by any parties.

If politics is seen to work today then perhaps some of those who did not vote in 2007 might become interested in politics as a medium for solving peoples prblems. Failure today will have the opposite affect.

Failure is also not an option for our economy. US Economic Envoy Declan Kelly spoke last week of the once in a lifetime economic opportunity for Northern Ireland that could be missed if parties dont agree. Since then 310 jobs have been lost.

Politicians are arguing over community confidence yes the confidence is important but not doing the deal now will mean that ordinary people will loose faith in our politicians ability to serve and deliver for people. If that happens so what if we have direct rule - if it works better than the present lot then...why not?!

Crisis Time

2010-01-25T11:53:00.000-08:00

So surprise, surprise our politicians have had to call in the British and Irish governments to try and make headway with the politicians on policing and save the Assembly. Perhaps even the US will be making phonecalls to Hillsborough Castle in the next 24 - 48 hours.

Policing and Justice was always going to be tough especially with regard to contentious issues of parades and who the Justice Minister might be. Let me say at this point I have nothing against the Alliance Party and find their MLAs for the most part very easy to work with but by what right do they desrve to have a ministry?

NI Ministers are chosen by the d'Hondt system based on the strength of political parties. Alliance has in the past been proud of its vocal role as a sort of opposition in the Assembly - they will now lose this mantle if they take a ministry.

I have been asked several times today what I think will happen. So for what it is worth - I do not believe that the Prime Minister and the Taoiseach would be overnighting in Belfast if they felt nothing could be achieved. So the options are that they have a plan B which overcomes the parades issue - which can really only be that the governments control it which will please no one;could they ask an international panel to deal with it? they will read the riot act to the parties and somehow compell them to do a deal or finally pull the plug on the Assembly.

If the plug is pulled elections to the Assembly will take place in a few months. This will solve nothing! We will have the same politicians with varying degrees of party strengths disagreeing over the same old issues.

It will be a long night for the negotiating teams at Hillsborough bu for goodness sake sort it out all of our jobs depend on it and by the way what is filling the vaccum shots fired at police stations and at young people. Perhaps the politicians will be able to explain to Mr Heffron why they havent been able to do a deal and he has the advantage of understanding both Irish and English.

Policing

2010-01-22T02:19:00.000-08:00

Yes you have guessed its crisis time again! Wouldnt it be nice if politicians actually all gathered together to serve the people properly. Politicians seem to talk about people assuming they know what people want and assuming makes an Ass out of U and ME!

The talks looked last week that they might actually lead somwhere positive. But now we have the usual that party wont talk to me and I dont want them to be Justice Minister. Are we a mature enough society to adequately handle the vital areas of policing and justice? (Answers on a postcard)

Looking ahead at what might happen.

1. Sinn Fein meet this weekend for an update on the talks against a backdrop of complaints against the DUP. Very little may publicly be said but bare in mind that SF would stand to gain the most if Assembly elections were called. DUP faces threats from TUV, UCUNF and fallout from the Robinson issues. My guess is that they will either opt for continued talks or park some issues until after the Westminster elections. I hope a deadline is not set because nothing will bring down the prospects of a deal quicker.

2. DUP need to have the parades issue resolved to their satisfaction so that they can gain confidence after the weeks of negative press. They will not accept a deadline. It will be hard for them to do a deal with SF ahead of the elections because of the mutiple threats to their vote. They may seek to do a deal with UUP/UCUNF over South Belfast and Fermanagh South Tyrone in order to secure support for their version of a deal on policing.

3. SDLP will have a new leader within a few weeks. They cannot allow the public impression to be that they are being ignored or sidelined by the DUP/SF. They will have to either reluctantly accept presumably the Alliance candidate or withdraw from the Executive. Withdrawal might send the message that the Nationalist community has limits to its patience, would garner them with a lot of community and PR support. In the likely event that they can get d'hondt run again that increasingly looks like the least worst option.

4. Alliance Party - David Ford increasingly looks like the incoming Justice Minister. This will remove from the party the right to say that they are the opposition. Effectively there will be an Assembly opposition of 4 MLAs - so much for democracy.

Overall its an election year with parties facing many challenges. Is this the best time to be discussing Policing and Justice? Possibly not but then next year we have Assembly elections. There is one other alternative

Let the British government handle the issue of Parades and let the NI Executive handle the rest. Brown will want this issue sorted before the elections and may come to Belfast in the coming weeks to get the deal done. Failing that it is likely that the Conservative Party will have to manage the issue and who knows how generous they will be on the budget front. It will be an interesting few weeks/months.

One Year On

2010-01-20T07:51:00.000-08:00

One year on President Obama is facing up to many of the problems either caused or ignored by the Republican administrations. Tidying up after such mismanagement is going to be painful but true leadership does not hide from such challenges.

I Have A Dream

2010-01-18T03:01:00.000-08:00

In my humble opinion the best speech ever made.May his dreams become reality someday.

Sad News and politics

2010-01-13T07:02:00.000-08:00

Just heard the very sad news that the young Irish speaking and gaelic playing police officer has lost his leg. With this attack on a GAA member these dissidents have shown how utterly and entirely anti Irish they really are.

This attack shows how vital it is that our politicians agree a deal on Policing and Justice. There is some positive signs from both DUP and Sinn Fein but its only a matter of time before the agreed budget for this will be taken from the table and then all bets will be off ahead of the general elections.

Further financial pressures are also showing themselves as Departmental Spending Plans go out for consultation. We will get the usual round of politicians saying we cant cut health or education and we cant have water charges......one question - Where will the money come from? We are in a recession. The British Government is under significant financial pressure at the moment. Hard choices have to be made, and I agree that the cut of £113.5m to the health budget will have very negative implications on service delivery. So if we dont want health to face this cut who will face it? The cake is only a certain size.

The best way to face this crisis is to completely reject the dissidents and ensure that they are removed from society, secure a peaceful and stable society with Policing and Justice powers. This will create confidence in the economy and lead to jobs and more resources for us.

Northern Ireland 2010

2010-01-08T02:58:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year everyone!

Hope we are all enjoying the freezing weather (Keep a wee eye on your next door neighbour just in case they need a bit of help). Just a quick question will the Water Service and other government agencies be ready for the thaw? Floods next.

One story has really dominated the news agenda in Northern Ireland and it concerns the Robinson family. I am not going to say too much on this issue I will leave that to others and there are plenty. I would just ask people to reflect that whether or not you agree with DUP politics or like or dislike certain politicians please remember for a moment that there are families involved in this unfortunate situation who will have totally innocent members who will be suffering at this time. So whilst it may be fun for certain individuals to make fun for a moment please put yourself in the position of innocent members of the families and think how you would feel. That is all the comment I am going to make about the personal story.

On the political side there will be questions to answer about expenses, and who knew what when there will be a lot more on this to come over the next few weeks. The impact on Peter Robinson's ability to lead the DUP and stay as First Minister again is too early to say. I suspect that he will remain as First Minister and DUP leader until at least after the next general election.

Now back to Earth! There were two other stories one good and one bad. The UDA finally decommissioned and lets hope that this will lead to greater peace and stability in our society and mark an effort to deal with the issues of poverty in loyalist communities in a way that is good for all society.

Today we saw yet another entirely pointless attack on a police officer in Antrim when a bomb was placed in his car. Anyone could have been killed or injured by this! Please explain to me how this act and others like it leads to a United Ireland?!To put it in a way they might understand - Please learn some basic maths when you kill police or soldiers how many of the rest of them leave?....thats right only 100's more come in so the only people keeping the 'Crown Forces ' in Ireland are those making these attacks. Do something useful for Ireland and go away. People should be allowed to go to work and return home to their families without this.

US and the Afghanistan Decision

2009-12-02T02:53:00.001-08:00

President Obama has come in for much criticism in recent weeks over his delay to make a decision on sending more troops to Afghanistan. I would imagine that there is nothing harder for a leader than ordering people to go to a place where they will be in constant danger and unfortunately some of them killed.

The rights and wrongs of this war have been argued by smarter people than I. I just want to make a few comments on his decision.

The war against Iraq was a knee jerk reaction to the tragic events of September 11th. I see no problem in any leader taking their time to make a decision about sending people into 'Harms way'. Taking time can:

- Lead to more effective decision making

- Prepare properly with equipment...

- Define what the mission actually is

and one thing that has been missing in US planning and engagement in the previous administration is HOW DO WE GET OUT. What will define 'Mission Accomplished'?

Hopefully this pause for though has enabled the President and his advisers to have answers to the above questions.

I would rather a political leader who thinks for a while rather than one who declares 'Dead or Alive' anyday. Lets keep that stuff in the world of fantasy and Hollywood where it belongs.

John Zogby coming to Belfast

2009-11-26T09:32:00.000-08:00

Looking forward to hearing from US Pollmaster John Zogby next week at the University of Ulster. It should be interesting

Abusing people in Belfast and Facebook

2009-11-23T05:57:00.000-08:00

I was made aware today about a facebook site that celebrates the abuse of Romanian flower sellers in Belfast. This is a revolting site. The comments range from sexual references to some disgusting treatment of the flower sellers.

It is worrying that almost 400 people have become fans of this site.

I would request that people take one or more of the following actions

1. Report the page to Facebook and demand that it be removed
2. Report the Facebook site to the Police Service Northern Ireland
3. Write to the schools, universities and workplaces of these people making the comments and ask them if these are the students/employees they really wish to have (thanks Nick)
4. Write or call your local MP, MLA or councillor and get them on the case to have it removed.

Lets get this site down by the end of the day and the creators reported.

Bills in Queen's Speech: Northern Ireland

2009-11-18T03:56:00.000-08:00

The foillowing is a list of Bills from the Queen's Speech that apply all or in part to Northern Ireland. (Edited from BBC)

Here is an at-a-glance list of the bills outlined in the 2009 Queen's Speech programme:

Bribery Bill
Makes it illegal to bribe a foreign official to obtain or retain business. Makes it an offence if businesses fail to prevent a bribe being paid by their employees or by other firms on their behalf. Extends to England, Wales and Northern Ireland.

Child Poverty Bill
Puts into law the government's commitment to end child poverty by 2020. Ensures the government must make annual reports to Parliament on the success of its strategies to end child poverty. Duty on all local authorities to deal with the problem. Whole bill applies to England. Some parts also apply to Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.

Children, Schools and Families Bill
Offers pupil and parent guarantees for standards of education. Schools to be given "report cards". Promises "greater flexibility" for primary schools to set their own curriculums. Also ensures that all young people receive at least one year of sex and relationships education. Home educators will have to be registered and inspected. A review of the publication of family proceedings in court. Whole bill applies to England. Other parts cover Wales and extends in part to Northern Ireland.

Cluster Munitions (Prohibitions) Bill
Makes it an offence to use, produce, develop, acquire, stockpile, retain or transfer cluster munitions. Applies to whole UK.

Constitutional Reform and Governance Bill
Creates basis in law for Parliament to scrutinise treaties. Ends the by-election of hereditary peers to sit in House of Lords. Provides for disqualification of peers convicted of serious offences or subject to a bankruptcy order. Allows peers to resign peerages. Repeals legislation limiting protests around Parliament. Generally extends to whole UK.

Digital Economy Bill
Gives media regulator Ofcom the duty to assess the UK's communications infrastructure every two years. Updates regulations to make the digital radio switchover possible by 2015. Makes age ratings compulsory on all video games designed for children aged 12 and above. Promises to tackle infringement of copyright more effectively. Updates regulations for Channel 4, so it has to put public service content on its websites. Extends to whole UK.

Financial Services Bill
Establishes a Council for Financial Stability, chaired by the chancellor, and comprising Treasury, Bank of England and Financial Services Authority (FSA). Strengthens the FSA to take "action" on pay of those in financial services, following the recent outcry over bonuses. Promises action, in UK and internationally, on bankers' pay. Makes banks and other financial firms set up "living will" to make them easier to wind down in the event of a crisis. Bans unsolicited credit card cheques and enables the setting up of national money guidance service. Allows groups of consumers to bring court actions against financial institutions. Applies to whole UK.

Fiscal Responsibility Bill
Provides a "firm and binding statutory basis" for the government's promise to halve its budget deficit within four years. Gives Parliament power to approve medium-term fiscal plans. Promises that businesses and investors will have "certainty" about the government's fiscal plans. Applies to whole UK.

DRAFT BILLS
House of Lords Reform Bill
Promises that the Lords will be between 80% and 100% elected. States the government should not hold a majority in the second chamber and its members must be independent. Applies to whole UK.

International Development Spending Bill
Requires that 0.7% of gross national income is spent on development from 2013. Applies to whole UK.

Obesity costing £500m

2009-11-17T04:49:00.000-08:00

The Health Committee Report on Obesity was presented to the Northern Ireland Assembly by Health Chair Jim Wells MLA. The estimated cost to our health services is £500m per year but fears were expressed that the issue could overwhelm the service in future years.

Water Water Everywhere!

2009-11-06T03:04:00.000-08:00

Listening to the news this week I have become abit frustrated at hearing about the response to recent flooding whether it be in Belfast or the North West or wherever.

On this issue passing the buck has become a fine art! Rivers Agency, Road Service, PSNI, Water Service, NIEA, SIB, DRD.......(and whoever else). The situation is an embarassment.

There should be one Agency dealing with flooding with a budget drawn from all the present agencies who allegedly deal with the issue. Flooding is not a new thing here so in the immortal words of Monty Python 'GET ON WITH IT!!'

I look forward (but wont be holding my breath)to the day when politicians responsible for the ineffectual workings of their agencies are held to account at the polls.

He came, He spoke and He failed

2009-10-23T02:22:00.000-07:00

Many people including several hundred protestors objected to Nick Griffin and the BNP having a place on BBC Question Time last night.

There is an old saying which was proven wrong last night - no publicity is bad publicity.

Griffin couldnt even decide what his party was for, couldnt answer a straight question and if you were to give him the benefit of the doubt was a person who hadnt said anything in months. I know photoshop and editing are great but he was denying things he had said that were filmed.

I was a bit concerned about him being on Question Time but now I am glad he was.

Griffin has no knowledge of history, politics, society and how he ever got a law degree is beyond me.

It was a good night - shining a light on these people shows that they are just another bunch of ignorant thugs - but then what does that make the people who vote for them and what does it mean for other political parties when people are prepared to vote BNP. That is something worth worrying about.

Joining the Dots with our Economic Diaspora

2009-10-20T12:51:00.000-07:00

"I believe strongly that, you know, we have an opportunity every time there is a challenge. And being smart and creative, flexible, agile, in today's economic conditions is an absolute necessity."

These were the words of US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton at a meeting in Belfast last week with business leaders.

It has never been more important for our economy to be smart,creative, flexible and agile. We are facing an economic situation that sees 53,800 people be without jobs in Northern Ireland. Despite the great news from the New York Stock Exchange a lot more innovative paths to investment will have to be sought before we will be out of the woods.

In response to this The President's Club in Belfast, an organisation dedicated to developing and enhancing crossborder and cross Atlantic business relationships has organised an event that will start us on a path to engage with our economic diaspora.

The event which takes place tomorrow morning is part of the 'Silicon Valley comes to Ireland' Initiative organised by the Irish Technology Leadership Group. The discussions will be chaired by economist and journalist John Simpson and will be addressed by Dr. Graham Gudgin one of the authors of the Independent Review of the Economy (IREP - www.irep.org.uk)as well as representatives from InvestNI, Enterprise Ireland and a host of business people from across the island and the USA.

I hope to twitter and at some stages blog on the event. If you have any questions please send them to me and I will do my best to raise them.

Please send your questions to terry@chambrepa.com
or to my facebook or this blog.

The event runs from 8am - 11.45am althought there are a range of other ITLG events happening in Belfast.
www.itlg.org

Mark Durkan on Policing - in Swansea

2009-10-20T11:54:00.000-07:00

“We need to seal the deal on the devolution of justice now. The Assembly should be the better for having a full share of powers under the devolved brief.

“The anger of the DUP/SF gerrymandering of the justice ministry deepens, as does the need for devolution. We need the legal powers to protect the vulnerable and better laws and ways to address the youth at risk and young people involved in crime.

“North-South is going slow and staying slow and a vital democratic part of the Good Friday Agreement is punching far below its weight.

“At the time of recession when money is tight, when we share a small part of this island, North-South should be going higher, wider and deeper. This is not happening on the DUP/SF watch and it doesn’t add up on any level.

“The First Minister and Deputy First Minister should publish the budget offer from the Prime Minister for the devolution of justice, whether the figures add up or if they are cobbled together.

“Behind the Gordon Brown offer, there’s a real temptation for the DUP that it will find ways to resist. The temptation will be to move it at a higher price for the devolution of justice. This may see damage to Patten, erosion of the Parades Commission and further challenges to the values of the Good Friday Agreement.

“The British government must hold secure to any of this.”

Irish Reunification speech - Gerry Adams Swansea

2009-10-20T09:11:00.000-07:00

October 20, 2009

Remarks by Sinn Féin President Gerry Adams MP MLA to the British Irish Parliamentary Assembly in Swansea today:

I want to begin by thanking the British Irish Parliamentary Assembly for the invitation to speak here today.

Over the years this Assembly, through its committees and plenary meetings, has created a context in which parliamentarians from Ireland and Britain are able to come together and discuss issues of mutual importance.

This Assembly especially allows TDs and MLAs, from the two elected bodies on the island of Ireland, to come together to discuss all-Ireland co-operation and related subjects.

While this institution, through the British-Irish Inter-Parliamentary Body, predates the Good Friday Agreement, there can be no doubt that the focus of much of your work is rooted in that Agreement and the political institutions that emerged from it.

This is very important.

The Good Friday Agreement is a unique document.

It was born out of centuries of British involvement in Irish affairs. This resulted in conflict, communal division and sectarianism, the partition of the island of Ireland, the partition of Ulster, and the creation of a unionist dominated state in the north eastern part of our country.

Partition was not just a line on the map; it was the construction of a system of political apartheid which relied on discrimination and denied democracy and justice.

Resolving the many complexities resulting from this was never going to be easy.

The Good Friday Agreement and the St. Andrews Agreement put in place mechanisms and arrangements which seek to do that.

These include political matters, institutional arrangements, human rights, equality, policing, justice, language and culture issues.

As well as the crucial issue of constitutional matters.

And it does all of this in an all-Ireland context.

These Agreements are also significant instruments of change; real change in real ways in peoples daily lives.

For this reason elements of political unionism opposed to this new dispensation seek to minimise, to dilute and to delay its potential or to oppose it entirely.

So, the Good Friday Agreement and the St. Andrews Agreement continue to face huge challenges, not least in the failure of the British government to fulfil its obligations, for example, on Irish language rights.

But for the purpose of today’s remarks let me focus on the issue that has dominated politics from before partition – the constitutional issue! That is the relationship between Ireland and Britain.

The Good Friday Agreement clearly sets out the political realities.

It recognises that it is for the people of the island of Ireland to determine our own future – to exercise our self-determination.

In the event that a majority of people in the north prefer a sovereign United Ireland then the British government will legislate for it.

The agreement also sets out the mechanism by which this will happen – by means of a ‘border poll’.

So, there you have it.

The people living on the island of Ireland can determine our own future, and–when a majority in the north and a majority in the south opt for Irish re-unification, the constitutional process to bring that about will kick in.

The Good Friday Agreement therefore provides for a constitutional route to Irish unity.

That is a significant achievement.

Sinn Féin seeks to build on this by:

Working in partnership with others of like mind in Ireland to build political support for Irish reunification.

There is a particular responsibility for all parties in the Oireachtas and particularly for the government in Dublin to actively work for reunification.

We have to persuade unionists – or at least a section of unionism – that such a development makes political, social and economic sense – that it serves their self-interest.

There is already a growing awareness of the importance to our future prosperity and growth, of the all-Ireland economy and of all-Ireland connections in health, education, energy, the environment and much more.

These are commonsense arrangements which must be built upon.

Sinn Féin is also currently engaged with unionists and especially with disadvantaged unionist working class areas, to a greater extent than ever before.

We need to address the genuine fears and concerns of unionists in a meaningful way.

We need to look at what they mean by their sense of Britishness and be willing to explore and to be open to new concepts.

We need to look at ways in which the unionist people can find their place in a new Ireland.

In other words it needs to be their United Ireland.

So, there are many issues for republicans and unionists to talk about. However it is worth noting that within the current British system, unionists are fewer than 2 per cent of the population; they cannot hope to have any significant say in the direction of their own affairs.

As 20 per cent of a new Ireland, unionists will be able to assert their full rights and entitlements and exercise real political power and influence.

So, Sinn Féin’s vision of a new Ireland is of a shared Ireland, an integrated Ireland, an Ireland in which unionists have equal ownership; an Ireland in which there will be respect for cultural diversity, and a place in which there is political, social, economic and cultural equality.

There is no desire on the part of Irish republicans to conquer or humiliate unionists.

There can be no place for revenge in the thinking or vocabulary of Irish Republicanism.

Nationalists and republicans want our rights, but we do not seek to deny the rights of anybody else. The real distinction that we have always drawn is between justice and privilege. Justice for all and privilege for none.

This means, for example, that Orange marches will have their place, in a new Ireland albeit on the basis of respect and cooperation.

But the Irish question, as it has been described over the years by some, is not simply one for the Irish.

There is not only a democratic requirement on the part of the peoples of Britain to adopt a positive stance on how the Irish question should be finally settled, there is a moral imperative.

It is one thing saying that unionists should not be frogmarched into a united Ireland; it is another to adopt the position of silence in the face of whether or not a united Ireland should come into being, in whatever negotiated form that will entail.

The peoples of Britain have a duty to themselves, to unionists in particular, to the Irish in general, and even to the world, to stand up and speak their opinion on the issue of the reunification of Ireland.

I believe that the economic and political dynamics in Ireland today make Irish reunification a realistic and realisable goal in a reasonable period of time.

I invite the British Irish Parliamentary Assembly to join in this historic endeavour.

We have to persuade the British government to change its policy from one of upholding the union to one of becoming a persuader for Irish unity.

This also involves persuading the other political representatives of the peoples of these islands – whether in Scotland or Wales or the North of England or London or the Isle of Man or Guernsey, that their interests are also served by helping the people of Ireland achieve reunification.

There are also common sense economic and social and environmental and health and many other reasons why Irish reunification makes sense over partition.

In reality the border is more than just an inconvenience.

It is an obstacle to progress and while its adverse affects are most clearly felt in the communities that straddle the border, it also impacts negatively throughout the island.

The reality is that the economy of the North is too small to exist in isolation.

The economies of both parts of the island are interlinked and interdependent.

The delivery of public services is restricted and inefficient.

There are two competing industrial development bodies seeking inward investment, with no coordination in supporting local industries.

We have two arts councils and two sports councils and three tourists’ bodies.

This is not efficient.

There are some who suggest that because we live in a period of severe economic difficulty that Irish reunification should be put off for the foreseeable future.

In fact the opposite is the case.

There is now a need, more than ever, for the island economy to be brought into being in the fullest sense, and for the political and administrative structures to be instituted with that in mind.

Many in the business community, north and south, already recognise this fact.

And all the indications are that the European Union also understands how the needs of Ireland can best be met by treating it as an island rather than as two entities on an island.

Geography does not necessarily determine politics, but neither can it be ignored in assessing what is the most effective approach to meeting the challenges of economic development and satisfying the needs of communities.

The Good Friday agreement is an opportunity to develop understanding and to advocate rationally, the benefits of Irish reunification.

The institutional elements of the Good Friday Agreement and of St. Andrews are therefore important mechanisms to be built upon.

The Good Friday Agreement also proposed the establishment of an All-Ireland Civic Forum and an All-Ireland Parliamentary Forum.

An All-Ireland Civic Forum could offer a very important input for citizens throughout the island to discuss problems of a common nature.

It could also enable a greater level of mutual understanding to develop.

As for an All-Ireland Parliamentary Forum, the important work of this body provides ample evidence of the benefits that would derive from the establishment of such a body.

So, my friends if I was to reduce all of these remarks to one sentence it would be to repeat what I have said earlier; there is a democratic requirement and moral imperative on the part of the peoples of Britain to adopt a positive stance on how the Irish question should be finally settled.

This means initiating and supporting measures to bring about the reunification of the people of Ireland." ENDS

Good News for Economy at Last

2009-10-19T02:59:00.000-07:00

Last week I had the pleasure of accompanying US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton on her various visits around Belfast. Some members of the media whilst loving the photos viewed the visit as a pat on the back or even an ego trip for the Secretary.

These people need to wake up and realise that someone in her position does not have time for such idle ego triping. And quite frankly who cares if there were boards on the Europa Hotel or not.

Today shows the real tangible benefits of having the attention of a US Secretary of State. The New York Stock Exchange is creating 400 jobs here in the coming years. Below is the welcome from our First and Deputy First Minister. Congratulations as well to Invest NI. This is the priority not these other irrelevancies.

"First Minister Peter Robinson, MP MLA, and Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness, MP MLA, today formally welcomed plans by NYSE Euronext (NYX) to expand the business operations of its NYSE Technologies division in Belfast.

Invest Northern Ireland will provide up to £9.6million to support the move of NYSE Technologies business operations into a new state-of-the-art development facility in 2010 and the creation of up to 400 new technology, operational and corporate jobs, which include 75 positions from a prior agreement, in the coming years.

NYSE Euronext recognises its operations in Belfast as a centre of excellence for the delivery of innovative technology solutions, specifically low latency messaging capabilities, data distribution and securities operations to serve its expanding global client base.

First Minister Rt. Hon Peter Robinson, MP MLA, said: “Today’s announcement that NYSE Euronext intends to expand its operations and staff in Belfast is yet another positive step forward by Invest NI in the growth of our local financial services sector, particularly at a time when global competition for such investment has never been higher. NYSE Technologies is an enterprise which works at the very core of the trading world, developing advanced software solutions for global trading markets.”

Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness, MP MLA, said: “No one should doubt the scale and significance of this expansion which is a major endorsement of our local talent, knowledge and infrastructure. It will also send a clear message to other potential investors when such a high profile institution decides to invest here. Over the past two years I, along with the First Minister and his predecessor have had an ongoing engagement with Duncan and his colleagues which we are delighted has led to this announcement.”

Enterprise Minister Arlene Foster said: “Having met with the company in New York in December, and more recently in Belfast, I am delighted to see this latest project come to fruition today. Following on from last year’s announcement at the US Investment Conference, through this latest expansion, NYSE Euronext’s commitment to Northern Ireland sends a strong message to other potential investors that this is an exceptional place to locate and grow a business.”

Duncan Niederauer, Chief Executive Officer, NYSE Euronext, said: "We welcome the opportunity to partner with Invest NI and to expand our presence in Belfast. Northern Ireland will become increasingly important to our global growth strategy and complement our technology centres in Paris and London. Together, these centres of excellence will enable us to effectively address the growing technology and trading needs of our customers and our company."

Stanley Young, Chief Executive Officer, NYSE Technologies and Co-Global Chief Information Officer, NYSE Euronext, added: "Our operation in Belfast has exceeded expectations for the delivery of advanced software solutions for our global clients. The calibre of people, combined with Invest NI’s support and the growing financial services and ICT sectors, fits extremely well with our business objectives."

Bomb attack in East Belfast

2009-10-16T06:01:00.000-07:00

This morning a car bomb exploded close to where I live in Belfast slightly injuring a relative of a police officer.

Thankfully the injuries were not more serious. It is likely that this attack was carried out by dissident republicans. It is anticipated that there will be more attacks like this one.

Our politicians have rightly condemned this crazy act and have said that it will not be tolerated. So what can they do?

1. Agree the budget for policing and justice and get it devolved as quickly as possible

2. End the bickering in public and argue the rights and wrongs inside Parliament Buildings and not in the media

3. Show the dissidents that the Assembly has the support of people from all sides of the community including Republicans

4. Challenge the dissidents to show their plan for a United Ireland or whatever it is they claim to want.

Following the very encouraging visit this week by US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton let us show that this island will not accept a few lunatics dragging us back to the past. These groups had nothing but death and destruction to offer then and they have certainly nothing to offer now.

Farmleigh II

2009-10-15T09:26:00.000-07:00

The second session of the North South Consultative Forum lost the run of itself a little bit. It was an open session for any organisation to suggest agendas and talk about their experiences of North South activity. There was nothing new in this!

There were several complaints that there were no representatives from OFMDFM at the Forum. According to the Dept. of the Taoiseach they were invited. I have my doubts about how much pushing there was to get some representative down.

A North South Consultative Forum must have buy in from both administrations North and South if it is to be relevant. Extra buy in from the EU and a reluctant British government would also be welcome.

It is very hard to decide what the purpose of this meeting was. Was it to gauge support for such a forum? If so it was a waste of time as it is in the St Andrews Agreement therefore there has to be one. I would like to know what the goals of the Taoiseach were for this meeting.

For me the meeting was great - i networked with over 200 organisations and made some good contacts. It would have been good to meet organisations from the South but there were very few there.

At the end of the meeting (which was recorded) there was no suggestion of a next meeting or what the next steps were - steering group, agenda setting, resource identification...

It will be interesting to see if this will be carried forward. If so, one question - what does it add to what already exists. More on the twitter

Farmleigh

2009-10-15T09:23:00.000-07:00

It was an early start to be here for 9am! so forgive spelling grammar etc.

Farmleigh is a magnificent building set in the midst of Phoenix Park. To get here this morning we did have to go down a road that had a works sign stating Road Closed. I hope that this is not a sign for the rest of the day!

Anyway, the speech from the Taoiseach was relatively predictable. The host of civil society and economic organisations were complimented on their work. Taoiseach then stated the importance of continuing the peace process.

He did state that he had directed his officials and Ministers to be open to engaging with civil society and also said to me in a brief discussion afterwards that The Innovation Taskforce recently set up to develop a smart economy will be open to looking at and having discussion on how it can proceed on an all-island basis. This might in time make up for NI being sidelined at the huge economic conference here in September.

The audience who are largely from organisations in NI do seem to have a few issues surrounding the event. Questions such as why are we here? Havent we done all this before? What happens next? are all being asked.

I think the purpose so far is to see should we still have a North South Consultative Forum and what should it do.

I am a bit concerned that the majority of organisations represented are from NI. How and can we make this initiative relevant to people on the island as a whole?

One more thing - dont forget organisations have been at this for 20 or more years - lets bring something new and lets not reinvent or duplicate the wheel.

North South Consultative Forum

2009-10-14T13:43:00.000-07:00

Will be blogging and twittering from the first North South Consultative Forum that will be held in Dublin tomorrow at Farmleigh.

It is an initiative from Taoiseach Brian Cowen to look at the future of North South relations in terms of social, civil and economic relations.

I hope it is not just an effort to make up for not including Northern Ireland in the huge economic diaspora event held in Farmleigh in September.There was only one Northern Ireland representative at the event and despite often referring to the Northern Ireland peace process and tackling challenges on an all-island basis there wasnt even a session on crossborder trade.

Hopefully this will be a new commitment from an Irish government fresh from the victory over the Lisbon Treaty.

So lets see what happens tomorrow.

WHEELS UP!

2009-10-12T14:03:00.000-07:00

Secretary of State Hillary Clinton has left Northern Ireland. Happy travels.

City Hall to Airport

2009-10-12T13:45:00.000-07:00

Right its time to go - this time to the airport although I get the feeling the plane might wait.

I know I have been lighthearted about the motorcade and the plane and other trappings of power. Yes it is a statement of power but it is also a statement that says we need to be at a location at a certain time and in safety. The people that I have met and dealt with in the last 24 hours are friendly and helpful but also they have a very srious job to do.

As i sit in the van at the back of the motorcade with traffic being stopped all over the place I watch the press corps who are trying to file stories on Northern Ireland and North Korea and are speaking in various languages on other stories that they may be working on. They really are an inquisitive bunch with questions on politics, economics or religion. Also now that they have to travel with the Secretary to Russia it does make me realise the sacrifice that these people must make with being away from home, family and friends. If you are reading this thank you for the fun, challenging questions and by the way George Best is a major football hero here1

Without wishing to over do the theme - the embassy and consulate support staff, security and State Department staff make a similar sacrifice with long hours probably normally being very far from home and important events such as the birth of a child and I send best wishes to the security agent who is awaiting some good news -hope you make it home on time.

Of course all of the above applies to our special guest. The Secretary of State has had a smile and encouragement for everyone she has met. (I am convinced I got a personal wave and smile after what must have been a long week and wasnt over yet). We make many complaints about politicians and often rightly so but lets remember the sacrifices and service they offer.

Right on the tarmac again and time to wave goodbye.To the Secretary of State I hope we see you again and take advantage of the attention, encouragement and commitment that you have shown to Northern Ireland.

Time to open City Hall

2009-10-12T13:20:00.000-07:00

Leaving Queen's University and off to our final stop of the day - the official opening of City Hall in Belfast.

Traffic has been of a nightmare and we have got slightly separated from the motorcade. Never fear the press will make it through once some motorbikes are moved. Then its a quick run up the stairs and poor ABC are carrying around a lot of heavy equipment.

First thing to say is our City Hall looks amazing and am very proud that it shows off our city in a very positive light to our very special guest and the international media. Well done everyone at City Hall and thank you.

An unfortunate accident befell former Speaker Eileen Bell prior to our arrival. We all wish her a speedy recovery.

Perhaps realising that this was the last event (at least for a few hours) the Secretary appeared very relaxed and was amongst friends including a delegation of prominent women leaders from 'Vital Voices'. There was even time for a bit of humour when she refered to the Titanic Signature Project as a brave move to name something after the Titanic. I am reasonably sure a member of the audience said 'It was fine when it left Belfast...'

The Secretary praised the role that women have played and continue to play in the peace process. One or two men were praised the first was Michael Long the husband of our Lord Mayor who has a lot of late nights at work and of course the work of John Hume to bring peace to NI.

Clinton at Queens University Belfast

2009-10-12T12:54:00.000-07:00

The show now moves from Stormont to Queen's University at quite a pace thanks to the job done by Close Protection Unit and motorcycle outriders who kindly stop all traffic (guys any chance I could borrow you for rush hour at home time???)

Queens is a business focused event. Unfortunately it is a closed event so am not allowed to hear all that is said. As it turns out the event despite the best intentions of embassy, consulate and other staff overran a bit so I hope this was a good sign. This I believe shows the Clinton focus on the issue of Northern Ireland and its prosperity its hard to imagine another world leader giving so much time to 'our wee country'.

The Secretary was joined by Economic Envoy Declan Kelly who is always exceptionally polite and is a man with a mission to deliver results. His total focus is productivity and refreshingly whilst he recognises the need for politicians will not be distracted by them.

Queen's University won the admiration of the press corps by laying on very welcome refreshments. Brownie point successfully attained so say Washington Post and ABC.

After a long wait (apologies to all those people waiting at City Hall)the Secretary accompanied by a range of business leaders as well as Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment Arlene Foster and Minister of Employment and Learning Sir Reg Empey.

The remarks by the Secretary were again a call for political stability so that focus can be placed on the economy. She celebrated not only the traditional and personal ties to Northern Ireland but also a hope that we can develop a mutually beneficial relationship.

Controversial time...Perhaps we in Northern Ireland could at least start to look at ways that we can return the massive political and economic favour that has been shown to us?

A few questions by Mark Devenport and Ken Reid and then the New York Times who gave us a reminder that Northern Ireland is not the only focus for the Secretary of State when he asked about missile tests in North Korea.

Set against this and other international backdrops (Afghanistan, Libya, Iraq, Israel/Gaza...) Northern Ireland is truly lucky that a place of 1.7million people engenders such good will from. the most powerful country in the world.

Right...the blogger has been shouted for and I have my escort of secret service and US Airforce officers ...or was I hanging on at the end? Delusions of grandeur are soon erased when the charming head of motorcade Scott in his own lovely way says GET ON THE BUS!

Assembly Speech

2009-10-12T04:34:00.000-07:00

After a super running effort on my part from press to the back of motorcade, I have eventually made it to the Assembly. I didn't have to sign in and no need for a pass. Yeah! I could get used to this.

First time in the Press Gallery and for the 10th time have been told to switch off my mobile phone. Yes, I have been in the building once or twice.

The public gallery was packed with former politicians, like John Hume, and dignitaries such as Matt Baggott, the new Chief Constable of the PSNI. Oh and Stephen Warke everybody!!!

The speech was reasonably predictable - congratulating the parties on how far they have come, and the important leadership they can provide to the people of Northern Ireland. It was speculated in some circles that the Secretary of State would try and push our First and Deputy First Ministers to do the deal on policing and justice.

The Secretary looked in the general direction of the DUP benches and stated that the USA was not here to 'meddle' on this issue. Then looking towards the Sinn Fein benches she stated that the US would encourage all political parties to do the deal on policing and justice and to complete the devolution process.

Then the Secretary encouraged the politicians to work together to solve the economic challenges facing Northern Ireland. This would be supported by the new Special Economic Envoy, Declan Kelly.

Now we are being whisked off to Queens for a business session which is going to be closed...boooo! Eye Spy will try and find out more!

Stormont Castle

2009-10-12T01:31:00.000-07:00

It is a beautiful October morning in Belfast. The normal hussle and bustle of rush hour traffic has been held up by the motorcade of the US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton. We are off to Stormont Castle for the first meetings of the day.

At the Castle the Secretary will be having private meetings with the First and Deputy First Minsters. High on the agenda will be political issues (despite efforts to make this day about the economy)with policing and justice being top of the agenda. A letter is expected to be sent from 10 Downing Street to OFMDFM to confirm the budget for policing and justice.

Then it is off next door to Parliament Buildings to give an historic speech before a full Assembly.

Day 2 Clinton

2009-10-11T23:20:00.001-07:00

Early start this morning after the excitement of yesterday. It was very cool waiting on the tarmac as the Secretary of State came down the steps. Then it was a fast run to the hotel and help settle press corps in. Ended up having a long chat with State Department officials on Northern Ireland issues.

Today will be a lot busier and very fast moving.

Looking forward to hearing remarks at the NI Assembly later.

Should be on Good Morning Ulster at around 7.50am

Purpose of the Clinton Visit

2009-10-11T09:54:00.000-07:00

Now that we have a few minutes where nothing is happening (and the Close Protection Unit have supplied coffee!) I can get a chance to have a think about why this is all happening. Why is the second most powerful politician in the world coming to 'our wee country'?

It is a case that the Clinton's have developed over the years a very close affinity with the people of this island and a genuine concern for its future. The focus of the future is principally economic as opposed to purely political.

Northern Ireland is also seen as a success story in terms of peace processes. (Today the INLA said that it would decommission weapons) Wouldn't it be a great legacy to Northern Ireland and a big thank you to those countries like the United States, who have helped us, if one of our major exports was a guide to resolving conflict?

The US Secretary of State recently appointed Declan Kelly as the new Special Economic Envoy to Northern Ireland. His aim is to quickly get positive economic results for both NI and the USA. We need to take full advantage of this great, and possibly temporary, opportunity to be a centrepiece of foreign policy for the USA.

This important visit will naturally act as a stimulus for our politicians to see the bigger picture and focus on issues that genuinely matter to people.

I do get a sense that our luck will eventually run out and that other areas from around the world will become the focus of attention.

Policing and Justice has been the major distraction here for weeks, months or even years and it now needs to be sorted so that the economy can have the full and undivided attention of our politicians.

This visit is our opportunity to shine on the world stage, so let us show the world that Northern Ireland is open for business.

Motorcade

2009-10-11T09:47:00.000-07:00

We have finally started moving again. This time we are at the back of a ten vehicle motorcade with various police cars and about 10 outriders who are going ahead to stop traffic and push us through redlights.

Bit of a surreal experience with the public looking in trying to figure out who is in the cars - no one at this stage. Big temptation to wave and pretend to be someone famous. So did anyone give in to this temptation? As the saying goes "What happens on the motorcade stays on the motorcade!"

Another security check with dogs...nothing found so we are now, yes you guessed it, waiting again and swapping stories of other visits that people have been involved in.

As you might expect it is a very well organised and detailed visit, but the number and types of people involved is staggering. It makes me wonder what previous Presidential visits were like or what an Obama visit might be like.

First Impressions

2009-10-11T08:02:00.000-07:00

First impressions might be a little surprising for those of us who do not normally join motorcades for senior world leaders.

There is an awful lot of waiting around, looking at watches and in this case looking at US Secret Service officers checking, checking and checking. So for a while I am a political tourist watching others do their work.

Watching some people working to try and satisfy the media demands from local, national and international press.

There are moments of excitement when the motorcade starts coming together, specific jobs are handed out and things start moving.

Recommendations so far are- get sleep before the big day, wear comfortable shoes, bring some sweets and a flask of coffee (just in case our friends at the PSNI forgets the coffee!!! which is fine honestly...no, no absolutely fine.)

Anyway hope to have some more things to say in a while.

Day 1 Clinton Visit

2009-10-11T07:20:00.000-07:00

Well it is the start of a very exciting and interesting 24 hours accompanying Secretary of State Clinton on her visit to NI.

So, suited and booted, I received my first crucial mission - to get drinkies for the press corps. Mission is accomplished with the aid of my beautiful assistant(wife) Ursula. So I hope they like the black stuff!!

Wheels up so the Secretary is on her way to a sunny NI. Off to get security checked and then picked up.

Clinton visit to Northern Ireland

2009-10-10T12:06:00.000-07:00

I have been lucky enough to be chosen as the local blogger attached to the State Department for the visit of US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton to Northern Ireland.

Received the briefing today and I will be travelling in the motorcade and accompanying the team to most of the meetings.

I will try to give an impression of what it is to be an observer of this kind of visit. There are many better people to give impressions of policy implications, but I will have a go at that as well.

It is quite humbling to not only be considered but accepted to do this kind of thing. The West Wing fan inside of me has been going mad for a while until final confirmation yesterday!

I will be joining officials from the State Department and journalists from AP; Reuters; AFP; New York Times; Washington Post; Bloomberg; BBC; Wall Street Journal; CNN and ABC. So really looking forward to meeting them and learning from their experiences.

Anyway, I will be doing a mixture of live and after blogging and will try and post on twitter - as much as I am allowed.

Thank you to all who arranged this and I hope you enjoy the results!!!

What has the Assembly ever done for us?

2009-10-07T02:55:00.000-07:00

Internal tensions in the Office of First and Deputy First Minister have recently been in the media. Publicly this is between Peter Robionson and Martin McGuinness who cannot agree on how to convince Downing Street to give an adequate budget for policing and justice.

First thing to say is the budget for policing and justice will be found. But at what cost?

Every few days we hear about financial pressures on education and health with reductions in services and bed closures likely to be only the start.

Policing and justice are not the only issues being held up. There are a substantial number of issues - over 35 - that are being delayed at Executive level.

With all of this background I started a conversation on Facebook (which is still ongoing) to ask people what successes the Asswembly has had. The aim of this is to keep a balance with the gloom and doom. The following list has been cobbled together from submissions to date and are not all mine:

Free perscriptions
Reduced hospital waiting lists
Development of the Cathedral Quarter
Funding to make school buses safer
Air Route Development Fund - developing direct flights to US and elsewhere
Ability to independently protect NI beef exports during various BSE crises
Fuel Poverty Strategy - Winter Fuel Payment
Free Travel for the elderly
Small Business Rates Relief
New Bus and Train fleet
Public Accounts Committee - holding public agencies to account
Protection of HomeStart Services
Promotion of Renewable Energy

Please feel free to add to list on facebook or here. But just remember when the media and politicians are full of gloom and doom some real successes have been delivered for the people on the ground.

To our politicians - as you can see above you can do good! Do not get side tracked on silly arguments. Delivering for the people who put you there is what is important now more than ever. In this election year please remember what the people giveth the people can take away.

Clinton Global Iniative and Northern Ireland

2009-09-23T14:06:00.000-07:00

OFM, DFM, Declan Kelly (DK) (Envoy) Sec. of State (SoS), Michael Martin (MM)(Foreign Affairs) join President Bill Clinton (BC) to discuss Northern Ireland at Global Iniative in New York. Reg Empey was in the audience and answered questions.

FM has said that NI has strong political stability and inspite of difficulties NI is a good place to invest. When it comes to terrorist attacks the community stands together. Unemployment can lead to increase terrorism. It is up to politicians to make people feel the benefits of devolution.

BC to DFM: why invest in NI? why or how is the economy central to your strategy?

DFM: Thanked President Clinton for his focus on NI when he was in White House. Talks of role Clinton played including the meeting with Gerry Adams.

Talked of relationship with Paisley and said

DFM: As good a relationship with Peter Robinson as Ian Paisley. Its not easy being in government with DUP and Peter would say same of SF but no where else to go. The War is over people want peace.

We have a talented and very skilled workforce, two great universities, please come and see it for yourself we will give a good package along with InvestNI

BC to DK: What can we do? What is the strategy?

DK: There are 600 inside room and 300 outside waiting to get in so that shows the interest.

Forget its NI its an island of 1.7m with low cost base, best educated workforce in UK, lowest unemployment in EU. £785m invested by 43 companies when in recession

Strategy - Short - get people over to see it and work with InvestNI
Strategy - Long - focus on industries such as Financial services, Connected Health, Technology, Business services - There will be a promotional programme to reflect success in NI. Need to be patient and realistic.

SoS - There are great opportunities for private sector in NI. Our determination is to underpin stability for policing and justice by providing a good budget.

BC - Value of link with RoI

MM - Celebrated InterTradeIreland and its contribution to development of technology and other business areas.

BC - Reg Empey - if a company wants to go and invest $500m what can you do? What is the cost of training?

Reg Empey - Specify the labour force requirements and all training will be provided free of charge. I have appointed an officer at the NI Bureau in Washington DC to take forward educational links between US and NI.

FM - NI has a well educated workforce with a great work ethic, some of the best infrastructure in Europe and cheaper and faster broadband with Project Kelvin. Cheaper ICT costs, accountany costs and premises costs than London or Dublin. Also cultural and language compatability. Protection of Intellectual property and a regulatory environment in which companies will feel comfortable.

BC - Concluding Remarks: If any company wants to invest in Northern Ireland and needs contacts or help the Clinton Global Initiative will help.

East Belfast Assembly Roadshow

2009-09-22T13:44:00.000-07:00

Fair Play to Dawn Purvis for turning up. The other MLAs were held up by a debate on Policing and Justice. The East Belfast Roadshow will be rescheduled.

Good News Time

2009-09-22T07:48:00.000-07:00

I would welcome any stories or anecdotes from people that can educate the public about the positive aspects of devolution. Remember how far we have come in 10 years. Whilst there may be political doom lets create a bank of stories that we could send to people, media and even politicians to raise hope in Northern Ireland.

e.g. Home Start granted funding to provide services for an extra two years in branches that otherwise would have had to close.

£150 grant to those suffering from fuel poverty...more please!

SDLP Leadership Contest

2009-09-21T13:52:00.000-07:00

There has been much comment today about the announcement that Mark Durkan will resign as leader of the SDLP should he win the Foyle constituency in the next Westminster election.

There has been some strange criticism of his decision. Did he not say that he wanted to lead the party for 10 years and did not want to do it when he was 50? Yes he did. Is it so strange to see a politician keeping his promise? Perhaps it is, and that is why there will be those who will say he was pushed or 'stabbed in the back'.

Whether or not you agree with Mark Durkan and his policies he has brought the SDLP and some of his political colleagues (not always willingly) to a stage were the police are accepted. He has also personally defended the Good Friday Agreement which, inspite of its faults, brought peace to Northern Ireland and the decommissioning of both IRA and most of the Loyalist weapons (eventually).

For the critics who might say that he was no John Hume or Seamus Mallon I would sday that they are right. But was a John Hume needed? could he have delivered the results that Durkan has? Yes, the SDLP suffered electorally but if that was the price for peace will anyone in their right mind not say it was worth paying? (There are better people than me to answer these questions but I believe it was worth it)

Now there will be a contest and yes it may be largely about the personalities of either Deputy Leader Alasdair McDonnell or Minister Margaret Ritchie. A strong personality will be needed to tackle the challenges we will face going forward. Whoever wins will have to make the party relevant to a population that has to a certain extent switched off politics or some who view the absence of violence as peace. Let this contest not be about egos. Let it be a time for renewal. There is room for a strong peaceful nationalist voice that can tackle

- Dissident Violence
- Economic downturn
- Social deprivation
- Education of our children

A new revitalised SDLP is needed. Whilst it is good to remember the achievements of Hume and Mallon the SDLP cannot afford to rest on its past victories. The party of civil rights has to broaden its image and message to make education and economic rights part of their continuing civil rights campaign.

To whoever takes on the mantle all I can wish them is GOOD LUCK!

Margaret Ritchie Public Forum

2009-09-08T06:23:00.000-07:00

Margaret Ritchie Public Forum

Senator Edward Kennedy RIP

2009-08-26T00:08:00.000-07:00

Senator Edward Kennedy has passed away. He died of brain cancer. He was a great campaigner for peace in Ireland putting pressure on all sides when it was required.

RIP

Party Conference Time

2009-08-19T08:17:00.000-07:00

It is that time of year again. Several political parties will be holding their annual party conferences in the coming months.

Interesting scheduling from SF and SDLP.

Party Conferences confirmed include:

SDLP Youth
5th September 2009
Wellington Park Hotel, Belfast

PUP
10th October 2009
Stormont Hotel, Belfast

Ulster Unionist Party
24th October 2009
Europa Hotel, Belfast

DUP
21st November 2009
La Mon House Hotel, Belfast

Alliance
21st January 2010
Dunadry Hotel, Templepatrick

SDLP
5th – 7th March 2010
Slieve Donard Hotel, Newcastle

Sinn Fein
5th – 7th March 2010
RDS, Dublin

Green Party has not yet confirmed the date and venue of their party conference.

SF Reshuffle

2009-08-06T07:13:00.000-07:00

Coutesy of Breakingnews.ie Mitchel McLaughlin is standing down as the chairman of the Northern Assembly Finance and Personnel Committee as part of a reshuffle announced by Sinn Féin today.

However Chief Whip Caral Ni Chuilin said the South Antrim MLA would remain as the party spokesman on the Economy and Finance. “He will now be able to enter and shape the economic debate without the restriction of Chair of a committee restricting his input.”

Mr McLaughlin will be replaced as chairman by West Belfast MLA Jennifer McCann.

She would “continue to bring a grass roots perspective to the work of the Finance Committee and a realisation that budget decisions in the Assembly have a direct effect on the budget of every family household,” said the Chief Whip.

As a result of her move to Finance she will be stepping down as Vice Chair of the Enterprise, Trade and Investment Committee to be replaced by Lagan Valley MLA Paul Butler.

His move will mean him standing down as a member of the Assembly commission, to be replaced by West Tyrone MLA Pat Doherty – who will continue with Sinn Féin’s equality agenda within the commission.

Ms Ni Chuilin said: “The reshuffle will be confirmed at the first available meeting of the Assembly on its return in September and will strengthen Sinn Fein’s ability to deliver change across a wide range of socio economic issues in the months and years ahead.”

Future NI Agenda

2009-07-30T08:35:00.000-07:00

The Executive (our Cabinet) agreed the following Bills and Consultations. Major work ahead on Policing and Justice.

EXECUTIVE AGREES A RAFT OF DRAFT LEGISLATION AND OTHER MEASURES

The Executive today approved a wide range of papers and draft Bills representing significant future work for the Assembly and government departments.

The Executive today agreed a draft bill to go before the Assembly in the autumn to enable the future creation of a Department of Justice. The Bill to establish the new Department of Justice and appoint a Minister, is a necessary preparatory step towards devolution of Policing and Justice responsibilities. It will require a specific resolution from the Assembly at a later stage requesting the Secretary of State to transfer the necessary responsibilities.

Other items discussed by Ministers included their standing discussions on the impact of the economic downturn. Ministers discussed the ongoing engagement with financial institutions and were also updated on the work of the Cross Sector Advisory Forum and its various sub groups.

Ministers also agreed a Rates (Amendment Bill) for consideration by the Assembly. The Bill includes measures to help households and smaller businesses during the economic downturn.

Ministers agreed plans to commence a public consultation on the Victims and Survivors Service Bill. The consultation relates to proposals for a new Victims and Survivors Service and follows on from previous consultations on a draft strategy for Victims and Survivors. The consultation period will commence in August and run for a period of 10 weeks.

The Victims and Survivors Service will be the delivery mechanism for funding work with victims and survivors. It is proposed that the Victims and Survivors Service should be constituted as a Non-Departmental Public Body. This would allow it to work at arms length from government and have greater flexibility to respond to the needs of victims and survivors while at the same time retain full responsibility for the use of public funds.

The Executive also agreed to publish Planning Policy Statement 18: Renewable Energy and to set out proposals committing to carbon reduction as well as proceeding with a debt relief bill.

Consultations will also begin on a range of proposals including:

· A Bio Energy Action Plan for Northern Ireland 2009 - 2014
· A draft Social Economy Enterprise Strategy 2009 - 2011
· A Review of Special Educational Needs (SEN) and Inclusion
· A Dormant Accounts Scheme
· A Review of the Regional Transportation Strategy

Other papers approved included :

· Draft Regulations to transpose the EU Floods Directive
· Association of British Insurers/government agreement to the statement of principles for a provision of flood insurance
· The proposed response to the proposals by the Committee on Procedures for Standing Orders on Legislative Consent

Clinton makes Smart Power Speech

2009-07-15T14:11:00.000-07:00

US Secretary of State Hilary Clinton gave a speech to the Council on Foreign Relations today in which she made the term'Smart Power' the centrepiece of US Foreign Policy.

'Smart Power' includes 'intelligent use of all means at our disposal including economic and military and the application of old-fashioned common sense in policymaking'. I would urge caution using the term common sense as everyone really knows it is not that common especially in politics and policy.

Basically 'Smart Power' means talking to those who think differently from you. This is a veiled hint at Iran and North Korea. But later the speech states that with regard to Iran the door will not remain open indefinitely. It also mean working in partnership with other countries to achieve common goals such as nuclear non-proliferation, counter terrorism, peace in the Middle East, human rights, energy security, climate change and economic prosperity.I suppose this makes sense given the global economic downturn creating the reality that the US cannot afford to go it alone but of course it will be in the lead. Partnership seems also to be key as there will be efforts to bring NGOs and individuals on board for certain policy options.

The countries who will be receiving attention over the next while appear to be (no surprises) India, China, Russia, North Korea, Iran,Middle East, Haiti, Africa, Pakistan and of course Iraq and Afghanistan. Yes NI is no longer centre of the universe but perhaps there would be an opportunity for a visit on one of the journeys to and from?

CFR.org - A Conversation with U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton (Video)

Shared via AddThis

NI Question Time

2009-07-08T06:18:00.000-07:00

NI Question Time at Westminster today focused on: Violence, Political Stability, Loyalist Decommissioning, Size of the Public Sector, Bloody Sunday, Police Recruitment, Criminal Clearance Rates, Police Full Time Reserve, Anti Social Crime, Rascist Attacks, Human Rights Commission, Bill of Rights, Section 75 and the Equality Commission. When Policing and Justice powers are devolved NI Question Time will be very short indeed.

New Start for Planning

2009-07-06T08:23:00.001-07:00

The new Minister for Environment Edwin Poots, today released the long awaited consultation on Planning Reform. The substantial reform document focuses on developing a more effective, managable and faster development system in which significant delays are removed. The process for legislation to implement the changes to planning will have to move swiftly and be in plave by autumn 2010 so that the necessary powers can be devolved to local councils as part of the Review of Public Administration (RPA).

Under the RPA local councils will assume responsibility for local development plans, development management/development control and enforcement. The Department will hold on to strategic planning and planning policy, regionally significant applications, legislation, oversight, intervention, audit, governance and performance management.

Devolvoing some planning powere to local councils will help citizens feel closer to the decision making process. The benefits were outlined by the Department:

- more flexible and faster local development plan
- reduction in time taken to produce plan from 6.5years to 3.5 years
- two stage process needing separate adoption - Plan Strategy and a Site Specific Policies and Proposals
- programme management scheme - to ensure public, stakeholders and consultees are aware of key milestones
- a more meaningful approach to community engagement earlier in the planning process
- a faster and more effective examination of plans at independent examination which moves away from objection - based examination process to one which tests the robustness of the plan
- scope for the independent examination to be carried out by the Planning Appeals Commission or independent examiners appointed by Department
- Sustainability Appraisals are carried out for local development plans taking into account social, economic and environmental impacts

District Councils will become responsible for deciding the majority of planning applications.

Councils will be required to draw up statements of community involvement setting out the procedures for involving the local community.

Day 1 for new Ministers

2009-06-30T06:44:00.000-07:00

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.

New MLA Code of Conduct

2009-06-23T06:50:00.000-07:00

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!

New SDLP Assembly Team

2009-06-23T06:30:00.000-07:00

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.

New DUP Ministers

2009-06-22T06:14:00.000-07:00

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.

Responsibility

2009-06-17T01:41:00.000-07:00

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.

Iraq Inquiry - Opportunity Lost?

2009-06-15T09:26:00.000-07:00

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.

Campaign for Irish Unity

2009-06-12T07:28:00.000-07:00

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.

Budget Debate Next Week

2009-06-12T03:17:00.000-07:00

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.

Double Jobbing and Reshuffle

2009-06-12T03:02:00.000-07:00

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

Subject to Change - The Cabinet

2009-06-09T07:44:00.000-07:00

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

European Results and the future

2009-06-09T06:56:00.000-07:00

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.

Who is next?

2009-06-05T03:04:00.000-07:00

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?

Time to Vote

2009-06-04T01:32:00.000-07:00

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?

Off to Sunny Crete

2009-05-26T04:03:00.000-07:00

Goodbye Belfast - am off for about 10 days to the sunny isle of Crete. So may not be able to blog as regularly. Back soon. T

Mississippi Burns No More

2009-05-22T12:46:00.000-07:00

I am sure many of you have watched the film Mississippi Burning which tells the story of three civil rights workers who are murdered in a town called Philadelphia in 1964. It is a powerful movie only spoiled when in the credits at the end read 'these are fictional characters and ...' like it does in science fiction movies. This unfortunately diminishes the power of the movie.

Well there has been a massive change in the town of Philadelphia which has a population of 8,000 55% of whom are white. The town has a black mayor - James Young. Below is a link from CNN

All Change on the way

2009-05-22T01:54:00.000-07:00

Political parties here are now falling over themselves to drop double jobbing. Basically you are either an MLA or an MP you cant be both. In the past we have had politicians who have had two or three jobs ranging from MLA, Minister, MP, MEP, Party Leader, Committee Chair and Councillor all at the same time.

Never mind the salary and expenses issue - how can a single man or woman effectively do any combination of these jobs and not miss something - One person one job. I suppose the public never seemed to mind in the past because the same people kept getting voted in.

The ending of double and triple jobbing could bring a new and fresh approach to politics in Northern Ireland. New, younger and more dynamic people across the parties may now be given a chance to lead in the Assembly and Westminster.

Last night the DUP stated that double jobbing would cease - so this could mean change for Sammy Wilson, Gregory Campbell, David Simpson, Iris Robinson, Nigel Dodds, Jeffrey Donaldson, Dr Ian Paisley, William McCrea jury is out on how it might affect First Minister Robinson.

I suppose the book is now open as to who will get what. Changes will be likely to take affect in September. Any thoughts on who should get what let me know.

Cameron Direct in Ballymena

2009-05-21T13:25:00.000-07:00

Conservative Party leader David Cameron visited Ballymena today as part of his Cameron Direct series of engagements. He also came to help campaign for Jim Nicholson in the Euro eletions.

From the minute he walked in the pace was fast, energetic and his delivery was to the point and did not duck any issues that were brought up. It was refreshing to see a political leader stand before the people and take questions without any fore warning. The questions ranged from European elections, Lady Sylvia Hermon, Health, Education, expenses, victims and the passing of his son Ivan.

On Sinn Fein he stated that MPs should not receive exspenses unless they took their seats at Westminster. He stated that he was happy that Sinn Fein had changed and become part of the government in Nrthern Ireland. Cameron said that he sometimes found this hard to take as the IRA had murdered his friend Ian Gow MP when he was a researcher in Westminster.

Alot of his talk focused on bringing Northern Ireland into mainstream UK politics. In his remarks on victims he recgnised the pain that they had gone through but felt encouraged by those who could see a better future for Northern Ireland beyond their pain.

Health and education were he stated devolved issues in Northern Ireland and he was happy that they were. On education he stated that he could not see why changes to the system (11+) were needed and he supported grammar schools stating that pupils here were 10% more succesful than in his own constituency. On health he said that there should be a national debate on the issue to focus spending priorities.

On the economy he said that the last budget was wrong from start to finish and that the Prime Minister was tired and out of touch.

Cameron said that the recent expenses scandal would have come to public attention in July when the figures were supposed to be published. He has instigated a root and branch examination of his party colleagues expenses through a new scrutiny panel. Anyone who did not co-operate with the panel would have the Whip removed and no longer be a Conservative MP.

Then he was off to further engagements. Overall the 60minutes were an interesting insight into the mind of the man most likely to be the next Prime Minister. It would be interesting to see if Prime Minister Brown would engage in similar activity in Northern Ireland.

A Day of Shame

2009-05-21T02:28:00.000-07:00

Yesterday has to have been one of the worst days to be Irish and Catholic. I have not read Justice Ryan report and in a sense do not wish to. Seeing and reading the headlines is enough to make any normal person feel both sad and angry.

My father and uncle went to Christian Brothers school and shuddered at the memories of physical punishment inflicted on them - sticks - straps with studs....I thought this was exaggeration. They were not angels I am sure but did they deserve this? I think not.

It should be recognised that thousands of children went to Catholic schools and had a good education and were not abused in anyway. Therefore, I hope that not all priests and religious orders are tarred with this scandal. The vast majority provide excellent and much needed services to children and people in need across society on both parts of this island.

The Catholic Church in Ireland has a massive job to do to recover a position of trust in society. Saying sorry is not good enough. Hiding behind legal rulings is not good enough. Hiding files, moving clergy, covering it up is not good enough. We have just seen the Speaker of the House of Commons resign over the expenses scandal. Church leaders need to do likewise. Catholics speak about penance. Any priest or religious order found to have carried out these devastating crimes needs to be named and if possible brought to court.

The victims should not have to go through any further trauma over the abuse of trust, responsibility and or the physical, mental and sexual abuse at the hands of people that we were always taught to view with respect.

Cowen investment in NI Roads under threat?

2009-05-20T05:30:00.000-07:00

In 2007 Taoiseach Brian Cowen offered the Northern Ireland Executive €400m to upgrade roads to Larne and between Aughnacloy and Derry. This was confirmed again by Minister for Transport Dempsey in January 2009 and the Taoiseach in remarks to the CBI in March 2009.

We are now in a very different economic and political situation on this island. The news and trust in banks seems to take a hit on a weekly basis and Fianna Fail are at their lowest popularity rating ahead of the European elections.

Given that some commitments, such as finance for the Autism Centre of Excellence in Armagh have been dropped it is possible that the €400m may be under threat.

Selecting a new Speaker

2009-05-20T01:12:00.000-07:00

This has been cobbled together from various sites. Essentially, Mr Martin will step down as Speaker on June 21st and an election of a new Speaker will be held the following day. This will be a secret ballot of MPs and the successful candidate must secure over 50% of the votes. Any candidate will require to be proposed by 12 MPs.

So who is next? Vince Cable (Lib Dem) - popular public choice and as such could bring back their trust quicker than others. Frank Field (Lab)the former Minister for Welfare. Sir George Young (Con)who is Chair of the House of Commons Standards and Privileges Committee. Sir Alan Hazelhurst (Con)who is the most senior Deputy Speaker but who may be tainted by the recent expenses scandal. Sir Menzies Campbell (Lib Dem) who was leader of the Liberal Democrats and is well liked.

A range of others who media speculation has fallen on include: John Bercow (Con), Richard Taylor (Ind) and Sylvia Heal (Lab).

Even Joanna Lumley is in at 1000 - 1 and who would be so churlish as to say no to Purdy.

MLAs and Departments

2009-05-19T13:49:00.000-07:00

Given the recent revelations about the expenses of MPs in the Daily Telegraph the Assembly debate on Monday (18 May) on the restructuring of the Execeutive and Assembly seemed to fit in nicely.

All of the parties appeared to agree that 108 was too high a number of MLAs for 1.8m people. The motion laid by UUP MLA David Mc Narry called on the Office of First and Deputy First Minister to report progress on the setting up of an Efficiency Review Panel and to provide a report to the Assembly on the number of MLAs and Departments by November. The DUP through Simon Hamilton and Jonathan ...I mean Alasdair Ross 'welcomed' them on board.

The SDLP stated that they felt the matter could be handled by the Assembly and Committee rather than the Office of First and Deputy First Minister and did not want reform to stop with MLAs and Departments. They felt that Committees should have greater powers of scrutiny and for example wanted a budget or a ways-and means committee to examine the budget.

Sinn Fein felt that no one had been brave enough on reform when decisions were being taken under the Review of Public Administration in relation to local councils. Sinn Fein wanted 7 eventually 11 was settled on.

The Alliance Party also stated that the numbers needed reformed in order to save money.

There will however be some issues to iron out with reduced MLAs and Departments.

- Are political parties grown up enough yet to face the possibility that they might not have a Minister?
- Less MLAs naturally means a heavier workload for whatever number of MLAs are left
- This will automatically mean that expenses and staff for the MLAs will be greater, although that should balance out
- What of the impact of the new Justice and Policing Department when that arrives?

In relation to recent scandals it shows that hard working politicians who serve their constituents need to claim higher expenses. If they are visibly trying to make the lives of their constituents better rather than having petty and ancient fights then the public will allow that.

Perhaps reductions and streamlining could instill public confidence in the system and encourage a mature development of our political system.

Mr Speaker - You're Fired! Update

2009-05-19T06:45:00.000-07:00

The Speaker has announced his intention to resign on Sunday 21st June and the election of a new Speaker will take place on Monday 22nd June. The statement took approximately 35 seconds.

Mr Speaker - You're Fired!

2009-05-19T05:03:00.000-07:00

The Speaker of the House of Commons, Michael Martin, is to announce that he will step down. He will make an announcement on his future at 2.30pm today.

He has been heavily criticised over the expenses scandal revealed in the Daily Telegraph recently.

It is right that he stands down but should he be on his own? MPs are rushing to pay back expenses that they should never have been paid. But what is their penalty/punishment? Should they be allowed to stand at the next election? Should they pay a fine?

It is time that the words 'public servant' meant something especially the word 'servant'.

Who will replace Mr Speaker? It will need to be a strong leader that has the will to defend the public against abuses of the system and restore confidence oin politics. He must also have the power and wit to clearly define the rules on expenses. Officials who let politicians claim excess must be fired. It will be interesting to find a strong politician who is not affected by the recent scandal.

NICE in Belfast

2009-05-14T08:48:00.000-07:00

No I am not referring to the weather unfortunately

Every two months the NICE (Board holds its meeting in a different venue; moving from region to region to ensure that all those interested can come along to hear about the latest developments at NICE and question the Board about policy.

A question time session is also held before the main Board meeting. This session offers a great opportunity for you to raise any questions you have about the work of NICE and is open to the general public.

NICE Question Time will take place on Wednesday 20 May 2009:

12.30pm – 1.45pm

Followed by the NICE Public Board Meeting:

2.00pm – 4.OO pm

Venue: Belfast City Hospital
51 Lisburn Road
Belfast
BT9 7AB

For more info and to book a place. Log on to

http://www.nice.org.uk/boardmeetingmay09

Skills and the Recession

2009-05-14T08:41:00.000-07:00

There is an interesting piece of analysis from Laurence Downey the NI Manager for the Alliance of Sector Skills Councils in the Belfast Telegraph today.

This recession with its global perspective is like no other. The labour market in Northern Ireland is facing significant challenges. Many jobs no longer feel as secure as before and for those individuals who are made redundant the prospects of finding a new job appear increasingly difficult. Our young people currently completing their education and training will be entering a depressed job market with limited employment opportunities.

In his recent budget the Chancellor of the Exchequer forecast a return to economic growth in a year’s time. Many commentators and political opponents consider this expectation as being too optimistic and think it will take more like two years to see our economy returning to stable and sustained growth. We can be sure that the current downturn will make it a tough time for business both large and small for some time to come.

Sector Skills Councils (SSCs) have a vital role to play in supporting economic recovery and growth. They provide employers with a unique forum to express the skills and productivity needs that are pertinent to their sector. As independent employer-led organisations each SSC is responsible for tackling the skills and productivity needs of a specific economic sector across the UK. Sector Skills Councils represent 90% of the UK workforce from construction to hospitality, engineering to health, and many more.

In Northern Ireland, Sector Skills Councils are providing robust sector specific Labour Market Intelligence (LMI) working in consultation with employers. This detailed LMI is being used by SSCs to continuously influence Government skills policy, strategy and funding and to ensure the wide range of organisations providing education and training are meeting the needs of employers.

What can be done now to prepare the economy for future recovery and growth? It is not sufficient to only address unemployment. New jobs are emerging in a variety of identifiable areas; green technologies, low carbon, sustainable design, the digital and creative industries and a manufacturing sector that is rebalancing. Investment must also be focused on indigenous training that leads to higher level skills, reintegrates the workless back into sustainable employment and specifically attacks underlying skills gaps and shortages more so than ever.

Government led approaches continue to struggle to support existing businesses and individuals impacted by the downturn. Redundancies at F G Wilson, Bombardier, Wrightbus and Visteon, are just some examples of recent blows to Northern Ireland’s economy, particularly our manufacturing base. Northern Ireland cannot afford to fall behind now. The pain that our economy and our people are going through at present is hopefully temporary. It is up to all elements in our economy - government, employers, trade unions, education & training providers and sector skills councils - to work collaboratively to prepare for recovery, no matter how long it takes, so that we can be in a strong position to exploit the new opportunities that will inevitably emerge as we come out of recession.

For employers and employees in Northern Ireland the provision of education and training is changing, and striving to become far more responsive to the needs of the wider economy. Sector Skills Councils are at the heart of this demand-led approach with responsibility for National Occupational Standards (the building blocks for vocational qualifications) and apprenticeship frameworks within the Department for Employment and Learning’s flagship ApprenticeshipsNI programme. Increasingly, their LMI is being utilised to underpin up-to-date careers information, advice and guidance. SSCs are influencing and supporting policy and programmes in relation to employability skills and management & leadership. A major and much needed development is new policy and funding directed towards up-skilling and re-skilling initiatives for existing employees.

Our Assembly admittedly has limited powers and an even more limited budget. However, bold action is needed now to do what we can to protect our economy and invest in our future. The Programme for Government has as its central aim the creation of a dynamic innovative economy. In order to achieve this, the Executive will have to help create business confidence and that is done through investing in skills that will enable business to grow and lead in the future. A strong sect oral approach led by the Sector Skills Councils is absolutely vital to protect skills and jobs and prepare Northern Ireland for recovery.

Niall Stanage Obama Lecture

2009-05-08T01:10:00.000-07:00

Just in case anyone missed it.

http://www.culturenorthernireland.org/article.aspx?art_id=2599

Just copy this into address bar. It is in two audio parts.

Warning shot from the US

2009-05-05T13:18:00.000-07:00

President Obama delivered on another campaign promise this week that of protecting US businesses and of protecting jobs at home. I was privileged enough to be working on the campaign in Ohio when the then Senator said that he would stop tax breaks for business taking jobs overseas

"When it comes to jobs, the choice in this election is not between putting up a wall around America or allowing every job to disappear overseas. The truth is, we won't be able to bring back every job that we've lost, but that doesn't mean we should follow John McCain's plan to keep giving tax breaks to corporations that send American jobs overseas. I will end those breaks as President, and I will give American businesses a $3,000 tax credit for every job they create right here in the United States of America."

The big fear has been that the President would remove tax breaks in total from US companies setting up outside the USA. In the end his policy removes tax breaks on expenses and targets tax havens. So much or the good news.

"Nearly one-third of all foreign profits reported by U.S. corporations in 2003 came from just three small, low-tax countries: Bermuda, the Netherlands, and Ireland"

So Ireland is on the agenda! As a potential target of future US taxation policy I am not sure Ireland wants this kind of attention. Given the special importance of the all-island economy, in the present economic difficulties, dont think for a moment that Northern Ireland will not be affected. Watch this space!

Heaney and Ervine

2009-05-05T13:14:00.000-07:00

I only met David Ervine a few times but like most people I found him to be good humoured, intelligent and above all one of the few straight talking sensible politicians in the Assembly. In times of difficulty he will always be missed.

"Education, according to the poet Robert Frost, changes the plane of regard - and David Ervine would have agreed.

"He was an exemplary man of our place and our peace, somebody who believed that where there was a right word there was a right way, and acted accordingly."

First 100 over what about the next 100?

2009-04-30T04:01:00.000-07:00

President Obama has had an amazing first 100 days in office. The list of accomplishments are wide ranging but probably the most important is seeing through the economic stimulus package although the puppy was nice as well. He also announced a new war not on Pakistan or North Korea but on Cancer. Science appears to be the key weapon in his efforts to defeat this horrible disease and he intends to invest of 3% of GDP in science. This has masasive implications for those of us who have loved ones with the disease.

Other accomplishments on child health, equal pay for women, Cuba, opening dialogue with the muslim world.....all these are campaign commitments that he is delivering on. It is slightly easier since Arlen Specter moved to the Democrats and his future policies could be boosted this summer when Al Franklen is confirmed in the Senate.

Above is a link to Politico film of highlights from first 100 days

But what about the next 100?

The economy is a key concern especially with unemployment, bank lending and the auto industry. Will there be bankruptcies in GM or any or the major car manufacturers? How long will it take the Green economy vision to take root and deliver results?

Foreign policy will be spent watching Iraq, and an increased focus on Pakistan and North Korea.

Domestically as well as the economy will be further health reform promised in the campaign.

When will the Republicans get their act together and how effective will they be?

Then there is the unforeseen - an attack on US soil, major foreign engagements, potential political strife not just from Republicans but also from Democrats.

Northern Ireland? As the new team starts to assemble I hear someone say the words "maybe not today, maybe not tomorrow but someday...."

Anyway as the President himself said "we have a lot of work to do."

Reply to Erin Go Broke - US-Ireland Council

2009-04-22T11:14:00.001-07:00

How Krugman got it wrong on Irish economy
US-Ireland Council responds to New York Times column
By
DAVID O'SULLIVAN
,
Executive Director, The Ireland-U.S. Council, New York, NY

David O’Sullivan, Executive Director, The Ireland-U.S. Council, New York, NY

Economics, they say, is the dismal science. And, it becomes dismally gloomy in the hands of someone like Paul Krugman whose opinion piece on Ireland’s economic challenges (Erin Go Broke - April 20, 2009) contained egregious errors which clearly compromise the conclusions he allows himself to reach.

He reports that “Ireland moved to shore up confidence in its banks by offering a government guarantee on their liabilities”. This is not true. And, it is incorrect by a magnitude that cannot simply be glossed over. The Dublin Government only guaranteed bank deposits - something the Federal Government here did back in 1933 with the establishment of the FDIC ..

Thus, his assessment that Ireland’ taxpayers have been put on the hook for potential losses of more than twice the country’s G.D.P. is plainly and simply wrong. Ireland has the most open economy on earth. When international trade tanks, you can be sure that Ireland feels the pain. And, it has. But, this is not news. A long time ago, Ireland chose the strategic option to be a free-trading nation with low corporate taxes to encourage enterprise and faster economic growth.

The Irish economy has weathered all the recessions ever since the policy was adopted over 60 years ago. But, it has also been the fastest-growing economy in the world for most of the past 25 years.
Professor Krugman also paints a big picture that is disappointingly negative and inaccurate.

He says that Ireland has raised taxes and cut spending. Well, a closer look at what Ireland’s response has been is more instructive. The very low corporate tax rate, obviously, was not touched. Personal income tax rates were not increased. Sales taxes (or Value Added Taxes) did not get hiked. So, there were some (but I would have to say minor) tax increases.

But, the real story is that the Government in Ireland has taken a scalpel to Government spending – but in areas that make sense – especially the cost of Government. For example, if private companies have to cut labor costs to survive, the Irish Government thinking is that public employees, who cannot be fired, must also shoulder some burden. Thus, every Government employee will see their wages cut by 20%. Not very nice if you are a Government worker – but I suppose it’s better than losing your job

Finally, Mr. Krugman does not take the great opportunity he had to contrast the Irish Government’s interesting and imaginative policy response to the banking crisis with the U.S. policies that have been announced. The problem real estate loans of Ireland’s banks will be ring-fenced in a sort of asset lockbox and will be managed back to health in time. Thus, these problem legacy assets will no longer taint the balance sheets of the banks. More importantly, Ireland’s taxpayers will reap the rewards of the upside when asset values recover – something never mentioned in his piece.

The recapitalization of Ireland’s banks has been undertaken in a timely and prudent manner. The Government’s liquidity injection to the banking system came in the form of preference share capital in the two largest banks. Importantly, ownership of the vast majority of Ireland’s banking system remains in the hands of private shareholders.

Even after these capital injections have been made with Government funds, Ireland's total national debt (even allowing for the increase in debt levels recently) is today less than the total corporate debt of AT&T, Inc. - the slimmed-down regional Bell!

The great thing about a democracy is that opinion journalists are free to be depres singly negative if they choose to be. The current international financial and economic crisis provides a grand platform for the pessimists to strut their stuff. A little look on the bright side now and again might do a power of good for Dr. Krugman’s dismal outlook.

Dodds Responds to Darling Budget

2009-04-22T08:52:00.000-07:00

The past few days have seen various politicians bandy about figures suggesting how much the budget to NI would be cut they ranged from £160m to £450m to £600m. In the end the Department of Finance and Personnel have worked it out as £123m for 2010/2011. Whilst this is better news than expected it will still mean that there will be cuts in services and budgets for departments. These cuts will become clear in the June Monitoring Round. Expect a lot more political reaction and economic analysis in the media over the days to come. Below is the reaction of our Finance Minister to the Budget.

DODDS RESPONDS TO BETTER THAN FEARED BUDGET OUTCOME

While welcoming some aspects of the budget Finance Minister, Nigel Dodds has expressed his disappointment with the Chancellor’s announcement today that existing funding available to the Northern Ireland Executive would be reduced by £123million in 2010-11. However the Chancellor has highlighted some offsetting allocations.

Responding to Alistair Darling’s Budget Report to Parliament, Mr Dodds said this afternoon: “While it is disappointing that Northern Ireland has not been allowed to retain the savings from additional efficiencies, I note that the net impact is less than had been feared as a result of the £50.3million of additional funding for the Executive in the current financial year and £66.1million in 2010-11.

Turning to the UK wide measures announced today the Minister said: “I welcome the decision to extend the stamp duty holiday which will hopefully be of greater benefit going forward as the property market recovers. In addition, the increase to this year’s Winter Fuel Payment of £100 for those aged over 80 and £50 for those aged over 60, as well as the enhancements to the Child Tax Credit will be of real benefit to the most vulnerable in our society.

"Although I remain concerned that the Chancellor’s economic growth projections are overoptimistic, the doubling in capital allowances will provide additional support for local business to prepare for the inevitable economic recovery. I would also urge local business to take advantage of the UK wide Strategic Investment Fund.”

"Although the impact of the additional efficiency savings for Northern Ireland for 2011-12 and beyond will only become clear at the next UK Spending Review, the reality is that we are entering a period of lower growth public spending of 0.7% per annum at the UK level, which will require careful consideration of administrative structures and the public service delivery chain in Northern Ireland.”

“However, for the short-term we must continue to prioritise frontline services and focus attention on maximising savings from back-office functions and potentially inefficient institutional structures. ”

Summing up the Budget Report, the Minister recognised that the financial position faced by the Chancellor constrained his ability to provide further support to the economy.

He said: "As we move into 2009-10 the Executive will need to have an even greater focus on ensuring that every pound spent on public services delivers maximum value for money so that we can continue to provide a better quality of life for all the people of Northern Ireland.

"The outworking of today’s announcements in respect of the 2009-10 financial year will be incorporated into the Executive’s decisions as regards the forthcoming June Monitoring Round in line with local needs and priorities”.

Darling Budget and Northern Ireland: Treasury View

2009-04-22T05:47:00.000-07:00

Higher taxes spending cuts and the first Carbon budget with a target of 34% carbon reductions by 2020, £435M for energy efficiency, £525m for offshore wind and £405m for small scale projects. Below the HM Treasury Summary for NI

Budget 2009 for Northern Ireland
Today the Chancellor has announced a package of measures to help
business, families, and pensioners in these unprecedented economic times.
These include:
• A package of measures for business, including the introduction of an
enhanced first-year capital allowance of 40% for one year, introduced with
effect from April 2009.
• support for individuals, including through an increase in the annual
investment limit for Individual Savings Accounts (ISAs) to £10,200, up to
£5,100 of which can be saved in cash;
• support for homeowners and homebuyers, including an extension of the
stamp duty holiday for all houses costing up to £175,000 until the end of
the year;
• £5 billion recoverable value for money savings in 2011-11 raising the 2007
Comprehensive Spending Review target from £30 billion to £35 billion, and
in the next Spending Review period, additional efficiencies to help support
the economy and front-line services, rising to £9 billion by 2013-14. The
Budget sets assumptions for spending growth from 2011-12 onwards, with
current spending growing by an average 0.7 per cent in real terms and
public sector net investment moving to 1¼ per cent of GDP by 2013-14;
• support for the environment, including setting the world’s first carbon
budgets and measures to encourage energy efficiency and low-carbon
growth;
• additional provision of £143 million for the Northern Ireland Executive as a
consequence of additional provision for UK Government departments.
This April a number of important changes for families and individuals came
into effect:
o 600,000 basic rate tax payers in Northern Ireland will be £145 better
off;
o increases to the child element of Child Tax Credit of £75 above
indexation will benefit around 130,000 families in Northern Ireland;
o The introduction of the new £190 health in pregnancy grant will
benefit the estimated 25,000 mothers to be in Northern Ireland this
year.

BUDGET 2009
The Pre Budget report also announced changes to help the economy. And
these are now delivering. For Northern Ireland, over 3,140 businesses have
benefited from being able to spread payments of tax, and the enterprise
finance guarantee scheme has ensured that viable SME’s continue to access
finance they require in Northern Ireland.

"Erin Go Broke"

2009-04-21T07:21:00.000-07:00

Nobel Prize winner Paul Krugman gives a hard hitting examination of the Irish Economy in the New York Times. His critique basically states that Ireland is the worst case scenario in these economic times.

Erin Go Broke
By PAUL KRUGMAN“What,” asked my interlocutor, “is the worst-case outlook for the world economy?” It wasn’t until the next day that I came up with the right answer: America could turn Irish.

What’s so bad about that? Well, the Irish government now predicts that this year G.D.P. will fall more than 10 percent from its peak, crossing the line that is sometimes used to distinguish between a recession and a depression.

But there’s more to it than that: to satisfy nervous lenders, Ireland is being forced to raise taxes and slash government spending in the face of an economic slump — policies that will further deepen the slump.

And it’s that closing off of policy options that I’m afraid might happen to the rest of us. The slogan “Erin go bragh,” usually translated as “Ireland forever,” is traditionally used as a declaration of Irish identity. But it could also, I fear, be read as a prediction for the world economy.

How did Ireland get into its current bind? By being just like us, only more so. Like its near-namesake Iceland, Ireland jumped with both feet into the brave new world of unsupervised global markets. Last year the Heritage Foundation declared Ireland the third freest economy in the world, behind only Hong Kong and Singapore.

One part of the Irish economy that became especially free was the banking sector, which used its freedom to finance a monstrous housing bubble. Ireland became in effect a cool, snake-free version of coastal Florida.

Then the bubble burst. The collapse of construction sent the economy into a tailspin, while plunging home prices left many people owing more than their houses were worth. The result, as in the United States, has been a rising tide of defaults and heavy losses for the banks.

And the troubles of the banks are largely responsible for putting the Irish government in a policy straitjacket.

On the eve of the crisis Ireland seemed to be in good shape, fiscally speaking, with a balanced budget and a low level of public debt. But the government’s revenue — which had become strongly dependent on the housing boom — collapsed along with the bubble.

Even more important, the Irish government found itself having to take responsibility for the mistakes of private bankers. Last September Ireland moved to shore up confidence in its banks by offering a government guarantee on their liabilities — thereby putting taxpayers on the hook for potential losses of more than twice the country’s G.D.P., equivalent to $30 trillion for the United States.

The combination of deficits and exposure to bank losses raised doubts about Ireland’s long-run solvency, reflected in a rising risk premium on Irish debt and warnings about possible downgrades from ratings agencies.

Hence the harsh new policies. Earlier this month the Irish government simultaneously announced a plan to purchase many of the banks’ bad assets — putting taxpayers even further on the hook — while raising taxes and cutting spending, to reassure lenders.

Is Ireland’s government doing the right thing? As I read the debate among Irish experts, there’s widespread criticism of the bank plan, with many of the country’s leading economists calling for temporary nationalization instead. (Ireland has already nationalized one major bank.) The arguments of these Irish economists are very similar to those of a number of American economists, myself included, about how to deal with our own banking mess.

But there isn’t much disagreement about the need for fiscal austerity. As far as responding to the recession goes, Ireland appears to be really, truly without options, other than to hope for an export-led recovery if and when the rest of the world bounces back.

So what does all this say about those of us who aren’t Irish?

For now, the United States isn’t confined by an Irish-type fiscal straitjacket: the financial markets still consider U.S. government debt safer than anything else.

But we can’t assume that this will always be true. Unfortunately, we didn’t save for a rainy day: thanks to tax cuts and the war in Iraq, America came out of the “Bush boom” with a higher ratio of government debt to G.D.P. than it had going in. And if we push that ratio another 30 or 40 points higher — not out of the question if economic policy is mishandled over the next few years — we might start facing our own problems with the bond market.

Not to put too fine a point on it, that’s one reason I’m so concerned about the Obama administration’s bank plan. If, as some of us fear, taxpayer funds end up providing windfalls to financial operators instead of fixing what needs to be fixed, we might not have the money to go back and do it right.

And the lesson of Ireland is that you really, really don’t want to put yourself in a position where you have to punish your economy in order to save your banks.

Cardinal Brady to meet the UPRG

2009-04-20T05:18:00.000-07:00

Oh to be a fly on the wall of that meeting. This is another step to bring peace to Northern Ireland through the creation of trust. This is achieved through education and opening peoples minds.

Chief amongst the issues will of course be decommissioning of weapons and spokesman Frankie Gallagher gave some hints of movement when he said this would be a good year for Northern Ireland.

I hope in their meeting, and possible subsequent meetings, they find time to deal with other issues including how to deal with poverty and how to raise educational standards amongst the loyalist population.

What better way would there be to face the economic crisis that affects all of us regardless of religious or political belief than to work together to tackle poverty, social exclusion, unemployment and education.

Surely such images would convince even the most hard pressed investor to look in our direction. Good Luck!

Happy Birthday Seamus Heaney

2009-04-15T03:19:00.000-07:00

Belated Happy 70th to Seamus Heaney. one of my favourites is his poem 'Digging' brings back some memories. Anyone any other favourites

Digging

Between my finger and my thumb
The squat pen rests; as snug as a gun.

Under my window a clean rasping sound
When the spade sinks into gravelly ground:
My father, digging. I look down

Till his straining rump among the flowerbeds
Bends low, comes up twenty years away
Stooping in rhythm through potato drills
Where he was digging.

The coarse boot nestled on the lug, the shaft
Against the inside knee was levered firmly.
He rooted out tall tops, buried the bright edge deep
To scatter new potatoes that we picked
Loving their cool hardness in our hands.

By God, the old man could handle a spade,
Just like his old man.

My grandfather could cut more turf in a day
Than any other man on Toner's bog.
Once I carried him milk in a bottle
Corked sloppily with paper. He straightened up
To drink it, then fell to right away
Nicking and slicing neatly, heaving sods
Over his shoulder, digging down and down
For the good turf. Digging.

The cold smell of potato mold, the squelch and slap
Of soggy peat, the curt cuts of an edge
Through living roots awaken in my head.
But I've no spade to follow men like them.

Between my finger and my thumb
The squat pen rests.
I'll dig with it.

Seamus Heaney

Easter Messages

2009-04-13T13:54:00.000-07:00

This Easter the message has come from the Real IRA that they will murder soldiers and police personnel "whenever and wherever" they see fit. I have a few questions on this message

1. Who do you represent? Irish people both North and South decided in a vote for the Good Friday Agreement that their future would be determined by peaceful means and consensus.

2. What would a United Ireland look like under the leadership of the Real IRA? What economic and social solutions would they present to affect the lives of all Irish people North or South?

3. If you kill a British soldier or a police officer how many will that deter? How many will leave Ireland? Past experience has shown that murdering soldiers/police only leads to an increase in security personnel. Therefore, who is reinforcing the "occupation of Ireland"?

Undoubtedly these individuals will consider themselves patriots. This patriotism offers nothing but death, increased poverty and guarantees even higher unemployment across Ireland as investors flee the country.

Patriotism has to be defined by living and delivering for your country. It has never been more important to have true patriots across the island of Ireland who will live for their country, creating jobs and prosperity, investing in education and hospitals and helping the world do likewise.

It is much more courageous and patriotic to live for your country not to bring it shame through violence and murder.

Future of Housing

2009-04-09T02:39:00.001-07:00

Today saw the launch of the Commission on the Future of Housing in Northern Ireland. It will examine housing issues such as social housing and perhaps fuel poverty more info below:

"One of the UK housing sector’s most senior figures is to lead a new Commission on the Future for Housing in Northern Ireland. Lord Richard Best OBE will chair the Commission, which will hope to play a leading role in contributing to housing solutions in Northern Ireland over the next decade and beyond.

The Commission is being organised by leading housing bodies in Northern Ireland and will be facilitated by the Chartered Institute of Housing (CIH), supported by its consultancy arm, ConsultCIH Limited. Organisations supporting the Commission include: the Northern Ireland Housing Executive, the Northern Ireland Federation of Housing Associations, Co-ownership Housing, the Construction Employers Federation, and the Voluntary Sector Housing Policy Forum.

The Commission is being created to drive cross-sector consensus on a long-term vision for the future of housing, which is critical for Northern Ireland’s social and economic development. The Commission intends to capitalise on the growing benefits resulting from the devolution of power and the work of the Northern Ireland Executive, its departments and the Northern Ireland Assembly.

Lord Best said: "I am delighted to accept the invitation to Chair the Commission on the Future for Housing in Northern Ireland. I have been struck by the progress made in housing policy and practice in recent years, particularly since the restoration of devolution, and by the level of partnership working across the housing sector. These provide excellent conditions for the work of the Commission, and I sincerely hope that the recommendations arising from the Commission will be of benefit to the Northern Ireland Executive and to relevant Ministers, as they take forward their important work to shape the future of Northern Ireland".

Grainia Long, Principal Policy Advisor to the Commission and Director of CIH Northern Ireland said: "Housing in Northern Ireland has benefited substantially from devolution. The New Housing Agenda published by the Minister for Social Development, the wide ranging planning reform proposed by the Minister of the Environment, and a host of policy initiatives from the Northern Ireland Executive aimed at building sustainable communities, bode well for the future.

"The Commission is a timely opportunity to contribute to, and build on that work, and to create a long-term vision for housing in contributing to Northern Ireland’s future. I’m delighted that Lord Best has agreed to Chair this Commission, and that he and his Commission colleagues will be devoting their time to this important issue. I have every confidence that the Commission will play a central role in how we build places and communities in Northern Ireland in the future".

Drink Driving - Zero tolerance required

2009-04-09T01:50:00.000-07:00

Minister of Environment Sammy Wilson is to announce a consultation on stricter limits regarding drink driving. This is a welcome step, however, the limit should be zero. Ok there is a natural level of alcohol, medicines...but surely that can be proven these days.

Zero alcohol in a drivers system is a priority its not even that politically brave as which party is going to vote for drink driving?

As for penalties these need to be a lot tougher before anyone will take notice and they need to be imposed a lot faster. They could include a rolling license suspension up to and including losing the licence.

First drink driving offence - automatic disqualification from driving for six months

Second drink driving offence - same as above but for 12 months and prison time

Third drink driving offence - lose the license and prison time

I would rather have a few very selfish and stupid people lose their license than hear of another innocent road victim.

I hope the responses to the consultation take the matter seriously and push the Minister to the only logical conclusion as regards drink driving.

Tough budget for RoI

2009-04-07T14:13:00.000-07:00

Finance Minister Brian Lennihan announced his emergency budget today. Was it a fair one? well it was tough on everyone. The announcements were based around cuts in benefits such as childcare prior to them being abolished. As with most economies there is an effort to get the construction industry back into shape with the announcement that a National Infrastructure Bond is to be created and an Enterprise Stabilisation Fund to protect jobs is launched. Cigarettes have risen by 25c and diesel by 5c.

What does this mean for NI? Well Brian Cowen spoke at a CBI dinner in the last few weeks promising that the proposed investment in crossborder roads was still on the agenda as well as the idea of a Dublin Belfast Economic Corridor. The other impacts could include a mass exodus of shoppers from the South to the border cities and towns like Newry. There is also the possibility of increased smuggling which could go to fund dissidents.

For more on the budget

www.rte.ie/money/budget2009/

From the G20 to this budget it must be clear to politicians and business people that the only way to get the recovery started is to work together. Crossboder skills, jobs and investment strategies need urgently developed, properly supported and implemented without the usual redtape are the only way to survive the recession and be able to take full advantage of the recovery.

Blogging holiday is over

2009-04-07T14:11:00.000-07:00

The guys have suggested that I start to blog again. So we will give it another go.

Day 2 Gitmo to close

2009-01-22T13:17:00.000-08:00

Day 2 was quite eventful for President Obama. He was inaugurated again to make sure the Chief Justice gets it right this time. Do his decisions from day 1 still count? I think the courts will take the spirit of the first oath as read.

Well all those who said Obama wasnt for change for not immediately closing Guantanamo well you had to wait less than 48 hours for that decision. A year from now the detention centre will be closed. Fidel Castro sent good wishes on his inauguration.

Another peace envoy has been sent out hot on the heals of George Mitchell former Ambassador Richard Holbrooke has been appointed Special Envoy to Pakistan and Afghanistan.

In recognition of the hard times facing people in the US the President has frozen senior aides pay and there will be a new ethics code in lobbying. Peace, moderation and transparency. The Change train has well and truly left the station.

One point though - Blackberry must be making a fortune out of all the publicity. The President is getting a spy proof phone at a cost of $3,350 - wonder what games its got?

Day 1 - Cuba and Middle East

2009-01-21T09:02:00.000-08:00

The President got off to a flying start today. First he has asked that all trials being held in Guantanamo cease for a period of 120 days. This will hopefully be enough time for them develop a plan to accommodate the remaining 250 detainees. Some contries may be asked to accept people from a different nationality and some may be transported to the US mainland for civil trails there. Its a complex issue but the President has made a start towards eventual closure as promised during the campaign.

As expected the Middle East is also the focus on day one with a familiar face to local people being appointed Special Envoy. George Mitchell is off to try and solve the problems of the Middle East we wish him well! At least he will be familiar with one international actor over there former Prime Minister Tony Blair

Apparently the Irish American Inaugural Ball went well and there are a few people with sore heads today!!!

By the way thanks to those who sent kind words today about my various words of wisdom (or lack of it yesterday) I really need to go on a diet!

The Big Day - A New Start?

2009-01-20T14:00:00.001-08:00

Well this was the day that some of us have waited months or two years and for some 232 years ie since the American Revolution. Today saw a young intelligent 47 year old man become the 44th President of the United States. In doing so Obama has taken a step to meet the dream of Rev Martin Luther King Jnr that people will be judged by the content of their character and not the colour of their skin.

An estimated 1.8 million people of all ages and races packed the Mall to witness the dawn of a new age for America and the world.

The 19 minute speech was somewhat different to those that may have been heard on the campaign trail. The dreams and hopes expressed were accompanied with plans and messages that would deliver them.

The economy was a central focus of the Presidents' speech he spoke of harsh times ahead but also that the USA had the intelligence and work force to get it back on track. But this could not be done via wishful thinking but by the realisation that difficult decisions cannot be put off no matter how unpleasant.

In Foreign policy there was a realisation that the USA required a new relationship with countries and faiths in the world. All caught in his phrase "We will extend our hand if you unclench your fist".

Responsibility was the key to all his remarks. The government had the responsibility to help kick start the economy, to devise a new foreign policy, to look to the future of science and technology and make opportunity available to all. But there is responsibility on the citizen too. The responsibility to look out for neighbours and to make time for children.

The most common question is can he deliver? With so much expectation some will be disappointed. Time will tell and all we can say is good luck!

It is time to stop

2009-01-13T06:37:00.000-08:00

Have just seen some horrible footage and photographs from Gaza. It doesnt matter who did what there is NO excuse for this. A blog calling for these actions to stop on all sides will not solve the problem. It is time for people with real power to say that is enough and to back it with full and enforceable sanctions that will force people to the table.

I think Slugger O'Toole had a comment a little while back saying They have to learn to live with one another just like we are learning. Its a good point.

Obama, Bush, Brown, Medvedev, UN, EU....you can change this.

What would you do to stop this happening your child? I am afraid I am not smart enough to have a sensible answer.

Planning Service in Northern Ireland

2009-01-13T04:00:00.001-08:00

Recent days have seen significant complaints about the Planning Service in Northern Ireland and the overall conclusion appears to be that it is not fit for purpose. The Minister of Environment Sammy Wilson stated in the News Letter, 12th January, that

"Planning officers have a role in kick-starting the economy and in this case (Aurora Building) they have failed and failed abysmally... At a time when the economy needs a boost my view is we should be using the planning service to give it that boost."

The Institute of Directors have said (News Letter 13 January) that the Planning Service noe represents the "biggest single obstacle" to economic development.

Speed appears to be one of the most crucial factors in the faults with Planning Service. This is notable in both retail development and renewable energy development - wind farms. Taking any longer than six months to assess such crucial employment and strategic infrastructure projects cannot be accepted in this time of economic crises.

There is a consultation drafted and ready to be released to the public on strategic planning, but guess what, this has been delayed for months now. The delays have been caused by political infighting which led to the Executive not meeting and since they began to meet they have been playing catch up.

It is time all Ministers relaised the dire economic straits facing people and business and got on with meetings in order to at least clear consultations that will have an impact on all of us. This may mean having two meetings a week to get these issues dealt with.

Several £100m of investment and several thousand jobs are waiting to come here how many of these jobs in retail, green energy and construction will have to be lost before the Executive realises that planning reforms are needed, not in six months, but now?

Financial Assistance Package

2009-01-12T12:08:00.000-08:00

Well it was the first plenary session for the Assembly today. One of the main items on the agenda was the Financial Assistance Bill. This Bill will give the Executive a special fund to tackle emergencies this could include flooding and will include a £15m package for fuel poverty.

All good. But i have a potential issue. The present fuel poverty package needs to be introduced swiftly. It appears that the Office of First and Deputy First Minister are leading the charge on this issue. What role for Social Development? It is the job of this Department to lead and solve fuel poverty. Eventually the new funds will have to be distributed and Social Development is the only department set up to deliver this. There is much room for confusion and delay. This cannot be allowed to happen. No one will really care who is at fault, except those interested in points scoring rather than those in need, and people will continue to suffer.

If the funds were offered to 100,000 families as a financial credit then there is a possibility that it could be delivered more quickly and with more confidence that the money will be used for fuel.

It is essential that there are absolutely no delays and those who engage in making the issue of fuel poverty a points scoring excercise should be punished at the polls.