In yesterday’s Belfast Telegraph (well, the online version I have is dated February 25), Nigel Dodds is making two things clear: there is ‘bad blood’ between the DUP and Sinn Féin, and it’s all Sinn Féin’s fault. After you’ve picked yourself off the floor, to which you collapsed on hearing that Nigel is blaming Sinn […]
Tag Archives | Nigel Dodds
John Finucane and Emmanuel Macron: separated at birth?
The National Front, Marine Le Pen’s party, was doing its best to carry the burden of defeat last night. Legs wobbling, it pointed out how her father had got somewhere around 18% in 2002, so her 35% showed the party was on an upward path. That’s convincing until you look at Emmanuel Macron, the man who defeated […]
Cries of “Sectarianism!” and Grade A bunkum
We Irish have a huge capacity for self-deception. Tell us that our pubs are invariably friendly, music-laden places and we’ll agree vigorously. Tell us that we’re welcoming to outsiders, that we have hearts as big as all-outdoors, and we’ll nod like one of those soft toys in the back window of a car. But […]
The DUP and referendophobia
Well, last night’s TV debate was a fractious wash-out, but it did sluice into the public debate one important point: the DUP don’t like referendums. You’ll remember Arlene Foster’s response when there was talk of a border poll: “Be careful what you wish for” she warned those seeking one. In other words, if a referendum […]
So tell me, Nigel…
Oh dear. Oh dear oh dear oh dear. If the DUP had gone into a huddle and said “Right guys, let’s think of something that’ll make it harder for any UK party to go into coalition with us. Mmm. Let’s see… Sammy – could you say something about evolution?…Nah, doesn’t have that zing. Edwin – […]
Maggie and Nigel and what comes with them
“She brings her father, her mother, her sister and her brother, Oh! I never see Maggie alone. She brings her uncles and cousins, she’s got ‘em by the dozens, I never see Maggie alone.” Remember that one? It was part of the soundtrack of my childhood. But it has bang-up-to-date relevance as well. Especially if […]
Last night at the Lansdowne
I chaired a meeting in Belfast’s Lansdowne Hotel last night. It was organised by Sinn Féin and clearly intended to boost the attempt by Gerry Kelly to take the North Belfast seat held by Nigel Dodds. Besides Gerry Kelly, the other two panellists were Deirdre Hargey, leader of the Sinn Féin group in Belfast City […]