Today, the Executive will meet at Stormont to try to agree on a Covid policy. One way or another, it will be a matter of life and death. On Tuesday, the DUP in the person of that man of science Edwin Poots refused to consider continuing the present restrictions after they elapse today. Using the petition of concern, the DUP blocked any notion of continued lockdown, despite the urgings of Health Minister Robin Swann, the UUP, the SDLP, Alliance, Sinn Féin and the Chief Medical Officer Dr Michael McBride that they should be continued. Covid-related deaths in the north are running at four times the figure for deaths south of the border.
Why are the DUP doing this? Because they think that pushing for greater opening of the economy will appeal to their voter base. So what if it involves a number of deaths? After all, we’re at war with the virus, so we should expect some casualties. It’s this kind of crazed thinking that gets gravediggers a bad name.
Meanwhile, the Northern Ireland team will face Slovakia in Windsor Park tonight, in a European Championship qualifier. More than 1,000 supporters will be allowed to attend.
Here’s a prediction. There will be few if any nationalist supporters among those in attendance at Windsor Park. Why is that? After all, we live in the same NE corner of Ireland that’s being represented on the field of play. Why the consistent stay-away over the years?
There are many reasons, not least the streak of Orange sectarianism that oozes around such games. Catholic players who have opted to play for the Republic are criticised, while some who have played for Northern Ireland are showered with contempt and even death threats.
But the main reason nationalists don’t get out their scarves and rattles is that they don’t believe what Jonny Evans calls his “country” is a country at all. In fact, many nationalists are calling for a border poll, so that they can put an end to the British-enforced border that cuts Ireland in two.
Meanwhile, if you want a good laugh, listen to those who try to tell you that politics and sport don’t mix.
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