'Embellishing the Emblem'

“As the largest party in the executive, the DUP would veto any attempt to remove ‘Her Majesty’ from our prisons’ titles.” Peter Robinson First Minister


'Calm down and avoid knee-jerk reactions.' Deputy First Minister


The common sense approach is often an elusive and sought after trait that the electorate want our 'Folks on the Hill' to possess. But, once again when the bread and butter issues such as the rise in fuel cost, food and high unemployment are at the forefront of every other government, we in Northern Ireland still retain the ability to revert back to default. Out of left field, or the centre if you want to be politically correct, comes a resignation and possible collapse over the new Prison Service emblem. 


Now, correct me if I am wrong, but these words are familiar to the rhetoric of the old guard DUP. It appears once again that the sense of ownership of the public services in Northern Ireland is still a divisive issue across the Unionist divide. The main bone of contention being the removal of HMP and the Crown symbol. The failure however, is not in the ability to see common sense, it is to have the debate about dealing with the past. This is part of the past and the overall image of the Prison Service for one community in particular, is that one community is the key master and the other, the prisoner. 


It is this narrative that we must also acknowledge. If the electorate voted for the Good Friday Agreement/Belfast Agreement then surely we cannot go back to tribal politics when the very reforms we voted for, come to fruition.


Now for some more common sense. If we look at the re-branding of the PSNI and the emblems included in the badge, what we have is a safe option which has been agreed by all parties already. All communities are represented via the symbols on the badge, not to mention the sun rays in the background to emphasise a new dawn but it appears that this dawn has not yet risen above the red mist of Robinson. 


The PSNI badge had to reflect the community it serves and the public service provided by the Prison Service is no different. Justice Minister David Ford is in essence, trying to re-brand a service that quite frankly is out dated. Ford seems to want to have his own say on the issue and perhaps add a personal touch to attribute his name to.


What is wrong with that? Well, it appears Peter Robinson has decided to 'pull rank' on David Ford and remind him of whose boss. 'Not on my watch,' he says, as he tries to claw back some of the dissenters from the hard line TUV. But if the separation of powers is to remain and the Justice Ministry is to be devolved in full, surely Ford should be given the resources he needs in order to do so, with consultation of the executive of course and the two largest parties. So, another consultation fee will no doubt be paid. Again, a money saving tip for the Executive, use the resources we have and stop duplicating costs.


Allow me to indulge you in a sensible alternative which may also offer even more comfort to all involved. Brand all the branches of the Justice Department with the same emblem template but with different colours to allow for differentiation of course, or to go further, roll out the same template for all public services. Much like that of the Departments in the Executive which use the same emblem but with different colours. 


Again it creates uniformity, joint ownership and would take the sting out of the argument. It way also allow for those in the Prison Service to feel that they are part of the Public Services Sector and not the bastard child of the justice system as was so often felt. The neglect of the Prison Service has been going on for too long. It is time for change. And I am afraid that Peter and Martin are going to have to take their seats on their respective podiums and perhaps, for once, debate and oppose an issue. Would make a change to what we are used to. A stagnant legislature which aims to stagnate and infect the processes that it is supposed to uphold and hold to account others around it but not to confront the beast within.


Norn Irony.

Selfish McDonnell sounds like an old LP.

A speech to forget and a leadership race that will have Sinn Fein and the DUP sleeping easy. 

McGlone and McDevitt would be a formidable team. Replacing one white elephant with another larger white elephant. When are the SDLP going to learn?

McDonnell was admitted into South Belfast on the back of Sinn Feins Alex Maskey and even though the statistics clearly showed this, whilst live on UTV, McDonnell would not concede. This is another piece of proof that until the SDLP are willing to accept they are no longer a front runner and begin to rebuild from within, then this appointment of McDonnell, who is out of touch with the young vote by default, will simply emulate the Ritchie years but to a lesser extent.


Here is that debate: http://www.u.tv/News/McDonnell-and-Maskey-clash-over-win-/1cd9b82c-9d28-4bfa-a817-e796cb4832b2


For example, when asked during question time with Mark Carruthers how he and his family experienced the credit crunch, McDonnell's reply was one of little or no relevance to the electorate, he simply stated that 'we have to make cuts in our family and we don't go out as much.' Instead of taking the honest stance and perhaps gaining more respect from the audience he could have stated what we already know. He had three jobs at the time MLA, MP and a Doctor and fortunately he wasn't experiencing the credit crunch to the impact of many others. But once again McDonnell choose the easier route instead.


To battle with Sinn Fein, he cannot afford to do so and unfortunately his speech confirms that this is the only way he knows how, limiting McDonnell's over all appeal and exposing his weaknesses. Attacking what is in place does not fix the problems, it simply shows the one dimensional approach that the SDLP need to avoid again.


Then we have the 'others' left behind such as McDevitt, branded 'The Mouth from the South' , has the attributes of a leader with many transferable skills from his PR background. He was the obvious candidate to reinvigorate the party or the one who would have the skill and persona to do so. McGlone may also feel hard done by. McDonnells 'right of passage' as an old hat in the party simply highlights the attitude that many feel the SDLP have, the right to be in power and I am afraid that right was won and lost and no doubt will come again, but not in the form of McDonnell.


From an outside perspective I have spoken to many SDLP MLA's and was personally informed whilst De Faoite was campaigning, that 'Ritchie would be on her way out, the party are very annoyed with her and at the way things are going.' This seems to be a common theme. My advice to the SDLP would be to re-brand the party, use the Sinn Fein media/exposure/PR template and connect with the electorate. The democratic link is weak between the SDLP and the electorate due to the fact that they have one minister. Someone needs to tell the SDLP that there is nothing wrong with adapting and selecting the attributes that your biggest opponent possesses in order to be on an equal standing. Political Parties, multi national companies, football teams and individuals all base themselves on something they want to be. Re inventing the wheel is not an option for the SDLP.


This would however, go against the current leaders party line as imitation is the best form of flattery and McDonnell's inability to see this for fear of falling foul to some voters, will no doubt hinder his overall campaign. 


http://sluggerotoole.com/2011/11/05/and-the-new-sdlp-lesser-is-alisdair-mcdonnell/


Listening to McDevitt's speech sounds like the speech of a winner. He addresses unity, strength and opportunity as well as a finishing quotation, however cheesy it may sound, he holds a crowd better than that of McDonnell ever will. 

MLA's meet MTV!

MLA's were asked by MTV to choose their favourite song or a song that best describes them. A theme tune to their life if you like. These are their replies:

Gregory Campbell - Poker Face (Lady Gaga)

The man that gives very little away and has a stare that would put a dog to sleep for good, yes its old poker face Gregory Campbell. (He wanted Simply The Best but many say its too soon to rule out Celtic from the league title.)

Alasdair McDonnell - He ain't heavy he's my brother (Neil Diamond)

It is unclear as to whether Alasdair has a brother who may be heavier than him but this song is very apt. After N Irelands diet being criticized, who better to lead by example!

Martin McGuinness - I don't want to talk about it (Rod Stewart)

When asked to comment about his song choice, Mr McGuinness asked us to refer to the lyrics and that he was not a member of the IRA when this song was released.

Peter Robinson - Changes (Ozzy and Kelly Osbourne)

Many changes in Peter's life have occurred over the last few years. His man date with Martin has changed, they only see each other at the weekends.

Tom Elliott - Its not fair (Lilly Allen)

Why am I not allowed to make any decisions! Tom's response when he was told what song to pick by Peter Robinson.

Ian Paisley Jnr - Dance with my father again (Luther Vandross)

When asked about his song choice, Ian Og said this, 'Well the singers name is Luther which I think daddy would love and the lyrics are divine. I miss him everyday at Stormont and how we used to sit in the House of Parliament and laugh at the money we were making when all we had to do was turn up! Ha ha! Those were the days.

Margaret Ritchie - Rabbit, rabbit, rabbit (Chaz and Dave)

We didnt ask Margaret anything for fear of loosing the will to live.

FEEL FREE TO MAKE ANY SUGGESTIONS!

Love in a Hopeless Place? Surely not!

Without getting into a debate as to whether the New Lodge is a hopeless place or not, it must be celebrated as a place that has contributed to the positive history of the city and its cultural alter ego. The lyrics and the subject matter aside, this is a good advert for Belfast which is certainly not a 'hopeless place'. 

The EMA's should be a fantastic opportunity to show case Belfast and when all eyes are on Belfast, like a mischievous child, we behave cordially until the worlds media have left. So, best behaviour everyone! MLA's included. I dare say some may indulge in a dance and a drink (water or wine) with the stars.

'Poppicide' is Back Again

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-northern-ireland-15563139

What is Poppicide?
Poppicide is on the rise in Northern Ireland after the burning of a Poppy by two delinquent youths. Orchestrated via Facebook, the PSNI in Coleraine have chosen to investigate the matter.Tolerance only goes one way apparently and when funded by local councils, it is considered a fundamental right for the expression of culture. What is the message here? 

Even though the burning of election posters is not addressed we still have a mass outrage at the sacred Poppy. The burning, although regrettable, would have been a relatively short fire and would have resulted in significantly lower costs than that of the 12th Of July.  "I couldn't believe what I was seeing," neither could I Stephen, the fact that police resources, public attention and the BBC have all decided to take exception to this Poppular flower. So what is the big deal with the Poppy?

To make it easier I have put it into two simple points that give equal weight to both dominant arguments:

1.  The Poppy is seen as a symbol that represents or confirms ones support for the British Army past and present.

2. The Easter Lilly is seen as a symbol that represents or confirms ones support the Republican movement past and present.

(Much like the Poppy the The Easter Lilly cannot be worn in the work place but 

with different policies applied via the employment body.)

In the space of 24 hours arrests have been made. Efficient police work by the PSNI is commendable and this is a prime example of how resourceful the PSNI can be when it comes to social networking. So what will this mean in the interest of the public?

Spot the difference? The ritual burning of effigies, Sinn Fein election posters, Bobby Sands banners and Celtic flags/shirts/scarfs etc are a common accessory on many bonfires during the 12th of July. All of which are constructed methodically during the hours of daylight.


So my question is this, why don't the PSNI and the legislative bodies address this across the board? The burning of the Union flag/DUP posters etc should be dealt with the same swift action as those who try to cause offence or incite hatred. However, these 'burning rituals' by very definition, incite triumphalism against opposing political or religious doctrines and in Northern Ireland this is a potent mix. 
The overall result of the inconsistency leads to the very argument regarding acceptable symbols, emblems or rituals. If this was approached with measured and clear guidelines then the politicalization would fail to exist as one camp cannot accuse the other of 'looking more favourably' upon one culture than another. This is a council issue as much as it is a poilicing one.
After thoughts:
Just an after thought on the 'Poppy issue'. Correct me if I am wrong, but would this not be a way of identifying Police Officers from a Catholic background, or more to the point, a way of setting apart police officers working in a certain district, from their colleagues? Surely the Poppy has implications regarding the overall safety of officers, regardless of religion? 
With the rise in dissident activity, would this be a way of identifying and targeting officers? That is the reality that we live in and this issue has yet to be addressed.