Northern Ireland Assembly (Stormont)

[Teddy (IDS Legislator)]

I am just sitting here, thumbing though the hansard (official record of everything said) from Stormont, and I have a few questions.

First, something that made me chuckle:

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Anyway. Why do the First Minister and deputy First Minister not appear to take questions at the same time? Do they actually ever get along on anything? And what are cabinet meetings over there like.

The whole situation seems confusing to me, as things we hear about in places where they speak strange languages and have weird cultures (Bosnia, Israel, Kashmir, Kurdistan) are not often associated with white english first-world areas (Northern Ireland)

[Јas]

Anyway. Why do the First Minister and deputy First Minister not appear to take questions at the same time?

The FM and dFM split the taking oral questions to the OFMDFM which arise on alternate Mondays - there being no particular reason for both to be present for each such session.

Do they actually ever get along on anything?

Yes, certainly. But too much have gotten bogged down because Robinson is in a difficult position. The rise of the TUV puts increasing pressure on the DUP not to be seen to work well with SF. The failure to devolve Justice and Policing powers though is increasingly straining relations with SF. The upcoming Westminster election should give a reading on the political credibility of the TUV and just how much concern must be had for them.

[Teddy (IDS Legislator)]

How many Unionist parties do they need there? Like really. And would the TUV refuse to work with SF? Are they willing to accept no devolution at all for that refusal?

[minionofmidas]

How many Unionist parties do they need there? Like really. And would the TUV refuse to work with SF? Are they willing to accept no devolution at all for that refusal?

They don't want devolution. Not if devolution leads to uppity Catholics.

[afleitch]

How many Unionist parties do they need there? Like really. And would the TUV refuse to work with SF? Are they willing to accept no devolution at all for that refusal?

They don't want devolution. Not if devolution leads to uppity Catholics.

Given the unwillingness of the DUP to work with even the SDLP in the recent past sadly that assertion is very true.

[Filuwaúrdjan]

Talking of Northern Ireland, Iris Robinson is quitting politics, citing mental health issues. The BBC has chosen to illustrate the story with the following photo:

[afleitch]

Talking of Northern Ireland, Iris Robinson is quitting politics, citing mental health issues. The BBC has chosen to illustrate the story with the following photo:

Ah well. I hope she gets help...

[minionofmidas]

At least she's honest about it. FF for that.

[Јas]

And would the TUV refuse to work with SF?

That's pretty much their raison d'etre.

[Јas]

Talking of Northern Ireland, Iris Robinson is quitting politics, citing mental health issues. The BBC has chosen to illustrate the story with the following photo:

Further developments on this story:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/northern_ireland/8444153.stm

[Filuwaúrdjan]

I note that the are no longer using that photo. I wonder why.

[Verily]

I hope she was having an affair with a woman. That would be poetic justice.

[afleitch]

I hope she was having an affair with a woman. That would be poetic justice.

It's a boy!....almost

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/northern_ireland/8447383.stm

The wife of NI's first minister broke the law by not declaring her financial interest in a business deal.

BBC Northern Ireland's Spotlight programme said Iris Robinson, an MP, an MLA and a councillor, obtained £50,000 from two property developers.

The money was paid to her 19-year-old lover Kirk McCambley to help him launch a new cafe. She later asked him for £5,000 for herself.

[Verily]

I hope she was having an affair with a woman. That would be poetic justice.

It's a boy!....almost

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/northern_ireland/8447383.stm

The wife of NI's first minister broke the law by not declaring her financial interest in a business deal.

BBC Northern Ireland's Spotlight programme said Iris Robinson, an MP, an MLA and a councillor, obtained £50,000 from two property developers.

The money was paid to her 19-year-old lover Kirk McCambley to help him launch a new cafe. She later asked him for £5,000 for herself.

He sounds Catholic.

[MaxQue]

Iris Robinson should have died. Earth has no need for people who thinks than homosexuality is worse than sexually abusing children.

I have no pity for the woman.

[minionofmidas]

At least she's honest about it. FF for that.

Oh well, so much for that.

[Јas]

Iris to resign as MP and MLA next week.
Already expelled by the DUP.

http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/breaking/2010/0109/breaking16.htm