The Hatfield House Mystery II

I know its early Nick but do run your post through a spell check first; standards, dear boy, standards.

Despair is the wrong word for Mr Robinson - disgrace more fits him. No annalysis, just find a brush to hit the the tories with ! No matter what major stories are around, ignore them and find something, anything, to twist and have a go at the tories with ! any thoughts on today's Chillcot Enquiry Mr Robinson ? Where did gallant Scrooge Gordon stand on Iraq and how can he be so profligate with our money when our guys died for lack of it ! Do some proper work Mr Robinson.

Don't make me laugh!

'It's produced criticism from the Alliance Party who claim that it undermines David Cameron's capacity to act in future as an honest broker between parties - as Gordon Brown is now doing.'

Honest broker!?

Brown is the same man who promised millions of taxpayers money to the UUP/DUP in order to secure a touch and go vote in parliament.

Honest is not the word I would have used and highlights the complete bias of your comments.

Gordon Brown is just as guilty of playing politics as Cameron on this issue, yet judging by your blog you would think the Premier the Knight on his white charger!

Plus to call 'honest' a man who has manipulated statistics, uses PMQ's as a Labour Party broadcast, uses Global warming as a cover to introduce more stealth taxes and consistently denied any personal culpability in the depth of the UK's recession despite his tri-partite experiment, just beggars belief!

Of course Cameron is securing support, but to say that it will cost the UK the peace process is just plain political propoganda encouraged by Labour and bandied by the BBC.

Hang your head in shame, Nick! The people of Northern Ireland deserve a little more credit and respect than to be used by the BBC and Brown in this way.

Why no blog on the fact that Labour are introducing new measures and taxes based on the becoming even more discredited Global Warming hoax?

So now Mr Cameron is in taking the first steps to the dismantling of the peace process?
I am rather tired of listening to the me, me, me utter intolerant attitude which im afraid is very often preached by a lot of "intellient" people. Oh no sorry! lets talk about the economy shall we? thats much safer right winger ground isnt it? lets cut everything, and before we all start it was Mr Camerons ilk that destroyed this countrys manufacturing base and reduced us all to "service industry providers"
So, i hope you are all proud of yourselves. Land of Hope and Glory eh???
sorry, its early and im cranky. Have a nice day!

Given Labours inability to get Northen Ireland and Stormont "sorted" seems that the Conservatives may have been taking the right sort of action but Nick I guess that's not what the spin boys @ No10 are telling you to say. As yesterday's posters said -- believe there are far greater issues on the UK table at the moment. Time you stopped your constant "anti Cameron" crusade.
As for this classic "honest broker between parties - as Gordon Brown is now doing". The only thing GB can "broker" is the UK economy -- actually destroyed it. Brown wouldn't know how to facilitate a girls night out.

Still out of the loop then, Nick? Don't worry I'm sure you'll be getting a nice juicy government exclusive in return for this...

I really hope for the sake of your journalisitic credability, Nick, that you haven't parroted a Labour spun smear attack. It is increasing clear that Labour will sink to any level to smear and discredit the conservatives no matter how tenuous the link. Do you seriously believe that cameron would seek to destroy 20+ years of hard fought gains in Northern Ireland, instigated by John Major's Conservative Government's secret talks with Sinn Fein? Get real.

. At 07:49am on 26 Jan 2010, sircomespect wrote:
Don't make me laugh!

'It's produced criticism from the Alliance Party who claim that it undermines David Cameron's capacity to act in future as an honest broker between parties - as Gordon Brown is now doing.'
Honest broker!?
Brown is the same man who promised millions of taxpayers money to the UUP/DUP in order to secure a touch and go vote in parliament."

Before rushing to judgement,policy over Northern Ireland is meant to be bi-partisan.The Conservative party is now a political faction within Ulster rather than a bridge between factions.

Power sharing is on a knife edge,the conservatives may need unionist votes to form a government and are in alliance with them.This puts them in the impossible position of maintaining a partisan alliance at Westminster while being impartial over Stormont!

Gaining temporary support from Unionists to pass a bill is a million miles from a political accomodation with long term political consequences.

The Good Friday agreement, and power sharing, was achieved by the conservative and labour parties with international help, especially from the USA and Canada.Secret meetings at this critical time with an appearance of partisanship shows appalling judgement.

So Brown is “astonished” at what he sees as a breach of the bi partisan approach in “holding talks at a country estate – and excluding the nationalists “

He has a short memory.

Didn’t he do a dirty little deal with the DUP over 42 day detention to save his government? And wasn’t that deal brokered after secret talks at a big house in London? And we still don’t know what price he paid because the details are secret.

Oh yes, and didn’t he recently have talks with two of the parties at a big house in London (excluding all the others) after which he did his usual thing of throwing billions at the problem? We were led to believe at the time that he had secured a deal. Where is it? He couldn’t have promised all that money with no firm commitments could he? How very Gordon Brown!

And why have we finished up in this position? Where has the Secretary of State for NI been for the last 3 years while this all festered? Perhaps if there had been fewer plots from Labour colleagues trying to stab the PM in the back, he might have been able to spend less time in London protecting his master’s back devoted a little more time to resolving this.

So now Gordon’s ‘astonished’ that, as his neglect leads to chaos, the Conservatives step in with a genuine attempt to shore up the middle ground and persuade the Unionists to do a deal on devolution of Policing and Justice. At least Cameron and Paterson have shown some leadership, not just waved a chequebook and hoped it would make the pain go away.

So do wake up Nick. We want to know the real story not the garbage No 10 pump out

Odd Nick that you persist with this non-story. Let's remind you that we have an appalling Labour Government which has been wrecking the country these past 13 years. Labour has been taking the difficult decisions, such as burdening our grandchildren with debt, to get Labour off the hook today. Yet you persist with arcane tittle tattle about the Tories.

sir @ 3

"Why no blog on the fact that Labour are introducing new measures and taxes based on the becoming even more discredited Global Warming hoax?"

Because there's a blog on Cameron and his grubby Tories playing fast & loose with peace in Northern Ireland in order to secure a minor electoral advantage. Can't have everything all at once, can we?

This comment was removed because the moderators found it broke the house rules. Explain.

The more we hear of Cameron the less likely he appears as a possible PM don't you think?

Definate nervousness on the part of the tory bloggers on here. As Rockin Robing will say;

DELAY THE ELECTION!

I know things may look grim in Northern Ireland right now, but don't panic. Gordon has gone to sort it out personally. What could possibly go wrong?

Considering my first attempt was censored by the quasi-official Labour press office, lets try reposting in small chunks and see which bit was the one the censors objected to.

OK part 1:

"Labour sources are accusing the Tories of "at best naivety and at worst cynicism""

Well.... it seems that breathtaking chutzpah is the one thing that isnt being rationed in the lobby. For Labour to accuse anyone of cynicism really takes the cake.


Lets try that, shall we?

and part two...

As for GB being an "honest broker", dont make me laugh.

Honesty and Brown are mutually exclusive, always have been and always will be.

next morsel....

Objective political reporting at the BBC has turned into a joke which is not funny anymore.


Now which of these, if any are going to escape the sword of the censor?

The "heroes" in the Labour party who are going to ignore the SNP during the GE? And attempt to ensure that the Scottish media does the same?
That Labour Party?

That's the bunch who complain about unionists meeting unionists and to whom you give such special mention?

It reminds me of a yachting incident in which you persisted in pillorying G.Osborne esq.while completely ignoring P.Mandelson esq.


I am ashamed and disgusted by the media of this country, especially the one for which I am forced to pay.

"Gaining temporary support from Unionists to pass a bill is a million miles from a political accomodation with long term political consequences."

Oh right. I see, that makes all the difference. Like the difference between being shot to death or poisoned to death. Same end result, but what a world of difference in between, eh?

You know, you're right Bryhers. You are every bit as partisan as the rest of them.

Irresponsible journalism will do as much harm as dodgy politics to peace and stability in NI.

I sincerely hope that Nick Robinson has his facts correct. However, not withstanding that, there is a definite degree of sensationalism and, arguably, bias in this blog.

13#

More like, the more he is trying to throw this election and force Brown and Company to drink from their own poisoned chalice. No other explanation makes sense.

From memory the peice talks that were signed in 1997/8 were mainly done by Major whilst he was PM, Blair only joined in towards the end to claim all the credit.

But Super Brown is there now to save the world again and offer more and more of our money (or lack of money)

Ah, thats the one that the censors didnt like! Questioning the objectivity of Auntie. I should have guessed!

Well, if the cap fits....

This is not news.

This is spin and propaganda, BBC. Get a grip!

eye-wish

shame your sentiments are 100% incorrect and chime so ill with the Guardian ICM poll this morning.

Call an election shall remain my sign off until those cowards in Downing Street realise the game is up.

The attacks on Cameron for being a tory toff appear to be having exactly the opposite effect; backing newlbaour into a working class box. Well doen, nice achievement.

As for Godon Brown jumping on a plane to go to Northern Ireland; I suspect with his ciurrnet level of popularity and success at home he'd jump on a number 12 bus if it promised to take him far enough away from the opinion polls.

Call an election.

Sadly, wherever there is dispute there is usually also mistrust and this is certainly true of NI. I don't think that we help matters by speculating on the motives of the Conservative Front Bench meeting with unionist politicians. For once, given the gravity of the situation regarding Stormont devolution, let's take the view that David Cameron and his team are acting responsibly.

Believe nothing Labour says.
Brown is a proven liar, Mandleson has more than a dodgy background, the rest are just a bunch of infighting cronies.

Given what is at stake here this is irresponsible reporting at best, and inflamatory at worst. Nick, do you and the BBC really want to derail the peace process?

27#

Who cares so long as they can blame Cameron for it, along with famine, pestilence and baby eating?

Can I have your job Nick when you move onto pastures new?

It's got to be a great craic being paid to just cut and paste emails sent from Labour's spin merchants.

#27 Totally agree. Sort of following in the footsteps of Robert P. and the Northern Rock crisis.

"Labour sources are accusing the Tories of "at best naivety and at worst cynicism", ....."

Well they would, wouldn't they. But it's a bit rich to call the Tories naive, when the record of this government is littered with bad laws with unintended consequences that only an utterly incompetent and naive government could be guilty of.

I'll join the chorus of voices from Part 1 of this story - what about Nick Robinson calling for some explanation of the 70 year hush-up of the Kelly enquiry. Has this country ever hushed something up for so long before now? And how does hushing something up for 70 years square with the 30 year FOI act?

THAT is what you should be commenting on Mr Robinson. Instead you are becoming ever more irrelevant and your blogs ever more removed from reality.

19 Gerry_Mandering wrote:

You know, you're right Bryhers. You are every bit as partisan as the rest of them.

>>

Well thank goodness we have you here to remind us where that 'mid point' is.

Shocking.

The Conservatives would happily destabilise Northern Ireland for their own short-term political gain.

It shows that they haven't changed.

The Conservatives are still 'The Nasty Party'.

#3 sircomespect

You use a typical Tory form of defence.... attack. You're deflecting from the issue which is actually a very serious one if you think back a few years.

It's not just the fact that Lord Cranborne (the pro-unionist to put it politely) hosted this meeting and the parties invited were all unionist, it's the timing as politics has entered a sensitive stage in NI.

The arrogance, recklessness and ignorance shown by the Tories shines through - they're dangerous, very dangerous.

Remember when Dave declared war on Russia? Oh no, if you registered it, you've probably conveniently forgotten about it and would rather think about 'broken Britain'.

Same old dangerous Tories.

The anti-Nick hysteria from the Unthinking Right is reaching a new pitch this morning. That can only mean one thing - even they are uncomfortable about what Cameron is doing here.

We've always known he's an opportunist. Big deal. So are most leading MPs.

We've always known he's a schemer. Big deal. So are Brown and Blair.

But putting the NI Peace Process at risk for the sake of a handful of seats at Westminster? If that's what he's doing, it would be a big deal.

Wow, Nick Robinson really must have touched a raw nerve - the Tory attack dogs are out in force, full of faux indignation.

Petty there couldn't have been a blog for when Dave met Mikhail, they would have been beside themselves.

Nick,
You must be getting concerned by now about how many of the comments on your blog concern your perceived anti Tory bias. Your apparent partiality is undermining the BBC's claim to be impartial.
Licence fee payers deserve better.

The thirst & hunger for power is one thing, but this beggars belief. Now we not only have the radical Muslims trying to blow us up, but we will now have a blood bath in Northern Ireland contend with as well.

The incompetence, lack of judgement and any the lack of moral decency demonstrates once and for all why Cameron must never be allowed near number 10. he is not fit to lead this country.

Cameron and his acolytes in times past would have been hung as traitors. But before we do, I would like to know the answers to to the following:
- what have you promised Murdoch?
- what have you promised the Unionist parties?
- what other deals have you made that are being kept quiet?

Not sure that they are playing fast and loose Saga.

I would be more concerned about the financial inducements that Sinn Fein are being given to keep talking. Unfortunately I have a great deal of sceptisism around both sides in Northern Ireland.

I also distrust Brown.

The Conservative and UUP had been in discussions and had gone as far as agreeing an alliance to fight the next general election. This was started some time ago, long before any the current impasse. I thought and still think that it is a good thing for NI to now move onto main stream politics.

We NI need to move on from the tribal politics of the past with both sides following like sheep on either side of the divide. We in NI need to move forward and stop looking back. What is needed is an assembly that will look to drive forward a sustainable economy, one that is not so dependant on the public sector.

To date we have been lucky in this recession in as much as it has has less impact than the rest of the UK. However we will have to start feeling some pain as we start looking to cut back on public expenditure. Something that we have not done through the many exercises over recent times, Gershon - how much was saved - nothing - but there was a lot of moving of deckchairs on the proverbial deck, the last spending review - the same, RPA - much time spent along with a lot of money but little if any progress.

Non of the current politicians want to tackle any of these issues as they do not want to be the bringers of bad tidings as it will look bad on all in power and that in NI is both sides. So we have a stalemate.

We just have to look at NI Water - how long has it taken to bring in water rates. All know it has to be done but no one wants to be the one who introduces it. However in the mean time how much has been spent on making ready for this inevitable occurrence. I for one have no objections in bringing in outside help - however we should be asking how much has been spent and have we had value for money. I fear the answer is a vast amount and very little in that order.

So I and many others here in NI look forward to main stream politics taking to the front stage and letting us start to debate matters that will have a direct impact on our economy and thus the future prosperity of what is after all a truly great place to live.

37 bias wrote:
You must be getting concerned by now about how many of the comments on your blog concern your perceived anti Tory bias.

It would obviously be more concerning for Nick if the comments were from different people, rather than one person who likes to create new usernames.

Now I know why there is a dip in unemployment - Labour have employed folk to post utter tosh on blogs like these.

Sorry guys, but the casual poster like me can see through this nonsense in a heartbeat

No laughing matter, this. Really does beg the question as to whether Cameron - for all his impeccable taste in jumpers - is suitable for the top job. As potential PM, is he fit for purpose?

I think you have hit a nerve here Nick.

Cameron is a liability and the election is bthere for him to loose.

It won't be long before we get the, "I'm leaving" mob on.

DELAY THE ELECTION!

Come on guys - peace!

Where there is discord let us bring harmony.

Let's stop shooting the messenger and focus on unearthing the truth

The peace process in Northern Ireland was already in an almighty mess. Nothing David Cameron does do or does not do will make any difference. They have a cobbled together politics that will never work. One side will always complain about the others advantage and on it goes. All political parties will use the problem for political gain as Labour have done in the past. Nothing will change, just a continuous round of each PM falling over backwards to suit one side or another. Unionist, nationalist, I suspect most ordinary people do not give a darn.

#42

Listen whos talking, gosh i wish i had your insight!

Why are there so many anti-cameron posts this morning, all saying exactly the same thing, all patting each other on the back, all in the same style?

Anyone whould think Labour HQ had a new starter.

42 Fredalo wrote:

Labour have employed folk to post utter tosh on blogs like these.

>>>

Hurray! We already had "Nick's so biased". We now have "The people I don't agree with are being paid by Labour Central Office". Who's going to go for the third? I'll help you out:

"But why can't we talk about all the things Labour has done wrong instead?"

The usual hat-trick of own-goals from the usual right-wing whingers. We always get them, but not always so quickly.

Ew, ye gods, the dog-whistle still works, waking the salivating, zombified student contributors from their slumber..

For the past 30-40 years I have often wondered if there will ever be real peace in Northern Ireland. And I still think the same today. There appear to be elements that don't want it at any price. They would rather have conflict.

Having said that we are where we are, so what are the supposedly insurmountable problems that still exist. Marches appear to be one of the sticking points. Well, to me, both sides need their heads banging together. Why can't both sides accept that each other has the right to march and let them get on with it. Is that too simple?

In England we are said to be too tolerant but is that a bad thing?

Northern Ireland has come a long way since the days of daily violence and horrific acts for God's sake don't let the minority succeed.

43. At 10:09am on 26 Jan 2010, sagamix wrote:
No laughing matter, this. Really does beg the question as to whether Cameron - for all his impeccable taste in jumpers - is suitable for the top job. As potential PM, is he fit for purpose?

One - Over the years any number of politicans have had meetings with the various factions in NI. All done I hope with the best of intensions. John Major and Margret Thatcher set out all the ground work for the current peace in NI. This was then taken on by Tony Blair, no fuss was made at these times, so why now.

Two - Brining togetter any parties in NI to reduce tension and assist with discusions must be a good thing. Having negotiations between fewer parties is always a good thing.

Three - Why do you always return to politics or should I say Tory bashing. This is not helpfull and adds little if anything to the debate.

46#

Thats part of the damn problem, the message is starting to be about the damned messenger. The thing is, he's not just the messenger, he's the Editor.

Traditionally in the profession of journalism, didnt this refer to the person who set the news agenda and was the one asking the questions, calling the tune, rather than embarrasingly dancing to someone elses like a drunken dad at a forced marraige?

Fedalo 42

Now there is a point the unemployment figures seem to be lower than expected. This is a farce because the only reason they appear this way is people are still being taken on for employment in the public sector which we cannot afford. Also companies have kept on workers in the private sector who are working less hours and whos wages have been cut. Thats without all the people on all sorts of Government schemes etc. Its all a game really for political advantage by Labour. When the games finally up it will depend on whos watch it is on who takes the blame. Labour or Conservative.

43. At 10:09am on 26 Jan 2010, sagamix wrote:
No laughing matter, this. Really does beg the question as to whether Cameron - for all his impeccable taste in jumpers - is suitable for the top job. As potential PM, is he fit for purpose?

One - Over the years any number of politicians have had meetings with the various factions in NI. All done I hope with the best of intentions. John Major and Margret Thatcher set out all the ground work for the current peace in NI. This was then taken on by Tony Blair, no fuss was made at these times, so why now.

Two - Bringing together any parties in NI to reduce tension and assist with discussions must be a good thing. Having negotiations between fewer parties is always a good thing.

Three - Why do you always return to politics or should I say Tory bashing. This is not helpful and adds little if anything to the debate.

It has been proved time and again that you cannot run Northern Ireland from Westminster.

However, this necessitates a viable political process within Northern Ireland in which all communities can share confidence.

Without that the polity becomes divided as the extremists and the politics of victimology and victimisation take over.

There is no way we can go back to the latter so how come we have ended up in this absurd state of affairs? What has happened to the give and take which underpinned the early years of the Peace Process?

The Unionists, all of them, have to get their act together but also recognise that they have to work with Sinn Fein on the basis of an equal partnership to make Northern Ireland work. Neither side are monsters but have their principles. However, good neighbourliness, mutual respect and toleration must be allowed to come through otherwise we all end up with worse than nothing.

We must not forget that the Peace Process had its origins on the streets of Belfast as both Sinn Fein and UUP councillors faced up to the practical challenges of making their city work. It is the practicalities that matter so we must not let our fears and anger dominate our lives.

I suspect that once again the UK government has been asleep on the job and allowed things to deteriorate as usual.

50. At 10:24am on 26 Jan 2010, pdavies65 wrote:

"But why can't we talk about all the things Labour has done wrong instead?"

The usual hat-trick of own-goals from the usual right-wing whingers. We always get them, but not always so quickly.

===================================================================

Sorry, some of us forgot that we can only discuss what you and new labours thought-police want us to discuss. Which it seems does not include questioning the record of our repressive government.

Because it appears to many people that Labour have ruined and bankrupted this country. If you can't see that then you're either blind, stupid or being paid.

Whether DC is good for this country or not is something we just can't judge yet. It's something we should be open-minded upon.

Of course if you don't like what I've written, then just read it while saying 'la, la, la' in your head.

#51
Im not a student, although i used to be. why is it that the old tories always trot out the radicalised student argument in order for them to perpetuate their intolerant views? the argument, along with the doctrine is getting rather long in the tooth old chap. Whoever negotiated peace in Northern Ireland did a great job (believe Mo Mowlam and President Clinton did the deal clinching) so hands off rightwingers!
Long live the revolution!

DavidHankey @ 52 wrote:
Marches appear to be one of the sticking points. Well, to me, both sides need their heads banging together. Why can't both sides accept that each other has the right to march and let them get on with it. Is that too simple?

I think NI would be a lot better of if they could forget about marches altogether. How can something so unnecessary and frankly dull be a sticking point in the search for peace? I know they're traditional but, well, tough. They're contentious flashpoints. Drop them. Grow up. Get over it.

In 2001, Catholics raised tensions by putting out flags for their march in a predominantly Loyalist area. The result? Children as young as four had to be escorted past ranks of abusive Loyalists in order to get to Holy Cross school. They were pushed, traumatised, spat on. I think it's time to forget about marches. If dressing up is that important, hold a costume party. Traditions which have their roots in past conflicts should be allowed to die.

This comment was removed because the moderators found it broke the house rules. Explain.

Speaking of deals...

Anyone know how Abdelbaset Al Megrahi's health is?

38#

God you dont half write some bilge normally, but this time you've excelled yourself.

What is required is compromise on both sides. Neither Sinn Fein or the Unionist can carry the whole of their electorate. Extremists are coming out of the woodwork. Yes heads could do with knocking together.

I thought that Adam Robinson et al had accepted that they had to work at the peace. Put both of them in a room lock the door and don't open it until they agree and have worked it out.

The two PM's being in attendance will lead to posturing and grandstanding. Not just from the NI politicians. Brown could do with the publicity but is it worth it?

#47 susan croft

As you declare yourself a non-tory, I'm sure that DC really appreciates your support.

I'm sure the Irish will also appreciate your positive contribution to their future prospects.

We all thank-you for publicly stating the English Democrats' policy on the Northern Ireland question, "To use it for political gain". Will you do the same with the Cornish question

Sweet A

"Whether DC is good for this country or not is something we just can't judge yet. It's something we should be open-minded upon"

I agree. And we've got until June 3rd - still quite a long time.

Not looking promising though, is it?

Well, its beginning to resemble an NL Caligulan orgy in here thanks to the work of the censors.

Anyone know where the Vomitorium is?

#51 GM

"Ye gods!" Were you a medical student in the fifties?

60. At 10:42am on 26 Jan 2010, pdavies65 wrote:
DavidHankey @ 52 wrote:
Marches appear to be one of the sticking points. Well, to me, both sides need their heads banging together. Why can't both sides accept that each other has the right to march and let them get on with it. Is that too simple?

I think NI would be a lot better of if they could forget about marches altogether. How can something so unnecessary and frankly dull be a sticking point in the search for peace? I know they're traditional but, well, tough. They're contentious flashpoints. Drop them. Grow up. Get over it.

===================================================

Stopping the marches would help hugely, but getting people to agree is difficult. People just don't like their history and identity being 'taken away from them', however insubstantial those concepts are to their day to day existance.

pc Davies a onesided view. what about the violence in Portadown. Both sides are as bad as each other. Dont forget that point. You appear very quick to denounce those that you do not agree with.

59. At 10:40am on 26 Jan 2010, Theunforgivingminute wrote:

#51
Im not a student, although i used to be.

Yeah, that kind of figures. Now you flip burgers in between posting random blog entries from the managers PC in his office during his tea-break?

@62 did I see him in the Libyan bobsleigh team?

58 SweetAnybody

You're wrong. I avidly read comments from all sides of the debate, and take them seriously too - unless they're couched in silly terms, like "If you can't see I'm right, you must be blind, stupid or being paid." That's more of an insult than a point.

My point - and it's a good one! - is that there are plenty of opportunities to discuss the government's record. And I'm sure we'll come back to it. So people shouldn't cry foul every time the focus switches elsewhere for a while. You agree with that, don't you? - because I know you aren't stupid or being paid, and I suspect from the way you bandied the word around that you aren't blind either.

36. At 09:54am on 26 Jan 2010, Culverin wrote:

Wow, Nick Robinson really must have touched a raw nerve - the Tory attack dogs are out in force, full of faux indignation.

Petty there couldn't have been a blog for when Dave met Mikhail, they would have been beside themselves.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------

Yeah..... pity there wasnt one for when Peter met Mikhail or when Peter met Lakshmi or when Peter met Nat Rothschild...

Kinda helps when you've got the state broadcaster in your back pocket, doesnt it?

God I wish I could be like you Mr Davies omnipotent.....thought that was the province of Go....

73. At 10:54am on 26 Jan 2010, pdavies65 wrote:

My point - and it's a good one! - is that there are plenty of opportunities to discuss the government's record. And I'm sure we'll come back to it. So people shouldn't cry foul every time the focus switches elsewhere for a while. You agree with that, don't you? - because I know you aren't stupid or being paid, and I suspect from the way you bandied the word around that you aren't blind either.

======================================================
People don't cry fowl when the focus switches elsewhere, because it was never on the government in the first place. The focus doesn't shift at all. When the opportunities (to discuss labours record) arise, Nick goes off on some blog about something completely irrelevent. The big issues are ignored week after week, unless its about the opposition.

Perhaps you'd like to count back and find the last blog entry critical of Gordon?

68#

Had I been one, I would have been very much in favour of eugenics for the sink estates. Could have saved us a fortune. Would have made Harold Shipman look like a saint.

# 71
ooh, think ive caught a fish.
im a Quantity Surveyor actually do you know what one of those is??
see what i mean about tory intolerance? even if i did flip burgers what would be so wrong with that? is that below you?

No24 Rocking Robin,
Your scintillating analysis of complex political, social, economic and now constitutional issues is truly remarkable.'Cam the Sham'must be proud of you.
Have you had anything published?

75 Exiledscot52 wrote:
God I wish I could be like you Mr Davies omnipotent.

Am running evening classes. Will post details later.

Chris L

"Why do you always return to Tory bashing?"

I just like to stay on topic. Hardly my fault (is it?) if the topic shows the Conservatives in a poor light. And today's story throws up a NEW concern. This is not about having the wrong values, or being devoid of substance, or being economically illiterate - it's something rather more basic than that. It comes across as a little bit grubby.

3. At 10:54am on 26 Jan 2010, pdavies65 wrote:

58 SweetAnybody

You're wrong. I avidly read comments from all sides of the debate, and take them seriously too - unless they're couched in silly terms, like "If you can't see I'm right, you must be blind, stupid or being paid." That's more of an insult than a point.

My point - and it's a good one! - is that there are plenty of opportunities to discuss the government's record. And I'm sure we'll come back to it. So people shouldn't cry foul every time the focus switches elsewhere for a while. You agree with that, don't you? - because I know you aren't stupid or being paid, and I suspect from the way you bandied the word around that you aren't blind either.

------------------------------------------------------------------------

But thats the whole point PD. The focus is invariably on Cameron, particularly when things may not be looking especially rosy for the current PM.

When there is important stuff going on, when questions really need to be asked, we get the deafening sound of silence. Nick emerges with two posts on the same subject with not a fragment of evidence to back up his supposition beyond "some are saying..." - at least with Pestons' breaking of the Northern Rock story, it had some factual basis to it, regardless of the consequences - This blog has NOTHING factual behind it, it is regurgitated spin. "Some are saying"??? What kind of language is that for the Editor to be using? Some are saying you dont get pregnant if you do it standing up for Christs sakes, but theres no evidence to reinforce it.

Labour have got the state broadcaster in their back pocket and have done since the Hutton Enquiry. It is tantamount to using the licence fee to fund free election broadcasts for the Labour party.

Had this kind of behaviour happened under Thatcher, you and your chums would have been positively apoplectic.

4: ....before we all start it was Mr Camerons ilk that destroyed this countrys manufacturing base and reduced us all to "service industry providers"

Official figures from the Office of National Statistics published recently revealed that under the Conservatives in the 1990s manufacturing grew by 1%. Under Labour and Brown in the decade from 2000-2009 it decreased by 1.2%.

Therefore, your statement is wrong and the rest of your rant should be viewed in the context of being made by someone who doesn't check the facts.

#77 GM

I see where you gat the name Gerry from.

76 SweetAnybody wrote:
People don't cry fowl when the focus switches elsewhere, because it was never on the government in the first place.

Are you saying Nick Robinson is too chicken to criticize the government?

78#

Damn right it is.

You one of those Drive-By surveyors then?

@83 Manufacturing has declined more rapidly since 1997 than during the last tory administration.

Mr Davies do your lessons also include one eyed reading, statistical manipulation and the inability to accept another view?

81. At 11:07am on 26 Jan 2010, sagamix wrote:
Chris L

"Why do you always return to Tory bashing?"

I just like to stay on topic. Hardly my fault (is it?) if the topic shows the Conservatives in a poor light. And today's story throws up a NEW concern. This is not about having the wrong values, or being devoid of substance, or being economically illiterate - it's something rather more basic than that. It comes across as a little bit grubby.

Once again you appear to deliberately miss the point - Over the last few decades any number of senior politicians have met with both sides of the divide. All done with the best possible intentions - once again we can only hope. We should be concentrating on what can be done to assist everyone over here in NI live along side one another with tolerances of each others cultures.

If you must play the politics card why are you not asking why Gordon has not bothered with this until now?

So your views are based on Elitism then?
I rest my case.
Thought you knew what a surveyor does?? evidently not.
but then, i am educated.
Good Day Sir

Nick

Any inside information on a February General Election, the rumours are getting traction? Surely you haven't been kept out of the secret, so come on whats happening?
Mind you with that feeble 1% growth (anything over 0.5%) in the last quarter the grand ditherer might just have second thoughts.

85. At 11:11am on 26 Jan 2010, pdavies65 wrote:
76 SweetAnybody wrote:
People don't cry fowl when the focus switches elsewhere, because it was never on the government in the first place.

Are you saying Nick Robinson is too chicken to criticize the government?

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I have no idea of Nicks motives, but there must be some reason for his inability to put any difficult questions to them.

Or maybe he does ask difficult questions (and using Gordon as an example of labours approach to questions), probably never gets an answer to crow about.

#60 pdavies

I think NI would be a lot better of if they could forget about marches altogether. How can something so unnecessary and frankly dull be a sticking point in the search for peace? I know they're traditional but, well, tough. They're contentious flashpoints. Drop them. Grow up. Get over it.

In 2001, Catholics raised tensions by putting out flags for their march in a predominantly Loyalist area. The result? Children as young as four had to be escorted past ranks of abusive Loyalists in order to get to Holy Cross school. They were pushed, traumatised, spat on. I think it's time to forget about marches. If dressing up is that important, hold a costume party. Traditions which have their roots in past conflicts should be allowed to die.

------------------------------------

Normally I disagree with the majority of things you come out with but I have to say you're pretty much on the money with this post, good job.

Georgia, Europe (the many episodes), the US and now Northern Irleand.... new Tories, new danger.

Why do they not choose to effect relationships with mainstream politicians in Europe the US or recognise the political implications of only dealing with one side in Northern Ireland?

Many of their front bench are part of an arch-neocon society. What is wrong with mainstream when it means right wing in the US and centre-right in Europe?

The US question is puzzling, are they sizing up another state for us to invade or regime to topple with their ultra-hawkish chums at Atlantic Bridge?

But anyway, back to Ireland, it's pretty sickening that after so much being achieved, they're happy to ride roughshod through the middle of it for whatever reason.

85.
I think thats exactly the point, while this is undoubtedly a new development that a close eye should be kept on. I applaud anyone who can actually help resolve tensions there but I do not think Cameron should be trusted with this job.
The problem that people seem to have with this, and in particular what I have a problem with, is with the Kelly inquiry seemingly defying the FOI act and being kept secret for 70 years! Surely this must have grabbed your attention as a little bit strange pd?

89#

Rest what case???

LOL

pssst.... You dont have a "case"... And you call yourself educated! LMAO!

93#

That is you, isnt it, Souter?? Why should I be surprised? Been far too quiet for far too long...

81#

You like to stay on topic?


What, like the times you'd forever be bringing up Cameron's mortgage even if the blog was one of those rare ones that wasnt about him???


Mate, you've only got two topics. Camerons mortgage and private education. A one and a half trick pony.

"People just don't like their history and identity being 'taken away from them', however insubstantial those concepts are to their day to day existance."

Except the English, naturally, for whom political ignorance and apathy has become a national pastime.

Nick, there is some real news coming out of the Chilcot inquiry today - how about starting a blog on that:

"The most senior Foreign Office lawyer at the time of the invasion of Iraq said today that he had considered the Iraq war to be illegal because it had not been authorised by the United Nations.

In potentially explosive testimony to the Iraq Inquiry, Sir Michael Wood also told how Jack Straw, then Foreign Secretary, had told the Americans he was "entirely comfortable" to be making the case for military action a year before the invasion eventually took place.

That runs counter to Mr Straw's own evidence to the inquiry last week, when he insisted that he had only "very reluctantly" supported the war. "

(Courtesy The Times breaking news section).

98. At 11:34am on 26 Jan 2010, Gerry_Mandering wrote:
"People just don't like their history and identity being 'taken away from them', however insubstantial those concepts are to their day to day existance."

Except the English, naturally, for whom political ignorance and apathy has become a national pastime.

======================================================================

We've probably had it beaten out of us, by being called rascist whenever anyone mentions St. George or pulls out a flag.

Due to the EU history books, in 20 years UK children won't even know we were involved in WW2.