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N Ireland assembly walkout in protest at Arlene Foster statement
WillMY
19-12-2016
http://news.sky.com/story/n-ireland-...ement-10702173

The devolved assembly at Stormont had been recalled from Christmas recess over what opposition parties have described as "the biggest public finance scandal since devolution".
Cheetah666
19-12-2016
I think Arlene Foster's days as FM of NI are numbered.
TelevisionUser
19-12-2016
Originally Posted by WillMY:
“http://news.sky.com/story/n-ireland-...ement-10702173

The devolved assembly at Stormont had been recalled from Christmas recess over what opposition parties have described as "the biggest public finance scandal since devolution".”

There was actually some valid criticism of the lack of safeguards built into this scheme which left it open to abuse, e.g. some beneficiaries heating empty premises to gain subsidy funding which is hardly sustainable.

I give credit to the UUP, SDLP, Alliance and others for forming a credible opposition to the ruling DUP/Sinn Fein executive.

Links:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-northern-ireland-38363206

http://www.itv.com/news/utv/update/2...nfidence-vote/

http://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/ne...-35304742.html
Black Hugh
21-12-2016
Originally Posted by TelevisionUser:
“There was actually some valid criticism of the lack of safeguards built into this scheme which left it open to abuse, e.g. some beneficiaries heating empty premises to gain subsidy funding which is hardly sustainable.

I give credit to the UUP, SDLP, Alliance and others for forming a credible opposition to the ruling DUP/Sinn Fein executive.

Links:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-northern-ireland-38363206

http://www.itv.com/news/utv/update/2...nfidence-vote/

http://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/ne...-35304742.html
”

It would be good for democracy if we could credit those parties but it seems that they have merely followed the media's lead here, specifically Stephen Nolan.
TelevisionUser
21-12-2016
Originally Posted by Black Hugh:
“It would be good for democracy if we could credit those parties but it seems that they have merely followed the media's lead here, specifically Stephen Nolan.”

The good Mr Nolan might have indeed starting things off but the criticisms in Stormont by Naomi Long and Mike Nesbitt were particularly stinging. The real damning thing here was that the whistleblower emails (plural) were ignored/deleted and thus began the cover up which is never a good way to proceed as Richard Nixon found out.
Paul_Culloty
21-12-2016
Originally Posted by Black Hugh:
“It would be good for democracy if we could credit those parties but it seems that they have merely followed the media's lead here, specifically Stephen Nolan.”

And does that not highlight the important role of the media of holding the government of the day to account? The important thing is that politicians from natiinalist, unionist and other parties united on this issue, if SF had shown the same integrity, then the FM's position would surely have been untenable.
BRITLAND
21-12-2016
Originally Posted by Cheetah666:
“I think Arlene Foster's days as FM of NI are numbered.”

Who would replace her? Surely Martin McGuinness and anyone from Sinn Fein is a no go?
Cheetah666
22-12-2016
Originally Posted by BRITLAND:
“Who would replace her? Surely Martin McGuinness and anyone from Sinn Fein is a no go?”

Whoever the DUP choose as their new leader.
sorcha_healy27
22-12-2016
Originally Posted by BRITLAND:
“Who would replace her? Surely Martin McGuinness and anyone from Sinn Fein is a no go?”

Martin mcguinness has already served in the assembly as part of the power sharing agreement
Black Hugh
22-12-2016
I find it hard to believe that Foster, a politician who I respected for her apparent strength and efficiency while opposing her politics, was intimidated by a no mark like Jonathan Bell. Very strange.

But then it seems she wasn't as efficient as she seemed, so maybe she did feel bulied by him. Time may tell.
Black Hugh
22-12-2016
Originally Posted by Paul_Culloty:
“And does that not highlight the important role of the media of holding the government of the day to account? The important thing is that politicians from natiinalist, unionist and other parties united on this issue, if SF had shown the same integrity, then the FM's position would surely have been untenable.”

I agree with most of this.
Not so sure about the SF bit though. If they had supported the vote against Foster it still wouldn't have made any difference as the DUP have a majority of Unionist seats. It would have caused a crisis in government for no immediate gain. SF say they have a motion to bring before the Assembly in January on this issue and it will be interesting to see what, if anything, transpires from that.
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