"The Nineteenth century saw a great Springtime of Nations as the revolutions of 1848 saw new countries created the length and breadth of Europe. In our world today we are now seeing our own Spring Awakening with people and cultures that have long been dormant and subdued asserting their right to exist, their right to dream." Adam Price MP
Sunday, 11 April 2010
A New Proposal for Democracy and Fairness
An alliance between four parties: the SNP, Plaid Cymru, Sinn Fein and the Greens. This would be ideologically possible and sustainable.
A Cameron Conundrum
In a headline in the "Sunday Telegraph" David Cameron is quoted as saying " I am a one nation MP", and presumably he refers to the "British nation" as all unionists do. However, Cameron fails to realise that we are living in a British state composed of more than one nation, and to be credible what he should really declare is that he supports all the British nations, and not the contradictory notion of a supposed nation of Britain which does not exist as such, but only in the minds of some politicians whose thinking is devoid of a 21st Century progressive reality. And yes, he could talk about ending division between the "haves" and "have nots" in all the nations.
Friday, 9 April 2010
The Shamelessness of British Politics
Can anybody explain why one party, out of the three main British parties appears to contain within it, throughout all its ranks, the most unsavoury of politicians? This party is a party of denial, excuses, exonerations, fabrications, justifications, graft, spin and sleaze - and I am not referring to the Liberal Democrats, at least on this occasion! I suggest that people vote for a party with honesty, decency, integrity, credibility and respect, if one can be found, and one which takes notice of the views of the public, and is willing to put the public interest first.
Anybody who votes for the party in question is either blinkered or deluded.
Anybody who votes for the party in question is either blinkered or deluded.
Thursday, 8 April 2010
Tweedledum and Tweedledee
This is how Alex Salmond, Scotlands's First Minister, sums up the two contending leaders of the two main Unionist parties. There is little to choose between them, he contends. They both put the interests of the Union first, without much reference to Scotland and Wales or to the funding which both these nations need while they still remain part of the Union. The main difference between the major parties is the fact that Labour emphasise state control and bureaucratic centralisation and the Conservatives prefer freedom of choice and more personal liberty. The Liberals claim to be the true party of change and fairness in society but remain shy of coming out in favour of constitutional change apart from changing the voting system in their favour.
Thus, for the people of Wales and Scotland this election has little relevance to their real needs, with the choice falling between Tweedledum and Tweedledee, neither of whom will bring much benefit to the nations of the perimeter. England will swing to the right, while Scotland and Wales remain traditionally left of centre. Yet these two resurgent nations do have another choice and that is to back the nationalist cause and sever the links which bind them to a corrosive and failing union. In the event of a Hung Parliament their MPs could win concessions which Tweedledum and Tweedledee are loathe to contemplate in a political process which has yet to run its course..
Your Equality or Mine?
Scotland and England, completely united in 1707, was a union of equal sovereign nations under one monarch and it soon transpired that the condition of equality had little meaning as England, or Great Britain as the merger was named, exercised control over Scottish Affairs. It is only recently that the Scottish Parliament has been restored to the people of Scotland. The disbandment of the clan system, the banning of the wearing of the tartan and the enclosure of lands were all decided and enforced by the government in London and Scotland became a virtual colony of England ruled by London. Even the Stone of Scone on which the Scottish kings had been crowned was taken to London as a symbol of British dominance over its neighbour to the north.
Despite the efforts of the British government to dismantle the structure of a separate Scottish state and destroy the unique culture of Scottish society, along with the connivance of elements of the Scottish gentry, the spirit of nationhood survived and now it has become a force to be respected and reckoned with. As in Ireland, the aspiration of Celtic peoples for autonomy and self-government cannot be stifled and in Scotland, Wales and Cornwall the movement towards a distinctive and separate national status with their own institutions and governments continued to gain momentum. The outcome will be the formation independent nation states, certainly in Ireland, Wales and Scotland, in the context of a European federation of nations.
Wednesday, 7 April 2010
Scotland Rules the Waves
The Crown DOES NOT own Scotland's seabed, says Treasury Committee. So why is all the revenue heading south..to the Treasury?
A report by the UK Treasury Select Committee, chaired by Michael Fallon MP, has given a real boost to land campaigners who want the Scottish parliament to control the seabed around our coasts. In evidence to the committee, the Crown Estate admitted it did not own the seabed. The committee's final report says the current system doesn't work in the public interest. I recently filed a post called Who Owns Scotland's Seabed picking up on Andy Wightman's point that future marine energy developments could generate considerable revenue. But under the current system that money goes straight to London, and all decisions about rentals etc are made by the Crown Estate whose offices are in Kensington. In fact, there is no reason why it couldn't be administered in Scotland for the benefit of Scotland. Bizarre that the SNP in Holyrood hasn't made more of this. It's not often you get London saying Scotland should have more revenue raising powers!The excellent local news website forargyll.com has been campaigning on this matter. The Herald's Highland Correspondent, David Ross broke the news of the committee's report. However for some reason only the Sunday follow-up to his Saturday front page story comes up on the search engine.
The Election Will Be Won
The election will be won by those who realise that they can make a difference and are very aware of the urgency of change.
Tuesday, 6 April 2010
Scotland's Independence a Key Issue
SNP Leader and Scotland's First Minister Alex Salmond took to the streets on Day One of the General Election campaign, to meet voters in one of the SNP's top targets.
Across the country, the SNP is to deliver half a million "MORE NATS LESS CUTS" campaign postcards by 6pm tonight, in time for the evening news bulletins.
The SNP also highlighted the calling of the election on the anniversary of the Declaration of Arbroath – Scotland’s Declaration of Independence, a key issue in the campaign.
Visiting Portobello in the Edinburgh East constituency, Mr Salmond said:
"At this election, Scottish voters can elect local and national champions. SNP MPs who will make sure Scotland's communities can't be ignored.
"Scotland needs champions now more than ever. The London parties offer the same agenda - they are part of the same metropolitan, political machine.
The London parties have blown the gaff on their plans for Scotland. By their own admission, Labour would cut ‘tougher and deeper’ than Thatcher, and the Tories are planning a special cut for Scotland despite being funded by Scottish resources, blowing their respect agenda away.
"The SNP are going into this campaign with a clear message for Scottish voters: more votes means more Nats, and more Nats means less cuts. The Westminster system is discredited, and only SNP champions can protect and promote Scotland’s interests.
“We can protect jobs, recovery and important local services and instead cut things like the £100,000 million replacement for Trident, identity cards, the House of Lords or the Scotland Office.”
“And in calling the election on the anniversary of the Declaration of Arbroath, Scotland’s declaration of independence, Labour have ensured that the London parties refusal to allow Scotland’s voters a say over their country’s future will be an issue SNP champions will bring to the fore.
"On polling day the people of Scotland can do more than just vote for a politician, they can elect a local champion with the SNP.”
Unionist Labour is a Lost Cause
Labour faces tough sell in poll battleground
With voters disgusted by sleaze allegations and political bickering, the Labour party has an uphill battle clinging to power in crucial parliamentary seats such as Crawley in southern England.Skip related content
RELATED PHOTOS / VIDEOS
The party has been in government for 13 years, but has only a tiny majority in the area, some 30 miles (50 km) south of London, one of several so-called marginal constituencies seen as decisive for the May 6 national vote.
"I can't think of anything worse than another five years of Labour ... Sleaze brought down the last Conservative government and it should have brought down this one," said health worker Lindsey Hales, 57, referring to Labour's main rival, the right-of-centre Conservative party.
Prime Minister Gordon Brown announced the election date on Tuesday, and like theConservatives before losing power in 1997, his party has been buffeted by a steady drip of stories alleging political misdeeds, such as peddling influence for money or inflating expense claims.
Few voters in Crawley, a busy commercial hub between London and the south coast, gave any positive reasons for voting, other than dislodging Labour.
"Get rid of the lot of them because they're diabolical," said one man on why he would vote, declining to be named.
The Conservatives, who have consistently led in opinion polls, have also been implicated by allegations of sleaze, but for many voters in Crawley, close to Gatwick airport, the mud has stuck to Labour.
Those more favourable to the party, or who have not yet decided how to vote, said they had seen few concrete policies from any side and had yet to be convinced.
"The economy and jobs are the most important issues, but I don't have a lot of faith in either of the main parties. The Liberal Democrats are probably the most sensible ... Labour is still an option," said insurance worker Kevin Fisher, 50, referring to the smaller party.
An Ipsos MORI poll commissioned by Reuters last month showed the Conservatives still lag Labour in the marginal constituencies they must win to secure a clear-cut election victory.
Campaigning is set to begin in earnest now the election has been called, and cutting Britain's massive budget deficit is expected to take centre stage.
Political parties have so far been coy in identifying where and how deeply they would cut spending.
"All the main parties are the same. Whoever gets in, will do the same thing, cut spending and bring taxes. They're not being open or honest enough about it," said an engineer of Sri Lankan origin, 35, who gave his name as Thusha.
Instead, voters said, parties had been busy scoring political points and bickering.
"I want lower taxes, less bullshit. They're just fighting with each other," said a man who declined to be named who works in a recruitment agency, adding that jobs had dried up.
Monday, 5 April 2010
PUTTING IRISH UNITY ON THE AGENDA
More than 500 people from across the country attended the 20 February Conference in London, Putting Irish Unity on the Agenda.
In a positive and wide-ranging discussion, speakers from Britain and Ireland joined those attending in covering a number of key issues in relation to Ireland future, and the future relationship between the two Irelands. Leading figures from Sinn Féin joined other political representatives, Irish community organisations, sporting and cultural representatives, academics, trade unionists and many others.
Important issues such as the constitutional future, the economy, the role of the Irish community in Britain, opening a dialogue with unionism and developing the peace process were all discussed in packed plenaries and seminars.
The conference has received a very positive response and widespread media coverage. Some of the media articles, reports and speeches from the conference are available here at the website. Future events to be announced.
Website: www.londonirishunityconference.org
Sunday, 4 April 2010
Commemorating the Easter Rising 1916
Liberation of Ireland
The 1916 Easter Rising
The Easter Rebellion, was an armed uprising of Irish nationalists against the rule of Great Britain in Ireland. The uprising occurred on Easter Monday, April 24, 1916, and centred mainly in Dublin. The chief objectives were the attainment of political freedom and the establishment of an Irish republic. Centuries of discontent, marked by numerous rebellions, preceded the uprising. The new crisis began to develop in September 1914, following the outbreak of World War I, when the British government suspended the recently enacted Home Rule Bill, which guaranteed a measure of political autonomy to Ireland. Suspension of the bill stimulated the growth of the Citizen Army, an illegal force of Dublin citizens organised by the labour leader Jim Larkin (died 1948) and the socialist James Connolly (1870-1916); of the Irish Volunteers, a national defence body; and of the extremist Sinn F�in. The uprising was planned by leaders of these organisations, among whom were the British consular agent Sir Roger David Casement, the educator Padhraic Pearse (1879-1916), and the poet Thomas MacDonagh (1878-1916).Hostilities began about noon on April 24, when about 2000 men led by Pearse seized control of the Dublin post office and other strategic points within the city. Shortly after these initial successes, the leaders of the rebellion proclaimed the Independence of Ireland and announced the establishment of a provisional government of the Irish Republic. Additional positions were occupied by the rebels during the night, and by the morning of April 25 they controlled a considerable part of Dublin. The counteroffensive by British forces began on Tuesday with the arrival of reinforcements. Martial law was proclaimed throughout Ireland. Bitter street fighting developed in Dublin, during which the strengthened British forces steadily dislodged the Irish from their positions. By the morning of April 29, the post office building, site of the rebel headquarters, was under violent attack. Recognising the futility of further resistance, Pearse surrendered unconditionally in the afternoon of April 29.
The British immediately brought the leaders of the uprising to trial before a field court-martial. Fifteen of the group, including Pearse, Connolly, and MacDonagh, were sentenced to death and executed by firing squad. Four others, including the American-born Eamon de Valera, received death sentences that were later commuted to life imprisonment, although de Valera and some others were granted amnesty the next year. Casement was convicted of treason and hanged. Many others prominently connected with the rebellion were sentenced to long prison terms. The uprising was the first of a series of events that culminated in the establishment of the Irish Free State (predecessor of the Republic of Ireland) in 1921. Casualties were about 440 British troops and an estimated 75 Irish (below are their names). Property damage included the destruction of about 200 buildings in Dublin.
The seven signatories of the Irish Proclamation (from the left):
Padraig Pearse, James Connolly, Thomas Clarke, Thomas MacDonagh, Sean MacDermott, Joseph Plunkett & Eamonn Ceannt
All of the above men were executed by the British Government for their efforts in trying to secure a free Ireland!
All of the above men were executed by the British Government for their efforts in trying to secure a free Ireland!
Time to debate a united Ireland
Sinn Féin believes reunification would best serve the people of every part of Ireland – but we want to listen to the unionist case
We have recently completed a lengthy and difficult negotiation at Hillsborough aimed at consolidating our political institutions and implementing outstanding previous agreements.
It should not be a surprise that these were difficult negotiations, as I am an Irish republican and others here have a completely different view. I believe in a united Ireland. Others wish to maintain the union.
This should not, however, mean that we are incapable of respecting each other, treating one another as equals or proceeding on the basis of partnership, respect, fairness and equality. I am utterly determined to work in good faith and with a good heart with my unionist colleagues, for the good of the entire community.
Sinn Féin signed up for previous agreements on Good Friday and at St Andrews and we believe that an agreement made must be an agreement implemented. At Hillsborough we agreed to: a date to give effect to the transfer of policing and justice responsibilities to our power sharing government; a process to see powers on parading transferred to our administration before the end of this year; and a process to implement the outstanding issues from St Andrews, including progressing Irish language rights and north/south institutions.
However, our considerations are not limited to today. We are looking and working towards tomorrow. This Saturday I will be in London to address a conference Sinn Féin is hosting on the question of Irish unity. We believe it is important, in the context of the Good Friday agreement, that we begin to discuss and plan for a united Ireland. This is not a hollow ideological discussion. There are a number of identifiable trends leading to Irish unity within a meaningful timeframe. Ireland is too small for two separate administrations. Partition is costing communities across our island.
There is a draw towards the greater integration of services, structures and bodies on an all-Ireland basis in order to deliver quality services and economies of scale. I am encouraged that many unionists support the development of these types of structures on the basis that they are mutually beneficial. Further administrative changes need to take place alongside important social, economic and civic trends. These all point towards the realisation of reintegration of both states presently on the island of Ireland into one independent country.
This analysis is supported by the rise in support for Sinn Féin. The most recent electoral test – the European election – gave Sinn Féin the largest share of the vote, while the assembly election of 2007 showed around a 4% spread between the four top parties in the north – the DUP, Sinn Féin, Ulster Unionists and SDLP.
In this context, Sinn Féin is committed to promoting a united Ireland in the interests of all of the people of every part of Ireland. Dialogue between republicanism and unionism has always been difficult, but it was only through dialogue that we were able to foster and develop the present peace and political process. Genuine dialogue based on respect and equality still remains critical.
With patience and mutual respect, grounded in anti-sectarianism, we can move forward into a better future in which we cherish all our people equally. We can accommodate each other's aspirations in a manner which does not demand the surrender of cultural or traditional identity.
We believe that Irish unity, on the basis of equality, offers the best future for all the people of this island. But we want to listen to unionism about why they believe the union is the best option. Opening up a debate around these key issues is the way forward.
It is particularly important that people in Britain, and in particular the huge Irish diaspora, are part of this discussion, in particular to influence British government policy.
The British government, as a signatory to the Good Friday agreement, accepted that it is for the people of Ireland, north and south, to determine the island's future. The peaceful progressive realisation of Irish unity is the best way forward. Governments and all interested sections of society should consider and begin to plan for reunification.
• Martin McGuinness is one of the speakers at the conference, Putting Irish unity on the agenda, which takes place in London this Saturday, 20 February.
Saturday, 3 April 2010
The Ending of Religion, as we know it?
Arguably, there will always be a need for religion. However, religion is man-made and therefore fallible.
Is the Pope fallible, this man who is God's representative on Earth? Roman Catholics have always believed in the infallibility of the Pope. Therefore popes throughout the ages have got away with all manner of misdemeanors, some of them quite shocking. The history of the Roman Catholic church makes disturbing reading. Anyone who was a free-thinker could be punished by torture and death. The faithful had to be kept in line and forced to believe in all kinds of superstitions of which there is no need to elaborate. Indeed they still remain a tenet of the Faith.
Priests and nuns, in taking a vow of chastity, contravene the laws of nature. It is not surprising, though none the less shocking and reprehensible, that these upholders of the Faith, held in awe and respect by their congregations, should succumb to temptations which take different forms, as an outlet for their repressed desires. The fact that these affairs have been covered up to protect the institution of the Church only serves to exacerbate and compound the felony of which they stand guilty. The Church is discredited and can no longer be seen as a fount of spirituality. The hypocrisy has been exposed.
Those early Christian saints, living in poverty and simplicity in their rustic dwellings and caves, St David, St Piran, St Breoc, St Non, St Ia, St Pedrog, St Columba - to name a few - must be recognised as embodying the true values of the Faith, living an unblemished life in the service of God and their communities, and not these turbulent priests of today who are unable, because of their human failings and pent-up desires, to live up to their religious precepts and accord with the holy scriptures. Who knows, it may be heralding the end-time for the Catholic religion and the advent of a restoration of the Celtic Church, swept away by the Synod of Whitby AD 664.
A Question of Cultural Integration
DEBATE
Belgium has moved towards becoming the first European country to ban the burqa and niquab in public. The Brussels Federal parliament voted unanimously to ban total and partial covering of the face in public.
Centre-right MP Denis Ducarme said, "I am proud that Belgium would be the first country in Europe which dares to legislate on this sensitive matter." He also stated, "The Burqa is contrary to the dignity of women. It is a walking prison." This ban would be imposed in streets, public gardens etc, Isabelle Praile, vice-president of the Muslim Executive of Belgium warned the move could create a dangerous precedent. "Today it is the full-face veil, tomorrow the veil, the day after it will be Sikh turbans and then perhaps it will be mini skirts," she said.
No Burka please! We are European
Belgium has moved towards becoming the first European country to ban the burqa and niquab in public. The Brussels Federal parliament voted unanimously to ban total and partial covering of the face in public.
Centre-right MP Denis Ducarme said, "I am proud that Belgium would be the first country in Europe which dares to legislate on this sensitive matter." He also stated, "The Burqa is contrary to the dignity of women. It is a walking prison." This ban would be imposed in streets, public gardens etc, Isabelle Praile, vice-president of the Muslim Executive of Belgium warned the move could create a dangerous precedent. "Today it is the full-face veil, tomorrow the veil, the day after it will be Sikh turbans and then perhaps it will be mini skirts," she said.
From "Insula Nobilis" blog
Comment: When in Rome do as the Romans do. Western customs and dress-codes are not welcome and are punishable in strict Arab countries such as Saudi Arabia. Why should it be any different in Europe?
If people choose to live in other countries with different customs they should conform to the culture in which they reside and attempt to integrate with it. What do you say?
Comment: When in Rome do as the Romans do. Western customs and dress-codes are not welcome and are punishable in strict Arab countries such as Saudi Arabia. Why should it be any different in Europe?
If people choose to live in other countries with different customs they should conform to the culture in which they reside and attempt to integrate with it. What do you say?
Friday, 2 April 2010
"If Labour Wins the Election...."
If Labour wins the election will the last person to leave Britain turn off the lights?
Thursday, 1 April 2010
It Takes An Election
Opinion
It takes an election to get government ministers to wake up and get out of their seats. After 13 years of misrule and disastrous policies they are beginning to produce long-delayed proposals for change and make promises for future improvements in society, but with the election weeks away is it too late? Can they be believed? The public consensus must be that they cannot and that it is too late. They should be judged on their record, not on empty promises and filched ideas.
It takes an election to get government ministers to wake up and get out of their seats. After 13 years of misrule and disastrous policies they are beginning to produce long-delayed proposals for change and make promises for future improvements in society, but with the election weeks away is it too late? Can they be believed? The public consensus must be that they cannot and that it is too late. They should be judged on their record, not on empty promises and filched ideas.
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